Help! How do I get thicker hair?

Want to know how to thicken hair? It’s one of the most common questions we get asked at the salon, and the answer to how to thicken hair is a complex one, but it can be done!

First it’s useful to understand a bit about why your hair loses thickness in the first place, and then read on to find out our top tips for how to get thicker hair…

What causes hair to lose thickness?

The most common reason for a gradual loss of hair in volume and thickness is getting older. This is because, as we age, the new hair emerging from the follicle is thinner, and eventually the same stem cells stop producing melanin (the colour pigment), so these wispy thin hairs turn grey or white.

Medical conditions like eczema can also make hair thinner, as it causes follicles to become blocked and prevent new hair growth.

Autoimmune and/or genetic disorders can also mean that hair gets thinner or even falls out altogether, while some meds can have an adverse effect on hair thickness.

Temporary hair loss or thinning hair can also happen after the body experiences a major shock that disrupts the hair's normal growth pattern.

What bad habits can cause thinning hair?

Before you can thicken hair, it's useful to know about any habits that might be causing it to thin. As we’ve heard, while genetics and medical conditions are sometimes responsible, they're not the only culprits!

Pulling at hair and keeping it in very tight hairstyles will, not surprisingly, gradually weaken the hair strand and the follicle it comes from.

Your lifestyle plays a major role in the quality of your hair. Stress and nutrition (vitamin deficiency) have been directly linked to poor hair quality, as well as unhealthy habits such as smoking and yo-yo dieting.

Four ways to thicken your hair's appearance

Try a spalp massage

When washing the hair, use your fingertips to massage the scalp in gentle circular motions to stimulate blood flow and promote the healthy growth of new hair.

Use hair thickening products

For thinning hair, we love L’Oreal’s Serioxyl Denser Hair Serum, a daily treatment to improve hair density. For fine hair needing a little volume boost, we recommend L’Oreal Serie Expert Volumetry volumising root spray, as well as Volumetry Shampoo and Conditioner. For long hair, suffering from thin ends, L’Oreal Serie Expert Pro Longer uses patented, filling technology to renew lengths and fills-in-ends. The Pro Longer Ends Filler Concentrate, is a weekly hair treatment that provides strength and durable thickness to ends.

Have regular trims

Have your hair trimmed regularly to prevent the development of split and uneven tips, which will cause the hair to look thin and straggly. Even, well-cut hair automatically looks fuller and healthier. Ask your stylist at Pankhurst and Deane about a micro-trim hair cut, or an 'invisible cut'. You get to keep the length but the split ends are dusted off.

Use a comb

When styling, use a comb to lightly tease the hair at the roots for instant natural-looking volume. Be careful not to damage the hair, so comb gently.

Three easy ways to bring brittle and damaged hair back to life

Most of us aren’t prepared to give up our styling tools, but if you’re noticing your hair is getting dry and damaged from too much heat, follow these expert tips…

Start with shampoo

Frequent heat styling can sizzle the hair’s outer layer - the cuticle - and this can make it more prone to losing moisture and becoming brittle and damaged. Reinforce weak strands with shampoo and conditioner that has protein in it (sometimes called keratin) to boost the cuticle strength.

Make time for a hair mask

Adding extra moisture to hair as we’ve heard is key to keeping it healthy and shiny. Adding a deep treatment hair mask to your weekly routine is a great place to start and as well as adding some much need hydration it’s a lovely habit to get into as part of your self care regime. Apply the mask while you’re in a hot steamy shower or a bath as the heat can help it absorb.

Invest in a heat protectant spray

Spray on a heat-protectant styling product before blow-drying, straightening or curling hair. Think of it like an SPF for hair, make sure all the strands are evenly coated. You can also use leave in conditioner as a protectant, as this can protect hair up to 232C!

Three common hair problems and how to fix them

Want to know how to fix some of the most common hair problems? We’re here for you. Read on for our expert advice…


Problem: Oily Scalp

Solution: The best way to get rid of oily scalp and greasy hair is to improve your hair care regime. That means washing your hair with a paraben-free shampoo to clear your clogged pores and scalp. You could also try using a clarifying shampoo every so often, which can help reset the health of your hair. Diluted apple cider vinegar or tea tree oil also helps.

Problem: Dry scalp

Solution: Argan oil brings back moisture to your scalp and forms a protective layer against extreme heat. You also need to avoid using any heat-based hair styling products while suffering from a dry scalp.

Problem: Frizzy hair

Solution: Washing your hair less often and avoiding hot water can help with the frizz. Applying Argan oil can also add moisture to hair and protect it from excess heat.

Five ways to spring clean your haircare routine

With the days getting longer and spring around the corner, it’s time to change up your haircare routine for the new season….

Show your scalp some love

Winter can play havoc with hair - woolly hats, cold temperatures and central heating can all damage the hair and scalp.

The secret to reviving a dry scalp? Hair oil before shampooing. Leave it in your half for half an our, or even better, overnight, to give it time to nourish the scalp follicles and restore the hair's natural shine.

Invest in B vits

Increased hair loss can be more common in spring, often because of vitamin deficiency. Counteract this by increasing your intake of B vitamins, zinc, copper, vitamin C and protein. However, if your hair loss is worrying, it’s worth looking into the cause, including hormonal imbalances, diet, stress etc.

Rinse hair with lukewarm water

If you already have a dry scalp or hair, avoid very hot water in the shower, especially for fine hair which is more delicate. Instead opt for lukewarm water for rinsing. Colder water means will cause the hair cuticle to lay flat, which leads to a shiny, glossy finish.

Use heatless drying techniques

If your hair has become dry and brittle over the winter months, give it a break from hair drying. Why? Heated styling compromises the cuticle and over drying leads to moisture loss in both the scalp and the strands. Take advantage of the weather as it gets warmer and allow your hair to air dry where possible.

Use heat protectant spray

Air drying not your thing? Use protection! Heat protection sprays create a barrier between the cuticle and the hot air, minimising any moisture loss and preventing breakage and split ends.