Here's the truth: You can't change the size of your hair follicles. If you were born with fine hair, it's genetics, and no product will completely alter that. Of course, there are ways to maintain your hair health, add volume, and keep it from getting any thinner.
Here's the hard truth: Little can be done to permanently change the diameter of individual hair strands. Thickening products can do wonders to temporarily plump hair strands, but when it comes down to it, fine hair is genetic and can't be changed.
Biotin. Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, stimulates the production of keratin to increase follicle growth. Biotin deficiencies tend to be rare, with those diagnosed with Biotinidase Deficiency being the most common.
In other cases, thinning hair is triggered by something going on inside the body — for instance, a thyroid problem, a shift in hormones, a recent pregnancy, or an inflammatory condition. Hair loss may also be genetic. The most common genetic condition is known as female-pattern hair loss, or androgenic alopecia.
Lifestyle factors could include using certain hair products, wearing your hair up too tightly, experiencing high stress levels, or not getting enough of certain vitamins and minerals in your diet. People who have immune system deficiencies could also have thinning hair.
Bobs, pixies, layers, and bangs — these haircuts are strategically designed to help fine hair full-fill its potential. The look of thin hair can change dramatically with the power of the humble scissor — and the right cutting hand.
Fine, thin hair could be the result of a medical condition. Thyroid issues, hormonal issues and malnourishment can all cause hair to become finer and thinner, notes TeensHealth, a division of the Nemours Foundation.
Certain styles—like bobs and blunt cuts—can actually create the illusion that your hair is thicker than it is. "Short hairstyles are best for thinning hair, because too much length can drag the hair down and create an unflattering, stringy appearance," says Alabama stylist Hope Russo.
However, the sweetest spot for fine or thin hair is shoulder-length or shorter, no matter your age. It removes enough weight to give your mane a boost of fullness and bounce, and it makes it much easier to add volume to the roots.
1. R+Co Dallas Biotin Thickening Shampoo & Conditioner. McLaren gave us the lowdown on one of R+Co's most popular sets. It's packed with nutrient-rich ingredients that help locks stay extra strong.
Many folks try to avoid thinner hair because of its perceived links to unhealthy hair and hair loss. However, those are only the broadest and most common meanings in the thick vs. thin hair debate. Having thin hair doesn't mean it's unhealthy unless your hair was thick beforehand.
“Vitamins are essential for healthy hair growth and may help in preventing hair shedding and thinning,” says Michele Green, M.D., a cosmetic dermatologist in New York. “The best vitamins for hair growth include B vitamins, vitamin D, vitamin E, zinc, biotin and iron.
While normal layers can have the effect of making hair look thinner—a definite no-no for those of us with already thin strands—interior or invisible layers work to create texture and fullness. And according to Friese, they're also a great option for the person who wants to keep their hair on the longer side.
We're all familiar with the downsides of having fine or thin hair; it tangles easily, you need at least half a bottle of hairspray to hold a hairstyle, and it gets stringy if you use too much conditioner. But having fine strands also comes with its advantages, and can even make you the envy of those with thicker manes.
