Below are some science-backed techniques you can work into your everyday routine to help thicken your hair naturally. “A host of nutritional deficiencies can cause hair loss and hair breakage,” notes Dhaval G. Bhanusali, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and founder of Skin Medicinals. He adds you may want to seek input from a professional if the issue is ongoing. “Doctors and dermatologists look at things like iron levels, vitamin D, thyroid studies, and other medical data points to make sure we don’t miss any internal causes of thinning or weakening hair,” he says. “Massaging the scalp increases blood flow, which helps to produce healthy hair,” explains Akis Ntonos, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and co-founder of NYC’s Aion Aesthetic. “It can also cause the hair follicle itself to stretch, allowing hair to come out thicker.” Using your fingertips, gently massage your scalp in light circles while shampooing or just before your shower. You can also try a scalp massage tool. “UV rays set off free radicals in the hair shaft, which break down the bond networks. This leads to thinner, broken, and faded hair,” explains Michael Van Clarke, a London hairstylist and founder of 3 More Inches Haircare. “Keep hair covered when you’re in the sun with hats, scarves, or effective sun protection products.” “As stress increases, your cortisol level increases which can lead to long standing hair loss,” Dr. Bhanusali explains. “More acutely, there is a condition called telogen effluvium which has been linked to stressful events like surgery, trauma, pregnancy, breakups, loss of loved ones, and other distressing events.” While this is fortunately a temporary issue, it can take many months or even years for your hair to get back to its normal, full state. The more quickly you can identify the stressful trigger and (if possible) eliminate it, the better. If you’re experiencing thinning hair or your hair is naturally fine, reduce how often you use heat styling tools. It’s also important to use heat protectant products, which can shield your hair from some of the damage when you do decide to heat style. “Avoid drying the scalp by overwashing, washing with sulfate-heavy shampoos, overusing dry shampoo, or aiming a high-heat blow dryer at your skin,” Dr. Ntonos advises. In that same vein, prioritize your scalp health with nourishing scalp treatments and make sure to remove product buildup thoroughly.
