Amid the return of the iconic ‘90s supermodel blowout, it seems these days everyone is searching for how to get thicker, fuller hair. If you’re a stylist with clientele who have fine, thin hair, the good news is that it’s still possible for them to achieve a luscious-looking mane. However, it will require a little effort in the form of making sure they are properly caring for their scalp and incorporating the right products into their hair routine.
To help you out, The Tease tapped haircare expert and educator Jennifer Charan to share her expert-approved tips for how to make hair look thicker. Ahead, she touches on everything including the importance of scalp care, the best styling techniques for a fuller-looking mane, and the UNITE Hair products she recommends your clients add to their hair routine.
Potential Causes of Hair Thinning:
- Stress: “Chronic stress can disrupt your hair’s natural growth cycle, leading to excessive shedding and thinning.”
- Hormonal imbalances: “Hormonal changes due to pregnancy, menopause, or conditions like PCOS can affect hair growth.”
- Diet: “A lack of essential nutrients like protein, biotin, iron, and omena-3 fatty acids can weaken hair follicles.”
- Bleach damage: “Overprocessing with bleach can weaken the hair shaft, causing breakage that mimics thinning.”
- Daily habits: “Excessive heat styling and tight hairstyles can contribute to thinning over time.
- Aging: “Hair naturally becomes finer with age as the growth cycle slows down.”
The Difference Between Hair Shedding and Hair Thinning:
According to Charan, “hair shedding is a natural part of your hair’s growth cycle, where you lose around 50-100 hairs a day.” It is possible for temporary increases in shedding to occur due to stress, illness, or seasonal changes. “Hair thinning is a reduction in hair density, often caused by factors like genetics, hormonal changes, or prolonged damage,” says Charan. “Thinning hair feels finer, and the scalp may become more visible over time.”
How Seasonal Elements Affect Hair’s Thickness and Volume:
- Cold Weather: “Dry air and indoor heating can strip moisture from your scalp and hair, causing brittleness and thinning.”
- Humidity: “High humidity can weigh down hair, making it look flat and less voluminous.”
- Seasonal Shedding: “Some people experience increased hair shedding in the fall and spring due to changes in their hair’s natural growth cycle.”
Styling Tips for a Fuller Mane:
- Add Volume: “To add body and lift to thin hair, it’s important to use products that are designed to enhance volume and add thickness,” said Charan. “I love UNITE BOOSTA Volumizing Spray ($35.50) because it provides lightweight volume, especially at the roots, making the hair look fuller without weighing it down. BOOSTA Thickening Creme ($35.00) is another product I love to use on damp hair before blow drying. It thickens each strand for a fuller appearance, while adding soft, flexible texture.”
- Try Dry Hairstyling: Charan shares that the cult-favorite UNITE TEXTURIZA Spray ($43.00) is a must-have when it comes to dry hairstyling. “Lift sections of your hair and spray upwards to create that boost of volume,” she says. “I also love using this product when I curl or wave my hair—it gives my waves extra texture and loads of body.”
- Prioritize Scalp Care: “Scalp care is also extremely important!” says Charan. “The scalp is the foundation of healthy hair growth. Neglecting it can result in clogged follicles and weaker, thinner hair strands. A healthy scalp ensures that hair follicles receive the nutrients they need to produce strong, thick hair.”
Thin Hair-Approved Styling Techniques and Cuts:
- Blow-Drying Tricks: “Blow-dry your hair in the opposite direction of where it falls to lift the roots and create maximum volume.”
- Part Switching: “Switch your part to the opposite side for an instant lift and fuller look.”
- Hair Rollers: “Add hair rollers to the crown section and bang section of your hair to give it extra volume and make your hairstyle last longer.”
- Blunt Cuts: “Opt for a classic bob or lob. These two cuts create the illusion of thicker ends.”
- Face-Framing Layers: “For the back, get a straight across cut with no layers. Then, in the front, opt for face-framing layers. This cut will make the back look thick and full. At the same time, the layers in the front will add movement and frame your facial features.”
How to Avoid Excessive Shedding or Thinning:
Charan advises against over-processing the hair with bleach as it can further damage the hair. She also recommends avoiding alcohol-based products as they can dry out the hair and scalp, leading to breakage and brittleness.
For more of Charan’s haircare tips and recommendations, be sure to follow @haiirologybyjen on Instagram.
