How to Get Thicker Hair: The Ultimate Guide for Every Hair Type

How to Get Thicker Hair: The Ultimate Guide for Every Hair Type

• July 1, 2025
• Dr. Arthur Zacco

Last updated on September 11, 2025

Whether your hair is fine, thinning, or just feeling flat, the desire for thicker, fuller hair is universal. But achieving it isn’t just about picking the right shampoo—it’s about understanding what’s going on at the root level. From lifestyle changes to medical hair growth treatments, this ultimate guide will walk you through how to get thicker hair, no matter your hair type.

1. Understand What’s Causing the Thinning

Before you can improve thickness, it’s important to understand why your hair may be thinning in the first place. Common causes include:

• Genetics (male or female pattern hair loss, known as androgenetic alopecia)
• Hormonal changes (e.g., menopause, pregnancy, thyroid disorders)
• Stress and Sleeping Disorders
• Nutrient and vitamin deficiencies ( iron, biotin, zinc, vitamin D, B-vitamins)
• Over-styling or chemical damage
• Medical conditions (autoimmune disorders, alopecia areata, or scalp infections)

A professional evaluation is often the first step to uncovering the root cause. If your hair is shedding in patches or you notice visible scalp, it’s time to consult a hair restoration expert.

2. Feed Your Hair from the Inside

Hair follicles are some of the most metabolically active parts of the body. They rely heavily on key nutrients to function well, so it’s important to eat foods that promote hair growth:

• Protein: Hair is made of keratin, a type of protein. Make sure your diet includes enough lean meats, fish, and legumes.
• Iron: Low iron levels, particularly common in women, can lead to hair shedding.
• Zinc and selenium: Both help maintain scalp health and reduce hair breakage.
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Found in fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, omega-3s support scalp circulation and follicle function.
• Biotin and B vitamins: These promote stronger, healthier hair growth.

If your diet is inconsistent, consider talking to a healthcare provider about supplements—but only after a blood test confirms deficiencies. At AZ Hair Restoration, we can test for 33 different nutrients, which is almost never done in traditional medicine or primary care.

3. Choose the Right Hair Care Routine

Not all hair products are created equal—and some may be working against your goal of thicker hair. Here’s what to look for based on your hair type:

Fine or Flat Hair

• Use volumizing shampoos and lightweight conditioners.
• Avoid heavy oils or silicone-based serums.
• Dry shampoo can help add texture and volume between washes.

Curly or Coily Hair

• Look for sulfate-free shampoos that won’t strip natural oils.
• Deep condition regularly to maintain elasticity and prevent breakage.
• Avoid tight hairstyles that can cause traction alopecia.

Thinning Hair or Hair Loss

• Choose gentle, pH-balanced shampoos.
• Minimize heat styling and chemical treatments.
• Consider a caffeine-based or niacinamide(Vitamin B3)-enriched topical formula to stimulate the scalp.

In all cases, avoid over-washing (2–3 times per week is usually enough) and always protect your hair when using heat tools.

4. Stimulate Your Scalp

A healthy scalp is essential for thicker hair. Stimulating blood flow to the follicles helps deliver the oxygen and nutrients needed for stronger growth.

Scalp massage

Use your fingertips (not nails) to massage your scalp for 3–5 minutes daily.

Rollers

At-home dermal rollers with short needles can help promote collagen and improve absorption of topical products.

Essential oils & scalp nourishing treatments

Rosemary oil has been shown in studies to support hair growth. Mix a few drops with a carrier oil like jojoba and apply it to your scalp once or twice a week. You can also use scalp nourishing oils like coconut oil, argan oil, or professional scalp oil treatments.

5. Don’t Skip the Medical Options

If you’ve tried everything and are still not seeing results, medical hair restoration treatments can be game-changers. Some of the most effective options include:

Topical Minoxidil

FDA-approved for both men and women, minoxidil increases blood flow to hair follicles and can extend the growth phase of hair.

DHT-blocking medications

These are commonly prescribed for male pattern hair loss and work by reducing the hormone responsible for miniaturizing follicles. Topical finasteride produces fewer side effects than finasteride taken orally.

Growth Factor Therapy

Growth factor treatment involves using growth factors derived from your own plasma and platelets to stimulate dormant follicles and promote healthier, thicker hair. This treatment is relatively inexpensive.

Exosome therapy

Exosomes are cell-derived messengers rich in proteins and growth factors. They can help repair damaged follicles and boost new growth. This treatment can be a more expensive option, but is not any more effective.

