These hairstyles will make your hair look thicker
If you have thin, wispy hair you’ll know how hard it is to get a style that stays all day and makes your hair look thicker. In a world of models with super thick hair extensions it’s enough to make you shove a cap on it and give in.
But experts say there are things you can do to naturally not only make your hair look and appear thicker but to actually enable it to grow thicker, too.
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It starts with healthy skin
Hair salon owner and stylist Adele Clarke of Spectrum Hair and ambassador for OSMO hair products says: ‘Believe it or not, it’s very common to have a client sat in the chair suffering from thinning hair, and it can feel quite traumatic. There isn’t one single cause as such, but hormone changes are a big factor, especially post-pregnancy or during the menopause.
‘When our hormones fluctuate, the body can produce excess DHT, a toxin that weakens follicles. Stress and shock can also trigger hair shedding, even if someone feels like they’re coping, the scalp and follicles can tell a different story. Genetics and health conditions like alopecia or the effects of medication, including chemotherapy, can also play a role.’
In fact, it all starts with your health, says Steve O’Brien, Director at the London Centre of Trichology. ‘Unfortunately there can be many causes for thinning hair in women, most common is stress, then low ferritin levels, PCOS, thyroid issues and medications.’
As for shampoos, he says that these are ‘more focused and effective at maintaining a healthy scalp,’ and that ‘not many if any help with hair loss or thinning, treatments mainly topical are more effective as they can stimulate blood flow and oxygen better to the scalp helping the growth strengthen and potentially thicken, some caffeine and plant extract lotions work well for this also argon oil can help slightly.’
Dr Ellie Rashid, Consultant Dermatologist at OneWelbeck says hair health starts with skin – the scalp. ‘To grow thicker hair,’ she says, ‘a combination of scalp health, targeted treatments and lifestyle adjustments are important. Hair thickness is influenced by genetics, hormones, scalp condition and external factors such as diet and stress.
‘One of the most effective approaches involves combination therapies, stimulating the scalp through topical treatments, in-clinic procedures and good cleansing at home. Advanced technologies, such as the Keralase system by Seriderm and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, have shown promising results in improving hair density by enhancing follicle function and boosting the absorption of growth factors.
‘Maintaining a proper hair-washing routine is crucial. Overwashing can strip the scalp of natural oils, leading to dryness and increased breakage, while under-washing can result in buildup, clogged follicles, and inflammation. Washing hair every other day with a clarifying and cleansing shampoo helps maintain a healthy scalp. Scalp exfoliation using mild chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid and glycolic acid can remove dead skin cells and excess sebum, reducing follicle clogging. Lukewarm water is preferable, as hot water weakens the hair shaft, making it prone to breakage.
‘Nutrition plays a role in scalp and hair health,’ Dr Rashid continues. ‘A protein-rich diet that includes eggs, fish, lean meats, and legumes supports better scalp and follicular health. Iron deficiency, particularly in women with heavy periods or plant-based diets is a common cause of hair shedding. Other essential nutrients include vitamin D and zinc. Biotin supplementation is only beneficial in cases of deficiency. Omega-3 fatty acids from oily fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts help maintain scalp hydration and reduce inflammation, while collagen peptides may support hair structure.’
Dr Ellie Rashid says, ‘For those experiencing hair thinning, early intervention is key. Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) is the most common form of thinning in women, and treatments like minoxidil 5% foam can help slow shedding and improve density.
‘More advanced treatments, such as Keralase, PRP therapy and microneedling, have been effective. Injecting platelet-rich plasma into the scalp to stimulate follicle activity can be helpful. The Keralase system by Seriderm takes this a step further by using the thulium laser to create microchannels in the scalp, allowing a growth factor serum (KeraFactor) serum to penetrate deeply. When used consistently, these treatments have been shown to increase hair density, improve thickness, and enhance overall scalp health.
‘To prevent further thinning, it is important to avoid excessive heat styling, harsh chemical treatments and tight hairstyles that pull on the scalp. Smoking reduces circulation to the follicles, while extreme dieting and sudden weight loss can lead to telogen effluvium, a form of stress-induced shedding.
‘Many women have successfully regained thicker hair using a combination of effective scalp cleansing, dietary and nutritional optimisation, addressing nutritional deficiencies, topical preparations such as minoxidil and in clinic follicular stimulating treatment such as PRP and a series of Keralase by Seriderm sessions. Since hair growth cycles are slow, results take several months, but consistency with evidence-based treatments can lead to noticeable improvements in density and volume.’
Scalp sorted… what next?
Hair stylist Nikki Goddard and senior editor at The Right Hairstyles says: ‘In my experience, the leading cause of thinning hair for women is hormonal changes, particularly after pregnancy and during menopause: Hormones control the hair growth cycle and it weakens the hair follicles. The second strongest culprit is chronic stress, because it constricts the blood flow to the scalp over time. Poor nutrition is always a consideration, too, because if the body lacks protein or iron, hair is the first to go since it will prioritize more vital organs.
‘For very mild thinning, I suggest shampoos with caffeine or biotin, as they stimulate the scalp and support hair follicles when they're still intact. For more severe thinning, minoxidil-based products work well, as they push already dormant follicles back into the growth phase. And next step would be a consultation with a dermatologist for more medical-grade treatments or an assessment for more professional endeavours like PRP.
‘I always advise clients to eat more iron-based foods like spinach or lean meat to promote hair growth. Iron carries oxygen to hair follicles, keeping them strong and healthy. Omega-3 from salmon or walnuts helps, too, as it nourishes the scalp from within, allowing it to remain balanced. Regarding supplements, I suggest biotin and vitamin D but always caution women to check with their doctors first via bloodwork since too much can trigger adverse side effects.’
