How to Thicken Your Hair: 10 Tips & Best Products

While true hair density takes time to build, there are immediate styling tricks and volumising products that can give the appearance of thicker hair quickly. Think of these as instant boosts while you work on long-term hair health.

Many of us across Ireland experience hair that feels a little fine or lacks the density we desire. The good news is, achieving thicker, fuller hair is within reach. It often involves a combination of smart product choices, dedicated haircare practices, and a holistic approach to your overall well-being.

At Millies, we believe in empowering you with the knowledge and the right tools to achieve your hair goals. This guide will walk you through 10 essential tips, revealing the secrets to boosting your hair's volume and density, along with our top product recommendations from leading brands. Let's dive in with the secrets to thicker hair!

1. Choose the Correct Shampoo and Conditioner

The foundation of any good hair routine starts in the shower. For those aiming for thicker hair, selecting the right shampoo and conditioner is crucial. Look for formulas specifically designed for "volume," "fine hair," or "thinning hair." These products are typically lightweight, often sulfate-free (to avoid stripping hair and irritating the scalp), and contain ingredients that plump the hair shaft without weighing it down. Avoid heavy, overly moisturising formulas if your hair is naturally fine, as these can flatten it.

2. Invest in Your Scalp Health

Think of your scalp as the fertile ground from which your hair grows. A healthy scalp is paramount for healthy, strong, and potentially thicker hair. Issues like product build-up, excessive oil, dryness, or inflammation can hinder healthy hair growth. Incorporate a regular scalp care routine that includes:

• Gentle cleansing: Ensure you're thoroughly washing your scalp to remove impurities. Consider rotating in a clarifying shampoo weekly or monthly if you use a lot of styling products to prevent build-up.

• Scalp massage: Stimulates blood circulation, which can help deliver nutrients to hair follicles. Many users swear by daily scalp massages, with or without oils, for significant improvements in density and volume.

• Targeted hair treatments: Serums or tonics designed to balance the scalp, reduce irritation, or stimulate follicles. Rosemary oil, often diluted with a carrier oil like jojoba or castor oil, is a popular natural ingredient people have found success with for stimulating the scalp.

3. Add a Hair Mask to Your Routine

While some masks can be too heavy for fine hair, the right ones can deliver concentrated nutrients to strengthen strands and prevent breakage, leading to an overall fuller hair appearance. 

Choose lightweight, protein-rich masks that focus on strengthening and fortifying, rather than solely deep conditioning or intense moisture. Apply from mid-lengths to ends, or if your hair is prone to breakage at the root, a specific fortifying root mask can be beneficial. Use once or twice a week as a treatment boost. 

Some people have found success with pre-wash oiling routines, using oils like rosemary, castor, or argan, leaving them on for a few hours or overnight before gently washing thoroughly.

4. Use Heat Protection

Heat styling, while great for adding volume, can also be incredibly damaging if not managed correctly. High temperatures can weaken the hair's protein structure, leading to breakage and making your hair appear thinner over time. Always, always apply a heat protection spray or serum before using hair stylers like blow dryers, straighteners, or curling irons. This creates a barrier, shielding your hair from intense heat and preserving its integrity. Many who have seen significant improvement in hair thickness report limiting or even cutting out heat styling altogether for a period.

5. Add Hair Thickening Products

This is where the magic of targeted formulations comes in! Beyond shampoo and conditioner, there's a world of hair thickening products designed to instantly boost volume and, over time, improve hair density. These often include:

• Thickening serums: Applied to the scalp or roots to stimulate follicles.

• Volumising mousses or foams: Applied to damp hair before styling to add body and lift.

• Root sprays: Provide targeted lift at the crown for an instant fuller look.

• Leave-in treatments: Fortify strands and prevent breakage.

Look for ingredients like polymers, proteins, and botanicals that coat the hair shaft or stimulate the scalp. While topical products primarily create the appearance of thicker hair, dedicated thickening ranges can make a noticeable difference in volume and fullness.

6. Master Gentle Hair Drying & Styling Techniques

How you dry and style your hair can significantly impact its perceived thickness. Aggressive towel drying can lead to breakage. Instead, gently squeeze excess water with a microfibre towel, or even an old t-shirt, to minimise friction. When blow-drying:

• Use a cooler setting: High heat can damage fine hair.

• Aim for the roots: Focus the airflow on your roots to create lift.

• Blow-dry upside down: This technique can add incredible natural volume.

• Use a diffuser: For wavy or curly hair, a diffuser helps maintain natural texture and volume without frizz.

• Avoid over-brushing wet hair: Hair is most vulnerable when wet; use a wide-tooth comb to detangle. Comb your wet hair extremely gently to work out all the kinks without tearing, as wet hair is super fragile!

• Opt for protective hairstyles at night, like loose braids or silk scrunchies, to minimise breakage.

7. Nourish Your Hair from Within: Diet & Supplements

Your hair health is a direct reflection of your internal health. A balanced diet rich in essential nutrients can significantly contribute to thicker hair.

