Some people are born with hair already thick and thick, while others are simply thin and sparse by nature. As if that were not enough, certain factors such as aging, environmental conditions and stress can cause it to fall. Preventing hair loss isn't always possible, but there are some remedies to make it look fuller anyway. Read this article to find out how to take care of your hair in the best possible way and what changes to implement in your lifestyle to make it more beautiful and thick.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Taking Care of Your Hair
Step 1. Avoid hair products that contain harmful chemicals
Most shampoos, conditioners and styling products guarantee good results because they contain numerous synthetic substances, mostly derived from petroleum, which in the long term can seriously damage the hair. Not all people suffer from it, but if your hair is weak or if you have noticed abnormal loss, it is definitely best to avoid it.
- Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLES) are surfactants, i.e. substances that dissolve dirt, contained in most shampoos. They deprive the hair of its natural oils causing it to weaken and, in the long run, a possible premature fall.
- Choose organic products or products based on oils and cleansing agents of natural origin. Search online to gather information on different products and evaluate which ones are best suited for combating thinning hair.
Step 2. Don't wash them every day
The scalp spontaneously produces natural oils in order to coat the hair to protect it from harmful environmental elements. By washing them off daily, your hair will inevitably end up weakening.
- Each person's body has unique characteristics, but in general it should be enough to wash your hair 2-3 times a week without risking it looking dirty or heavy. If you have particularly oily skin, you can wash them even 4 times a week.
- Note that shampooing too infrequently could be just as harmful. Often thinning hair is accompanied by the presence of dandruff or scalp disorders that can benefit from regular (but not daily) washing.
- Use dry shampoo between washes. The hair will immediately appear cleaner, lighter, but also naturally thicker. Dry shampoo is a powder that must be distributed to the roots to allow them to absorb dirt; after a few minutes you will have to brush your hair to remove the excess product.
Step 3. Use essential oils
In particular, those of chamomile, lavender, rosemary, thyme, geranium, cedar wood, almonds, coconut and amla (Indian gooseberry) can favor a thickening of the hair bulbs.
- Apply about 10-20 drops of the selected essential oil directly to the scalp, then massage it for a long time with your fingers, first on the roots and then on the lengths, up to the tips.
- You can also add 3-5 drops of essential oil to your shampoo or conditioner.
- Create a mask that deeply nourishes your hair by mixing 10 drops of an essential oil of your choice with 90-120ml castor, olive, jojoba or sunflower oil. For an ideal result, be sure to massage the mixture into each individual strand. Wrap your hair in a towel and let the mask work for at least 30 minutes, then use shampoo and conditioner as usual.
- Not all essential oils are equally beneficial. Studies carried out in the field of hair loss have shown that some, such as coconut, penetrate the hair better than others.
Step 4. Treat them gently to reduce the number of hairs falling out
Use a wide-toothed comb instead of the brush, trying to patiently untie each single knot at a time rather than hastily jerking them.
- Try to treat them even more gently when they are wet. Do not twist them or rub them with a towel to avoid the risk of tearing or breaking them. Just squeeze them and pat them very gently.
- Do not combine them in too tight hairstyles, which can cause the disorder called "traction alopecia". In addition to seriously damaging the hair and causing it to fall out, tails, braids and buns that are too tight can also alter the subsequent regrowth.
Step 5. Minimize the use of heat
Hair dryers, straighteners and curling irons should only be used occasionally. Intensive use of heat makes hair inevitably dry and brittle, increasing the risk of it falling out prematurely.
Step 6. Don't try to change its color and texture
Dyes, highlights and all other harsh chemical treatments dehydrate and seriously damage the hair. Methods that use natural substances, such as lemon juice to lighten them, can also ruin them.
Step 7. Give them more volume to make them appear thicker
There are many different products on the market; the ideal is to choose those based on natural substances.
- Wash them with a volumizing shampoo to instantly give more body and volume to the roots, so that the entire hair looks thicker.
- After each shampoo, apply a volumizing conditioner to the lengths and ends. Avoid the root area, as they can become heavy and make your hair look even thinner.
- After drying them, try using a volumizing product, in powder or spray, to lift the roots and give more lightness and tone to the hair.
Step 8. Trim or trim them to make them appear thicker
Go to the hairdresser to get rid of dry, lifeless ends. A short, slightly layered cut, like the "bob", will give your hair a healthier, thicker and more voluminous look.
Method 2 of 3: Improve Your Lifestyle
Step 1. Eat a healthy, balanced diet rich in iron and B vitamins
Nutritional deficiencies are one of the main causes of hair loss.
