5 ways to get thicker hair

Your fast ticket to terrific tresses? Our 5 ways to get thicker hair guide.

Party season may be over, but the quest for hero hair remains. Whether you’re blonde, brunette, a redhead or anything in between, it’s safe to say we’d all like thick, healthy locks all year round. And for those of us who aren’t blessed with good genes from the hair gods, achieving a full, bouncy barnet can sometimes be tricky. Thinning hair and hair loss can be a knock on your self-confidence, but it can also suggest an underlying health problem (thinning hair, for example, can be caused by thyroid conditions). We spoke to trichologist Sally-Ann Tarver to discover her secrets in getting hair looking thicker, glossier and happier than ever before.

Eat more protein

No doubt you’re already aware of the role protein plays in our bodies – and how important it is to eat enough. But protein isn’t only a building block for your muscles, protein is also vital in keeping hair thick and healthy. So if your hair is thinning, you may not be getting enough. ‘Increasing the amount of dietary protein you eat can help with nutritional hair loss,’ says Sally-Ann. ‘A reasonable portion of meat or fish every day can make up around half of your 45g quota.’ And if you’re not sure how much you’re getting, it might be time to check. ‘Try adding up how much protein you consume daily for a week to get a feel for how much you really need – you may surprise yourself as to how little you really consume.’

Try Laser Phototherapy

From pills to products, there are multiple ways to treat thinning hair, but it’s Laser Phototherapy that the experts recommend. ‘Laser Phototherapy offers a lotion-free, pill-free method of improving hair structure and growth, with no side effects, scalp irritation or damage to the hair structure,’ explains Sally-Ann. So how does it work? ‘The Theradome LH80 Laser Helmet floods your scalp with photons [particles of light] to energise your hair follicles,’ she says. ‘It’s easy to use; you just put it on your head every other day for 20 minutes. Laser Phototherapy stimulates blood circulation, nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles and helps to produce stronger, healthier, faster growing hair.’

£749, theradomeforhairloss.co.uk

Loosen up

‘Constantly pulling your hair into a tight ponytail, wearing hair extensions and excessive blow-drying will cause strain on your hair follicles and could cause traction alopecia,’ explains Sally-Ann. An ponytail might suit an evening in when you don’t feel like washing your hair, but a temporary fix might be the root cause of your hair’s long-term thinning. ‘If you have thinning hair, choose a loose hairstyle rather than a tight updo, avoid having hair extensions and give your hair a break from excessive styling,’ advises Sally-Ann. You’ll be grateful in the long run.

Increase your iron

‘Low iron is one of the most common causes of hair thinning,’ says Sally-Ann. ‘Life gets stressful in your 30s and busy lives, heavy periods, being a vegetarian or blood donor can lead to low serum ferritin, which is the protein that stores iron in the body.’ You may be able to up your iron intake by making changes to your diet, or trying a daily supplement. ‘Try to reboot hair from the inside out by including lean red meat into your diet or take an iron supplement such as Florisene,’ agrees Sally-Ann.

Don’t skip the conditioner!

Some people use conditioner religiously; others prefer to skip it entirely. However, if your hair is thinning, conditioner might be the key. ‘If you don’t use conditioner, over time hair can become dehydrated, which can then lead to hair becoming damaged and brittle,’ explains Sally-Ann. ‘Look for lightweight conditioners that contain panthenol and glycerin that moisturise and keep fragile hair strong.’

If thinning hair persists, see a trichologist. ‘Don’t ignore the signs that your hair has started to thin,’ advises Sally-Ann. ‘If your ponytail has got noticeably thinner and you’ve started to see your scalp at your hairline, consult an expert and book an appointment.’