Having thick, luscious hair is a dream for many. It adds volume, creates a vibrant look, and boosts confidence. However, not everyone is blessed with naturally thick hair. This is where hair thickening products come to the rescue.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore everything you need to know about hair thickening products and how they can transform your hair and give you a new vigour for your life.
Understanding the Importance of Hair Thickness
Hair thickness plays a crucial role in achieving a full and healthy-looking mane. Thicker hair strands have more volume, making your hair appear fuller and denser. It also helps in better styling, as thick hair holds styles and adds dimension. Hair thickening products can effectively enhance the thickness of your hair, giving you the desired look.
Role of Hair Thickening Products
Hair thickening products are specially formulated to increase the diameter of individual hair strands, creating an illusion of thicker hair. They work by coating the hair shaft, plumping it up, and adding texture. These products are available in various forms, such as shampoos, conditioners, sprays, mousses, serums, and treatments. Each product type offers unique benefits and caters to different hair needs.
Factors Affecting Hair Thickness
Before diving into the world of hair thickening products, it’s essential to understand the factors that affect hair thickness.
Genetics and Hair Thickness
Genetics plays a significant role in determining your hair thickness. If your family members have naturally thick hair, there is a higher chance that you will too. However, even if you have genetically fine or thin hair, hair thickening products can help enhance its appearance.
Age and Hair Thickness
As we age, our hair tends to become thinner and more prone to breakage. The natural ageing process affects the hair follicles’ ability to produce thick strands. Hair thickening products can provide a temporary boost and restore the look of youthful, voluminous hair.
Health and Hair Thickness
Your overall health and well-being also impact hair thickness. Nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, and certain medical conditions can contribute to hair thinning. It’s important to address any underlying health issues while using hair thickening products for best results.
Types of Hair Thickening Products
Hair thickening products come in various forms, each offering unique benefits. Let’s explore the different types:
Volumising Shampoos and Conditioners
Volumising Shampoos: Amplify Your Hair’s Thickness
Volumising shampoos are designed to add body and thickness to the hair. They contain ingredients that coat the hair strands, giving them a fuller appearance. Look for shampoos that are free from sulphates and contain volumizing agents like hydrolysed proteins or polymers.
Choosing the Right Volumising Shampoo for Your Hair Type
When selecting a volumising shampoo, consider your hair type. For fine or oily hair, opt for lightweight formulas that provide volume without weighing the hair down. If you have dry or damaged hair, look for moisturising shampoos that add volume while nourishing and repairing the hair.
Volumising Conditioners: Nourish and Thicken Your Hair
Pairing a volumizing conditioner with your shampoo can further enhance the thickness of your hair. These conditioners provide hydration and nourishment while adding volume and manageability. Apply the conditioner primarily to the ends of your hair to avoid weighing down the roots.
Thickening Sprays and Mousses
Thickening Sprays: Boost Volume and Texture
Thickening sprays are lightweight and provide instant lift and volume to your hair. They are sprayed onto the roots and lengths of the hair, giving it a fuller look. Look for sprays that contain polymers or proteins that create a flexible hold and add texture to the hair. Simply spray onto damp or dry hair, focusing on the roots, and style as desired for voluminous locks.
Mousses: Create Bouncy, Thick Hair
Mousses are lightweight foam products that add body, volume, and thickness to the hair. They are applied to damp hair and evenly distributed from roots to ends. Mousses work by creating a supportive base for styling, giving your hair a bouncy and fuller appearance. Choose a mousse that suits your hair type and desired level of hold, whether it’s a light or strong hold formula.
Hair Thickening Serums and Treatments
Hair Thickening Serums: Nourish and Strengthen
Hair thickening serums are intensive treatments that penetrate the hair shaft, promoting thickness and strength. These serums are often enriched with vitamins, proteins, and botanical extracts that nourish the hair follicles, stimulate growth, and improve overall hair health. Apply the serum to clean, towel-dried hair and gently massage it into the scalp. Leave it in and style as usual for long-term benefits.
Professional Treatments for Hair Thickening
For those seeking more advanced solutions, professional treatments are available. These treatments are performed by experienced hairstylists or trichologists and can include procedures such as scalp micropigmentation, hair extensions, or hair transplantation. Professional treatments offer long-lasting results and can effectively address severe hair thinning or balding.
Hair Fibre Products
Hair Fibre Products: Instantly Thicker-Looking Hair
Hair fibre products are innovative solutions that provide instant results. These products contain tiny, electrostatically charged fibres that adhere to the existing hair strands, instantly adding thickness and coverage to thinning areas. They work by blending with your natural hair colour, making the scalp less visible. Hair fibre products are easy to apply and offer a temporary yet natural-looking solution for fuller hair.
How to Use Hair Thickening Products for Best Results
To maximise the benefits of hair thickening products, it’s important to follow the right techniques and incorporate them into your hair care routine. Here are some tips for using hair thickening products effectively:
Proper Hair Washing and Conditioning Techniques
Start with a clarifying shampoo to remove any product buildup and create a clean canvas for your hair thickening products. Apply the volumising shampoo, focusing on the roots, and gently massage the scalp to stimulate blood circulation. Rinse thoroughly and follow with a volumising conditioner, applying it primarily to the ends of the hair. Avoid applying conditioner directly to the roots to prevent weighing down the hair.
Styling Tips to Enhance Hair Thickness
After washing and conditioning, apply your chosen hair thickening product, such as a spray or mousse, to damp hair. Use a wide-toothed comb to distribute the product evenly from roots to ends. Blow-dry your hair using a round brush to lift the roots and create volume. For added thickness, consider using a diffuser attachment or lifting sections of hair while blow-drying.
Combining Hair Thickening Products with Other Hair Care Routines
Hair thickening products can complement other hair care routines to achieve optimal results. For instance, incorporating a scalp massage into your routine can help stimulate hair growth and enhance the efficacy of hair thickening treatments. Additionally, using a wide-toothed comb or brush can prevent breakage and minimise damage while styling.
Potential Side Effects and Precautions
While hair thickening products are generally safe to use, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects and take necessary precautions:
Allergic Reactions and Sensitivities
Some individuals may experience allergic reactions or sensitivities to certain ingredients found in hair thickening products. Before using a new product or treatment, perform a patch test on a small area of your skin or scalp.
If any redness, itching, or irritation occurs, discontinue use immediately and consult a dermatologist.
Overuse and Product Build-Up
Using excessive amounts of hair thickening products or layering multiple products can lead to product build-up. This can make your hair appear dull, greasy, and weighed down. Follow the recommended usage instructions for each product and avoid overloading your hair with excessive amounts. Regularly clarify your hair to remove any residue and maintain its health and vitality.
Consulting a Dermatologist or Trichologist
If you have underlying scalp conditions or severe hair thinning, it’s advisable to consult a dermatologist or trichologist. These professionals can assess your specific concerns and provide personalised recommendations and treatments tailored to your needs. They can help identify any underlying issues that may be affecting your hair thickness and guide you towards the most suitable solutions.