- B vitamins play a vital role in hair health. Coping with your daily need for vitamins is essential for losing less and maintaining thick hair. Foods that are rich in B vitamins include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and nuts.
- Iron deficiency can cause an alteration in hair growth. Among the ingredients that contain it in large quantities are beef, pork, lamb and poultry, fish, leafy vegetables and "fortified" cereals (ie to which iron and other nutrients have been industrially added).
- Take a vitamin-based prenatal supplement. The so-called "prenatal vitamins" are supplements that contain a blend of vitamins and minerals that are also very effective in improving the health of hair, skin and nails.
Step 2. Protect them from pollution and harmful chemicals
It is not easy to avoid daily exposure to toxins that contaminate the air, but there are some preventative strategies you can try to implement.
- Wear a hat or wrap your hair in a scarf if you need to walk or cycle through a busy area. Car exhaust fumes can make hair dull and limp, making it look unhealthy and heavy.
- Wear a swimming cap when swimming in the pool. Chlorine stains hair and makes it visibly dry and damaged. When you go swimming in the pool, protect them with a cap and wash them with shampoo before the chlorine has time to dry on your hair.
Step 3. Regularly massage your scalp with your fingers
Make small, slow, circular movements. Doing so stimulates blood circulation, promoting the growth of new healthy hair.
Step 4. Assess your stress levels
Anxiety can cause hair loss. If there is something that worries you, try to resolve the situation.
- Some sources of stress are unavoidable, but these are usually temporary situations. If you are losing your hair due to stress, chances are it will start growing again as soon as the problem is fixed.
- Hair loss in itself is a source of stress. Try to calm down by doing everything in your power to promote healthy regrowth; for example, use natural products, develop healthier habits and make sure you are getting the vitamins you need.
Method 3 of 3: Hair Thickening Treatments
Step 1. Try using a specific product
There are food supplements specifically formulated to reduce hair loss and promote regrowth. They work for both men and women and many confirm their effectiveness.
- In addition to supplements, there are shampoos that stimulate hair growth and other products that are applied to the head and left on for longer. Search the web to find out which one best suits your needs.
- Test the product on an inconspicuous area, such as the nape of the neck, instead of immediately distributing it all over the scalp. You may be allergic to some ingredients.
Step 2. Try the extensions
These are strands of hair (real or fake) that are attached to the natural ones. You can choose color, length and texture according to your needs.
- Extensions can also be very expensive; do some research before deciding which type to choose.
- Of course, you can also ask the hairdresser for advice.
Step 3. Nowadays there are spray products that can mask thinning hair
These are instant-effect cosmetics that color the scalp to mask thinning areas. Another option is keratin microfibre products that bind to the hair making it thicker. Both can be washed off rather easily.
Step 4. Consider a hair transplant
It is a surgical intervention aimed at thickening the bald or thinned areas by implanting numerous new follicular units.
- Generally this is a more common solution among men, but women suffering from baldness can also resort to transplantation.
- Hair transplantation is a real operation that must be performed by a specialized surgeon. Not all people can undergo such an operation: ask your doctor or an experienced professional for advice.
Advice
- Don't always keep your hair tied. Instead of picking them up in a ponytail or bun because they look dirty, wash them and nourish them with a moisturizing oil. At this point you can make a soft braid, but only when they are dry. Many women braid their hair while still wet, but this is not recommended as it may break.
- Make a mask with coconut or olive oil. Apply it to your hair an hour before washing, preferably once or twice a week.
- Follow a healthy diet, rich in vitamins and nutrients essential for the health of the body - and therefore also of the hair.
- Read carefully the ingredients and package directions of any hair product before purchasing or using it.
- Be patient when it comes to untying the knots - use a wide-toothed comb and make slow, gentle movements. Never use the brush on wet hair, otherwise you risk breaking it.
- Do not pull or stress the hair.
- After you have done the dye, do not rub your hair with the towel, let it dry naturally.
- Don't use styling tools, such as straighteners, too often.
- Add a few drops of essential oil to the conditioner, then apply it only to the ends and lengths. The hair will be noticeably softer and more hydrated.
- Eating fish can help you have thicker hair.
- Argan oil is very effective on hair, it helps you to make it healthier and thicker.
- Use a shampoo and conditioner that contain coconut oil, preferably sulfate-free.
- Apply the conditioner on your hair and leave it on for 20-40 minutes, then rinse it for a long time to remove all traces of product; at this point, let them air dry.
- Hydrate them deeply with a nourishing mask before each shampoo. You can easily make one made from natural ingredients by mixing two teaspoons of hot olive oil with half a mashed banana.
- Purchase or make an argan oil mask yourself.
- Buy a product that prevents split ends to avoid having to go to the hairdresser too often.
