9 Tried and Tested Ways to Get Thicker Hair

As a full-time member of the 'fine hair club', I totally understand the longing for thick, bouncy, voluminous strands. Don't get me wrong, there are benefits to having less hair - blow-drying takes no time at all, I don't get ponytail-induced headaches and my shower drain rarely gets clogged with hair. But if i'm being honest, I'd give all that up for a super-thick, glossy mane.

Because of my obsession with fuller strands, I've tried just about every hair-thickening option out there, and 90% of the time they don't work. Sad, but true.

That being said, if you're intrigued by the 10% of methods that actually did plump my oh-so fine locks, keep reading...

1. Wash smarter

When it comes to hair washing, sulfates are not your friend. They are foamy detergents that cut through grease in no time, but will likely leave your scalp and hair super-dry – so much so, they can damage your lipid barrier and cause irritation. Not fun.

If you're looking for a sulfate free shampoo and conditioner, try Pureology. The brand are known for having high quality formulas that cleanse and condition fragile hair, without any harsh chemicals.

The Fullfyl line helps increase hair density and leave fine strands fuller and stronger thanks to it's protein-rich formula.

 

2. Invest in thickening styling products

It may sound obvious, but opting for styling products specifically designed to increase volume, can make a massive difference to fine hair.

3. Waves add instant thickness

Use a curling tong to add waves through your lengths, not only will it give extra width, but the dimension and texture will make hair appear fuller. Avoid excess damage by prepping strands with a heat protection spray first.

4. Deep cleanse your scalp once a week

Thickening hair products are awesome - there's no arguing with that, but the one downside is that they have a tendency to build up on the scalp and strands. A weekly deep cleanse with a clarifying shampoo will help to get rid of any stubborn product residue. 

5. Switch up your parting

Simply flipping your hair over to the opposite side from where it usually sits, will give an instant volume boost. Add a little volume powder into the roots for extra height and hold.

6. Try tape-in hair extensions

I know what you're thinking, we've all seen what happens when hair extensions go wrong, but whether you're an extension newbie, or a seasoned pro, there's a new alternative to traditional hair lengthening methods and it's worth considering. Tape-in extensions. Yes, these easy-to-apply lengths of hair are stuck to the roots with a medical-grade, hypoallergenic, non-toxic tape. They look a little something like this...

As someone who's tried pretty much every extension method out there (yep, bonds, micro-rings, weaves...) I decided to give tapes a go, and trust me, they're 100% worth the hype. I opted for Great Lengths Extensions and had them expertly applied by Hadley at Hershesons. The whole process took less than 45mins, so they're perfect for the time-poor. They're also great for commitment-phobes; tape-in extensions last up to 8 weeks (although you can have the same hair reapplied time and time again), whilst traditional methods last for around 5 months.

The best thing about tape-in extensions is the flexibility, the small strips can placed exactly where you need, giving a tailored approach to extra thickness. A good Hair Stylist will help you figure out where and how much extra thickness you need. The result? A fuller, thicker finish...

7. Define your curls

Give any wispy curls some definition with a curl cream, this will help hair appear thicker and curls fuller.

If you're in the market for a curl cream, check out our reviews of the best below...?

8. Hair growth tablets can be effective

Tried it all? It might be worth considering a hair growth supplement (and no, i'm not talking about those blue gummies the Kardashians are always flogging on Insta).

Opt for a trusted brand, and look out for ingredients like Iron, Biotin and vitamin B, all of which help to support healthy hair growth.

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