6 Ways To Improve Your Hair's Fullness and Lustre

Thinning hair can be a frustrating and distressing issue for many of us, but did you know it's a common problem that affects millions of people worldwide? In fact, hair loss affects 49 per cent of women at some point in their life. Fortunately, there are solutions for every level of hair thinning. Below are 6 tips that can help you to make your hair look fuller and more voluminous, so you can feel confident and beautiful in your own skin.

But first, why am I losing my hair?

Hormonal changes

As we age, our bodies produce less oestrogen and progesterone, which can lead to hair thinning and loss. This is why it can be one of the many symptoms we might get during menopause or perimenopause. It can also occur during pregnancy or after giving birth. 

Genetics

You can't help your genes! Hair thinning can be hereditary, which means it may run in your family. So if your mother or grandmother experienced hair loss or thinning, you may be more likely to experience it as well.

Stress

Yet another reason to take some time out to read a book or simply have a cup of tea every once and a while. Hair loss is one of the many health problems that can be caused by stress. This is because during stressful times, your body produces more of the hormone cortisol, which triggers this change. 

Poor nutrition

A good diet is beneficial for a lot of reasons, but did you know that if you're low in protein, healthy fats, and vitamins, you may find more stray strands than usual? This is because your hair needs these nutrients to grow strong and healthy.

Medications

Certain medications, such as chemotherapy drugs, can cause hair loss or thinning as a side effect. Other medications that can have an impact include antidepressants, blood thinners, and medications used to treat high blood pressure.

Medical conditions

In extreme cases, your hair loss could be the result of a medical condition. Some examples include hair thinning or loss caused by thyroid problems, autoimmune disorders, and alopecia areata. You may have heard of alopecia before because actress Jada Pinkett Smith has spoken about her personal experiences with this condition.

She said on Red Table Talk: “I think the part that makes it the most difficult for me is that it comes and goes. You’re going through a spot of something and you have to shave your head because it’s falling out.”

So what can I do?

Use volumising products

Look for shampoos, conditioners, and styling products that are specifically designed to add volume to your hair. You could try Rodan and Fields Volume+ Shampoo, which is packed with powerhouse ingredients that leave hair feeling fuller, or New Nordic Hair Volume Shine Serum, which also leaves hair looking healthy and silky.

When choosing volumising products, look for ingredients like panthenol (just like ColorWow Speed Dry Spray), which can help to thicken hair strands, and wheat protein, which can help to strengthen hair and prevent breakage. Avoid heavy, oily products that can weigh down your hair and make it look even thinner.

Get a haircut

Getting a haircut is another simple way to make your hair look fuller and thicker. To achieve this goal, opt for a style with layers. Other options include a chin-length bob, a pixie cut or a shoulder-length style if you don't want to go too short. 

Adding bangs to your cut can give the illusion of fuller, thicker hair (particularly side-swept bangs) as they can cover up any sparse areas around the hairline. Your hairdresser can help you choose a style that flatters your face shape and makes the most of your hair's natural texture.

Boost your nutrition

Eating a healthy, balanced diet can help to promote healthy hair growth. Focus on getting plenty of protein, healthy fats, and vitamins like biotin, vitamin D and iron. These nutrients can help to nourish your hair from the inside out, making it stronger and more resilient. Go for foods like eggs, fish, nuts, sweet potatoes, salmon, mushrooms, spinach and broccoli. There's plenty of variety to add some flavour and colour to your plate. 

Be gentle with your hair

To prevent further damage and breakage, be gentle with your hair. Avoid harsh chemicals, heat styling tools, and tight hairstyles that can put stress on your hair. Instead, opt for gentle, low-impact styling techniques that won't damage your hair or cause breakage. This might include air drying your hair after a wash, using soft rollers overnight to achieve a fuller look and detangling your locks with a soft-bristled brush. A great option is Ugly Swan Scream-Free Maxi Detangling Hair Brush.

When washing your hair, use lukewarm water and a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo. If you're not sure where to start, try Silk Oil of Morocco's Argan Vegan Volumizing Sulfate Free Shampoo! Avoid rubbing your hair vigorously with a towel, as this can cause breakage. Instead, gently pat your hair dry with a soft towel, such as the Silk Noil Hair Towel from The Shade.

Consider laser treatment

Laser treatment can deliver everything from smoother skin to faded pigmentation, but it can also help with hair loss. Called low level laser therapy (LLLT), a futuristic cap, such as the Current Body CapillusPro Hair Regrowth Laser Cap, penetrates the hair follicles with photons of light, which, once absorbed by the cells, delivers more nutrients to the follicles. However, it's good to remember that this isn't a quick fix. When it comes to laser treatment, there will be multiple sessions over a period of months before improvement can be noticeable, so patience is key. 

Get creative with wraps and hats

Forget diamonds, accessories are a woman's best friend! When deciding what jewellery you can match to your outfit of the day, what's stopping you from adding a hat or a wrap to top off your look? Especially if you've been feeling less than confident about your hair loss: cute scarves and hats can be just what you need to hide some of your concerns and add attitude to your outfit. It's not just a fashion choice for your daytime adventures, either. In the case of wearing hair wraps while you sleep, it can be a great way of protecting your hair from tangles and frizz, controlling its natural oils and possibly encouraging new hair growth. 

Take a look at the choices you're currently making and make tiny changes, one at a time, to set you off on your journey to fuller and healthier hair. See our hair awards winners for more products to help with hair thinning. And always remember: if you find that you're losing way more strands than usual, it's best to see a doctor for advice.