Hair Thickening Spray: How Does It Work?

If you’re losing your hair or worried about thinning, a hair thickening spray can improve the appearance of your hair.

A hair thickener is different to a hair replacement treatment as it doesn’t halt or reverse the effects of thinning hair, but simply masks the effect.

Do hair thickening sprays really work?

Yes — hair thickening sprays can make your hair appear thicker. But the effects are only temporary, and they’re by no means a miracle cure.

Wayne Rooney’s hair is said to have been enhanced with hair thickening spray or hair fibres throughout the Euro 2016 tournament. These photos show his hair during a game, and a day after England’s tournament exit.

Hair thickeners from hair transplant clinics are usually far more effective than those available in supermarkets or high street shops. They can be a useful (if temporary) way to boost your self-confidence.

Here’s a look at the different hair thickening preparations available and how they work.

Hair thickening spray or hair fibres

Hair thickening spray or fibre comes in a variety of colours, and the individual picks the one which is closest to their natural hair tone. It’s not necessary to have an exact match, but you should try to choose a tone that’s similar to your natural colour. Tones vary from white and grey right through to jet black.

In addition to Wayne Rooney, David Beckham is also said to be a fan of hair fibres. Learn more about David Beckham’s hair transplant.

How do hair thickening sprays work?

Tiny fibres within the spray stick to your existing hairs, binding to them without lying flat. This adds volume and creates a thick, natural-looking coating. The hair and the fibre bind together through an electrostatic charge. The most effective types of thickening treatments use a dipolar coating, which pushes against the hair’s charge to create the illusion of fullness.

The best treatments also contain keratin, as they tend to look more natural. Hair is made from keratin, and a treatment which is made from the same substance delivers results which are soft to the touch, so they look and feel like the real thing.

Many people choose to use hair fibres after FUE hair transplant surgery to make the transition less obvious. Find out if you can get a hair transplant without anyone knowing.

How long do hair thickening sprays stay in?

Hair thickening sprays are temporary, and will be removed when you next wash your hair. Some hair fibres may also run or wash away when you sweat, so it’s essential to use a high-quality thickening spray that doesn’t leak colour — especially if you want to use it when you hit the gym.

Hair thickening shampoos and conditioners

Everyday products like shampoo and conditioner can have a big impact on the health and appearance of your hair [1]. Hair thickening shampoos and conditioners can help the hair shaft swell, thereby increasing the overall volume, even though there’s less hair.

The average head contains around 10,000 hairs and with each one swollen artificially by a thickening shampoo or conditioner, the results can be impressive.

A thickening shampoo is only a temporary solution, with the results lasting until the next time you wash your hair. You can use a thickening shampoo each time you wash your hair if you want to, replenishing the thickening results time and time again. It’s important to emphasise that no matter how many times you use a thickening shampoo, the results will be only temporary.

This coating can build up when the thickening shampoo is used regularly; this won’t help your hair to look thicker but can make it appear rather dull and lifeless. You might want to use a clarifying shampoo occasionally to give it a deep clean. Alternatively, opt for a “two washes on, one wash off” cycle.

A two-in-one shampoo and conditioner often works the best, as there’s less chance of hair being weighed down but it is possible to buy them separately.

A good thickening shampoo will have a noticeable impact on how your hair looks. It’s particularly effective when a hairdryer is used too, to amplify the volume. However, it’s not a magic wand and you won’t suddenly have a bouffant head of hair. The results are subtle and natural looking, yet offer a real improvement for those worried about the appearance of thinning hair.

Learn how to thicken your hair naturally.

Is there a more permanent hair loss solution?

Thickening treatments can be remarkably effective and can help to improve the appearance of hair which is thinning or receding. They are best used in tandem with products to halt or reverse the effects of hair loss, such as:

• Caffeine shampoo for hair loss
• Minoxidil
• Finasteride
• Dutasteride.

If you want a more permanent solution to your hair loss, a transplant from a UK hair transplant clinic is the most long-lasting option. At the Wimpole Clinic, our experienced surgeons are always on-hand to help you restore your hair with a permanent fix. See our results in our before and after hair transplant gallery.

Sources:

1. Shampoo and Conditioners: What a Dermatologist Should Know?