How To Make Hair Grow Thicker & Stronger, According To Experts

Hair loss is super common and can happen to people for a wide variety of reasons – genetics, hormones, stress, and hair tools are just a few things that can result in thin, damaged hair and prevent hair growth. But the good news is there are plenty of tips, tricks, and products you can use to help to stimulate hair growth and achieve thicker hair. If you’re been searching ‘how to make your hair grow’, you’ll probably already be aware that there is a lot of misinformation out there when it comes to hair loss and hair growth. Which is why we decided to call in the experts to debunk hair loss myths and answer your most frequently asked questions.

Keep scrolling for the insights from hair expert and Olaplex educator Nicole Taft and Nikita Mehta, hair expert and co-founder of Fable & Mane.

“Keeping your scalp in good condition means that your hair will be in better condition, so treating your scalp and hair will help the overall condition of both,” says Taft. “Sometimes taking a supplement can also help, and to make your hair look thicker you can use thickening products – but these will only be temporary solution, the thickness of our hair is determined at birth.” 

FM agrees that scalp health is key. “Before washing your hair, start your routine with an oil to promote scalp circulation. Keep your scalp clean by treating your hair with a mask once a week or by exfoliating your scalp to remove buildup of oil and product residue,” she adds. “Eat a healthy diet and include protein and foods with omega 3 fatty acids, and stay away from hot tools as much as possible.”

“Scalp care is essential because it determines the health and condition of the hair and prevents the diseases of scalp and hair,” explains Mehta. “A healthy scalp will lead to less breakage and hair loss, will help new growth, and stronger shinier hair.” According to Taft, it’s important to recognise that the skin on the scalp is the same as the skin on our face. “Nearly everyone these days has a skin care routine, we should think of the scalp as the same, so we should treat it in the same way,” she adds.

“Using hair tools at a very high temperature will cause damage so it’s vital to use a heat protective product before blowdrying,” says Mehta. “When towel drying, try not to rub vigorously but gently blot an absorbant towel around your hair instead. Don’t over process hair with colours and other chemical treatments and don’t brush hair from roots to tips when hair is wet, as this will cause the hair to break,” she adds. Taft agrees. “Chemical, heat, mechanical, environmental, and pollution are the five types of damage that all hair is exposed to at some point,” she explains. 

According to Mehta, poor nutrition, stress, certain medications, smoking, ageing, pollution, sun exposure, and chemical treatments can all impact hair growth.

“Ashwaganda, also known as Indian ginseng, is one of the most powerful adaptogens,” says Mehta. “It’s a natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory in nature which helps to build resilience and strengthen hair follicles.” She also recommends amla (also known as Indian gooseberry), which keeps the hair hydrated and restores lost moisture and protein in order to help hair become stronger and more resistant to damage. “Also, aloe is intensly hydrating containing fatty and amino acids that will moisturise strands and reduce breakage,” she adds. “It helps to preserve colour and protects from UV damage.”

“Strengthening the hair from the inside out is also really important,” says Taft. If hair is damaged and broken, it’s more likely to fall out prematurely, leading the appearance of thinner hair.  “Olaplex products contain a bond building technology called bis-aminopropyl digycol dimaleate or bis-amino for short,” she adds. “This exclusive molecule unlocks the secret to instantly strengthening and repairing damage at the hair’s core.”

Taft advises using Olaplex No3 once a week to help strengthen hair from the inside out. “This has bond building technology that will help keep the hair in good condition and help prevent further damage to the hair also.” In addition, Mehta recommends using a pre wash oil to encourage healthy roots by promoting scalp circulation, and using a scrub once a week to stimulate the hair follicles and remove product build up. “Use a hair mask once a week to repair damage caused by styling and improve manageability, shine and softness,” she adds. “And use a heat protective product before blow drying as this will help to detangle hair, prevent breakage whilst strengthening, and protect the hair from harmful heat appliances.”

FYI: This article was previously published at an earlier date and has since been updated.