How to Get Thicker Hair: 10 Science-Backed Tips

“How to get thicker hair?” is one of those lofty questions we wonder, like “How to get rich?” It seems almost like a fantasy, but that probably doesn’t stop you from daydreaming. But what if you could actually achieve the dream of thicker hair? 

Whether you’re experiencing hair loss or hair thinning or just want to turn up the volume, we’ve got ten science-backed tips on how to make your hair thicker or thicker appearing.

There are tons of shampoos and conditioners on the market, but does the one you choose really matter? After all, it gets rinsed out at the end of your shower. 

Turns out it does matter, and different formulations can offer different benefits.  

For example, volumizing shampoo and conditioner remove grime and buildup but also have ingredients that can give limp hair some hold so it appears thicker.

Thickening shampoos and conditioners — along with other hair-thickening products — . Contain ingredients that plump up each strand making your hair look thicker and fuller.

You may also want to look at the label so you can avoid harmful ingredients. If you have sensitive skin, ingredients like sulfates may cause irritation. 

FYI, if you’re noticing more hair shedding — like more hair than usual in your hair brush or shower drain — a hair loss shampoo designed to control shedding could help you hold on to more strands.

Taking it easy on your hair can help thicken hair naturally by reducing damage and breakage.

Try to minimize: 

• Bleaching and coloring 

• Heat styling — and use a heat protectant spray to fend off damage if you do use heat styling

• Blow drying 

• Over brushing 

• Tightly pulled-back styles 

• Aggressive towel drying

Eliminating these from your hair care routine can help reduce split ends, frizz, hair breakage, and loss of shine — and keep your hair strong and healthy. 

Learn more about how you can repair chemically damaged hair in our guide. 

Scalp massages may not be able to cure hair loss, but some limited research suggests it may  increase hair thickness.

In a small 2016 study, nine men received a four-minute scalp massage daily with a massage device. 

After 24 weeks, hair thickness was shown to have increased. We can’t draw definite conclusions since the study was so small, but it could be worth trying. 

What you eat can influence hair health and potentially affect hair thickness. A healthy diet is key to healthy hair growth. If you have nutritional deficiencies, they can lead to hair loss and thin, brittle hair. 

You might notice hair loss or changes in your hair if you’re not getting enough of these nutrients: 

• Iron 

• Zinc 

• Biotin 

• Niacin  

Eating a balanced diet of whole foods can help you avoid deficiencies. 

Here are some foods to include in your meal prep to make sure you’re getting the nutrients you need: 

• Salmon and other types of fatty fish. These fish are rich in vitamin D — AKA the sunshine vitamin — which influences the hair growth cycle, including the transition from the resting to the growth phase. This can potentially affect the overall density of hair.

• Spinach. This leafy green is loaded with folate and iron. One study found that people with alopecia areata — a type of hair loss in which your immune system attacks your hair follicles — had significantly lower folate levels than those without the condition. The study suggests that maintaining adequate folate levels may be important in promoting hair growth.

• Legumes. Studies have shown iron deficiency is common in women experiencing hair loss. Lentils, chickpeas, beans, and other legumes are all rich in iron.

• Citrus fruits. Oranges, grapefruit, and guava are all high in vitamin C, which may play a role in iron absorption when taken together.

You can get a more extensive list of foods for healthy hair in this article.

Beyond eating a healthy diet, it’s important to stay hydrated. Your hair — and the rest of your body — will thank you.

We know that “stress less” isn’t exactly the answer you want to hear when you ask how to grow thicker hair. But it can help. 

Acute stress — whether from a toxic friendship, sudden illness, or the loss of a loved one — can lead to sudden hair loss. This type of hair loss is known as telogen effluvium. 

So, keeping your stress under control can keep your hair on your head and looking as thick as possible.

Consider consulting a mental health provider for therapy and/or medication, if appropriate.

