How to Make Your Hair Look Thicker (Even If It's Thinning)

Are you a man dealing with hair loss? If so, welcome to the club. By age 50, about 85% of men have “significantly thinning hair” according to the American Hair Loss Association. This is extremely common, so there’s nothing to be shocked, ashamed, or shy about.

Despite the fact that hair loss and thinning is so common, it’s still taboo with some men. But, reality check: that thinning hair is part of the experience of being a man. Instead of ignoring the problem and hoping it will go away (newsflash: it won’t), deal with your thinning hair the smart way. Learn about simple ways to help give your hair a thicker, fuller appearance. 

Get started with these tips. They won’t magically regrow your hair, but they can make a difference.

Commit to a Better Hair Care Routine 

Shampoo. Rinse. Towel dry. If that describes your entire hair care routine, you need to make a change.

Your thinning hair will only get worse if you don’t commit to following a daily hair care routine for men that strengthens your hair, increases its volume, and keeps both your hair and scalp healthy. 

Start with the best shampoo for men with thinning hair. Choose a product with strengthening ingredients like hydrolyzed wheat protein which plumps up hair and instantly gives it a thicker appearance. Avoid harsh detergents and oil stripping ingredients - such as sulfates and surfactants. These will over dry your hair and scalp, leaving it vulnerable to breakage and damage - the opposite of what you’re going for. 

Your routine shouldn’t necessarily include daily washing. Some guys find that their hair and scalp react better to washing every other day or even less. Experiment with how often you use shampoo to see what keeps your hair and scalp looking and feeling best. Once you’ve determined that, stick to it.

After you wash your hair, follow up with the best hair conditioner for men. A soothing, hydrating product that maximizes scalp moisture and protects your hair from damage is ideal. Make this a regular part of your routine - it only takes an additional minute in the shower after shampooing. Don’t be lazy or make excuses; using conditioner will make a significant difference in the health of your hair and scalp.

Be Gentle with Your Hair

Hot shower water, hot styling products, and aggressive towel drying are all bad for your thinning hair. Heat weakens hair, makes it more likely to become damaged, and can dull its appearance.

This doesn’t mean you have to switch to cold showers. But you should consider lowering the water temperature a bit. And go easy on your hair when towel drying it. A light patting technique is better for thinning hair than yanking, tugging, and rubbing your hair with a towel. 

Style to Your Strengths 

While hair thinning is extremely common in men, not all guys’ hair thins out in the same ways. So you need to take a personalized approach to the way you style your hair that will keep it looking great.

You don’t want to go with a combover. You’re fooling no one and it never looks good. But there are other ways to subtly adjust your style to flatter your current hair situation. Talk to your barber about it. They know how your hair grows, where it’s thickest, and what will work for you.

Finding ways to make your hair appear thicker may require that you step out of your comfort zone just a bit. You may need to switch to natural hair care products for men with gentle, effective ingredients. You may even decide you need to change your hair style. But those efforts will be well worth it when you’ve achieved the confidence-boosting look you deserve.