Get thicker & fuller hair the natural way

In my experience, anyone with fine, thin hair can get thicker, fuller hair with herbs, essential oils and a little determination.  

Depending upon your hair type, achieving thicker and fuller hair may involve one or more of these factors:

• adding texture to your hair

• minimizing hair loss, shedding and breaking

• healing and nourishing your roots

• eliminating split ends

• growing your hair faster

• strengthening your hair 

• regrowing thinning hair

Here are 5 ways to thicken hair naturally which address these hair issues.

1. Use henna. Repeat.  

When applied to the hair, henna actually coats each individual hair strand, fills in rough spots and makes each strand thicker and stronger - and this effect is cumulative and permanent.  So, if you have fine hair, you can apply henna treatments repeatedly and, over time, your hair will become thicker.

Learn more about using henna here. Henna has several other benefits and is the basis for many of the treatments I've used on myself and many others to treat breakage, slow growth and achieve great hair color without chemicals. 

2. Use amla powder

Amla is another herb which is beneficial for hair. Amla adds body and texture to hair, and can add or enhance waves or curls.  Henna heads often add amla to their henna mixes to prevent henna from reducing their existing curl patterns.  With a few amla treatments, your hair can appear much thicker.  Amla's vitamin C and astringent qualities promote a healthy scalp and hair growth. Amla comes in two popular forms: powder and oil, but the powder is used to thicken hair.  

How to use: I have used the mixes below numerous times on my own hair and numerous others.  Remember to keep it simple when you start using herbs.  You can achieve your best hair by experimenting a little and customizing your treatments as you learn more about herbs and what works best for you.

Simple Amla Mix No. 1:

1. In a bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of amla powder to your existing conditioner to form a lotion-like paste.

2. Apply the mixture to your damp hair and leave-in for 30 minutes.

3. Rinse VERY well, gently massaging your scalp to remove all residue.

Simple Amla Mix No. 2:

1. In a bowl, mix equal parts distilled water and amla to form a paste.

2. Apply to damp hair from roots to ends.

3. Rinse VERY well, gently massaging your scalp to remove all residue.

3. Drink AND apply fresh aloe vera.

Aloe vera is a great hair moisturizer, and when applied to the hair can have an almost immediate plumping effect. Although not a lasting effect, the moisture is great for healthy hair (just remember to seal in the moisture with a oil), and can help tremendously with hair growth.  

Aloe vera also helps remove dead cells from the scalp and heals the skin tissue around the hair follicles, which promotes hair growth. You can also receive benefits of aloe vera by drinking it regularly.

How to use: Here's one simple way to reap the benefits of aloe vera.

1. Divide your hair into 4 sections, especially if you have thick or coiled or curly hair.

2. Using a spoon, carefully scoop out the contents of two aloe vera leaves into a bowl. You can also buy high quality aloe vera at a local health food store or online. I like Lily of the Desert Organic Aloe Vera Juice Whole Leaf.

3. Section by section, apply the aloe vera to both your scalp and your hair.

4. Follow with a light application of a plant-based oil, such as jojoba, castor, avocado or olive oil.

5. Leave-in 30 minutes or overnight. Wash or rinse, if your hair is a bit flaky from the dried aloe.

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4. Use essential oil serums for thicker hair.

Studies of lavender and rosemary essential oils show both have hair growth and thickening properties.  If you buy an over-the-counter hair thickener, make sure it contains these essential oils. Otherwise, you can create a homemade serum or mist (diluted with a carrier oil or distilled water). Here's a basic recipe:

Create your own hair mist for thicker hair:

1. Fill a spray bottle 2/3 with distilled water

2. Fill most of remaining bottle with aloe vera (leave a little room)

3. Add 10 drops rosemary essential oil

4. Add 10 drops lavender essential oil

5. Optional for shine & detangling: add 1/4 tsp apple cider vinegar for

6. Optional for dry hair: Add 10 drops of your favorite plant-based oil (I like argan, jojoba or marula oil)

7. Shake well and spray lightly onto hair daily as often as you wish.

8. Refrigerate when not in use (to preserve the aloe vera)

I also like to use this spray after washing and conditioning or even as a setting spray.  

Adding it altogether for a thicker hair regime.

With a little planning, you can combine the herbs and techniques described above to create a more convenient hair regime designed to achieve thicker hair. Here's how. 

• Once a month: Apply a henna mix with amla powder, aloe vera, and lavendar essential oil

• Weekly: apply amla powder mixed with conditioner

• Daily: Spritz hair with homemade mist

5. Get thicker hair from the inside with supplements. 

Anyone who's every looked into getting thicker or longer hair knows about biotin.  I personally don't recommend it as a solo fix because the effects aren't lasting.  Instead, I have used a cocktail of supplements with several hair-loving ingredients (including small amounts of biotin), such as Natrol NuHair Hair Regrowth For Women and Viviscal (which has even helped people with alopecia).  

While there are a range of supplements for hair health, including fish oil, bone broth, flax oil and even green tea, individual needs vary depending upon your age, your health and diet. For a good overview, read this article by Dr. Axe with details about various supplements.

These are my time-tested herbals and techniques for natural hair.  Here are HaiRevolution, we want to help you navigate the possibilities and receive clear information about natural hair techniques.  To receive a customized natural hair regime, contact Allison or book a consultation.

Have a recipe to contribute?  Email Allison Gibson.