How to Grow Thicker Hair for Full, Flowy Locks

Fine or thin hair can come as a blessing for some. After all, it generally dries quickly and doesn’t require a crazy amount of product or taming time. For others, though, fine, thin hair can be a struggle that’s stopping them from rocking a voluminous blowout, bouncy curls or a big messy bun. It can be hard to keep it from going limp, and shedding may be a serious concern.

The desire to get thick hair may feel unattainable, but we promise it can be achievable by implementing proper techniques, trying proactive initiatives and finding the right professional hair care products for you.

Ready to learn how to get some luscious locks? Read on for our top tips on how to grow thicker hair.

Wash Gently and Less Often

Thin hair is fragile and has an increased risk of drying and damage. The natural oils in your hair exist to improve this, though, so let them work their magic! Don’t strip them away every single day by washing — and when you do wash, we recommend that you:

• Use a gentle shampoo that won’t strip moisture (as a general rule of thumb, this means that you should avoid sulfates.)
• Take advantage of a high-quality salon conditioner with heavy moisturizing power to reduce possible breakage and split ends.
• Apply a light-as-air leave-in conditioner after washing to reduce breakage and prevent frizz.
• Lightly towel dry hair, or loosely towel wrap hair in a low pony, utilizing a microfiber towel if you can. In other words, avoid pulling and wrapping your hair super high into the towel and avoid the blow dryer!

Brush Properly

When it comes to improving the health of your hair, it’s always smart to reconsider your hair care basics — which may mean correcting your brushing technique. Brushing your hair properly with a quality hairbrush is not only a proactive way to avoid breakage but is a pleasant way to increase sebum activity and spread your natural hair oils from roots to ends (where it’s needed most.) You’ll want to do this when it’s dry, though, as your hair is extra fragile when wet and can snap or stretch while brushing. If your routine doesn’t allow for dry hair before brushing, we suggest using a detangling spray if your hair calls for it, a wide-toothed comb or a boar bristle brush and your most gentle hands!

Style Softly

When it comes to heated hair tools, you’ll want to limit their use, limit their temperature and indulge in a quality thermal protectant product. Along with heated tools that dry your hair, styles that are pulled back too tight or up too high will break your hair, so consider using them in moderation, too!

If we’re robbing you of all of your favorite styles, don’t worry! We’re about to offer you salvation. Curly and wavy hairstyles often look thicker, fuller and bouncier than any ironed or sleek styles, and offer a million and one ways to get there without heat. Heatless routes to curly and wavy hairstyles also generally have the added benefit of keeping for a couple of days.

Increase Blood Flow

Incorporating a little exercise into your daily or weekly routine will increase blood flow, encourage sebum production on the scalp and stimulate the scalp (especially if you embrace inverted yoga and workout positions.)

If you don’t have the time to commit to working out, consider scalp massages before going to bed. To do this, simply lie on the bed and let your head hang off the edge. Massage your scalp gently with your fingers using a circular motion for a couple of minutes. As a once-a-week bonus, consider adding a nourishing oil to the mix. Massaging the scalp in this manner can stimulate blood flow in the same way as exercise, as well as unclog hair follicles. In turn, this will help to thicken the hair.

Be Proactive with Quality Products

Look for shampoos and conditioners that have volumizing or thickening properties. These products boast ingredients like biotin, keratin, cellulose and hyaluronic acid that can help your hair grow stronger while at the same time giving it lots of volume. It’s important to note that there IS a difference between thickening and volumizing products, though:

• Thickening products focus on individual strands of hair and work by infusing them with proteins, vitamins, polymers and/or moisture to plump each strand.
• Volumizing products focus more on the roots, and work by breaking down any buildup around the scalp and infusing the hair with ingredients like caffeine and biotin that lift it at the roots.

Aside from shampoos and conditioners, lightweight professional hair care products with thickening or volumizing properties will serve you well. Heavy styling products like gels, lotions or certain serums, on the other hand, can weigh your hair down drastically.

Seek Salvation From Your Stylist!

There are many ways to get and keep healthy, thick hair — and communicating with your stylist will always be one of the best. From bond builders to help protect the hair from cuticle damage to protein treatments that repair them, the stylist always has something up their sleeve!