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Looking for a simple solution to thicken hair naturally? I’m always trying to find new ways to make my long and thin hair look thicker. But, many products you find in the store for volumizing hair contain harsh chemicals and can often cause more harm to your delicate hair. If you’re like me, you want to have full thicker hair that is both shiny and healthy looking and the best way to get this is by using only natural ingredients.
Not only are the harsh chemicals bad because they can be absorbed through your skin, but they can also cause your hair to break more easily or cause hair loss as well. When I was in college quite a few years ago, I used to tease my hair and spray it with hairspray to make it appear thicker. Even though it worked for some time, it just caused more damage to my hair and the toxic chemicals in the hair spray were frightening. But, there’s no need to use harmful chemical laden products, because there are several effective ways to thicken hair naturally!
Why is Thinning Hair so Common?
Over 60% of women have thinning hair or are dealing with some type of hair loss.
There are many health conditions and simple vitamin deficiencies that can cause hair to thin or thin hair may just be a genetic trait in your family. To treat thinning hair it is best if you can find out the cause. However, even if you don’t know the cause, there are many effective ways to thicken hair naturally that are very successful and simple to do. You can see results in just a few weeks to a few months!
Causes of Thin Hair
There are many causes that could be the reason you have thin hair or are experiencing hair loss. Listed below are just a few of the most common causes. In order to determine the underlying cause, you may want to see a Naturopathic doctor who can help you by getting appropriate blood tests to find out why your hair is thinning.
-Shampoo: If you’re shampoo contains harmful ingredients such as sodium laureth sulfate, which has been linked to causing hair loss, switch to a natural shampoo immediately. Castile soap makes a great all natural shampoo.
-Copper Deficiency– A deficiency in copper can cause hair thinning and other symptoms such as fatigue. A lack of this mineral is common because it can be difficult to absorb and those who supplement often with zinc, have even more trouble absorbing it. Women who supplemented with cooper saw an increase in hair growth by 38%.
-Manganese deficiency- German researchers found that some women were deficient in this mineral and those who took 10mg daily re-grew their hair in just 3 months.
–Hypothyroidism– One of the most common symptoms is hair thinning. This is easy to check with a simple blood test.
-Vitamin D Deficiency– Hair loss is one of the primary symptoms of a deficiency in vitamin D.
-Hormonal Imbalance– A disruption in the balance of your hormones, such as estrogen or testosterone can cause hair loss.
-Stress – Due to increased cortisol levels, stress can cause hair thinning and hair loss.
5 Ways to Thicken Hair Naturally
1. Castor Oil:
Castor oil has been used successfully for many years for increasing hair growth, not only for your head, but also for eyebrows and eyelashes. It helped my mom grow back her eyebrows. It is well known for the many health benefits it provides including its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and anti-fungal properties. Castor oil is high in omega 3 fatty acids, ricinoleic acid, and vitamin E, in addition to many other minerals and proteins. These nutrients help nourish the hair and scalp to increase growth. Castor oil also increases circulation, which is critical for promoting hair growth.
How to use it: Take a few tablespoons of castor oil (use more or less depending on how long your hair is) and massage it into your scalp. Make sure to use pure castor oil that is hexane free.
It is a thick oil, so it may be a little difficult to spread. You can mix it with a thinner oil to make it a little easier to put on, like coconut oil. (Just mix 1/2 coconut oil with 1/2 castor oil). Continue to massage it into your scalp for several minutes, then begin to work it through the rest of your hair. Let it sit on your hair for an hour or two, then wash it out. Try to do this at least once a week or several times a week for better results.
2. Onion Juice:
Onion juice increases circulation and decreases inflammation of the hair follicles, which promotes hair growth and decreases hair breakage. The onion juice also acts as a natural antioxidant to reverse the damage caused by a buildup of hydrogen peroxide on the scalp, which is associated with hair loss.
See how to make onion juice and how to use it to thicken hair naturally in my post.
3. Ginseng:
Applying ginseng to treat thinning hair works because the beneficial compounds it contains help stimulate blood flow to your scalp and hair follicles, which aids in the regeneration of cells to promote hair growth. I use these American gingseng capsules. I empty the capsule and mix it with oil to make it easy to apply.
How to use it: Empty one ginseng powder capsule and add it to 3 to 4 tablespoons of oil (you can use coconut oil or jojoba oil). Stir the mixture and apply it to your scalp. Continue to massage it into your scalp for about 5 minutes. Repeat several times per week or daily.
4. Massaging Scalp:
One of the simplest ways to promote hair growth and reverse thinning hair is to just to massage your scalp daily. Massaging your scalp increases blood flow and promotes circulation to stimulate hair growth. Just use your hands to massage your scalp for about 5 minutes, two times a day. I do it once in the morning and once at night.
