A thick head of hair helps you feel great. Discover the best nutrients, latest treatments and topical lotions to keep yours looking voluminous…
Get an expert opinion
If you’ve had thinning hair, first seek a proper diagnosis from your GP, dermatologist or a qualified trichologist,’ advises Jane. This way you will be less inclined to spend money on products that may only affect a certain aspect of hair loss, which you may or may not have.
Eat a healthy, balanced diet
Hair follicles are one of the last tissues in your body to receive nutrition, so specific deficiencies can affect them. ‘We require lots of different nutrients for healthy hair,’ explains nutritionist Cassandra Barns. ‘For the best general protection, focus on eating ‘real’ foods as the best natural source of vitamins and minerals. Real foods are those in their natural state – vegetables and fruits, unprocessed meats and fish, eggs, whole grains, beans and pulses, nuts and seeds. And try to have a balanced intake of plant and animal foods to get all the nutrients you need.’ Worried your diet isn’t up to scratch? Try supplementing it with Viviscal Max Strength Hair Growth Programme (£51.99 for one month, boots.com). Proven to reduce hair loss, each supplement combines all the nutrients vital for a healthy head of hair.
Check your iron levels
The most common trigger for hair loss can be iron deficiency. Iron in the body binds ferritin – a protein involved in the production of hair cells, which guard against shedding. ‘Ask your doctor to check your iron level,’ advises Cassandra. ‘If you are low in iron, try to increase your intake of iron-rich foods: some of the best sources include oily fish, shellfish, red meats and organ meats such as liver.
Invest in the right haircare
Thicken up thinning strands with a redensifying shampoo and conditioner like Nanogen Hair Thickening Shampoo (£7.95, nanogen.co.uk) and Conditioner (£8.95). ‘Thickening products can help to give hair more body and make it appear fuller but the result will be temporary,’ says Jane. And try massaging your scalp to help stimulate hair growth with Kent SH1 Shampoo and Scalp Massage Brush (£3.30, kentbrushes.com). The special rubber quills help improve blood flow, nourishing the hair shaft and strengthening hair roots.
Style it out
Want your hair to look thicker and more volumised. Then try some clever tricks. ‘Fine hair needs a style with layers and texture,’ says stylist Norris Ogario, creative director at the Ogario salon in London. ‘The three areas you should discuss with your hairdresser are the parting, the crown and the fringe; a small adjustment to any of these can add lift and volume.’ Changing your parting to a different angle can create lift and if you don’t have height at the crown you can create this with Velcro rollers. ‘Apply four Velcro rollers at an angle to make the roots sit up – two at the crown and one at each side,’ advises Norris. ‘Once the rollers are in, give hair a quick blast of heat with your hairdryer. Let the hair cool and gently remove the rollers. Brush, comb or use your fingers to finish the style.’
