Swap shampoo with sulfates for sulfate-free shampoo. [1] X Research source Sulfates are harsh cleaners that are effective at stripping away the oils in your hair. The problem is that without the protection of natural oils, hair gets easily damaged and frayed. Choose a shampoo made with oils and natural cleansers that won’t be too harsh for your hair. Replace commercially-manufactured conditioner with something made with natural ingredients. Conditioners can contain sulfates, too, and they also contain other chemicals that can be hard on your hair. Replace your conditioner with one that is made with coconut oil, aloe, and other natural conditioners. You can also try substituting an apple cider vinegar solution - it makes hair soft, supple and shiny. Toss out hair sprays, gels, and pomades containing a lot of chemicals and alcohol. Applying these to your hair can dry it out and damage it over time. Use them sparingly or replace them with hair products containing natural ingredients.
Wash it less frequently. Washing your hair every day doesn’t give your scalp time to produce the natural oils that coat your hair and keep it healthy. Wash it three times a week at most. Use dry shampoo to freshen it up between washings. Blot your hair dry. Instead of wringing it out and roughly toweling it, use a soft towel to gently squeeze your hair and blot it dry. Use a wide-toothed comb instead of a brush. Brushing your hair can pull it out, and especially never brush your hair when it’s wet. Use a wide toothed comb to work out the tangles gently by starting from the ends and working up the hair shaft. If you do use a brush, then make sure to brush your hair gently. [2] X Research source
Get plenty of protein. Protein makes hair thick and shiny. Make sure you’re getting enough in your diet by eating a lot of fish, lean meat, nuts, and eggs. [3] X Research source Eat omega-3 fatty acids. These healthy fatty acids promote hair growth. Eat sardines, walnuts, avocados, and pumpkin seeds. Eat spinach and other leafy greens to get enough vitamin C. Take vitamins. Prenatal vitamins, especially, contain ingredients that help thicken your hair. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Keep it out of the sun. Direct sunlight can damage your hair just like it can damage your skin. If you’re out in the sun a lot, start wearing a hat or a scarf to keep your hair safe. Protect it from pollution. Do you have a morning commute that involves walking near heavy traffic? Pollution from cars, buses and other automobiles can cause your hair to dry out. Consider wearing a hat when you’re in areas with traffic. Don’t expose it to chlorine or salt water. Chlorine in swimming pools and salt water in the ocean are a common cause of dry, damaged hair. Over time it can cause your hair to become thinner. Wear a swim cap in the pool. Rinse your hair before exposing to chlorine or salt water. When you don’t wear a cap, be sure to wash out the chlorine as soon as you get out of the pool.
If possible, remove the stress from your life or deal with it using healthy methods like meditation, exercise and getting plenty of sleep. Knowing that your hair is thinning can itself become a source of stress. Ease your worry by employing new strategies to help your hair grow thick, like using natural products, skipping chemical treatments and eating a nutritious diet.
Growth-stimulating shampoos replace your normal shampoo with substances that are said to promote growth. Products like Rogaine are applied to the head over the course of several sessions, after which new hair growth will hopefully appear. Products like mousse can help because they allow the hair to sit up a little higher.
Hair extensions, weaves, and clip-ins can be a great way to add length, volume, and color to your hair.
