Thicker hair is a goal for many, motivated as much by aesthetic value and desire for optimal hair health. Although genetics do contribute to the thickness of your hair, there are many things you can try to make your hair look fuller and healthier. This article guides you to improve your hair, focusing on practical hair care tips, exploring the potential of natural remedies, and understanding how to stimulate healthy hair growth.
Here are the 8 Proven Tips on ‘How to Get Thicker Hair’.
1. Role of Nutrition
The basis of healthy hair growth is provided by your diet. Similar to a plant relying on rich soil to grow, your hair follicles rely on a healthy supply of nutrients to grow and produce thicker hair. Adding certain “hair superfoods” to your diet can lead to a remarkable effect.
Foods for Hair Thickness
- Eggs: Packed with protein and biotin, essential for hair growth and strength.
- Fatty fish: Omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish (herring, mackerel, and salmon) help to maintain a healthy scalp and promote hair growth by reducing inflammation.
- Nuts and Seeds (Walnuts, Almonds, Flaxseeds, Chia Seeds): Excellent sources of Vitamin E, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids, which all play a key role in hair health.
- Leafy Greens (Spinach, Kale): They are very rich in iron, folate, and vitamins A and C; these nutrients are critical for growth and prevention of hair loss.
- Sweet Potatoes: They are high in beta-carotene, which the body converts to Vitamin A. It is essential for cell growth, including hair cells.
- Berries: Antioxidants and vitamin C present in berries protect hair follicles from damage and support collagen production, contributing to hair strength.
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2. Natural Remedies for Hair Thickness
Since centuries, several cultures have used herbs for hair growth and thickness. Ancient Indian Ayurveda can teach us a great deal about it.
Herbs Known for Hair Growth
- Amla (Indian Gooseberry): Rich in Vitamin C and antioxidants, amla strengthens hair follicles, promotes growth, and adds shine.
- Bhringraj (Eclipta Alba): Bhringraj is also known as King of Herbs for Hair. It is known to promote hair growth, prevent hair fall and darken hair.
- Rosemary: It stimulates hair follicles, improves blood circulation to the scalp and may encourage hair growth and thickness.
- Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri): Strengthen hair roots, reduce falling hair and improve hair health conditions
- Fenugreek: Contains proteins and nicotinic acid, known to stimulate hair growth and strengthen hair shafts.
How to Use Herbal Oils and Masks
You can effectively use these herbs in the form of oils and hairmasks.
- Herbal Oils: Mix carrier oils like coconut, almond, or olive oil with herbs like amla, bhringraj, or rosemary. Give a gentle massage of the oils into your scalp and hair. Let them sit overnight or for at least half an hour before shamooping.
- Herbal Masks: Create masks by mixing herbal powders (amla, bhringraj or fenugreek) with yogurt, water or aloe vera gel. Apply the herbal mask to your scalp and hair; keep it for 30-45 mins and then rinse well.
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Ayurvedic Principles for Hair Health
According to ayurveda, the balance of your doshas (Pitta, Kapha, and Vata) is important for overall health, including your hair health.
- Vata Dosha: When not balanced, it could lead to dry scalp, hair loss, brittle hair. Use warm oils, nourishing foods and reduce stress.
- Pitta Dosha: If there is an imbalance, you may have premature graying, thinning hair and inflammation on your scalp. It is suggested to take cooling herbs like Amla and Brahmi and avoid spicy and oily foods.
- Kapha Dosha: When imbalanced, it can lead to an oily scalp, dandruff, and excessively greasy hair. Use light oils and stimulating herbs and cleanse regularly.
Vata: Vata is linked to creativity and flexibility; it governs all movement—the flow of the breath, all muscle contractions, pulsation of the heart, tissue movements, cellular mobility—and communication throughout the mind and the nervous system.
Pitta: Pitta is closely related to understanding, intelligence, thoughts, emotions and the digestion of foods. It governs nutrition and metabolism, body temperature, and the light of understanding.
Kapha: Kapha also embodies the watery energies of love and compassion. This dosha hydrates all cells and systems, lubricates the joints, moisturizes the skin, maintains immunity, and protects the tissues.
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3. Massage Your Scalp for Hair Thickness
Massaging your scalp is a simple method to help increase your hair thickness. A scalp massage increases blood flow to the scalp, which nourishes the hair follicles.