• Protein: Hair is made of protein, so ensure adequate intake (lean meats, fish, eggs, legumes, nuts). Many users highlight the importance of eating enough protein for overall hair health.

• Iron: Essential for carrying oxygen to hair follicles (spinach, red meat).

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Support scalp health and hair growth (fatty fish, flaxseeds).

• Vitamins: Biotin, Vitamin A, C, D, and E all play roles in hair health.

• Zinc: Supports hair tissue growth and repair.

If your diet lacks certain nutrients, hair growth supplements can be a beneficial addition. 

8. Manage Stress for Healthier Hair

Chronic stress can unfortunately lead to various forms of hair thinning, including telogen effluvium, where a significant number of hairs enter the resting phase and shed. While easier said than done, finding ways to manage stress is vital for your overall health, including your hair. Incorporate stress-reducing activities into your routine:

• Regular exercise

• Mindfulness or meditation

• Adequate sleep

• Spending time in nature

• Prioritising self-care

9. Consider a Strategic Haircut

Sometimes, the simplest trick for fuller hair is a clever haircut. A well-placed cut can create the illusion of density and volume.

• Blunt cuts: Can make the ends appear thicker.

• Layers: Strategic layers, especially around the crown, can add movement and body without sacrificing length.

• Bangs or fringes: Can frame the face and create a fuller look around the front.

• Regular trims: Removing split ends prevents breakage from travelling up the hair shaft, which can make hair look thinner. Many users stress the importance of regular trims to maintain hair health and prevent breakage, which contributes to a thinner appearance.

10. Be Mindful of Chemical Treatments

While chemical treatments like colouring or perms  can offer a new look, they can also significantly damage the hair shaft, leading to breakage and a thinner appearance.  If you experience hair thinning, we recommend taking a break from hair dye and bleaching to allow hair to recover. If you frequently undergo such treatments:

• Prioritise professional application: Always seek experienced stylists to minimise damage.

• Invest in bond-building treatments: Products designed to repair and strengthen hair bonds broken during chemical processes.

• Reduce frequency: Space out your appointments to give your hair time to recover.

• Deep condition regularly: Hydrate and strengthen your hair to help it withstand treatments.

Best Products for Thicker Hair 

At Millies.ie, we handpick the best in professional haircare to help you achieve your hair goals. Here are some standout lines renowned for their ability to deliver volume, density, and strength.

1. Kérastase Genesis

The Kérastase Genesis range is specifically formulated to combat hair fall due to breakage. Ideal for weakened hair prone to falling, Genesis shampoos, conditioners, and treatments cleanse gently while reinforcing for overall thicker-looking hair.

2. Redken Volume Injection

For immediate lift and long-lasting body, Redken Volume Injection is a game-changer. Designed for fine, limp hair, the shampoo and conditioner gently cleanse and nourish, leaving hair with increased root lift, shine, and a polished finish. 

3. Pureology Pure Volume

Dedicated to volume without compromise, Pureology Pure Volume products are 100% vegan, sulfate-free, and paraben-free. Infused with a beautiful aromatherapy blend, Pureology Pure Volume ensures your hair feels plump, full, and vibrant while protecting your colour.

4. Eleven: I Want Volume

If you're after serious body, Eleven: I Want Volume is your go-to. Perfect for fine hair or anyone desiring a significant volume boost, Eleven: I Want Volume delivers noticeable fullness and control, making styling for bigger hair a breeze.

5. Texturising Dry Shampoos

Beyond traditional thickening products, texturising dry shampoos are a secret weapon for instant volume. Applied at the roots, they absorb excess oil, add grip, and create immediate lift and texture, making your hair appear instantly fuller. They're perfect for refreshing second-day hair or boosting volume before styling. 

Thicker Hair FAQs

How to thicken hair naturally? 

Focus on scalp health with gentle massage and natural treatments like diluted rosemary oil. Eat a diet rich in protein, iron, and key vitamins. Minimise heat styling and chemical treatments.

Best shampoos for thicker hair? 

Look for shampoos labelled "volumising" or "densifying" with ingredients like polymers and proteins. Top choices at Millies.ie include Kérastase Genesis, Redken Volume Injection, and Pureology Pure Volume. Nioxin is also highly recommended by users.

Best supplements for thicker hair? 

Consider supplements like Biotin, Collagen, Marine protein complex, and essential vitamins/minerals like Iron and Zinc. Collagen is often praised for visible improvements, while iron is crucial for deficiencies. 

TL;DR How to Thicken Your Hair 

To achieve thicker hair, focus on a holistic approach: use volumising shampoos and conditioners, prioritise scalp health with regular massages and targeted treatments (like rosemary oil), and incorporate strengthening hair masks. Protect your hair from heat damage and master gentle drying techniques. Nourish your hair from within with a balanced diet and consider supplements like collagen. Also, manage stress, get strategic haircuts, and be mindful of harsh chemical treatments. Consistency is key for long-term results and fuller-looking hair.