How To Thicken Your Fine Hair
When people talk about thick or fine hair, they are usually referring to the diameter of a single hair strand. Density denotes how tightly packed hair follicles are on the scalp. Hair can be thick with low density (meaning the fibers are more spaced out), fine with high density (when strands are growing right next to one another), or some other combination.
To determine your hair thickness, pluck a strand, and compare it to a sewing needle thread. If your hair fiber matches the thread's width or comes close, you have thick hair. If your hair is a lot narrower than the thread, you have fine hair. You can also take the hair and roll it between your fingers; if you feel nothing, you likely have fine hair.
Your hair density can be measured by looking in a mirror. If you notice scalp skin without touching it, you probably have low-density hair. Knowing the thickness and density of your hair will give you an idea of improving it to get the look you are after.
Why Your Hair Changes Texture
The effects of menopause are highly influential on our hair’s texture and health. Our bodies go through age-related changes that affect our scalps, which in turn affect our hair. Our thick hair will likely become grayer and finer and require more attention to restore thickness and sheen.
Hair strands are made up of protein and remain rooted in our scalps for about two to seven years. Factors including your diet, age, and genetics influence its overall health and how fast it grows.
As we mature, our hair’s life cycle is shortened, and thicker hair is replaced by new, finer hair. Sex hormones like estrogen and progesterone usually stimulate hair follicle cell growth and keep hair in the growing phase; however, hair is left unprotected when these hormones decrease.
Testosterone's metabolic derivative, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), damages our follicles, resulting in progressively weaker hair production. DHT may also cause some follicles to stop producing hairs altogether.
Despite these changes, there is hope! Take steps before and during menopause to thicken your fine hair, starting with volumizing shampoo from Better Not Younger.
How to thicken hair strands
Most volumizing shampoos dry your hair and scalp because they are formulated to achieve lift by aggressively washing away dirt and oil with sulfates. Many companies utilize sodium laurel sulfates (SLS), sodium laureth sulfates (SLES) attain this result. This may be a good idea if you have greasy locks; however, those of us with fine hair need a gentler solution.
The issue is that sulfates work too well and end up stripping away water-proofing oils, proteins, and anti-microbial peptides created by our body’s natural biome. This leaves our scalps vulnerable to dryness, irritation, and inflammation.
Better Not Younger’s Wake Up Call Volumizing Shampoo contains no harsh sulfates, parabens, or other drying ingredients. It adds volume and thickness to thin hair with:
- Arctium Lappa (Burdock) Root — Burdock root nourishes your hair follicles and helps improve scalp blood circulation. It is rich in essential fatty acids and phytosterols to soften hair and tame flyaways. Burdock root is also useful in addressing dandruff and other scalp conditions.
- Humulus Lupulus (Hops) — Hop extract has essential vitamins, minerals, and oils to help thicken and smooth fine hair. These micronutrients also provide an anti-inflammatory effect on your scalp to decrease surface blood vessels.
- Bamboo — Bamboo extract contains up to 70% silica, which is crucial in providing lift while locking in moisture to plump and strengthen strands.
Other Ways to Thicken Your Fine Hair
Try these additional tips to thicken your fine hair:
- Deep condition — To improve texture, treat your hair gently by deep conditioning once or twice a week with Better Not Younger's Hair Redemption Restorative Butter.
- Supplement your diet — Nourish your scalp and roots with biotin, Vitamin E, and other nutrients found in Significant Other Hair Fortifying Vitamins.
- Get a haircut — To add bouncy thickness, consider chopping some length off your locks. Longer hair can weigh your hair down. Additionally, having your hair layered can help your locks appear thicker and give you more style and body.
- Add some color — Coloring your hair can help it look thicker. Using permanent color will temporarily add up to a third more volume to each of your strands. Ask your stylist to use lowlights and highlights. If your hair appears one shade, it can seem flatter and thinner. By introducing complementary colors, your mane takes on a multi-dimensional, natural look. Stylists warn that you should be sure your hair is healthy enough for a dye job and choose a color close to your natural color.
- Protect your hair from heat — Straightening and curling irons, hairdryers, and other styling tools that use heat should be avoided unless you take precautions. High-heat styling tools can sap the moisture from your strands, leaving them thin and weak. To protect your locks, use Better Not Younger's No Remorse Heat Protection & Taming Spray — This gentle spray protects your cuticles from heat damage, preserving moisture and density.
- Use a thickening spray — After shampooing and conditioning, mist Better Not Younger's Lift Me Up Hair Thickener onto your locks. This weightless spray is packed with ceramides to retain moisture and protect your fragile strands. It helps lift your difficult roots and immediately thickens the appearance of your hair.
- Eat hair nourishing foods — If you are eating a well-balanced diet, it will be evident in your hair's texture and volume. A thick, voluminous mane is reliant on a diet full of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C, and iron. And be sure to keep your body hydrated throughout the day by drinking plenty of water.
Thicken Your Fine Hair with Better Not Younger
Better Not Younger is more than just hair care. We are a company founded on the principle that beauty should not be defined by age. Introduce Better Not Younger products into your hair care routine to enjoy thicker, healthier hair at any stage in life.
Visit our online Shop page to view our entire line of high-quality, age-defying solutions.