How to Thicken the Ends of Your Hair

Co-authored by Michelle Bebbington and Janice Tieperman

Last Updated: May 25, 2023 References

If you're struggling with hair breakage and split ends, you’re probably looking for a quick and easy way to make the ends of your hair look thicker. While there’s no magic solution that will make automatically grant you thicker locks, there are plenty of ways you can nourish, style, and strengthen your hair so your ends can look and feel thicker. Try making some changes to your daily routine, or opting for a new hairstyle! If you aren’t seeing the results that you desire, consider adding some special products to your routine, and see if you notice a difference.

1

Use thickening shampoos and conditioners.

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Look for products that say “thickening” or “volumizing” on the label. Unlike normal shampoos and conditioners, these products work to add more definition and volume to your hair, which makes your hair look fuller and thicker. Take time to lather the ends of your hair whenever you apply these types of shampoo and conditioner.^{[1]
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- Dried-out ends tend to look a lot thinner. Try to use shampoos and conditioners that also work as moisturizers.^{[2]
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  Michelle Bebbington
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  Expert Interview. 3 August 2021.}

2

Opt for sulfate-free hair products.

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Sulfates are harsh chemicals that can damage your hair over time. Check the ingredients on your current hair care products and see if there are any sulfates listed on the bottle. If your typical hair products include these ingredients, switch to a different formula. Try to use shampoos and conditioners with lots of protein, instead of harsh additives.^{[3]
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- If you’re using sulfate-filled shampoo on a regular basis, your ends will look thinner.

3

Cleanse your scalp once a week.

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Remove built-up dirt and oil with a clarifying shampoo. If you use a lot of thickening shampoo and conditioner on a regular basis, you might feel the product building up in your hair. Work a grape-sized amount of clarifying shampoo into your hair and knead it into your scalp. If you feel a lot of product build-up near the ends of your hair, rub the shampoo into those areas as well.^{[4]
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- Don’t use a clarifying shampoo more than once a week. Simply replace your normal thickening shampoo with this product when you take a shower.
- While cleansing your scalp doesn’t directly affect the ends of your hair, a clean scalp will make the rest of your locks look and feel a lot cleaner and fuller.

4

Avoid applying direct heat to your hair.

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Heating tools can make your hair look frizzy and thin. Although they're convenient, think twice before drying, curling, and straightening your hair with heating tools on a regular basis. If these tools are essential to your daily routine, try spritzing your locks with a heat protectant spray before using a blow dryer, curler, or straightener.^{[5]
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- Whenever possible, try setting your heat devices to a lower temperature.
- While you don’t have to cut these devices out your life altogether, try reducing the number of times you use them each week.

5

Be gentle with the ends of your hair.

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Avoid applying a lot of pressure to your natural hair as you style it. While you might feel the need to tug on your hair lightly while blow drying or styling it, try not to put a lot of strain on your ends overall. If you pull or tug too much, you could do long-term damage to the ends of your locks, making them look thin and brittle.^{[6]
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6

Get a shorter cut so your ends look thicker.

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Trim off the damaged, thinner ends of your hair. Evaluate your current hairstyle and see if you’d be comfortable sporting a cut that’s shoulder-length or shorter. When your hair is shorter, you might notice that ends appear thicker, as compared to longer locks that go past your shoulders.^{[7]
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- If you’re intimidated by the idea of a big hairstyle change, try trimming a few inches or centimeters from your current cut.^{[8]
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  Expert Source
  
  Michelle Bebbington
  Professional Hair Stylist
  
  Expert Interview. 3 August 2021.}
- Ask your hairstylist for suggestions if you can’t think of a good hairstyle to try.
- You can also layer your hair to add an extra dimension.

7

Part your hair on the opposite side.

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Changing your part can make your hair look thicker. Instead of parting your hair down the center or to a certain side, try flipping your hair in the opposite direction. While you’re not making any permanent changes to your hair, you’ll make both the roots and ends of your locks appear thicker at a glance.^{[9]
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- Your ends will be more noticeable if you have a shorter haircut.

8

Curl your hair to give your ends more volume.

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Curls create an optical illusion that makes your hair look thicker. Use a curling iron, a curling wand, or a no-heat curling method to add waves to your hair. Focus on the ends of your hair as you go along, checking that the waves are visible on the bottom few inches or centimeters of your hair-do.^{[10]
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- Your hair doesn’t need to be in ringlets for your locks to appear thick. Simple waves can do the trick.

9

Get highlights to add depth to your ends.

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The added dimension will create the illusion of thicker hair. Talk to your stylist about adding colorful highlights throughout your hair. Explain that you’d like the highlights to fall to the ends of your locks, instead of fading out in the middle of the strands.^{[11]
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- If you’re going for a natural look, choose a highlight that naturally blends with your hair. If you’d prefer a bolder style, opt for a bright color to serve as a highlight.

10

Take supplements that will strengthen your locks.

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Supplements like Omega 3 oils and pumpkin seed extract are good for hair. Over time, they can add a helpful boost to the strength and thickness of your hair, including the ends. Always check with your doctor before adding a new supplement to your diet, as you might encounter undesired side effects.^{[12]
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- Talk to your doctor before trying any new supplements. They can recommend the best products for you to use, or other possible alternatives.
- Supplements won’t improve the thickness of your hair overnight. You probably won’t see results for at least 3-6 months.
- If you don’t want to commit to supplements, you can opt for foods with nutrients that are great for your hair. Try avocados, salmon, and nuts, which are rich in healthy oils.

11

Use styling hair products that thicken hair.

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Make your hair look thicker with volumizing sprays and creams. As you make your selection, check that the product doesn’t have any sulfates, or other harsh chemicals that can do long-term damage to your hair. Before you use the product on a full-time basis, spray or rub the formula on a small section of your hair. If you don’t have any negative reactions, try using the product on a regular basis!^{[13]
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- Volumizing products come in sprays, foams, and mousses. Pick a product that appeals the most to you!
- Several dry shampoos have volumizing benefits.
- If you have curly hair, look into curling creams or gels that help your hair look more defined.

12

Mimic natural thickness with hair extensions.

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Hair extensions can replace or cover the ends of your hair. Search for hair pieces that you can use to camouflage your natural hair, making your ends look naturally thick. You can also search online to research and read different reviews that other customers have left on other extensions. ^{[14]
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- Depending on your hairstyle, hair extensions might not be the best solution for you. Talk to a hairstylist to see what your options are.

Expert Q&A

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Question

What is the best haircut for thin, fine hair?

Michelle Bebbington
Professional Hair Stylist
Michelle Bebbington is a Professional Hair Stylist and the Owner of The Living Room Hair and Skin based in Great Falls, Montana. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in hair education, coloring, and styling.

Michelle Bebbington

Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

Blunt haircuts are a great option for people who struggle with thin-feeling hair. Stay away from razor cuts or a lot of texturizing.

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Question

How do you get rid of wispy ends?

Michelle Bebbington
Professional Hair Stylist
Michelle Bebbington is a Professional Hair Stylist and the Owner of The Living Room Hair and Skin based in Great Falls, Montana. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in hair education, coloring, and styling.

Michelle Bebbington

Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

Apply a small amount of leave-in conditioner if you're struggling with wispy ends.

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