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Not everyone is blessed with thick, luscious locks. Several factors, including genetics, aging, hormones, and overusing styling tools and products, can cause flat or thin hair. Active hair loss also contributes to thinning hair. The good news is that there are many ways to increase hair volume/density.
In this article, we'll explore effective ways to boost hair volume/density, prevent hair loss, and provide practical and professional treatments to achieve thicker, fuller hair. You may also want to read about hair porosity as that attribute also determines the best way to take care of your hair.
Table of contents:
Factors Affecting Hair Volume/Density
Your hair volume/density may be low due to multiple factors. First, we will discuss those factors so you can find the reason for your low hair volume/density. Once you have identified the cause for your low hair volume/density, you can move to the next section to find the corresponding solution.
Diet
A diet that lacks essential nutrients like protein, iron, and biotin can contribute to hair loss and thinning. So, if your diet lacks such nutrients, you've found one of the reasons for your hair's poor quality.
Hormones
Hormonal changes can affect hair growth and thickness. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid imbalances can lead to hair loss or thinning.
Hair disorders
Hair disorders affecting the hair root or strands can contribute to low hair volume/density. When hair follicles stop producing new hair or existing hairs become weak and fall out, the scalp may appear thin and sparse, leading to a decrease in hair volume/density. Conditions such as androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, and anagen effluvium can all cause hair loss and contribute to low hair volume/density.
Haircare practices
Overusing hair styling tools such as blow dryers, straighteners, and curling irons can damage hair and lead to breakage. Chemical treatments such as coloring, perming, or relaxing hair can weaken strands. Additionally, using the wrong type of hair products or harsh ingredients can strip the hair of its natural oils and contribute to dryness and breakage.
Age
As you age, your hair may naturally become thinner and more fragile. This is due to a decrease in hair follicle size and activity.
Genetics
Your genes play a significant role in determining the thickness and texture of your hair. If your parents or close family members have thin or fine hair, you may be more likely to have the same hair type.
Medications
Some medications can cause hair loss or reduction in hair volume and density through various mechanisms. For instance, chemotherapy and antithyroid drugs can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle, leading to hair loss.
Others, such as beta-blockers (antihypertensive drugs) and anticoagulants (blood thinners), may interfere with the blood supply to the hair follicles, affecting their function. Additionally, medications such as retinoids and anticonvulsants can induce telogen effluvium by causing premature entry of follicles into the resting phase of the hair growth cycle, resulting in increased hair shedding.
The extent and duration of hair loss or reduction in hair volume and density may vary depending on the drug, dosage, duration of usage, and individual factors.
How to Increase Hair Volume/Density
There are various ways to increase hair volume. They depend on the primary reason for the low hair volume.
What to Eat to Increase Hair Volume: Lifestyle Changes & Stress Management
In most cases, lifestyle changes can help increase hair volume and prevent hair loss. A balanced diet with protein, iron, riboflavin, folate, biotin, and vitamin B12 can promote hair growth and thickness.
For protein, non-vegetarians already know what to do. Vegetarians can increase protein intake by incorporating legumes, nuts and seeds, whole grains, soy products, and dairy into their diet. Consuming various protein-rich foods throughout the day can ensure you get adequate amounts of this important nutrient. However, it's challenging to do this over a long period of time.
The easiest and most efficient option would be to use protein supplements, as adding that to your daily milk consumption will be easy. I would advise you to try out supplements like Nestle Resource High Protein.
For iron and biotin, you should take dietary supplements. You could take something like Hautvit Forte Supplement.
Exercise regularly as it helps improve blood circulation to the scalp, nourishes hair follicles, and promotes hair growth.
Stress management techniques like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can help reduce stress levels and prevent hair loss.
It takes time for lifestyle interventions to start showing positive changes in physical appearance. Keep at it for at least six months to see results.
Hair Volume Increase Products
Your haircare routine is crucial in promoting hair volume and preventing hair loss. Using the right shampoo and conditioner can make a difference. Look for products containing redensyl, minoxidil, and biotin that promote hair growth and prevent hair loss.
Hair Loss Treatment
To promote hair volume, it is vital to address any underlying causes of hair loss and take steps to promote healthy hair growth. The following could be the reasons for your hair loss: - Underlying Illness - Aging - Hormonal Imbalance Hair loss treatments could involve using medications like redensyl and minoxidil. Other treatments could be PRP (platelet-rich plasma) growth factor concentrate therapy, mesotherapy (I have an article on mesotherapy for face, too), hair botox, or even a hair transplant. A hair transplant involves transferring hair from the back of your scalp to thinning areas, creating natural-looking hair growth.
Increase Hair Volume using Styling Techniques
Age and genes-related low hair volume can only be addressed by styling techniques: - Scalp micro-pigmentation involves tattooing the scalp to create the illusion of thicker hair. - Hair extensions can add volume and length to your hair. - Backcombing and teasing can create a voluminous effect, but be careful not to damage your hair. - A blowout can also add volume to your hair. - Using a curling iron or hot rollers can create volume and texture. - Braids can also add volume and create an illusion of thicker hair.
- Volumizing products like mousses and sprays can also add volume to your hair.
However I would strongly advise against adopting these hair styling practices into an everyday routine due to the risk of permanent damage to hair cuticles, hair shaft fracture, and hair root damage.
Conclusion
Increasing hair volume is possible with the right lifestyle changes, haircare routine, styling techniques, professional treatments, avoiding haircare mistakes, and addressing hair loss issues.
Once you've identified the reason for low hair volume, with a little effort and patience, you can achieve thicker, fuller hair that will boost your confidence and self-esteem.
It is recommended that you visit a dermatologist who can diagnose the underlying cause and provide personalized treatment options for optimal hair volume.