Scalp Massage Techniques
- Circular Motions: Using your fingertips, rub the scalp in small circular motions. Starting from the hairline, make your way towards the crown and nape of your neck.
- Kneading: Knead your scalp gently like dough. Use your fingertips to lift and release small sections of your scalp.
- Tapping: Using your fingertips, lightly tap your scalp. This can be energizing and increases blood flow.
- Pressure Points: Using your fingertips, apply gentle pressure to the temples, crown, and base of the skull. Hold for a few seconds and then release.
- Combine Techniques: Use a combination of these techniques for an all-round massage. Do this for 5-10 minutes every day or a couple of times a week.
Use Essential Oils for Enhanced Massage
- Rosemary Essential Oil: Stimulates hair growth and circulation.
- Peppermint Essential Oil: May stimulate blood flow to the scalp and activity of hair follicles.
- Lavender Essential Oil: Calms and promotes hair growth while keeping stress away.
- Cedarwood Essential Oil: Help balance scalp oils and stimulate hair follicles.
Caution: Essential oils must be mixed with a carrier oil (coconut or almond oil) before applying to the scalp. Usually, to dilute, use 2-3 drops of essential oil per tablespoon of carrier oil. Do a patch test on a small area before applying it all over your scalp.
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4. DIY Hair Masks for Hair Thickness
Using basic kitchen ingredients, homemade hair masks can increase hair thickness and deliver nourishment.
DIY Hair Mask Recipes
Egg and Yogurt Mask
- Ingredients: 1 egg, 1/2 cup plain yogurt.
- Instructions: Mix the egg and yogurt together. Apply the mixture to your scalp and hair. Leave it on for 20-30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly with cool water.
- Benefits: Egg and yogurt mask is very beneficial for your hair. Eggs also help enrich hair growth due to rich protein and biotin. Yogurt adds moisture and helps to cleanse the scalp.
Avocado and Honey Mask
- Ingredients: 1 ripe avocado, 2 tablespoons honey.
- Instructions: Mash the avocado until smooth. Mix in the honey. Apply the mask to damp hair and scalp. Leave it on for 30 minutes. Rinse thoroughly.
- Benefits: Avocado nourishes and moisturizes hair because it is high in vitamins and healthy fats. Honey has antibacterial qualities that promote the health of the scalp and is a humectant, drawing moisture to the hair.
Honey and Olive Oil Mask
- Ingredients: 2 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons olive oil.
- Instructions: Mix honey and olive oil together. Apply to your scalp and hair, focusing on the ends. Leave it on for 30 minutes. Rinse and wash your hair as usual.
- Benefits: Honey adds shine and moisture, and olive oil strengthens and hydrates hair.
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5. Follow Gentle Hair Care Practices
Having harsh hair care practices can make it harder to get thicker hair. To reduce breakage and preserve the health of your hair, gentle practices are essential.
Choosing the Right Brush and Comb
- Wide-tooth comb: Best for removing tangles from damp hair while reducing breakage.
- Boar bristle brush: Helps detangle dry hair, distribute natural oils, and be gentle on the scalp.
- Avoid fine-tooth combs and stiff brushes: These can cause breakage, especially for delicate or fine hair.
Detangling Techniques
- Gently untangle your hair by starting at the ends and working your way up to the roots.
- Use a wide-tooth comb on wet hair. Because wet hair is more likely to break, treat it with extra caution.
- Apply a leave-in conditioner or detangling spray. This increases slip and facilitates detangling.
Air Drying Strategies
- Lessen the use of heat styling: Hair can become brittle and damaged by the heat from hair dryers and beauty tools.
- Gentle towel drying is preferable to rough drying, which can lead to breakage and friction. Instead, use a gentle microfiber towel to pat dry your hair.
- When using styling products, make sure to apply them to damp hair and then allow it to air dry naturally.
- In order to avoid frizz and tangling, longer hair may benefit from loose buns or braiding.
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6. Reduce Your Stress
Your entire body, including your hair, is negatively impacted by stress.
Stress Impact on Hair Health
- Telogen Effluvium
- Hormonal Imbalances
- Reduced Nutrient Absorption
Practical Stress Management Strategies
- Meditation and Mindfulness: To lower stress hormones and relax your mind, meditate or practice mindfulness every day.
