Your hair may get thinner as you age, but there’s still a lot you can do to keep it healthy. And it doesn’t have to look thin either. Here are some strategies for guys and girls that will help you maintain healthy hair and make it look thicker.
1. Thickening shampoo
There are many shampoos that claim to make your hair look thicker, but only those that contain ketoconazole will actually do the trick. If you can’t find one with this ingredient, look for formulas that are enriched with vitamins E and B5, zinc, iron, and copper, as they will help to increase keratin, which is the building block of hair. Be sparing with your conditioner too, as it can have a tendency to make hair look limp and thin.
2. Use your fingers
Throw out your comb and try styling your hair with your fingers. It will add volume and texture to your hair and will be less likely to break your precious strands. Ceramic barrel brushes are another alternative to combing which, when coupled with an ionic dryer that emits pure negative ions, can add body and provide smooth, frizz-free results.
3. Don’t be hot headed
Heat is a major no-no when it comes to looking after your hair. So wear a hat when you’re in the sun and if you use a hair-dryer (which is great for giving fine hair more volume) try using it on a lower heat. High heat can cause hair to become brittle and fragile, and also causes your scalp to produce a compound called superoxide, which makes your hair think it’s time to shed instead of grow.
4. Dry naturally
Even better for your hair is to allow it to dry naturally. Your hair is three times weaker when it’s wet, so it’s more likely to break during excessive drying with a towel or brushing.
5. Stop smoking
Chemicals in cigarette smoke increase hormones in your body that can lead to hair loss. Smoking also reduces blood supply to your scalp, which can starve your hair of the vital nutrients it needs to grow and stay healthy.
6. Short cuts
Shorter hair looks thicker and is also much easier to maintain. The less length you have in your hair means the nutrients can do a better job of keeping it healthy.
7. Live the highlight
A few highlights can add dimension to your locks, which creates the illusion of fuller hair instead of flat tones. There’s also a theory that bleach expands individual hair strands, but too much bleach is not great for your scalp and hair, so do so sparingly.
8. Dry shampoo
Dry shampoo has been used since the late 15th century as a quick and easy way to dry and clean hair. The product has come a long way since then and is hailed as a miracle of the beauty world. Spraying a little on your roots and massaging into your scalp can give your hair a bit of added volume.
9. Keep it healthy
The best way to thicker hair is by not damaging it. Caring for your hair means cleaning but not over-washing, no more ironing it straight, no super-hot blow-drying, keeping the styling product to a minimum and eating healthily. A good rule of thumb is: if you’re not going out, let it all hang out. In other words, if you don’t have to do anything to your hair, just leave it natural and your locks will thank you for it.
Do you have any tips for thicker hair? Why not share them with our members?
Related articles:
Hair loss in women
How much hair loss is normal?
How to prevent male hair loss
