Hair Thickening Products: Are They Effective?

If hair starts to feel thinner with age or for other reasons, it can become a frustrating situation for both men and women. People from all walks of life with any hair type can experience hair thinning. 

On the market today, there are thousands of products promising to give your hair volume and vitality. All types of beauty items exist including thickening shampoos and thickening hair masks. Those looking for a solution to flat or lifeless hair spend both time and money searching for a miraculous product. Considering this, it is important to bear in mind that sales of cosmetic goods in the US reach billions upon billions of dollars each year. So, can it be done? Are these products really helpful in the fight against thinning hair? 

Common Causes of Thinning Hair

Apart from the most common reason: aging, there are also other causes for thinning hair. According to the American Hair Loss Association, by the age of fifty, close to 85% of men will suffer significant hair thinning. While, contrary to popular belief, 40% of all hair loss sufferers are women. 

The overuse of hair products is one of the key reasons for hair thinning and loss in both men and women. This can be from dying hair, getting perms, and especially any treatments that use hot oils. Additionally, there is a condition called traction alopecia. This is brought on by wearing hair in tight hairstyles such as braiding or ponytails that cause trauma to the hair follicles. 

Hair loss and thinning can be worsened over time by a lack of certain minerals in a person’s diet. Certain vitamins and foods that contain a high dosage of antioxidants are recommended to aid your body in growing thicker hair. These can help fight free radicals which slow down the development of new cells and promote the production of collagen. If you have an iron deficiency or your diet lacks vitamins A, C, or omega 3, this could be the main motive for thinning hair. 

Additionally, it is common that periods of great stress or hormonal changes in the body can provoke hair thinning. 

Other causes include medical treatments such as radiation therapy for cancer or some types of drugs as well as other medical conditions. If the hair loss is symptomatic of an underlying condition, you should see your physician as treating that condition could put an end to the hair thinning. 

What Treatments Are Available?

Luckily for those who suffer hair thinning, there are several treatments available that can help improve healthy hair growth. Each person’s hair is unique, so it is possible that while a particular treatment works for one person, another will need something quite different. Bear this in mind while you search for the right product for you and your hair. 

• Home remedies – There are essential oils and homemade elixirs you can try to help your hair grow healthy and strong. Also, there are many over-the-counter supplements and multivitamins which might aid in collagen production to promote stronger hair growth.
• Scalp massage – The cheapest method available is to give yourself or get a scalp massage. Simply apply pressure to your scalp as you wash your hair. This encourages blood circulation to the follicles and promotes cell growth.
• Thickening shampoos and masks – These products often contain ingredients which help to revitalize lifeless hair and strengthen hair from root to tip. 
• Chemical or prescription products – Doctors can also offer advice on prescribed products that use certain chemicals to treat thinning hair related to hormonal imbalances or certain underlying conditions. 
• Laser therapy – Dermatologists provide laser therapy which, at a cost, can help hair to regrow thicker.
• PRP treatment – Platelet-rich plasma injections and microneedling can be an effective natural solution for women experiencing hair loss and thinning.

How Do Hair Thickening Products Work? 

Commercial hair thickening products claim to help hair grow revitalized and invigorated. The main question is how. Is there any science to demonstrate the efficacy of these products? 

Thickening shampoos and masks remove dirt and oil from the hair and scalp and make the hair itself fuller. This allows each strand of hair to occupy more space, thus, giving the hair more volume. The products should contain vitamin B5 and be based on proteins that help to fortify and replenish hair while locking in moisture for hydration. Other vitamins, amino acids, and botanical extracts will help with hair elasticity and shine. 

Expert Opinion

It is crucial to remember that the cosmetics industry is not as well regulated as other products on the market making alluring claims. This is because the FDA is not required to perform pre-market tests on beauty products that do not contain drugs. However, many scientists, hair experts, and stylists back up some of the claims made by different products. This is due to the evidence given of the power and effectiveness of the ingredients. Make sure to check out what a product contains and try to work out what is best for your case.