Beauty trends may change like the seasons, but one thing always stands out as a timeless symbol of health and vitality—thick, luscious hair. Yet, achieving that enviable fullness isn’t always straightforward. From stress and ageing to health issues, a myriad of factors can leave your strands looking sparse. And for some, genetics might have been calling the shots from the start, making hair density an uphill battle. But don’t fret—there’s plenty you can do to give your hair the boost it deserves!

 

Need all your wellness solutions in one place? A whole new world awaits just a click away.

 

Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL)

Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL) is a common type of hair thinning and hair fall out in women that happens due to hormonal changes and genetics. It occurs when thicker, terminal hairs gradually become thinner, finer hairs (a process called follicular miniaturisation). This type of hair loss usually follows a specific pattern, with the most noticeable thinning on the top and front areas of the scalp, while the back of the head (occipital scalp) is usually unaffected.

Women experiencing hair loss often have low serum ferritin levels, which can indicate iron deficiency. Reduced ferritin levels in the hair follicles can weaken the hair and contribute to hair loss. Consider getting blood work done to check your ferritin levels, as low iron can be a common cause of hair thinning. 

Book a lab test today.

A 2023 study published in the Indian Dermatology Online Journal analysed the patterns and severity of Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL) among women in Western India. The study identified three basic patterns of hair loss:

• M type (midline thinning) was the most common, seen in 46.7 per cent of cases.
• L type (ludwig pattern, diffuse thinning) was observed in 35.6 per cent.
• C type (Christmas tree pattern) was the least common, at 17.7 per cent.

In India, FPHL contributes to about 15.3 per cent of cases of widespread hair loss in women. Multiple factors, including irregular periods, sudden weight gain, poor sleep and other health conditions, can play a role in causing this condition. The FPHL severity score showed that 91.1 per cent of the women had advanced stages of hair loss at the time of diagnosis. Additionally, the study found that Metabolic Syndrome—a cluster of conditions like obesity, high blood pressure, and insulin resistance—was present in 34.4 per cent of the participants.

 

Related story: How to Tame Frizzy Hair

Male Pattern Hair Loss

According to a 2007 study published in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, androgens (hormones) can cause hair thinning in both women and men. In men, the most common cause of hair thinning is male pattern hair loss, which can start as early as the late teens or early twenties.  This hair loss becomes more noticeable as they get older. By the time they reach 50, more than half of men will show some signs of male pattern hair loss, such as thinning, a receding hairline, or bald spots.

 

Hair Density And Hair Thinning

Hair thinning and less density aren’t just about genetics—it can also change due to ageing, hormonal shifts, or certain health conditions that slow down hair growth. On average, most people have about 80,000 to 120,000 hair strands, but the actual density depends on genetics, hair type, and even the size of your follicles. Hair thinning happens when your strands start to lose their thickness, or when fewer strands grow in certain areas. Unlike hair loss, which is about shedding large amounts of hair, thinning hair can happen subtly.

You may still have a decent number of strands, but if they’re weak, fine, or brittle, it creates the illusion of less hair overall. Understanding these differences is key to finding the right treatments and strategies like hair oiling to improve both the volume and health of your hair!

 

Related story: How to Reverse Grey Hair? For Starters, Stop Stressing About It

 

Tips and Tricks to Boost Hair Thickness And Density

Boosting hair thickness and density doesn’t have to involve expensive treatments or products. With the right scalp care, nourishing home remedies, a healthy diet, and good hair habits, you can achieve fuller, stronger hair. Incorporate these tips into your routine, and be patient—it takes time, but your hair will thank you for the love and care you have. 

Here are some easy tips to get you started:

1. Scalp care and massage for hair growth: Your scalp is the foundation for healthy hair, so taking care of it is key. Massaging your scalp helps improve blood flow, prevents premature greying of hair which encourages hair growth. 

• Scalp massage: Gently massage your scalp with your fingertips in small circles for 5-10 minutes each day. This boosts blood flow and helps hair grow thicker.
• Essential oils: Try mixing a few drops of rosemary, peppermint, or lavender oil with a carrier oil like coconut oil and massage it into your scalp. Leave it on for about 30 minutes before washing it out.
• Scalp scrubs: You can also use a scrub made from sugar and olive oil to gently exfoliate your scalp once a week. This helps remove buildup and keeps hair follicles clean.

2. Home remedies for thicker hair: Natural ingredients can work wonders when it comes to improving hair thickness. Here are some easy DIY hair mask home remedies:

• Egg mask: Eggs are a superfood full of protein, which helps hair grow stronger. Just whisk one egg and apply it to your hair. Let it sit for 20-30 minutes, then rinse with cool water.
• Aloe vera: Aloe vera helps soothe the scalp and keeps it moisturised. Apply fresh aloe vera gel to your scalp, leave it on for 30 minutes, and rinse it off.
• Onion juice: Onion juice can help strengthen hair because it has sulfur, which promotes collagen production. Apply onion juice to your scalp, leave it on for 20-30 minutes, and rinse well to get rid of the smell.
• Fenugreek seed paste: Soak fenugreek seeds overnight, blend them into a paste, and apply it to your scalp. Leave it on for 30-40 minutes before washing it off.

 

Related story: 5 Supplements to Stop Your Hair From Falling

 

3. Eat for stronger hair: What you eat affects your hair's health. Eating the right foods to stop your hair from falling and making them thicker and stronger:

• Biotin-rich foods: Foods like eggs, almonds, and sweet potatoes are great for hair growth because they contain biotin, a key vitamin for strong hair.
• Iron and Zinc: If you have thin hair, then your diet may be missing a few nutrients such as iron and zinc. These minerals help prevent hair loss. Add foods like spinach, lentils, and red meat to your diet for more iron, and pumpkin seeds or chickpeas for zinc.
• Omega-3 fatty acids: Foods like salmon, chia seeds, and walnuts help keep hair shiny and thick.

At UR.Life Health Risk Assessment (HRA), we take a personalised approach to optimising your overall health, which directly impacts your hair health. By assessing factors such as your lifestyle, eating habits, and specific health concerns, hair coaches create a diet plan designed to address nutritional gaps that may be affecting your hair health.

4. Choose the right hair products: The hair products you use can affect how thick and healthy your hair looks. Look for products that add volume and nourish your hair:

• Volumising shampoo: Use a sulfate-free shampoo that’s gentle on your hair and adds volume. Look for products with keratin or collagen to strengthen your strands.
• Leave-in conditioner: A lightweight leave-in conditioner can help keep your hair hydrated and voluminous without weighing it down.

Related story: The Secret to Healthy Hair is On Your Plate

5. Avoid heat and chemical damage: Excessive heat and harsh chemicals can make hair thin and break. Here’s how to keep your hair safe:
Limit heat styling: Avoid using flat irons or curling irons too often. Let your hair air dry when you can, and always use a heat protectant if you style your hair with heat.
Be gentle with wet hair: Wet hair is more fragile and prone to breakage. After washing, avoid rubbing your hair with a towel. Instead, gently pat it dry. Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle your hair while it’s still damp, and be careful not to pull too hard. This will help prevent hair from snapping and keep it looking healthy and thick.

Related story: Why is Your Hair Falling Out And What Can You Do About It

 

Achieving fuller, denser-looking hair is totally possible. It all comes down to a combination of proper scalp care, using the right products, and adopting healthy habits. From regular scalp massages to adding collagen to your routine, nourishing your hair with the right foods, and being gentle with styling, these steps can make a real difference. Stay consistent, be patient, and get ready for your hair to start growing stronger and thicker. 

 

Need all your wellness solutions in one place? A whole new world awaits just a click away.