Hair Transplants

It is the gold standard for hair restoration. It is significantly more effective than any other method and provides permanent results. After an FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) or FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation), no other treatment is required for your virtually undetectable hair transplantation.

All of these options should be discussed with a qualified hair restoration physician. What works best depends on your hair loss stage, goals, hair transplant technique, and medical history.

6. Be Patient and Track Progress

Hair growth is a slow process—on average, hair grows about half an inch per month. If you’re trying a new treatment or routine, give it at least 3–6 months before judging the results. Take monthly progress photos in consistent lighting and compare them side by side.

7. Lifestyle Habits That Support Hair Growth

In addition to targeted treatments and routines, your everyday habits play a big role:

Manage stress

Chronic stress raises cortisol levels, which can trigger telogen effluvium (a type of temporary hair shedding).

Get enough sleep

Aim for 8 hours of quality sleep each night. During sleep, your body repairs tissues and regulates hormones—including those that influence hair growth—making rest an essential part of supporting healthy, thicker hair over time.

Exercise regularly

Engaging in regular physical activity improves blood circulation, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to your scalp. It also helps reduce systemic inflammation, which can contribute to hair thinning—supporting overall health and promoting conditions for thicker, healthier hair growth.

Avoid smoking and limit alcohol

Both of these restrict blood flow to the scalp and impact nutrient absorption.

The Way to Get Thicker Hair – That Works!

Achieving thicker hair isn’t about quick fixes—it’s about taking consistent, informed action based on your individual needs. Whether your thinning is due to genetics, stress, or styling damage, there are proven solutions that can help.

Led by Dr. Arthur Zacco, a leading hair transplant specialist with over three decades of experience, AZ Hair Restoration offers advanced medical and surgical options, including FUE, FUT, Growth Factor Therapy, exosome treatments, nutrient deficiency analysis of over 33 nutrients, heavy metal overexposure, and more. No gimmicks—just science-backed care and expert support to help you restore thicker, healthier hair.

If you’re unsure where to start or want expert guidance tailored to your hair type and condition, book a free consultation with AZ Hair Restoration in Raleigh today.

FAQs

How to get thicker hair if it’s naturally fine?

Start by using volumizing products, avoiding heavy conditioners, and minimizing heat styling. Nutrient-rich foods and scalp massages can help support healthy growth. If you’re still not seeing results, you may benefit from Growth Factor Therapy or medical-grade treatments. At AZ Hair Restoration, we offer personalized plans to improve density for all hair types. Book a free consultation with Dr. Arthur Zacco to explore options tailored to your hair.

How to get thicker hair for females experiencing thinning?

For women, hair thinning can be caused by hormones, stress, or genetics. Hair loss treatments like Growth Factor Therapy, exosome injections, low-level laser therapy, and medication can help, and in more advanced cases, we offer hair transplants for women that ensure permanent hair growth and density. Support natural hair growth with gentle hair care routines, avoiding high-heat styling, and eating iron-rich foods, as well as biotin and omega-3s, which also play a role. A diet rich in raw vegetables, whole fruits, and nuts is always a good idea. Avoid food sensitivities and allergies. At our hair loss clinic in Raleigh, NC, we specialize in treating female hair loss with effective, science-based care. Book your free hair growth consultation today.

What is good for hair growth and thickness naturally?

Foods high in protein, iron, omega-3s, and B vitamins support natural hair growth. Scalp massages, rosemary oil, and microneedling can also stimulate blood flow to follicles. Want to boost your results? AZ Hair Restoration in Raleigh, NC, offers FUT and FUE hair transplants as well as non-surgical medical treatments for hair thickness. Book a free consultation to learn more.

What’s the best approach for men wanting thicker hair?

For men, a combination of Growth Factor Therapy, topical DHT blocking medications, and medical shampoos often can deliver desirable results. We also offer the gold standard in hair restoration, both FUE and FUT hair transplants, which deliver permanent results. At AZ Hair Restoration, get a free hair loss consultation with Dr. Arthur Zacco, who will outline an individualized hair restoration plan just for you.

Can hair really become thicker with medical treatments?

Yes—many non-surgical treatments improve hair thickness by revitalizing dormant follicles. These include Growth Factor Therapy, proper and appropriate nutrient supplementation, exosome therapy, and prescription medications. Our hair restoration clinic in Raleigh, NC, offers advanced medical solutions with proven results. Schedule a free consultation to discover how to get thicker hair with expert support.