Hair is the one part of our body most of us wish were a little fatter. And while some women are born with thin hair, many will develop it over time. "Usually, women have breakage or hair loss caused by chemical treatments or flatiron abuse, but a health condition like anemia or a thyroid problem can also be the culprit," says Francesca Fusco, M.D., an assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai School of Medicine. Other common causes include stress and hormonal shifts (women may shed hair for up to a year after having a baby). If you notice dramatic or unexplained hair loss, see your doctor. Everyone else: Try these simple mane-thickening moves!
Products and Treatments
Keep It Clean
The squeakier fine hair is, the better (and bigger) it will look. "Like your facial skin, scalp tissue holds a lot of bacteria, and when combined with oil, it can weigh down the hair and impede healthy growth from your follicles over time," says Elizabeth Cunnane Phillips, a trichologist at the Philip Kingsley Clinic in New York City. Shampoo daily with a clarifying formula. Try: L'Oreal Professionnel Volumetry shampoo ($23.50, at salons), which contains antibacterial, deep-cleansing salicylic acid. Chase with conditioner applied to the mid-shafts and ends only.
Do a Scalp Massage
Your scalp is the bedrock of your hair—keep it healthy, and your hair will grow in healthy, says Phillips. Once a week, swap your usual shampoo for one with mint or menthol, which is thought to help stimulate circulation, and massage it into your entire scalp (sides, nape, and crown) with the pads of your fingers for two minutes, then rinse. Try: Pantene Pro-V Weekly Deep Cleanse ($5, at drugstores), which contains mosa mint oil.
Deep-Treat
Being married to your flatiron or getting highlight-happy can put you on the fast track to thin hair. "High heat and chemical overload can weaken and dry out the hair, leading to breakage called trichorrhexis nodosa, and can put a strain on hair follicles and prevent healthy hair growth," says Fusco. Once a week, after shampooing, thoroughly rub a rich treatment mask into your scalp and hair, and rinse after three minutes. Try: Clear Scalp & Hair Deep Hydrating Treatment Mask ($5, at drugstores), which contains vitamins B5 and E and proteins to help strengthen hair over time, making it less likely to snap off.
Be Picky About Products
Thickening sprays and mousses are like puffer jackets: They give the illusion of bulk. "Both contain polymers that coat the hair and make it seem bigger," explains Phillips, who recommends a spray formula for straight hair, and a mousse to add definition to waves or curls. If using a spray, distribute it evenly through damp hair from roots to ends. Try: Rene Furterer Volumea volumizing conditioning spray ($26, at salons). For mousse, rake an egg-size dollop through damp hair, then style. Try: Garnier Fructis Style Sky-Hi Volume Mousse ($4.29, at drugstores).
Bring on the Hair Spray
It does more than simply lock your style in place. "Hair spray is very buildable, plus, you can brush it out as you go, and it gives hair this amazing thick, nonsticky feel with a little lift," says Benjamin Mohapi, a Los Angeles hairstylist. Try: Oribe Thick Dry Finishing Spray ($37, oribe.com), which has panthenol to swell the hair shaft as you spritz.
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