9 Stylist-Approved Secrets to Achieve Thicker, Healthier Hair
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Ever dreamed of running your fingers through thicker, healthier, and more radiant hair? You’re not alone. While it’s true that you can’t completely change the size of your hair follicles, there are clever, stylist-approved tricks to boost fullness, strengthen each strand, and create the illusion of naturally voluminous locks. From balancing your hormones to upgrading your shampoo routine, these expert-backed secrets can help you transform your hair’s look and feel—starting today.
1. Address a Stress and/or Hormone Imbalance
When your hormones are off balance, your hair can lose its natural thickness. Many women, especially new mothers or those in menopause, notice hair loss due to changes in estrogen levels. Kristin Dahl, a Los Angeles-based nutritionist and women’s wellness educator, explains that low estrogen can lead to thin, stalled growth, while optimal levels help grow full, thick hair. Stress plays a major role too—your adrenal glands can become overworked, leading to early symptoms like hot flashes and thinning. To support your body, talk to your doctor about supplements such as adaptogenic herbs, ashwagandha, or amino acids to boost keratin production and keep your strands healthier and shinier. Personally, I’ve found that learning to manage stress hormone production helps make my hair feel noticeably thicker over time.
2. Up Your Intake of Healthy Fats
Your diet directly influences your hair growth and overall health. Adding foods like avocados, salmon, and whole eggs can increase your intake of healthy fats and omega 3s, both known to prevent hair loss, reduce breakage, and even encourage new growth. These foods are loaded with vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B6, and folate, along with minerals like potassium and magnesium. When I started eating more of these fatty acids, my hair not only looked healthier but my scalp inflammation reduced as well. A balanced diet truly is the foundation of stronger, more resilient hair.
3. Avoid Dryness by Reducing Heat Styling
If your hair feels dry or breakage-prone, constant heat styling may be the reason. Try embracing air-drying for a more natural texture and a healthier appearance over time. When I reduced my use of hot tools, I noticed my hair grew at a quicker rate. You can also use leave-in products after a post-shower routine to help your hair stay soft and hydrated. But if you must use heat, apply a heat protectant like Morrocanoil’s Perfect Defense Heat Protectant—it really makes a difference in maintaining thicker hair.
4. Cleanse with Sulfate-Free Shampoo
Switching to a sulfate-free shampoo can completely change your hair’s health. Sulfates are powerful detergents that create that sudsy lather, but they can strip away natural oils and proteins, leaving your strands dull and weak. Michelle Cleveland, a celebrity hairstylist, recommends products rich in strand-loving ingredients to nourish your hair instead. Though it may feel less sudsy, the trade-off is added thickness and shine. Personally, I love the Pura D’Or Hair Thinning Therapy Shampoo, which helps restore density and gives my hair a healthy sheen.
5. Brush From Ends to Roots to Reduce Breakage
Brushing the right way makes all the difference in preventing breakage. Start from your ends and gently work upward—this bottoms-up method reduces tension and protects fragile strands. Fernando Salas, the creator of White Sands Haircare, advises detangling with care to avoid unnecessary stress on the scalp. I’ve found using a boar bristle brush helps minimize breakage for my finer hair textures, keeping it smooth and shiny without pulling out strands. A small adjustment in your hair-brushing technique can bring visible improvements.
6. Opt for Volumizing Products
To instantly enhance thickness, try hair-thickening products that add lift and body. Lightweight mousses and dry shampoos can create texture and grip for more thicker-looking styles. I often use the Style + Protect On The Rise Root Lifting Mousse from Pureology—it gives my hair shine, volume, and that sleeker, healthier-looking finish we all love. With consistent use, your hair starts to appear more full and vibrant even without professional styling.
7. Fill In Your Scalp to Mask Thinning
If your scalp looks sparse from tight ponytails or buns, try using a root cover-up like Toppik’s Colored Hair Thickener for a quick fix. It instantly makes your hairline appear fuller and thicker. For longer-term results, apply Naturalicious’ Spanish Almond Regrowth Oil—a treatment rich in vitamin D, vitamin E, and minerals that nourishes each strand. Personally, after a few weeks of consistent use, I noticed more density at my roots and fewer thin patches.
8. Give Yourself a Scalp Massage
Regular massaging of your scalp can make your hair grow thick and strong over time. In fact, studies show that consistent scalp massages improve circulation and encourage growth. I love using an in-shower scalp brush to massage while I shampoo—it feels relaxing and gives a deeper clean. You’ve probably seen these tools on TikTok, and they’re worth the hype for promoting a healthier scalp and more resilient hair.
9. Shampoo with Lukewarm Water
Washing your hair with lukewarm water can protect it from damage and breakage. Hot water may strip away natural oils, making hair dry, thin, and lifeless. When I switched from hot to lukewarm water, I noticed my scalp felt more balanced and my hair less frizzy. This simple change helps keep your hair’s moisture intact and even reduces frizz after each wash—a small yet powerful tweak for healthier hair.
