How to Get Thicker, Healthier Hair

If you’ve noticed more strands in the shower drain or on the hairbrush than usual, you're not alone, and we are here to help. Hormonal changes, aging, stress, and constant color changes can damage and weaken your hair, causing it to thin, and in extreme cases, fall out. But fear not, this can be fixed! There are so many options out there ( Hi, shampoos, conditioners, supplements, and oils!), so we tapped dermatologist and founder of @brownskinderm, Adeline Kikam, and Reyad Fritas, founder of the glamorous Suite Reyad, to find out what actually works for hair growth. Below, advice will help you grow thicker, longer hair in no time.

DO: Take a look at your diet

“The nutrients our body needs for healthy hair and nail growth can actually be adequately obtained from a good diet,” Kikam says. “Strive to have a healthy balanced diet in nutrients that promote healthy hair, skin, and nails overall such as omega-3 fatty acids, proteins, selenium, and vitamin D and use multivitamin supplements if unable to achieve this through diet alone.”

DON’T: Use harsh chemicals

“A lot of clients have thin hair because it’s over-processed,” Reyad says. “It’s okay to use gentle dyes without ammonia, but bleaching and highlighting hair won’t be helpful for people trying to grow their hair thicker.”

DO: Try a hair mask

Virtue Restorative Treatment Mask

$30 at Sephora $32 at Walmart $68 at Nordstrom

Consider this the perfect excuse to treat yourself to an at-home spa night. Hair masks strengthen your hair by nourishing it with moisture, Reyad says. He likes the Restorative Treatment Mask from Virtue. “You can see a faster result with the alpha kératin that bonds the hair and repairs damage,” he says. “It works like a GPS system, locating cracks in the hair and filling them in.”

DON’T: Try Supplements without consulting your doctor

“Before starting any supplements please verify with your doctor,” Kikam says. “The market for multivitamins is vastly unregulated, and some hair growth struggles can be related to genetics such as androgenetic alopecia.” Once you’ve talked to your doctor, here are some ones the editors at ELLE have tried and love.

DO: Rethink your shampoo and conditioner

“Eliminate any shampoo or conditioner that contains harsh ingredients,” Reyad says. By making the switch, you’ll make sure you’re giving your hair all the nourishing ingredients it needs.

DON’T: Forget your scalp

“A healthy scalp is important for maintaining healthy hair growth,” Kikam says. “I usually emphasize moisture, cleanliness, circulation, and healthy hair grooming practices.” One way to do this is by giving yourself a soothing scalp massage. “Promote blood circulation to the scalp with gentle and regular massage. It increases the flow of nutrients and oxygen to hair follicles. It also makes for an overall relaxing experience and good stress relief. Also, moisturize the scalp with oils like argan!”