How to get healthy & thick hair

Glossy thick and healthy hair is the ultimate dream but hormonal changes, poor diet and overuse of hair styling tools can all damage your hair. Whether you’re worried about your hair thinning or just want thicker, healthier strands, there are so many options available to help. Here are some tips to grow long thick and healthy hair.

Diet

Make sure you are including enough protein, healthy fats and Omega 3 rich food in your diet. Eating adequate protein is great at improving hair growth because hair follicles are mostly made of protein. A lack of protein, vitamins and healthy fats in the diet has been proven to cause hair loss. 

Here are some great sources of protein, fatty acids and vitamins 

• salmon, which is high in protein and fatty acids
• eggs, which contain protein, omega3, and iron
• avocados and nuts are a great source of essential fatty acids, which appear to be crucial for hair growth
• greek yogurt, which is a source of protein
• green, black, pinto, and other beans, which contain protein
• berries are loaded with compounds like antioxidants and vitamins. Strawberries are rich in vitamin C, which aids collagen production and iron absorption, two factors that can promote hair growth
• spinach is loaded with folate, iron, and vitamins A and C, which can promote hair growth

You should aim to add 1 or 2 servings of any of the above foods to your daily diet. Even adding just 3 or 4 servings a week can contribute to improved hair health.

Products to use

Use a thickening shampoo and conditioner, this will add more texture to your hair, making it look thicker. Thickening powders are also a great way to get a lot of volume at the roots of your hair. Sprinkle this into the roots of your hair and massage it in, this will create instant volume.

A quick way to see instant results is by investing in high quality extensions, this way you can get thick hair easily using clip in extensions. These are perfect for nights out and special occasions. If your hair is thinning or takes a long time to grow you could opt for something longer lasting such as  semi-permanent pre-bonded hair extensions from Lilyhair.

Don’t over wash

Washing every day can get rid of the hairs natural oils, if you’re used to washing your hair everyday it may seem oily leaving it longer between washes at first but it will get better with time and your hair won’t be as greasy between washes.

Avoid using hot tools

If you have time to air dry or at least part air dry your hair then this will help keep your hair healthy. Using straighteners or curlers less will also make a huge difference. If you can’t bear to go without your tools then make sure you apply a heat defence product first.

Brush your hair regularly

Regular brushing can help to distribute your hairs natural oils protecting it from damage and adding shine. 

Get regular hair cuts

Getting your hair cut regularly will get rid of any split ends or damaged hair. Everyone’s hair is different but if you are prone to split ends or you chemically treat your hair then you will need to get your hair trimmed more often to keep it healthy.

Hormonal changes

Changes in health can have a huge impact on the thickness of your hair. Fluctuations in hormones or an imbalanced thyroid can impact your skin, weight and hair. If there has a been a really dramatic change in hair thickness in a short space of time, it’s worth seeking medical advice.

Waves and curls add volume

Curling or adding waves to your hair will give it some more width, depth and texture making it look more voluminous . Try not to use hair curlers daily as this can damage your hair.

Vitamins to take

Hair is over 99% protein and so needs a good supply of amino acids and proteins to stay strong and healthy. A dietary deficiency can cause hair loss so you can take vitamins to make sure you have the nutrients to keep your hair healthy. These vitamins can help with different hair issues:

• Biotin helps reduce hair loss
• B5 gives hair flexibility, strength and shine
• B6 prevents dandruff
• B12 helps prevent hair loss
• B1, B2, Niacin, and Pantothenic acid help to keep hair follicles healthy
• Vitamin E can help keep the cell membranes of hair follicles healthy
• Folic acid deficiency can lead to decreased hair follicle cell division and growth