Do Hair Thickeners Work?

Experiencing thinning hair can really impact your confidence, and it will likely lead you to a bunch of hair thickening products that promise fuller, more luscious tresses. Do these hair thickeners actually work, though, or are they a marketing ploy? This article will demystify hair thickeners, showing you exactly what they can – and can’t – do.

What is a Hair Thickener?

A hair thickener is a cosmetic product that typically comes as a spray, and it adds more volume to the hair when applied. You can also get thickening serums, shampoos, conditioners, and foams. These products do not aim to stimulate hair growth or fix hair loss; instead, they are meant to give the illusion of thicker hair, which lasts for as long as the product stays put.

So, Do Hair Thickeners Work?

For what they want to achieve – yes! The best hair thickener products can definitely make your hair look more voluminous for a day or two. These products work by coating the hair shaft, which increases the diameter of each strand, giving the appearance of thicker hair overall. Different ingredients are used in different hair thickening products, with some being more effective than others.

The key thing to remember is that hair thickeners often work well for giving the hair a thicker appearance, but they do not improve hair thickness or density in the long run. They are only temporary, and you need to keep applying daily to continue receiving the effect. To treat hair loss, you will need a specific hair loss treatment.

How to Use a Hair Thickener

Hair thickeners can be a fantastic part of anyone’s hair care routine, especially those with thinner or finer locks. Here’s how to use one.

Find the Right Product

First, find the right hair thickener that works specifically with your hair type. There are lots of hair thickener products out there, so this search may be a little difficult! If you have curly or wavy hair, aim for hair thickening foams, gels, or conditioners, as these will not wear your hair down so much. If you have very fine hair, a hair thickening spray that adds a fibre coating around each strand would work well.

In addition to choosing the right type of hair thickener for your hair type, pay attention to the quality of the product, as there are many different brands, and some are better than others. Looking at customer reviews can help here.

For Hair Thickening Sprays

If using a hair thickening spray, shake the can before use and always apply to clean and dry hair. It’s best to keep some distance between the can and your hair, as otherwise, you’ll apply too much to one small area, which will lead to a build-up on the scalp. Brush your hair through after application and enjoy the results for the day.

For Hair Thickening Conditioners

To use a hair thickening conditioner, apply it directly after shampooing in the shower. You will only need a small amount. Most products require you to leave it in for a couple of minutes before rinsing out, but read the instructions thoroughly – some leave-in conditions may also double as a hair thickener.

For Hair Thickening Foams

You apply hair thickening foams to damp hair, so apply a little after washing your hair. Pump the product into your hands, and then apply evenly throughout the hair, starting at the roots. It’s best to do this with your head upside down for increased volume. Once you have done this, complete by blow drying your hair or leaving it to air dry, and then styling as you usually would.

Of course, these are very general instructions, so always read the product’s description carefully to use yours properly.

Problems with Using a Hair Thickener

Hair thickeners are not miracle workers. They are fantastic products that can give your hair some oomph when you need it most, but they won’t thicken your hair forever. In fact, there are several potential issues with using hair thickeners to be aware of:

Changes to Hair Colour

Some hair thickeners may temporarily change your hair colour. This usually only occurs with hair thickening sprays or powders. For example, if you have blonde hair and use a hair thickener designed for darker hair, your hair colour may look off after using it. Fortunately, there’s a simple fix to purchasing a hair thickener specifically for your hair type and shade.

A Build-Up of Product

One of the most significant issues with hair thickeners is they can lead to product build-up. It can cause a myriad of problems, including irritation, excessively greasy hair, a dry scalp, and, in the worst cases, even hair loss due to hair follicle clogging. To avoid this, you should avoid applying too much to the scalp and always wash the product out, preferably with a clarifying shampoo.

Leaking When You Sweat

Hair thickeners will wash out when you wash your hair with shampoo or conditioner, which is exactly what you want. What you don’t want is for the product to leak when going about your everyday life, but it can happen! If you happen to get wet in the rain or start sweating, you may find the product leaks.

They Are Not Permanent

As mentioned, hair thickeners are not permanent – they will give your hair more thickness in the short term, but they will not do anything for your hair beyond that. For those who want to wake up each morning with a full head of luscious locks, a hair thickener may not be the way forward. That’s especially true for people experiencing hair loss.

How to Thicken Your Hair Permanently

Thickening your hair permanently is a little more complicated than spritzing some thickening sprays on your roots and heading out for the day; it requires patience and dedication. There are several ways to help grow thicker hair, including:

Changing Your Diet

A healthy diet leads to healthy hair. If you have a deficiency, it could cause the hair to fall out. Addressing this will help your hair grow back, thus equalling thicker hair. There is even such a thing as a hair thickening diet, which includes foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins, including avocadoes, spinach, Greek yoghurt, nuts, eggs, oysters, berries, and salmon.

Looking After Your Scalp

Your hair grows from your scalp, so it makes sense to look after it if you want to grow thicker hair! To look after your scalp, use a gentler shampoo that doesn’t contain too many harsh chemicals. Try to massage your scalp regularly, too, as this motion can stimulate the hair follicles and boost hair growth.

Lowering Stress Levels

Too much stress can cause the hair to fall out, and this is called telogen effluvium. If you want to keep your strands, live a life as free from stress as possible. This is obviously easier said than done, so if you’re struggling with excessive anxiety or stress, see your doctor.

Using a Hair Loss Medication

Hair loss medications can be highly effective for regrowing hair. The most popular are minoxidil and finasteride – the former works for both men and women and is available over the counter, while the latter is for men and is prescription-only. You can’t get finasteride for hair regrowth on the NHS, either.

Getting a Hair Transplant

The most effective way to thicken hair is undoubtedly a hair transplant. Hair transplants help those with androgenetic alopecia regrow their hair. It involves a minor surgical procedure that harvests hair follicles from the back or sides of the scalp and transplants them to the thinning or balding section. If your hair loss is extensive, it’s definitely a procedure to consider.

Struggling with Hair Loss?

If you are struggling with hair loss, your first step should be determining the cause. It may be something temporary, such as hormonal changes during menopause or telogen effluvium due to too much daily stress. It may also be due to the most common reason: androgenetic alopecia. [1] Starting your hair restoration journey is essential in either case, as the sooner you treat hair loss, the better. To get in touch with the best hair specialists in the business and track your hair loss/growth, download our revolutionary hair track app, where you can make no-obligation hair transplant consultations and get advice from experts.

In Summary

The good news is that hair thickeners really do work! They do what is advertised – give the appearance of thicker hair overall. People sometimes get confused and assume that hair thickeners can thicken their hair over time, leading to more permanent results, but that’s not the case. If you purchase a hair thickener product with realistic expectations, you likely won’t be disappointed with the results.

If you are experiencing hair loss, a hair thickener will only help in the short term, as it cannot help you regrow hair. That’s where a hair restoration treatment is necessary – one that targets the hair follicles rather than the strands. If you want to see what a hair restoration treatment like hair transplant surgery can do, check out our patients gallery.

Sources:

1. https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/androgenetic-alopecia/