How to Boost Fine, Thin Hair
Only those with thin, fine hair know the struggle: it seems like no matter what you do, your locks still fall flat and look dull instead of thick and luscious. But what are you doing wrong? Read on as we share some tips and tricks on how to make your hair look fuller—and mistakes you should absolutely avoid if you don't want your hair to look even more weighed down.
1. Getting the Right Haircut
When you have thin hair, the last thing you might want is to get a haircut. But getting a regular trim is not only great for keeping your locks healthy, but your hairstylist can also help create layers that give the illusion of fuller, thicker hair. Highlights and color can add depth and dimension as well.
2. Blow-Drying Techniques
The way you blow-dry your hair also matters. One trick you can try is to flip your hair upside down while pointing your blow-dryer upwards, which helps direct airflow toward the roots. Of course, before applying any type of heat to your locks, always remember to use a heat protectant spray to prevent damage.
3. Hair Powder
If you have any patchy spots on your scalp, you can use hair powder to cover them. These concealers can blend in with your natural hair color, effectively camouflaging thinning parts and temples. Plus, many are made with ingredients that won't clog or damage your scalp.
4. Brushing & Teasing
Brushing regularly helps distribute your hair's natural oils evenly through your locks, which gives your hair that gorgeous shine. Combing also disentangles hair, and, with the right tips and tricks, you can tease your strands to make your 'do appear fuller.
5. Use a Clarifying Shampoo
Another trick to making thin hair look thick is to choose the right shampoo. Clarifying shampoos, in particular, remove excess gunk—from product residue to oil—that's built up in your locks, weighing them down. If you don't typically read the fine print on shampoo bottles before buying, this is the time to start!
6. Invest in a Scalp Massager
If you have dandruff or an itchy scalp, you might already have a scalp massager at home, but it's worth investing in one if you don't have one. These massagers might look odd, but they do a lot, from exfoliating and stimulating blood flow to removing product build-up and supporting healthy scalp care.
7. Switch Your Part
A temporary trick that can immediately add volume is to simply switch your hair part. For example, if your part is on the left, swap it to the right. This instantly lifts your locks and adds volume, which can transform your whole look.
8. Embrace Curls
Don't usually curl your hair? Well, this might be the time to start! Not only do curls give your locks bounce and dimension, they also add volume, which makes your hair look fuller and thicker. Remember to use heat protectant before styling, and finish off with hairspray so it stays.
9. Volumizing Clips
You might have already seen these floating around on social media, and you may have been skeptical about whether they really work. But consider you can find them for cheap online, there's no harm in trying! All you need to do is wiggle them into your hair and let them do the magic.
10. Keep Your Scalp & Hair Healthy
Above all, the most important thing is to keep your scalp and hair healthy if you want your locks to be naturally fuller, thicker, and shinier. Make sure to choose the right shampoos and treatments, and to avoid overstyling or overwashing.
Want more tips? Read on for 10 mistakes to avoid if you don't want your hair to thin out even more.
1. Overshampooing
You might think that washing your hair frequently can help keep it clean and maintained, but overshampooing can actually have the opposite effect. In fact, if you do, you strip your hair of its natural oils, which can dry out your scalp and cause more fallout and damage.
2. Overstyling with Heat
Even though curling your hair is a trick to making your locks appear fuller and thicker, you don't want to do this every day. Excessive heat styling can damage your strands, especially if you're skipping a protectant spray. This can thin your hair even more over time.
3. Overstyling with Products
You should also avoid overstyling your hair with oils, mousses, gels, creams, and butters. These might make your locks look shinier, thicker, and more luscious, but they can also weigh your thin hair down and lead to product build-up.
Nataliya Melnychuk on Unsplash
4. Not Getting Regular Trims
Again, getting a haircut might be the last thing on your list when you have fine, thin hair, but it's important to get regular trims. Growing out your locks can pull hair down and flatten volume further, and make it harder to maintain a healthy scalp.
5. Applying Conditioner to Your Roots
You should only be applying conditioner to your mid-lengths and ends. Rubbing it onto your scalp can weigh your hair down and cause product residue, leading to the opposite effect and result you're looking for. To maximize the conditioning benefit, remember to leave it on your locks for a few minutes before rinsing off.
6. Choosing the Wrong Hair Color
If you're thinking of coloring your hair, make sure to choose the right shade (or shades) that matches you. Choosing the wrong colors, or sticking with just one tone, may only make your locks look even flatter and limp. Subtle highlights, on the other hand, can add dimension and fullness.
7. Smarter Blowouts
Since you should avoid applying excessive heat to your hair whenever possible, it may be better to use different techniques for styling your hair. For one, choose tools that have limited heat settings; that way, you won't cause any accidental, permanent damage.
8. Coloring Your Hair Too Often
If your hair gets easily damaged, it's likely best to leave it natural. Coloring it too often and touching up your roots may only cause further fallout and thinning, so make sure to always prioritize your hair health before choosing aesthetic solutions.
9. Brushing Wet Hair
While you want to brush your hair every day, avoid combing through your strands straight out of the shower. Your hair is at its weakest when wet, so wait until it's dry to disentangle it. In fact, it's actually best to brush your hair before showering.
10. Ignoring Your Scalp Health
If you have recurring scalp issues, such as dandruff or psoriasis, or your scalp is sensitive in general, make sure to take care of it first before playing around with different tricks to make your hair look fuller. Remember: scalp and hair health care should always come first.