5. Essential Oils:
There are quite a few essential oils that have been shown to promote new hair growth and prevent hair breakage. Two of the most common that are used to increase hair thickness are: grapeseed oil and cedarwood essential oil. Grapeseed oil contains a high amount of essential fatty acids and Vitamin E which promotes thicker hair. Additional beneficial essential oils include lavender, rosemary, and thyme.
How to use it: Add 5 drops of one of these essential oils to 2 to 3 tablespoons of a carrier oil (coconut oil or jojoba oil works great). Mix them together and apply to your scalp with your fingers. Continue massaging it on to your scalp for about 5 minutes. Repeat several times a week.
2 Ways to Make Your Hair Look Thicker Instantly!
If you start using some of the above mentioned ways to thicken your hair, you should see results in a few weeks or within a few months. But, if you want your hair to have more volume and look thicker instantly, there are two natural ways to do it.
1. Baking Soda-
This is an easy way to thicken hair naturally instantly! Instead of washing your hair with shampoo, use baking soda. Typical shampoos leave behind residue that builds up on the hair shaft and can leave your hair flatter, more dull, and looking thin. To wash your hair with baking soda, take a 3 to 4 tablespoons of baking soda and add about 3/4 cup of water. Mix them together and it will form a liquid mixture that can be used in place of shampoo.
The baking soda removes the build up of residue and will instantly leave your hair looking thicker. With continued use it also works great because it stimulates the hair follicles and the exfoliation it provides can boost hair growth over time.
2. Apple Cider Vinegar-
After you wash your hair, take 1/2 cup of apple cider vinegar and pour it over your hair as a hair rinse. Do not rinse it out with water, leave it in your hair and dry as usual. The apple cider vinegar is full of nutrients and it helps balance the pH levels of your scalp. After you dry your hair you will see it will have instantly more volume. This is because the vinegar removes the build up of residue on your hair.
Not only is apple cider vinegar great for adding volume to your hair instantly, but with continued use it will also promote hair growth and decrease hair breakage due to its rich source of vitamins and nutrients.
My Results So Far
I’ve been using a combination of all of these methods to thicken hair naturally for a few years now and my hair is noticeably thicker. I currently wash my hair with either castile soap or my homemade coconut milk shampoo most days. Then, at least once a week I wash my hair with baking soda, which really helps to increase my hair volume as it removes built up residue. I always use apple cider vinegar instead of conditioner. I continue to use all the methods to thicken hair naturally throughout the week; making sure to use castor oil, ginseng, or onion juice on my scalp at least once a week to maintain my increased hair growth.
Hey Lori! I am a 16-year old girl. I have thin hair (my scalp can easily be seen) and my hairline has always been strange. As in when I tie a pony tail, the region around the left side of my forehead looks slightly bald (but in reality, there are no hair strands growing over there) and the region around the right side of my forehead seems to look okay. It would be great if you could suggest me any hair mask or useful ingredient that I could use to get thick hair on my scalp and reduce baldness appearance.
Thankyou,
Rey
In addition to the remedies listed above, you can check out my post on using onion juice for hair growth.
hi….i am an an african, a Ghanaian to be precise… i used to have very thick hair when i was a child…but growing up my hair has become very thin….i have tried a coupl e of things like streching my relaxer ..that has helped but i really want thick hair pretty fast …i dont want the onion method … but which of the other methods is faster ?
I use a combination of all of them to get the best results.
What great ideas. I gave birth almost 19 years ago and I still take my prenatal vitamin. But since I’m over the BIG 40 I’m finding more of my hair everywhere except on my head. My Hubby went out of town last week on business and found a clump of my hair the size of a silver dollar. My hair is reaches the waist band of my jeans so it’s sorta long. I just wish I could make the edges look better I also color my hair do you know if I can use some of your remedies on my hair?
You definitely can!
Are you supposed to massage in the ACV?
I just pour it over my head because it’s hard to massage in.
I researched Collagen Hydroslate and decided to get the Perfect Supplements brand. It has done wonders for my hair!
Glad it has helped!
Hi Lori, suggest the simplest way to thicken hair,too many tips are written here.Thanks.
If you have fine hair, do NOT use baking soda. It dries out your hair. I found this out the hard way after it broke a good amount of my hair off.
I rinsed with apple cider vinegar last week and my hair still smells like it. I smell like a wet dog.
I’m surprised. I’ve never noticed a smell after it dries. Did it still remain after you shampooed?
Can the baking soda / acv combo be used together, at the same time?
Would you recommend this for a male?
T.Y. Robin
I would use the baking soda first, rinse it out, then use the ACV.
