Improving the appearance of thinning hair

Hair: Royston Blythe Artistic Team
Photography: David Goldman

Dear Hair Doctor,

My hair is extremely narrow because of my medical issue (PCOS) or PolyCystic Ovary Syndrome. I've been trying for ages with pills and lotions to make it look stronger but it seems the appearance needs more than simply tint my hair or taking pills. What do you think I can do to improve the thickness or appearance?

Many thanks,

Anon, UK

Hi,

How to make thin hair look thicker is an eternal question asked by many people and unfortunately there is no magic answer! There are several different hair supplements and vitamins available, so even if you have not yet had any good results with these, it may be worth persevering with some other brands or types, as different ones will suit different people. Make sure you use a professional thickening shampoo and some good styling products – my favourites are Kérastase Volumactive range of hair care, and L'Oréal tecni.art Volume Lift. Finally and most importantly, a good stylist and colourist will be able to recommend the best colour and cut for you – careful placement of highlights, and layers in the right places, will create the illusion of thickness.

Nick Malenko, Royston Blythe

Hi,

This is an interesting one. Firstly going to see a trichologist for a consultation is a good start. Also there’s a wonderful new filler for hair that plumps up the hair shaft and gives it a little more oomph! It is called Fiberceutic by L’Oréal Professionnel and is an in-salon treatment that has done great things for people with finer hair. Colour wise, with my clients I always recommend having highlights in varying colours to give the illusion of more hair and this will make it look thicker and more bouncy. The colour itself actually does to a degree swell the hair, giving it more volume.

Hope this helps!

John Clark, Brooks+Brooks Hairdressing

Hi,

The thought of taking more pills to aid your hair may sound daunting but there are more natural, organic alternatives such as sea kelp, which can aid in promoting hair growth. Also, Kérastase products contain vitamins called Densi-recharge that stimulate the hair density and add vitality to your lack-lustre hair.

An additional option could be hair extensions. There are many ways how you can enhance your natural hair by having a few clip-in extensions matched to your hair, which you will be able to add as you wish.

Or finally a hair extension specialist will be able to beautifully boost your volume by adding individual strands of hair with a non-abrasive keratin bonding glue. Hair extensions are used by many women for length, thickness and a varied colour choice.

Maria Brand, Cobella 

Hi,

In terms of improving the thickness, I advise you talk to your doctor as he will be able to tell you what, scientifically, can aid your PCOS, however there are many supplements on the market that have natural ingredients that help to improve the quality of your hair and nails. Don’t be put off that your current pills don’t seem to work; shop around as different things work for different people. When it comes to colour, ensure that you ask for semi – permanent gloss colour (from £32.50 @HOB Salons) as this coats the hair creating a thicker appearance. Like-wise working with darker shades tends to help build the illusion of more hair, as will investing in thickening products to motivate volume.

Christel Lundqvist, HOB Salons and Academy