Between appointments: home remedies to volumise thin hair

Don’t expect magic!

Before we take you through some tried and tested home remedies to volumise thin hair, you need to be aware that none of these will provide instant results. You have to persevere and over time you could see a difference. It is also worth remembering that although these methods are reported to work, but there is no ‘one size fits all’. This means that if you try a method and it doesn’t work for you, it is worth experimenting with another and always asking your expert stylist first.

Why is my hair thinning?

We all ‘malt’, break and lose our hair, and in most cases, you’ll find it just regrows. But if you’re experiencing hair loss without any regrowth it is worth trying to understand why it is happening. Some common reasons include hormonal imbalance, thyroid disorders, autoimmune diseases, genes (often referred to as ‘female pattern hair loss’ or ‘alopecia’), physical trauma, intense illness, dramatic weight loss over, and hairstyles that pull at the roots e.g. cornrows (often referred to as ‘traction alopecia’). If you are unsure what is causing your hair loss, first consult an experienced hairdresser, and if needed seek some medical advice.

So, what actually works?

Apple Cider Vinegar

To stimulate hair growth mix 1 tbsp of organic, raw and unfiltered apple cider vinegar with 1 cup of water to make a hair rinse. Apply this to your scalp leaving it in for at least five minutes after shampooing and while you are waiting, massage your scalp. Rinse it out with water. Apple cider vinegar is great for balancing your scalp’s pH balance and for stripping the dead skin that could be blocking your hair follicles. It is also great for coloured hair as the acidic properties of the vinegar can reseal the cuticle making colour last longer. This shouldn’t be done daily as overdoing it can cause damage – think about what that craze of putting lemon juice on your hair: it will soon become dry and brittle.

Image Credit:
The Chapel, Tunbridge Wells

Nourish with nutrients

There is no better way to improve the condition of our hair than to nourish from the inside. Take a daily dose of vitamins B complex, A, C and E (nuts are a great source). Vitamin B complex prevents hair loss and strengthens your locks, while vitamin A helps the oils produced by your scalp keep hair follicles lubricated. Vitamins C and E boosts circulation in the scalp which encourages hair growth. As with all vitamins, too much or incorrect combinations can cause some side effects. Seek the advice of a professional as to whether this combination will suit you if you have any known medical conditions.

Fenugreek Seeds

Make your own hair rinse by soaking the 2 – 3 tbsp of seeds in water for 24 hours. Strain them well but don’t throw the water away! Use it as a hair rinse and leave it in there for 2 – 3 hours. Wash your hair with lukewarm water and after around a month, you should start to see some results. Couple your hair rinse with a natural hair mask. Grind your soaked seeds until they make a fine powder, mix with some coconut milk to make it into a paste and apply it to hair. Keep it in for at least 1 hour and then wash it off. You will immediately see that the appearance your hair has improved.
Fenugreek seeds contain lots of protein which helps encourage hair growth, vitamin C, iron which is great for circulation, potassium which can reduce premature grey hairs, nicotinic acid which also promotes hair to grow, and lecithin which nourishes hair follicles. Fenugreek seeds are in the same ‘family’ of peanuts so if you have an allergy to nuts, avoid this solution. You should also seek medical advice as to the safety of it if you are pregnant.

For more hair care tips, take a look around our expert advice section or get in touch with one of our expert stylists.