Hi
I’m in my early teens and am really worried as my hair is clearly thinning. I went to the doctor’s about it and got a blood test yet the signs they usually look for ( low iron, etc) were all normal. However they did say I have vitamin D deficiency. I assumed that this would explain the sudden thinning of hair but I know several people with really low levels of vitamin D with thick thick hair. I haven’t found direct correlation between vitamin d deficiency and hair loss other than in this article. I’m really hoping you could reply as it’s especially scary knowing my hair is thinning when I’m barely into my teens I have no clue what I’m supposed to do as I don’t think I’m even allowed to use regaine yet (we have it in the uk but I don’t think I can use it). I know if I start some sort of medication that if I stop using it, everything will go back to normal. Please reply, thank you for the post.
There’s quite a bit of information online about hair loss caused by vitamin D deficiency. That’s great you found out you have the deficiency and can remedy it 🙂
Thank you so much! ?
I heard about acv..but I didn’t tried it..so many acv products are there..which acv is better..how much volume is enough for men..???
I just use pure apple cider vinegar, the Braggs brand.
Thanks Lori!
I’ll be sure to notify any improvement! ?
Thanks Lori!
I’m gonna follow the tips. ?
Apple cider vinegar what type.of thing
hii i am n asian.my hair is dry.here in my country we oil our hair after the shower not before.(thats how i have been doing all my life.also other people i know do). i can’t stay without oiling my hair after my shower.if i dnt oil then its like a bird’s nest. so many tangles.i need your advice.and i have lot of broken hairs which doesn’t grow at all.i have those broken hairs alot.(my mom doesn’t allow me to apply a egg mask bcoz it smells n says that bathroom smells really bad)
Hi lori. …my mom is facing the problem of patchy baldness. ….plzz suggest some remedy
Hi lori. ..I am really interested in knowing the best way to thicken my hair. ..nd my mum has patchy baldness over her scalp…can u suggest some remedy…she is 45 yrs old
All of the remedies above have really helped me.
could you please tell me if i use onion juice on my head and and later maybe wash it off with baking soda, it wont result in any side effects or something like that, right? P.S i am a guy.
I’ve used baking soda to wash my hair after with no problem.
At our local vitamin shop the ladies suggested talking whey protein – it takes about 6 months for hair to thicken. The two ladies who work in the store use to suffer from thinning hair now regularly drink the protein to maintain full hair – they’re in their early 60’s….their hair is beautiful and full!
after the soda wash nd apple vinegar…
which oil cn i use ??
I just dry my hair after the ACV. You can use coconut oil as a hair mask though.
Curious about the ACV. Since this stuff is a beautiful multi tool I can see it being great for hair… my issue is… it has quite a powerful aroma… does that smell stay when you leave it in?
The smell doesn’t remain after my hair dries.
Hi !! I am new to your website..
I was thinking of using baking soda method but I have a question.
Will baking soda dry hair too much? Because I have a dry hair.
It can be a little drying, just like shampoo, it removes the oils. I like to use ACV as a conditioner afterwards to help moisturize.
is it necessary to use ACV after washing the hair from baking soda??
You don’t have to, but I like to. If not using ACV, then I would use something else as a conditioner.
hy.. if we use the ACV as a condtioner.. and no need to rinse it with water.. doesnt it smell like vinegar after that?? bcus i would like too use ASV..
I’ve never noticed a smell after my hair dries.
Was your hair thin before you started these remedies?
Yes, my hair is naturally very thin. But, it was also seeming to be thinner after I hit my mid 20’s.
hi what about hair loss due to medication? I’ve lost over half my hair over the 10 years I’ve been on Methotrexate can you suggest anything for me? Thanks
I would ask your doctor about it. Wish I could be more helpful.
So how long did it take you to thicken your hair, what were different remidies that you used and when did you start seeing a difference?
I’ve been using just about all of them. I think I noticed a difference after about 6 months to a year (long time I know).
do it pemarnently thick after use acp and baking soda?
ACV can help with hair growth because of all the nutrients 🙂
it’s only for gals or we boys can use all the above methods for growth & to prevent hair loss …..
It works for guys too!
my hair is breaking and it gets messy when I braid!
what can I do for breaking of hair and split ends?
Do you use any hair masks? That might be helpful. What type of shampoo do you use?
i used to use soap everyday. but now i use aloe Vera juice and not any shampoo.
Aloe Vera is great!
HAI LORI MY HAIR IS SO CURLY AFTER THE APPLE FALLING ON MY HEAD
HOW CAN I MAKE IT STRAIGHT BUT NOT TOOO STRAIGHT ?????????
LOL
try to drink maximum glasses of water that will find solutions for both u r hair as well as face problems .
wash u r face
I am suffering baldness…and even my forehead is broad.Plz give some tips to remove baldness
isn’t avc and baking soda harmful for the scalp and hair.Do they reduce the hairfall…???
I haven’t heard anything about it being harmful. ACV is said to be very beneficial because it contains many nutrients and minerals.
How exactly do I apply the vinegar? Do i need to dilute it and is it really safe to just leave it in without rinsing?
I apply it straight most of the time. But, you can also mix it with water too. I leave it in without rinsing after for the best results.