How to Grow Thick Hair Naturally: Everyday Habits and Home Remedies That Work

Ever catch yourself staring at someone with gloriously thick hair and whisper, How does she do it? If someone close by happens to hear you, they’ll probably tap you on the shoulder and say something you've probably heard a thousand times, “good genes.”

True enough, genetics play a big part, but that’s not the whole story. What many don’t realize is that everyday habits and small choices can help you grow into the fullest version of the hair you already have.

In this article, I’ll share natural methods and science-backed practices that I—and many women—swear by, to help you turn potential into reality and guide you toward thicker, healthier strands.

What Increases the Thickness of Hair?

When people talk about hair thickness, they usually mean one of two things: either the width of each individual strand, or the total number of strands actively growing from the scalp.

Scientifically, both matter. Healthy follicles produce stronger, wider hairs, while more follicles in the growth (anagen) phase increase overall density.

So what actually increases thickness?

Personally, the more productive approach would be to flip the question and ask: what prevents hair from thinning in the first place?

After all, someone blessed with naturally thick-hair genes can still end up with thinning strands. Stress, hormonal changes, poor nutrition, harsh styling habits—all of these chip away at density over time.

Genetics may set the baseline, but lifestyle and health decide how well that thickness is maintained.

Which brings us back to the real answer. The sustainable way to increase hair thickness is to address the factors that cause thinning, then build consistent habits that support follicle health.

Proper nutrition, stress management, scalp massage, and gentle cleansing all help circulation, keep nutrients flowing, and protect fragile follicles. All these set the perfect conditions to grow thicker, fuller hair.

How Can I Make My Hair Grow Thicker Naturally? 7 Simple and Scientifically Proven Ways

Before we get into it, let’s set the record straight.

When we say “naturally,” we’re talking about real, safe methods that build thicker hair over time—habits you stick with consistently. That said, we won't be talking about overnight magic fixes, synthetic drugs, and complicated salon procedures or transplants.

Without further ado, here are the methods worth trying.

Use Natural Thickening Oils

Botanical and essential oils contain active compounds that can stimulate circulation, improve follicle health, and coat hair fibers to make them appear fuller and thicker.

For example, rosemary oil has been studied for its ability to improve blood flow to follicles, with a 2015 randomized trial showing it performed comparably to minoxidil in promoting hair growth.

Another nourishing oil worth mentioning is batana oil, passed down through generations in Central America. On its own, it can give strands more body and prevent brittleness, but I find results are even better when combined with the scalp-stimulating power of rosemary.

To me at least, the biggest plus is that it’s lightweight and not sticky, which makes it easy to use every day.

Of course, there are other well‑known botanicals that may work for you as well. The ones below are often cited among the best herbs for thicker hair:

• peppermint

• lavender

• saw palmetto

• coconut

• jojoba

To use them effectively, warm a few drops of your chosen oil between your palms, massage into the scalp, and leave on for at least 30 minutes before washing. For deeper conditioning, you can also leave it overnight.

Always remember to do a patch test first to rule out any allergic reaction.

Apply Scalp Massage

Scalp massage stimulates blood flow to the follicles, delivering more oxygen and nutrients that strands need to grow strong and full. 

Studies, such as a 2016 pilot trial published in ePlasty, showed that participants who performed daily scalp massage for several months reported improvements in hair thickness and overall growth density.

By mechanically stretching the dermal papilla cells and increasing circulation, massage may also prolong the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle.

Here’s how to do scalp massage the right way so you gain the thickening benefits without yanking loose any fragile strands.

• Use the pads of your fingers (not nails) or a dedicated scalp massager tool.

• Apply gentle pressure in small circular motions, covering the whole scalp.

• Do this for 5–10 minutes once or twice daily.

• Pair it with hair nourishing oils like batana, coconut, or castor for added nourishment.

Wash Hair at the Right Frequency

It goes without saying that washing your hair clears away dirt and buildup. But wash too often and you end up with dry, brittle strands that look thinner. Wash too little and you’re left with greasy buildup. Neither extreme helps with thickness, which is why frequency matters.

However, there isn’t a universal standard for how often you should wash. It all comes down to your hair type and lifestyle.

For most people, two to three washes per week is enough. But if you have an oily scalp, work out regularly, or spend time outdoors where sweat and pollution accumulate, washing daily may suit you better.

Below are additional tips to support hair thickness when washing:

• Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo.

• Rinse thoroughly with lukewarm water (hot water can damage cuticles and weaken strands).

• Massage shampoo into the scalp with your fingertips, not your nails (similar to how you would do an oil massage).

Incorporate Stress-Management Practices

When you’re under chronic stress, your body releases higher levels of cortisol. This stress hormone has been shown to suppress the activation of hair follicle stem cells, disrupting the natural hair cycle. The result? More shedding and thinner-looking strands.

Of course, we can’t fully escape the stress of daily life, whether it’s the commute, work deadlines, family responsibilities, or financial worries. But luckily, there are ways to manage it. Here are some simple habits I follow myself:

• Practicing deep breathing or meditation for 10–15 minutes daily.

• Engaging in regular exercise, which lowers stress hormones and improves circulation to the scalp.

