Thinning hair can feel like a never-ending struggle, especially when you think it can only get worse, but there’s no need to lose hope. You can still make many simple lifestyle changes, as well as targeted treatments, to not only stop the clock on thinning but restore fullness, too. Try out our 18 practical fixes to help your hair look its best.
Pick a Shampoo That Works for You
Finding the perfect shampoo for your hair type can feel overwhelming with all the options out there, but it’s worth the effort if your hair is thinning. Look for shampoos labelled “volumising” or “thickening”, and avoid those with harsh sulphates that can strip your hair of natural oils.
Don’t Wash Your Hair Too Much
Many people think washing their hair every day is the best way to keep it clean and fresh, but this habit can do more harm than good, because shampooing too often can strip your scalp of its natural oils, leaving your hair dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. Instead, aim to wash your hair two or three times a week.
Show Your Scalp Some Love
Spending just a few minutes a day massaging your scalp can do wonders for your hair. Not only is it relaxing, of course, but the stimulation of blood flow to the hair follicles can encourage thicker and healthier growth over time, and you don’t even need fancy equipment because your fingertips work perfectly.
Eat Your Way to Better Hair
We all know that what you eat affects how you feel, but it also plays a massive role in how your hair grows, and because hair is made up of protein, it’s important to eat enough of it, alongside other nutrients like vitamins A, C, D, and E, ron, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids. Foods like spinach, eggs, avocados, and nuts are not only tasty but packed with the goodness your hair needs to thrive.
Give the Heat Tools a Break
We’ve all been guilty of overusing blow-dryers, straighteners, or curling irons at some point, but too much heat can take a serious toll on your hair’s health. High temperatures weaken your strands, making them more prone to breakage and split ends, so if you can’t part with your heat tools, make sure to always use a heat protectant spray.
Swap to a Silk Pillowcase
It may seem like a small change to switch to a silk pillowcase but it can have a big impact on your hair, unlike cotton, which can tug at your hair and cause breakage while you sleep. Silk reduces friction and helps your strands retain their natural moisture. This means you’re less likely to wake up with frizz, tangles, or those dreaded split ends.
Avoid Tight Hairstyles
If you’re a fan of tight ponytails, buns, and braids, they might look sleek and stylish, but wearing them too often can actually harm your hair because your hair is being constantly pulled back. This puts stress on your scalp and hair follicles, which can lead to thinning over time, while looser hairstyles are a great alternative.
Incorporate a Weekly Hair Mask
Hair masks are a game-changer if your hair is feeling dry or lifeless, as these deep-conditioning treatments are packed with ingredients that can hydrate, repair, and strengthen your strands. This is a must-have for anyone dealing with thinning hair, and you should look for masks with natural oils like argan, coconut, or avocado.
Trim Your Hair Regularly
It might seem counterintuitive to cut your hair when you’re worried about thinning, but regular trims are essential for keeping it healthy, and this is due to the fact that split ends can travel up the hair shaft, making your hair look weaker and thinner overall. Scheduling a trim every 6–8 weeks can help prevent this and keep your hair looking thicker.
Stay Hydrated Throughout the Day
Did you know that water intake affects your hair too? Staying hydrated is one of the simplest ways to keep it healthy, because when your body is dehydrated, your hair can become dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. Drinking at least two litres of water a day helps ensure your scalp stays moisturised and your hair grows stronger.
Use Hair-Thickening Products
Hair-thickening products can offer an instant boost if your hair needs a little extra volume, whether it’s mousses, sprays, powders or serums. These products work by coating your strands, making them appear fuller and more textured. The key is to apply them to damp hair before styling and distribute them evenly for a natural finish.
Don’t Ignore Stress Levels
You’ll likely feel like pulling your hair out when you’re stressed, but it’s not just a turn of phrase—stress can wreak havoc on your body, and your hair is no exception. High stress levels can push hair follicles into a resting phase, which means hair stops growing and eventually falls out, so you might want to try yoga and meditation.
Protect Your Hair from the Sun
Sun damage isn’t just something that can happen to your skin, as UV rays can weaken your hair, causing dryness, colour fading, and even breakage. If you’re spending a lot of time outdoors, consider wearing a hat or using a leave-in conditioner with UV protection, and products with sunscreen for hair are a great option as well.
Consider a Supplement for Hair Growth
Supplements can be a helpful addition to your routine if your diet alone isn’t providing enough of the nutrients your hair needs. However, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement to make sure it’s right for you—but when combined with a balanced diet and healthy habits, supplements can give your hair an extra boost.
Skip Harsh Chemical Treatments
Bleaching, perming, and straightening might give you the look you want, but they can take a serious toll on your hair’s health by weakening its structure, making it more vulnerable to breakage and thinning. If you’re experiencing hair loss, it’s a good idea to avoid harsh chemical treatments altogether—or at least space them out significantly.
Keep Your Scalp Clean and Healthy
A healthy scalp is the foundation of healthy hair, so it’s important not to overlook this part of your routine when build-up from products, oil, and sweat can clog your hair follicles. This can mean potentially slowing down growth, so using a clarifying shampoo once a month can help remove this build-up, giving your scalp a fresh start.
Avoid Smoking for Better Hair Health
Smoking doesn’t just harm your lungs, it can also have a noticeable effect on your hair by reducing blood flow to the scalp, which means your hair follicles don’t get the nutrients they need to thrive. Over time, this can lead to weaker, thinner hair, so quitting smoking, or at least cutting down is a good plan.
Invest in a Good Hairbrush
Cheap brushes with rough bristles can tug and snag your hair, causing unnecessary breakage, so instead, invest in a wide-tooth comb or a brush with soft, natural bristles that glide through your strands without pulling. Brushing regularly also helps distribute your scalp’s natural oils, which can keep your hair moisturised and shiny.