If your hair has become thinner than usual, hair loss medications can help stop hair loss and promote new hair growth. 

Here are some treatments to consider: 

• Topical minoxidil. You can get minoxidil (also known by the brand name Rogaine®) in a drop, foam, or spray form. Although the exact mechanism is not fully understood, minoxidil is believed to improve hair density and thickness in some people by stimulating  resting  hair follicles to enter the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle and prolonging the time they remain in this phase. Oral minoxidil. For some people, low dose oral minoxidil may be more effective and convenient than  topical application. This once-daily pill has been shown to have similar results to a 5% minoxidil topical treatment, although it’s only prescribed off-label for women.

• Spironolactone. Spironolactone, a prescription medication, blocks androgen production. This decreases the amount of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in your body, the hormone that causes hair follicles to produce thinner, weaker hair follicles. Studies have shown that this once-daily pill can be helpful in treating female pattern hair loss and increasing hair density. 

• Finasteride. Finasteride is a prescription medication that blocks the conversion of testosterone to DHT. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved oral finasteride to treat male pattern baldness, but it can be prescribed off-label for women. Our postmenopausal hair loss spray combines minoxidil with finasteride for a dynamic duo.

As we mentioned earlier, a biotin deficiency can lead to hair loss — and research shows biotin supplements may help those with a deficiency  get better hair growth.

You can get biotin supplements in tablets, liquid form, or our biotin gummies, which contain biotin and other nutrients to boost your hair health.

For a powerful punch, try our combined minoxidil and biotin chew.

We mentioned that nutritional deficiencies can cause hair loss, and supplements may help. But there are other supplements that may also help thicken hair. 

You can consider: 

• Saw palmetto. A 2020 systematic review found that saw palmetto supplements can improve hair quality, increase hair count, and increase hair density.

If you’re looking for a convenient supplement and medication solution, Hers Hair Blends combines prescription medication with hair loss vitamins and supplements into one pill — fit to your needs.

You might have seen those red light therapy combs, hats, and helmets and wondered WTF is going on. But those odd-looking devices could be the answer to how to get thick hair. 

Well, we don’t know yet that they’re definitely the answer. More research is needed to know for sure, but studies so far are promising.  

For example, a 2020 randomized,controlled study with 60 people with androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern baldness) found that using a red light therapy device for 16 weeks led to a significant increase in hair density and hair thickness in the treated group as compared to the control group that had used a sham device.

You can learn more about the science behind red light therapy for hair loss.

Ever wonder how celebrities have a bob one day and waist-length hair the next week? We can tell you one thing: it’s definitely not just supplements. 

Since getting thicker hair is a journey, hair extensions, wigs, and weaves can all temporarily add extra body and fullness. Just be careful not to damage your existing hair in the process. 

Learn more about hair extensions for thin hair and hairstyles for women with hair loss in these guides.

And if you’re looking for more natural ways to make your hair look thicker, speak to your hairstylist about haircuts that work for your hair type. For example, a chic bob may do more for you than longer hair. 

Even something as simple as changing the side you part your hair can give the illusion of thicker hair. 

So, there you have it: science-backed ways to promote thicker looking hair. But getting thicker hair is a process, so patience is key. 

While some methods offer instant boosts (like extensions), many others can take at least a few months to show results. 

But they’re still worth trying. Here’s your cheat sheet on how to get your hair thicker: 

• Use the right hair care products, especially shampoo. It plays a key role in not just keeping your scalp clean but also the overall health of your hair. 

• Be gentle on your hair — try to avoid bleaching, air-dry when possible, and take a break from hot tools like your curling iron and flat iron.

• Manage your stress and eat well to protect the overall health of your hair.

• Consider hair loss treatments like minoxidil, which can help some individuals with thinning hair and lead to new growth that will boost thickness.

Ready to get thicker, healthier hair — and more of it? Connect with a healthcare provider and get personalized recommendations on the best hair loss treatments for you.