What cut is right?
Stylist Adele Clarke says certain cuts can help make your hair look thicker: ‘When hair feels fine or sparse, texture is your best friend. Cuts like layered bobs, shags, or shorter choppier styles can give the illusion of fullness and movement. The OSMO Extreme Volume range (from £9.25) is brilliant here as the thickening formulations with soybean oil and rice protein give limp hair a serious boost and help styles hold their shape.
‘Avoid long, flat shapes that drag the eye down, or anything pulled tightly back. Instead, ask your stylist for internal layers that support lift. Textured looks maintained with volumising products can transform confidence and make hair feel alive again.’
Nikki Goddard says: ‘Excessively flat and straight hairstyles make thinning hair appear even thinner since they expose the scalp more effectively. I usually recommend soft layers or a textured bob, since they add body and movement, and for some clients, a side part creates instant fullness.’
And, although it may seem obvious to try and create fullness with heat and tongs, Nikki says this should be avoided. ‘The worst habit is aggressive heat styling; constant exposure to high temperatures burns the cuticle and often leads hair shafts to taper over time.
‘I always say instead of flat-ironing daily, try air drying or low heat with heat protectant-infused blow-dryers. The second worst habit is tight hairstyles like ponytails, as pulling stresses out hair follicles and creates traction alopecia, so I suggest looser buns or soft clips.’
Steve O’Brien agrees: ‘Avoid hair extensions, these are so bad for thinning hair with the additional weight, also relaxing/straightening, colouring and using high heat is also very bad.’
What about products?
- As seen on Dragons’ Den, Diso® Derma Skin & Hair Supplements, RRP £10.99 are Vegan and sugar free. Diso have teamed Biotin (aka Vitamin B7) with Folic Acid and Zinc, giving you the ultimate cocktail of hair-stimulating nutrients. Diso Derma also contains Bamboo Extract to improve circulation in your scalp and help produce thicker hair. Place on your tongue and allow the vitamin strip to dissolve.
- Then there’s Curated Beauty Inner Confidence (£60, for 2 months supply) its NMN and vitamin-rich formula can also contribute to healthier hair. By supporting collagen, circulation, and cellular vitality, it helps create a stronger foundation for hair growth and is ideal for women experiencing mid-life changes that affect both their hair and confidence.
- Nikki Goddard recommends OSMO Scalp Therapy Detoxify Shampoo (from £4.80) as it deeply cleanses away product build-up, toxins like DHT and impurities, but without stripping away essential oils.
- Promising healthier-looking hair in 90 days, there is Advanced+ Hair Formula, £35.99 from Hairburst. These capsules contain a trademarked blend of vitamins, developed with expert nutritionists, and clinically proven, high quality ingredients (89% natural) to combat stress and extend the hair’s natural growth phase, protect the hair follicle and support hair health while also improving growth and thickness too.
- If you wanted to go a step further, a non-surgical Keralese treatment costs around £600 for five sessions at around 30 minutes per session. Harnessing the power of advanced LaseMD technology and KeraFactor® Serum, all-new treatment Keralase™ targets all hair loss concerns and conditions promising stronger, thicker, fuller hair. This highly in-demand, non-invasive treatment uses non-ablative fractional laser beams to create microchannels in the skin that the super-serum is absorbed into. The KeraFactor serum combines a set of biomimetic polypeptides and growth factors for scalp revitalisation. With each growth factor individually wrapped in its protective nanoliposome shell, it promises increased absorption due to the particles being small enough to infiltrate the hair duct and make their way into the epidermis.
Next step
What if none of that works? Dr Puroshini Pather, is a Hair Transplant Surgeon at Treatment Rooms London. She says: ‘More therapeutic remedies for hair loss include medications like Minoxidil, which can slow and potentially reverse hair loss. Surgical remedies include hair transplant surgery, to physically restore hair to areas of balding and thinning - for example, in the hairline and hair partings.
‘To nourish your hair and body, choose foods high in protein, which is a vital molecule for providing strength to hair strands. Lean meats, oily fish and eggs all support keratin production. For veggie alternatives, tofu, tempeh, almonds and flaxseeds are also great for hair growth.
‘Get your five a day with fruit and vegetables – berries are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, and leafy greens are filled with vitamin A to support and moisturise the scalp.
‘In terms of supplements, iron and vitamin D are especially important, as deficiencies in either are known to significantly contribute to hair loss. Vitamin D supplements can be particularly helpful during the winter and spring months when sunlight is sparse, to better support the immune system. Biotin can support healthy hair, skin, and nails, but true deficiency is rare, and supplementation is only helpful if levels are low.’
Dr Leah Totton offers treatments at her clinics including Exosome therapy . Exosomes are tiny vesicles that contain growth factors and other bioactive molecules, an innovative regenerative treatment. Exosomes can be directly injected into the scalp to stimulate hair follicles and trigger new hair growth.
Exosome therapy allows for minimal downtime, and results tend to be seen around 6 months post procedure. Exosome therapy is a more natural approach to hair transplants, as the exosomes foster cell-to-cell communication, transferring genetic information to damaged tissue cells and promoting regeneration.
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Therapy is another treatment option for hair loss. PRP is a concentrated source of growth factors which can stimulate cell regeneration and tissue repair, found in our own blood (hence why a small amount of blood is drawn during the procedure). This is then injected into the scalp. No downtime is required, and results are seen at around six months.
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