We may receive a portion of sales if you purchase a product through a link in this article.
No matter your hair type, everyone can struggle with thinning hair. As someone with afro-textured hair, the first time I straightened it, I expected it to look as thick and full as it did in its natural curls. Reader, it did not. Since then, I’ve learned all the tricks of the trade to get naturally fuller, thicker hair. From extensions to hair thickening serums to rice water treatments and more, I’ve tried it all. But to truly understand the science behind hair volume and density, I sought expert guidance to help me find the best hair thickening products.
I spoke with Devin Graciano, hair stylist and Head of Product Development at Goldie Locks. Graciano enlightened me about the difference between hair density and hair thickness. Density is the number of strands on your head, while thickness is the width of each strand. Collectively, both create the appearance of your hair volume. So, to achieve thicker hair, it’s key to understand your hair type, as well as what’s causing your hair’s thinness.
Featured image from our interview with Babba Rivera by Belathée Photography.
How to Actually Get Thicker Hair, According to an Expert
Hair thickness is largely determined by genetics—but that doesn’t mean you can’t give your strands a boost. For naturally thinner hair, nourishing it inside and out is essential to keeping it healthy and full. If your hair is losing density, it could be due to aging (slower growth is normal over time), stress, childbirth, nutritional deficiencies, or genetic conditions like alopecia. Sometimes, a clogged scalp can also be the culprit—in which case, adding a scalp scrub to your routine can help stimulate circulation and encourage growth.
With all these contributing factors to hair loss or thinning, many of us will likely ask ourselves: can you fake it until you make it? When it comes to creating texture and volume, you’re in luck. Read on for Graciano’s insights on the best hair thickening products to give your tresses a more voluminous look.
As we get older, slower hair growth is normal and might result in thinning. Some people also experience hair loss from stress, childbirth, or nutritional deficiencies, as well as genetic conditions like alopecia.
Is there anything proven to thicken hair?
Countless studies have explored ways to achieve thicker hair—from boosting density to temporarily plumping each strand. While DIY methods abound, there are also proven ingredients worth seeking out when thicker, fuller hair is the goal.
Ingredients That Can Help Thicken Hair
Ingredients that show a great improvement in hair thickness include:
- Saw palmetto
- Rosemary
- Scutellaria baicalensis
- Soy
- Wheat
Boosting hair density involves looking at both internal and external factors. Hair is made of sulfur, iron, oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen, so getting enough of these key minerals is essential for new growth. Deficiencies, along with factors like inflammation, poor diet, sleep, and hydration, can all show up in the health of your hair.
Do thickening products damage hair?
Generally speaking, no. Hair thickeners typically consist of either hair fibers that attach to the hair or water-soluble polymers that can’t overtake your hair’s overall integrity.
How long does it take for a hair thickener to work?
For styling products, results can be seen in minutes. These formulas coat the hair shaft, creating the appearance of thicker strands almost instantly. Ingredients like hydroxyethylcellulose can plump each hair fiber within a few minutes.
When using supplements or treatments that target new growth, allow for a full hair growth cycle (around three months) before expecting visible results.
Daily Routines That Can Help Prevent Thinning
Consistency is key when it comes to thicker hair. In addition to using hair thickening products, try:
- Taking a balanced hair supplement to support growth from within.
- Eating a nutrient-rich diet and staying hydrated.
- Managing stress, which can have a direct impact on hair shedding.
- Doing a daily scalp massage. Just four minutes can boost circulation and stimulate follicles.
Bottom line: While genetics play a big role, the right combination of nutrition, lifestyle habits, and hair thickening products can help you achieve fuller, healthier-looking hair.
The Best Hair Thickening Shampoos and Conditioners
Leonor Greyl Bain Restructurant A La Banane Volumizing Shampoo
Define your natural texture with this fortifying shampoo for curly hair types. Plantain extract helps restructure your strands and smooth damage.
Alterna CAVIAR Anti-Aging Multiplying Volume Conditioner
Target age-related hair loss and fortify all hair types against environmental stress with caviar extract, Vitamin C, and other potent volumizing ingredients.
Ranavat Regenerative Veda Bond Repair Conditioner
Ranavat is slowly taking over my top shelf—and this conditioner is just another reason why. Transform all hair types with this scalp-driven formula, clinically tested to strengthen and protect your hair follicles to regenrate and strengthen each and every strand.
As I Am Classic Co-Wash Cleansing Cream Conditioner
Your hair might be thinning because the ingredients your products contain are too harsh or heavy. If that’s the case, try this conditioner for hair types that are prone to breakage or sensitive to protein.
Kaia Naturals Overnight Dry Shampoo
This clean haircare formula works overnight to refresh your styles and boost volume in all hair types.
The Best Hair Thickening Styling Products
Living Proof Full Thickening Mousse
This weightless mousse gives your hair the instant appearance of boosted body with long-lasting, touchable thickness.
Balance your hair while adding volyme and shine with this cersatile styling cream. It protects from heat while hydrating and volumizing for an overall fuller look.
Christophe Robin Cleansing Volumizing Paste with Rose Extracts
This volumizing must-have magically transforms from a paste to a foam to make your hair look thicker and denser without any tacky residue or weighty finish. Cleanse as you style with the volcanic clay and exfoliating sugar crystals that invigorate the scalp to boost circulation and natural volume.
This lightweight balm castor oil is designed for rebuilding and nourishing. With its pomegranate seed-oil infused formula, it’s effective at revitalizing fine and thinning hair.
Gisou Propolis Infused Polishing Primer
Polish and prime your hair for any style wiht mirsalehi propolis, a rich composition of oils, vitamins, and minerals. Fortify while enhancing volume in one sleek product.
The Best Hair Thickening Serums and Sprays
Oribe Maximista Thickening Spray
Run, don’t walk and pick up this cult-favorite spray. You won’t believe its lock and hold for effortlessly more voluminous hair thanks to its concentration of amino acids to restore strength to thinning or damaged hair.
This tonic treats your strands with nourishing and effective volumizing powers for anyone who needs a boost of texture.
Fine hair, don’t care. Perfect the coveted beachy look with this texturizing spray that gives you effortless styling assistance for instant bouncy waves.
This deeply enriching serum addresses your hair concerns like you would your face. Suitable for all hair types, it’s a bonding treatment that deeply repairs and adds volume at once.
The Nue Co. Supa Thick Hair Treatment
This anti-shedding solution promotes fuller, healthier hair by supporting scalp health and circulation, rebalancing the scalp microbiome, removing product buildup, and protecting hair follicles.
Iles Formula Scalp + Rejuvenating Booster
Target both hair thickness and density with this leave-in treatment featuring procapil to reduce signs of hair loss and boost the growth of thicker, stronger hair.