- Frequent Exercise: To release endorphins and lower stress, do regular physical activities like yoga, swimming or walking.
- Deep Breathing Exercises: To soothe your nervous system, do deep breathing exercises every day.
- Spending Time in Nature: Studies have demonstrated that spending time in nature lowers stress and enhances wellbeing.
- Hobbies and relaxation: To relax and reduce stress, take part in your favorite pastimes and activities.
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7. Sleep Well
Sleeping is not only about feeling rested, but it is also time for repair and regulation for our body and its hormones, which in turn are important for hair growth.
How Sleep Effect on Hormone Balance and Hair Growth
- Hormone Regulation: When sleeping, your body produces and controls hormones that support hair growth. Two of these hormones are melatonin and growth hormone.
- Cellular Repair: When you sleep, your body repairs and regenerates the cells, including your hair follicles to promote healthy growth.
- Reduced Stress Hormones: When we sleep adequately, the hormone cortisol is regulated, which in turn reduces the effect of stress on our hair.
Tips for Improving Your Sleep Quality
- Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day (even weekends), to help regulate your body clock.
- Before bed, do relaxing activities to help you wind down, such as reading a book, soaking in the tub, or listening to music.
- For the best night’s sleep, keep your bedroom dark, quiet and at a comfortable temperature.
- Stop using your phone and tablet, as well as your computer, for about an hour before bed. The blue light from those screens interferes with melatonin from being released.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine right before bed because they can interfere with sleep cycles.
- Consider relaxation exercises like deep breathing or meditation before going to bed.
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8. Always Be Hydrated
Your hair also requires enough hydration to be healthy and thrive, just like your skin and body. When your hair gets dehydrated, it can become dry and brittle, leading to hair thinning and breakage.
Healthy Hair Depends on Hydration
- Hair that is hydrated has a higher moisture content and elasticity. Thus, less prone to breakage.
- Water helps hair stay hydrated, preventing it from becoming overly dry and brittle and thus preventing breakage.
- Having a well-hydrated scalp promotes a healthy scalp. This prevents the dryness of the scalp and dandruff, which can inhibit hair growth rate.
Tips for Staying Hydrated
- Make sure you drink 8 glasses of water daily.
- Add water-rich foods like watermelon, cucumber, and spinach to your diet.
- Always keep a water bottle with you and make sure to drinkfrom it at regular intervals.
Conclusion
To get thicker hair using natural methods takes time and patience. By consistently following these holistic approaches—nourishing your body, using herbs, mastering scalp massage, choosing gentle hair therapies, sleeping well, managing stress, and drinking water—you lay the foundation for thicker hair. Enjoy this journey, and soon you will have thicker, healthier hair.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How to get thicker hair naturally?
Massaging the scalp to enhance blood circulation, consuming a well-balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, using essential oils such as rosemary or peppermint oil, and avoiding exposure to heat and chemicals will help to naturally thicken hair.
Can I increase hair thickness?
If your thin hair comes from poor diet, stress, bad hair care habits, or product buildup, then addressing these will help in improving hair thickness and overall health. On the contrary, if the thiness of your hair is in your genes, you probably won’t be able to change the diameter of individual hair strands significantly. But you can always work on volume, reducing breakage, and healthy growth to achieve thicker hair.
How to thicken hair in 7 days?
It’s not possible. Instead of a thickening overnight strategy, temporary changes to hair application could give you thicker-looking hair in 7 days. For instance, use volumizing shampoo and conditioner, apply a thickening hair mask, blow-dry the hair upside down, and style it in a manner that adds volume.
How do I make my hair feel thicker?
To make your hair feel thicker, try using a volumizing shampoo and conditioner, applying a texturizing spray or dry shampoo, and styling your hair with a round brush and blow dryer. You can also try cutting your hair in layers to add volume and texture.
Can thin hair become thicker?
You cannot change the innate thinness of your hair strands, but steps can be taken to make them appear thicker and fuller. Caring for your hair, using the right hair products, and living a healthy life is how you make your hair look thicker.
How to add volume to hair?
To add volume to your hair, try a good volumizing shampoo and conditioner, apply some mousse or root lifter, blow-dry your hair upside down, and style your hair using a round brush and volumizing hairspray. You can also try a layered haircut for added volume and texture.