From nutrition tips to the best products to try, experts share guidelines for your best hair ever
Every product on this page was chosen by a Harper's BAZAAR editor. We may earn commission on some of the items you choose to buy.
How to get thicker hair is a common question many beauty enthusiasts ask their stylists, but the truth is, no one answer works for everyone.
From regularly using some of the best hair-growth serums and other innovative treatments to taking daily supplements , many of us are willing to do just about anything for healthy hair. But the biggest expert tip to maximize length and volume? Keep things simple. “Less is more when it comes to promoting hair growth, but compliance is key,” Debby Vellozzi, head of product development at Virtue Labs , tells Bazaar . “Growth products are meant to be used daily, and while it takes time, they truly work.”
Here, we speak with celebrity hairstylists and a professional trichologist to demystify everything you need to know about growing thicker, longer hair with ease. To round out your care essentials, we've also included some expert-approved products that you can seamlessly add to your routine.
We have great hair news for avocado fanatics. According to Michelle Blaisure of Bosley Professional Strength, healthy hair starts with nutrition. “While genetics determines hair texture and curl, our diet plays a role in how genes can be expressed,” Blaisure says. “Be sure to get plenty of good-quality protein and good fats like olive oil and omega-3s.” She recommends salmon, avocados, nuts, vegetables, and fruits to get all the key nutrients needed for growing stronger hair.
When it comes to hair growth, don’t sleep on your scalp. (Well, you know what we mean.) The scalp has a rich microbiome of bacteria and fungus necessary to keep the skin—and the hair it grows—healthy, explains Blaisure. When we don’t shampoo enough or use harsh cleansers, it can lead to skin problems that negatively impact hair growth. “The skin has immunity functions and is our first line of defense against toxins and environmental aggressors. When the scalp is compromised, it cannot defend itself,” she says. “Keeping a healthy balance of moisture and natural oils is important on the scalp just as it is on your face.”
She blames the overuse of hair stylers and harsh cleaning agents (such as sulfates) for stripping the hair and disrupting the scalp’s pH balance. She recommends limiting thickening products that leave behind a heavy residue and make hair look dull, as well as anything with a high pH level.
Linda de Zeeuw, master stylist at Rob Peetoom in Brooklyn, suggests massaging your scalp to stimulate blood flow and washing your hair no more than three times a week. De Zeeuw also warns against overusing dry shampoo—heartbreaking, we know—as it can build up a layer of residue on your scalp and clog hair follicles, preventing new, healthy hair from growing.
It may sound obvious, but it bears repeating: different hair types require specific products tailored to their needs. Cutler x Arlo Salon co-owner Jenny Balding advises those with fine hair to look for volume-building shampoos and conditioners, such as Kérastase Bain Densité Shampoo , to enhance the appearance of thickness and add shine. For those with dry or damaged hair, Balding suggests using products that tame frizz and moisturize, such as Living Proof’s Perfect Hair Day Conditioner , and finishing with a nourishing cream. A good rule of thumb is to pick…