Thin hair is a big problem for anyone who wants thick, full, lush hair. Many people just don't have enough. Genetics, illness, excessive stress, hormones, and improper hair management are all contributors to thinning hair. You may or may not have been born with it but you don’t have to live with it. There are many options available!
If you’ve had a baby recently, you may have noticed clumps of hair falling out after you wash it especially. This is hormones in rebellion in your body. No worries! You’ll get it back. I was pleasantly surprised after I had my son that my hair came back in a lot curlier and thicker than it ever had been. This may happen to you too!
Don't be discouraged if you have thinning hair. There are many things you can do to increase it's volume.
On the flip side, menopause can cause your hair to thin too. It’s a natural part of getting older. You can take steps to reverse the trend and get back your hair. Be patient though as this may take a bit of time.
Did you know that everyone has thicker hair on one side of their head and thinner hair on the other? This is true! Sometimes it's not noticeable and sometimes it's very noticeable. If you've ever thought you were going crazy and wondered why one side of your hair was thicker than the other, now you know. Its just the way we're designed!
If you’ve got thin hair, you may be genetically predisposed to it. Thin hair is equated with fine hair. There are 3 layers to most people’s hair. The layers consist of the cuticle, cortex, and medulla. Blonde’s tend to have baby fine hair. Fine hair typically only has two layers. The inside of the hair, the medulla, is often missing, so hair can be limp and look thin naturally. Of course, fine hair is more susceptible to damage. Regular brushing and heat can really damage it.
Thin hair refers to the diameter of a hair strand, not hair loss, which refers to the actual loss of hair in your scalp.
There are thankfully, many inexpensive ways to increase hair volume and it's tensile strength.
Inexpensive Thin Hair Ideas
1. Eat healthy meals - If you eat junk food, your hair will look unhealthy. If you eat healthy foods, your hair will look healthy. Hair needs vitamins and nutrients to keep its natural luster and strength. Eat some protein, lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, a few complex carbohydrates, and a sprinkle of sugars and sweets. You can buy hair vitamins if you have weak hair, lifeless hair, thin hair, or dry hair.
2. Color Your Hair – Permanent hair color will actually increase the size of hair strands as they are absorbed deep into the cortex layer of the hair. Therefore, they increase hair volume. If you don't want an overall color, highlights or lowlights can add volume too, so consider them too! If you've ever wanted to know more about coloring your own hair at home, please review my ebook, 2009 Hair Color Guide.
3. Try Glazes - You can also try products like color glazes. These are available in clear or color enhancing. Use the dry hair method though, for best results. Learn how in the video below. I adore glazes!
4. Use Volumizing Shampoos - Volumizing shampoos contain proteins that add a protective layer over the cuticle of your hair strands. They help thicken thin hair.
5. Take Vitamins! – I’ve been preaching it for years but I’ll say it again. Take hair vitamins! Multivitamins do not give you enough of the essential anti aging nutrients you need to grow thick hair. If you want to look younger and have healthy hair, make sure you are getting the right nutrients, which foods often do not supply. If you've got thinning hair, simply taking Super Biotin everyday will help it grow back. I've got thick hair and take it everyday to keep it that way!
6. Be Gentle – Do not overbrush or overwash your hair. Remember to comb wet hair and brush dry hair. If you have thinning hair, use a boars bristle brush. These are softer brushes and are much more gentler on the hair.
7. Layers – Layers create volume in thin hair, if it’s not too terribly thin. Add some longer layers to your hair and layer your bangs. You can create a lot of volume and fullness just by layering a little bit! Or opt for blunt cuts as these generally make the hair look thicker.
8. Stay Away – If you have thin hair, do not use irons or curling irons with high heat. Heat can cause hair damage and dry hair. Opt for steam hot rollers or appliances that have controllers on them so you can set them to lower heat. Even heat from a blow dryer can damage your hair if they’re used too often. Allow your luscious locks to dry naturally. Also stay away from products that have alcohol in them. Alcohol dries out your hair and make it more susceptible to breakage.
9. Blow Drying Tips - To add volume, always use a lower heat setting. There are some really nice ionizing blow-dryers on the market that have tourmaline. Tourmaline helps your hair look its healthy and shiny.
10. Avoid - Avoid mousse and gel styling products as these can sometimes weigh your hair down. Try using a good root lifter with plant extracts and try volumizing styling products that contain panthenol.
11. Hair Utensils - Use a rounded brush when blow-drying to help to add volume. Dry your hair in sections on low heat. Lift hair at the roots and concentrate low heat to the area. (You can also hairspray roots to keep lift!) Finish with a soft blast of cold air to set your style and create more shine.
12. Don't Use - Don't use hard-lined parts in your hair. Allow your hair to part of naturally in messy lines. If you have thinner hair on one side more than the other, (that you've noticed) part your hair on the thicker side and pull over the thinner side.
If you've got plenty of money, here are some ideas for you.
More Expensive Thin Hair Ideas
Laser Comb - If you’ve got money to spend, you can purchase a laser comb for around $645. The Hair Max Laser Comb is a hand-held device that uses a low-level laser to stimulate hair growth. You shine the red light on your hair, moving it every few seconds until you've "combed" your whole head. Using the device for 10 to 15 minutes three times a week is supposed to increase circulation in the scalp and stimulate hair follicles to make strands stronger.
Hair Extensions - Extensions are part of your hair so they can be washed and styled normally. However, you will need to have a chunk of money and time to spend on them each month, as they have to be maintained regularly. Putting them in costs $500 and up. They need to be removed and repositioned regularly. The process can take up to seven hours. Some women prefer to come in every few weeks to remove a few and add a few new ones so that they never need a full head of extensions at one time.
Wigs and Toupees - A hairpiece to cover the crown can cost $300 and up. A custom wig made of real hair will cost $1,000 and up.
Surgical Transplant - Surgical advances now enable doctors to re-create a natural hairline, says Dr. Steven Hopping, a cosmetic surgeon who is board-certified by the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery. An average transplant involves at least 1,000 grafts, takes three or four hours, is done under local anesthetic, and costs $8,000 to $10,000. The best candidates have thick, healthy hair on the back and sides of their heads and realistic expectations. It takes three or four months before the transplanted follicles start to grow new hair. And the new growth won't replicate the lustrous hair of youth.
Product Treatments - You can also try treatments like minoxidil (Rogaine) or Propecia for thin hair too. They are different types made for men or women. These applications don’t cost as much to buy (around $25/month) but maintaining them over time can add up!
All of these tips are valuable options for those with thin hair. Don't get discouraged. There is something that's right for you that can help! Just keep trying!