• Getting adequate sleep. Aim for 7–8 hours per night, since rest is when your body repairs and supports healthy follicles.

• Taking time for relaxing hobbies such as yoga, journaling, or gentle walks outdoors.

Maintain Healthy Eating Habits

Hair is primarily made of keratin, a protein. So naturally, without enough dietary protein, you’re more likely to grow thinner strands instead.

But beyond protein, studies have also linked iron, zinc, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids to hair health. A 2017 review in the Dermatology Practical & Conceptual journal, in particular, highlighted how deficiencies in iron and vitamin D often show up in patients with hair loss.

All that’s to say, diet plays a huge role in thicker hair. Go for:

• Eggs, lean meat, and legumes for protein.

• Spinach, pumpkin seeds, and beans for iron and zinc.

• Fatty fish like salmon or sardines for omega-3 fatty acids.

• Nuts and seeds for vitamin E and biotin.

• Dairy or fortified alternatives for vitamin D.

Now, we could talk all day about the best foods for hair growth, but in the end, it comes back to your daily habits. Build balanced meals with a mix of these foods instead of relying on one “superfood”, and most importantly, do it every day. Consistency is what makes all the difference.

Avoid Excess Sugar and Alcohol

People often talk about the healthy foods to eat, but rarely about what to avoid—and that’s just as important. No matter how balanced your meals are, there may still be things on your plate that work against thicker hair, and sugar and alcohol are two of the biggest culprits.

High sugar intake spikes insulin, which can increase androgen activity and trigger follicle miniaturization, a process often seen in thinning hair. Over time, this same mechanism is linked to insulin resistance, a metabolic state associated with hair loss.

Alcohol, on the other hand, depletes your body of key nutrients such as zinc and vitamin B, both essential for healthy strands.

The best case is to avoid both completely. But is that realistic? For many, especially those with a sweet tooth or a social lifestyle, it isn’t. In that case, moderation is key. Below are some practical tips:

• Swap sugary drinks for water, herbal teas, or fruit-infused water.

• Keep alcohol out of the house. If possible, don’t buy it at all and limit it to occasional social use.

• Build balanced meals with protein and whole grains to help prevent sugar cravings.

Avoid Tight Hairstyles

Wearing tight ponytails, braids, or buns creates constant tension on the scalp, which can weaken follicles and lead to a condition called traction alopecia. This tension pulls at the roots and, over time, can cause breakage and thinning.

In other words, these hairstyles can undo the progress you’ve made toward thicker hair growth.

To preserve the thickness you already have:

• Choose looser styles whenever possible, such as low ponytails, loose braids, or soft messy buns.

• Use fabric-covered hair ties or scrunchies instead of tight elastics.

• Alternate hair styles. If you really love your braids or tighter looks, wear them occasionally and then rotate with looser hairstyles to give your follicles a break.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How to thicken hair in 7 days?

You can make your hair look fuller and thicker in just 7 days by using volumizing shampoos, lightweight conditioners, and styling techniques like blow-drying upside down. These tricks add body to your strands, but the results are only temporary.

Real thickening takes several weeks to months, and that happens through long-term methods like washing two to three times a week with a gentle shampoo, eating protein‑rich meals with iron and vitamin D, and massaging your scalp regularly with nourishing oils.

Can thin hair become thick?

Yes, thin hair can become thicker, but it largely depends on the cause. If thinning comes from factors like poor diet, stress, or styling damage, addressing those can help hair regain density.

But if genetics or hormonal conditions are behind it, medical treatments such as minoxidil, finasteride, or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy may improve fullness, though they won’t change your natural strand size.

Which herb is best for thick hair?

Rosemary is one of the best herbs for thick hair, supported by studies showing it can stimulate circulation to follicles. But because it is an essential oil and naturally concentrated, it should always be diluted with a carrier oil (such as batana oil) for safe application on the scalp.

Other herbs worth mentioning are peppermint, saw palmetto, and lavender, all of which are traditional options that have shown results in growing thick, healthy hair.

What causes hair to thin?

Hair thins due to multiple reasons, including genetics, hormonal shifts, stress, nutritional deficiencies, and damaging styling habits. Over time, these factors weaken follicles or shorten the growth phase, which results in finer strands and reduced volume.

Is biotin necessary for hair thickness?

Biotin is an essential nutrient for hair growth because it supports the production of keratin, the protein that makes up hair, skin, and nails. Supplementation, however, is only necessary for people who have a proven biotin deficiency.

Put simply, if you’re not deficient, taking extra biotin won’t make your hair thicker. 

It's worth mentioning here that deficiency is pretty rare since biotin is widely available in everyday foods.

Commit to Consistent Habits for Thicker Hair

Natural methods—from scalp massage and balanced meals to stress management and gentle washing—work best when you do them regularly. Consistency is the real secret behind lasting thickness, the kind that brings true confidence when you look in the mirror and even catches the envy of passersby.

If you’re unsure where to start, try nourishing oils such as batana or rosemary, or simple classics like coconut and jojoba. These are safe, practical first steps to support follicle health.

For more natural tips and deeper guidance, visit the Keyoma blog, where we share ongoing, science-aligned advice on growing thick, healthy hair.