How to Get Thicker Hair, With Expert Styling Tips
J Lo's Hairstylist Shares His Hacks to Making Hair Look Thicker
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Image Source: Getty/Dia Dipasupil
The latest TikTok hair hacks, new styling products on the market, and hottest hairstyle trends all point to one thing: everyone wants thick hair right now. People are changing the way they wear their ponytails; brands are expanding to more volume-focussed lines; and sleek, straight hairstyles have made way for the return of the iconic '90s supermodel blowout.
Unless you were born with voluminous, cascading waves like Rapunzel herself, chances are you too have researched ways to add fullness to your hair, be it with a new haircut, hairstyle change, or post-shower styling hack. Some people are opting for layered, volume-boosting cuts like the "octopus," while others are bookmarking countless tips to ensure their styles don't fall flat — and this is especially true if your hair is naturally thin.
To help you achieve the full hair of your dreams, celebrity hairstylist and ColorWow brand ambassador Chris Appleton — the man responsible for Jennifer Lopez's volume-packed styles — is sharing his tips for how to get thicker hair ahead.
How to Get Thicker Hair
Tip #1: Use a Round Brush at the Roots
Sometimes, getting thicker hair is as simple as changing the way you style your hair post-shower. For example, Appleton recommends using this hack to give lift to the roots of your hair. Start by applying a thickening spray to your hair. "Spray the dry roots and take a large round brush, wrapping the pieces around it and lifting upwards while applying heat for just a few seconds," Appleton tells POPSUGAR. The result? "Instant volume."
Tip #2: Switch Your Parting
We know how hard it is to change something as ingrained in you as your hair parting, but switching things up every now and again can help make your hair look thicker. This is because it gives the roots of your hair a natural lift when you position them in a new direction.
Tip #3: Try the TikTok Ponytail Hack
This hack that went viral on TikTok is praised for its ability to give your ponytail a bouncy makeover. To try it, start by splitting your hair into two sections and secure the top section with an elastic. "Then divide the bottom part into two more sections and tie them on top of the first ponytail," says Appleton.
@chrisappletonhair Try this hair hack for any one that wants to make there hair look thicker and upgrade there pony game 👱♀️@kittybluuuu
♬ Toxic x Pony - ALTÉGO
Tip #4: Consider Extensions
The easiest way to add thickness to your hair are extensions, says Appleton. Nearly all of the voluminous hairstyles you envy on your favourite celebrities utilise extensions for added fullness. You can go the salon route and get professionally installed extensions or get clip-ins that you can take in and out at home.
The easiest way to add thickness to your hair are extensions, says Appleton. Nearly all of the voluminous hairstyles you envy on your favourite celebrities utilise extensions for added fullness. You can go the salon route and get professionally installed extensions or get clip-ins that you can take in and out at home.
Tip #5: Sleep in Braids
"Sleeping in braids can give fine hair some extra fullness without using heat," says Appleton. Before bed, apply some hairspray to the ends of your hair before creating loose braids — either one big braid or two on either side of your head, depending on how long your hair is. "You'll wake up in the morning with voluminous waves with no heat."
Tip #6: Change your Messy Bun
If you have naturally thin hair it can be hard to get fullness in a messy bun — but Appleton has a trick for that. Start by putting your hair up into a ponytail at the crown of your hair with a scrunchie. Then, spread the hair around the base of the ponytail and put an elastic on top. With the hair that's loose, separate it into two pieces and criss-cross them around the base of the bun, securing the ends in place with two hair pins.
@chrisappletonhair This is perfect for anyone with fine hair that wants to make there messy bun look triple the fitness in a few mins 🌪
♬ Talking to the Moon - Bruno Mars
The Best Hairstyles For Thicker Hair
We know what hairstyles aren't good for making your hair look thicker — like sleek, one-length cuts — but what about hairstyles that are? Bobs, for starters, are great for making hair look thicker than it is because there's no extra length weighing your ends down. "The popular '90s textured half-up half-down always helps create volume and fullness," says Appleton. "[And] long layers can help achieve the illusion of fullness."
The Best Products For Thicker Hair
Product is often the secret to every great hairstyle. After all, your curls won't hold without a little hairspray and frizz can't be tamed without a good hair oil. That said, Appleton has a handful of favourite products in his kit for making hair thicker. On wet hair, apply a volumizing spray or mousse, like the ColorWow XL Bombshell Volumizer (£23) or the IGK Big Time Volume and Thickening Mousse (£23).
Appleton also swears by root cover-up, even if you don't colour your hair or have greys, to "fake a fuller hairline." We like the Color Wow Root Cover Up (£23) to fill in any sparse areas where your scalp shows to make it look like your hair is thick. Lastly, for adding instant fullness to any hairstyle, look for a texturising spray, like the Living Proof Full Dry Volume + Texturizing Spray (£28). Appleton's favourite is the ColorWow Style on Steroids (£23). "[It's a great colour-safe texturising spray that doubles as a heat protectant," he says. "This product is especially amazing for anyone with fine, flat hair."
Still, as great as some styling products can be for making your hair look thicker, there are also products you should avoid if you have thin hair. "Don't use heavy conditioners or products with lots of oils – any heavy emulsifiers that sit on hair's surface and don't absorb will make the hair greasy and weighed down," says Appleton.
