How to Get Thicker Hair (Even If You Can’t Actually Change Your Hair Texture)

I hate to be the one to break it to you—but you can’t actually make your hair thicker.
Let me explain…

Each hair strand is made up of dead skin cells filled with keratin and proteins. Once it grows out of your scalp, you can’t change its diameter. That means no vitamin, oil, or miracle product will actually make the strand itself thicker.

But here’s the part where it gets better:
If your hair looks thinner due to shedding or breakage, there are absolutely ways to make it appear fuller. And if you’ve got fine to medium hair and just want more volume? That’s doable too. You just need to understand what you’re working with.

Hair Shedding vs Naturally Fine Hair

If your hair used to feel thicker but suddenly looks finer, you may be dealing with excessive shedding. In that case, your first step is to find the root cause (pun intended).

As a stylist, I hear this every day from clients:
“My hair is falling out!”
Once they tell me about their routine—how they use heat, how often they wash, what styles they wear—we can usually pinpoint the issue.

Some common culprits:

• Overusing heat tools without protection

• Tight ponytails or braids pulling at the roots

• Not clarifying the scalp

• Hormonal shifts, stress, or diet

If this sounds familiar, try not to panic. Shedding is normal—but excess shedding can often be slowed down with a few small routine changes.

If You’re Just Looking for More Volume...

Let’s say your hair isn’t shedding. It’s just naturally fine—and you’re craving some fullness.
Here’s where we fake it till we make it.

Look for styling products with polymers—ingredients that act like temporary fillers. They wrap around each strand to give it shape and lift, making your hair look and feel thicker.

💡 But here’s the catch:
Because polymers are part of the silicone family, you need to properly remove them when you wash. Otherwise, they can build up on your hair and block moisture, making your strands dry and brittle over time.

Recap: Can You Get Thicker Hair?

• No, you can’t change the thickness of your actual hair strand.

• Yes, you can reduce shedding, boost growth, and create volume.

• Yes, the right cuts and products can totally give the illusion of fuller hair.

Need help figuring out which part applies to you?
Email me or stop by the salon—I’m happy to help.