6 Easy (and Salon-Free) Ways to Get Thicker Hair

For all of us normies who don't have extensions or glam squads maintaining our tresses 24/7 (we're looking at you, Selena Gomez), hair thickness can be a real issue. (Whyyyy.) To point us in the direction of fuller, bouncier tresses, two haircare experts weigh in here on the real, honest-to-goodness truth about what causes thin hair, how to prevent your hair from thinning, and the top tips for achieving a thick, luscious mane.

1. It's in your DNA.

Unfortunately, a big part of whether or not you will have to deal with thinning hair is determined by your family's hair history and not by your own actions. According to stylist Belen Benitez at Howard Kurtz salon in Los Angeles, "The best way to thicker hair is definitely genetics."

2. Don't stress.

Take a deep breath and a chill pill, because trichologist Anabel Kingsley of the Philip Kingsley clinic in New York and London says that "stress can exacerbate hair thinning."

3. Eat right.

"You are what you eat" is played out wisdom, but still holds true according to Kingsley. She says that focusing on maintaining a healthy diet can have a huge effect on your hair. Since your hair is the last place that your body sends protein and iron, she recommends getting ample amounts of both. The Kingsley clinics found that specifically eating 120 grams of protein—which contain all of the essential amino acids—at breakfast and lunch is ideal for keeping hair strong. If you're worried about your hair getting all the nutrients it needs, try a supplement like the Philip Kingsley Tricho Complex.

4. Style strategically.

You can also fake thicker hair with a few styling tricks. Benitez recommends staying away from oils, hydrating products, and smoothing products that will weigh down hair and decrease volume—and yes, that includes using too much conditioner. For those with fine hair, Kingsley points out that "getting highlights can make the hair look thicker as it plumps the hair shaft and adds texture. Just make sure not to over-process–this may cause substantial breakage."

5. Don't ignore your scalp.

"Treatment for hair thinning should not only immediately improve the cosmetic appearance of the hair, but also targets hair thinning by optimizing the scalp environment, and providing internal nutritional support," shares Kingsley. She suggests Philip Kingsley Tricho 7 Scalp Drops for protecting hair follicles, and the Philip Kingsley Stimulating Scalp Mask to keep your scalp in optimal condition.

6. Look for these ingredients.

Benitez suggests looking for products with parsley extract, which increases blood flow to the scalp and stimulates hair grown, biotin, linseed oil, and moisturizing vitamin B. She likes the volumizing mousse Body Builder from Kevin Murphy and Redken Guts 10 volumizing spray for styling.