Long, full hair has been a staple piece for beauty for many years, but not everyone is blessed with these tresses. Some of you, like me, may have finer hair – which takes a little bit more effort to get to hair goddess level. Fine hair can be caused by many things – including physical or emotional stress, hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, pollution, using the wrong hair care products, or even just downright heredity (Thanks mom!). Though there are many reasons for having fine hair, there are also many ways to thicken up those lovely lady locks. Here are some of my favorite tips for girls with fine hair:
1. Castor Oil
This is the holy grail to having thicker, fuller hair. Jamaican black castor oil is perfect for an at-home remedy, but can be a little on the thicker side. So, start by mixing equal parts castor oil and coconut oil to thin out the consistency, then massage into scalp. Leave this on for at least an hour before washing hair and you’ll see a huge difference in the texture of your hair. This oil helps stimulate circulation to your scalp which helps promote hair growth, as well as is rich in Omega-9 fatty acids which nourishes your hair. And another little tip… you can use this on eyebrows and eyelashes to promote growth too – just use a clean spoolie brush to apply at night!
2. What you eat matters
Beauty really does start from within if you want thicker, fuller hair. Biotin, zinc, protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C, zinc, and vitamin A are some of many essential vitamins and minerals you need to absorb through foods to promote healthier, thicker hair. You can find these in foods like salmon, almonds, chicken, sweet potato, bananas, eggs, spinach, broccoli, tomatoes, blueberries, and more. So, start eating healthy and get your daily doses of veggies and healthy foods to thicken your hair.
3. Scalp Massaging
Giving yourself a nice scalp massage doesn’t only feel good, but it also stimulates circulation to your scalp, which then promotes hair growth. You can even amp it up a notch by creating a hot oil scalp massage by using the castor and coconut oil mixture then warming it up before massaging into scalp!
4. Volumizing shampoo and conditioner
Most shampoos and conditioners leave a residue that is supposed to help moisturize hair, which is great – but not for fine hair. These shampoos and conditioners can actually weigh down hair, making your fine hair look even thinner. Try finding a shampoo and conditioner that says it’s volumizing; they cleanse without adding weight to hair!
5. Avoid heat
Take a break from hot tools and blowdrying your hair if you want thicker hair. Heat can damage the cuticle of your hair, creating split ends which then break off, which leads to less hair on your head. So instead of curling every day, try sleeping in loose braids to create texture to your air dried hair. And instead of blowdrying every time you wash your hair, try a leave-in sea salt spray that will give texture to your hair and create a voluminous wave when air drying.
6. Add volume with a curly or wavy hairstyle
When you do want to style your hair, instead of wearing it straight, try something with curls or waves to add texture and volume to your hair. This will give the illusion of thicker hair!
7. Get the right cut
Think length and layers when getting your hair cut. Longer layers will create more weight which then makes hair lay flat to the head and appear thinner. A shorter cut with layers appears thicker because it creates texture and volume. Also, instead of getting a V or U cut (where your hair is shorter in the front and longer in the back), try cutting your bottom layer bluntly straight across to create fullness. So, think mid-length or higher when getting a cut for thinner hair.
8. Experiment with hair color
Having an experienced professional color your hair is the best way to give the illusion of thicker hair. These masters of color can meticulously place the right lowlights and highlights to create dimension, which then creates the illusion of thicker hair. Also, when coloring hair, especially permanent color, your hair is absorbing the color – which temporarily can make each hair strand as much as a third thicker in volume.
9. Get regular trims
Make sure you are getting regular trims, about every 6 to 8 weeks, to cut off dead ends that are weighing your hair down and making it appear thinner.
10. Relieve your stress
One of the many culprits of thinning hair is stress. Whether it’s reading a book, having a spa day, working out, or doing some yoga, take some time out of your day to relieve your stress!
11. Extensions
The easiest and fastest way to get thicker hair is extensions. Now, I am a huge fan of extensions and I have tried almost every kind there is out there, but you have to be careful – if applied wrong, they can damage your hair even more. The easiest and safest extensions out there right now are ‘halo’ extensions. So, for instant longer and thicker hair, try halo extensions!