6 Ways to Thicken Your Hair Naturally

Some of us were lucky to be born with naturally voluminous and shiny hair, but for many, it might take some work. While you can always fake the fullness with volumizing shampoos, it’s only a temporary fix and doesn’t actually affect the structure of your hair shaft. But there is actually a lot you can do to make your hair grow faster and thicker, and most of these methods are simple and easily affordable.

We at Bright Side also want our hair to look its best, so we searched for the easiest tricks that can help you achieve that.

1. Add more protein to your diet.

If you decided to go vegetarian, you might want to pay more attention to how much zinc you’re getting through your diet. Research has shown that people who don’t eat meat are at higher risk of developing a zinc deficiency, which, in turn, may lead to hair loss. Because protein helps the body to get the most out of this essential nutrient, vegetarians and vegans should consume twice as much zinc as recommended.

2. Opt for gentle shampoos.

Your favorite shampoo might make an incredible foam, but if you want your hair to be naturally thicker, you might want to read the labels more carefully. Sulfates that cause this foamy lather aren’t doing your strands any favors, especially if you have sensitive skin and thin hair. While they are effective in removing dirt, sulfates can also strip too much of the natural oils your hair needs to stay healthy.

3. Stay away from styling tools.

When you barely have time to finish your coffee in the morning, it’s totally understandable you want to reach for your hair dryer to dry your locks as quickly as you can. But high-heat styling tools can actually keep you from achieving thicker and stronger strands. When you put direct heat onto your hair, it creates little holes in the protective layer of the hair, which can damage your locks and lead to breakage.

4. Pay attention to your scalp.

You probably use scrubs and exfoliators to keep the skin on your face and body perfectly smooth, but your scalp deserves just as much care. The glands on your scalp produce sebum that builds up over time, and shampoo alone may not be enough to remove it. Using an exfoliant for your scalp helps to keep it healthy and encourages your hair to grow faster.

5. Don’t overuse dry shampoo.

When you don’t have the time or energy to properly wash your hair, it might seem tempting to spray dry shampoo on your less-than-fresh hair. But while it’s totally safe to use every now and then, reaching for the dry shampoo too often can damage your locks and lead to breakage, clogged follicles, and even hair loss.

6. Don’t forget vitamin C.

In addition to its many health benefits, vitamin C can strengthen your hair and help it grow thicker. It’s vital for collagen production, it prevents breakage, and it can even keep premature hair graying at bay. Most of us know that citrus is a great source of vitamin C, but it can also be found in broccoli, kale, and strawberries.

Do you have naturally thick or fine hair? Do you know any hacks to help your hair look fuller?