Maybe it’s been happening slowly… Or maybe it hit you all at once. Either way, low density or thinning hair can be frustrating. And figuring out how to “increase” hair density can feel even more confusing.
The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all fix. But there are smart, doable ways to support your hair’s health and improve its overall density over time. That’s why we created this guide. In it, we cover what causes low density hair and what you can actually do about it. So keep reading and get started building a routine that works with your hair, not against.
What causes low density hair?
Before jumping into how to increase hair density, let’s talk about what hair density actually means. It’s not just how thick your strands are. It’s how many strands you have on your head overall. And with low density hair, that just means fewer follicles are active in each section of your scalp:
(If you want to get all the details, we break it down here in our guide to Hair Density Types.)
But low density hair isn’t “bad”. It tends to feel lighter, dries faster and can be easier to style. It just needs a little extra attention because heavy products and scalp buildup show up more easily when there are fewer hair strands visible. Choosing the right products and techniques can make a major difference.
There are a few reasons why someone could have low density hair:
- Genetics
- Aging
- Hormonal changes
- Stress
- Poor diet or vitamin deficiencies
- Scalp health issues
- Medical conditions
- Certain medications
- Overdoing it with heat tools or chemical treatments
- Seasonal shedding
Can you increase your hair density?
The short answer is: yes, you can improve your hair density (with the right routine and the right ingredients). You can’t change how many follicles you were born with, but you can help more of them stay active, reduce fallout and grow stronger, thicker strands.
There are actually proven ways to help boost overall density over time. Here’s a look at seven smart moves to increase hair density:
- Maintain a healthy, balanced diet
- Drink plenty of water to keep hydrated
- Take care of your scalp
- Try to keep your stress levels low
- Add hair masks to your routine
- Talk to your doctor
- Try hair products that will actually improve density
How to improve hair density: 7 proven ways
1. Maintain a healthy, balanced diet
Hair strands are made mostly of protein, so if we’re not getting enough of it, our hair is going to show it. Same goes for vitamins like iron, zinc and biotin. When your body doesn’t get what it needs, growing strong, dense hair is pretty low on its to-do list.
Eating meals packed with lean proteins, leafy greens, colorful fruits and healthy fats helps give your hair the building blocks it needs. Think salmon, spinach, avocados and eggs. Staying consistent with a balanced diet will do so much for your hair over time as well.
2. Drink plenty of water to keep hydrated
Along with our diets, hydration is a big deal when it comes to hair health. A dry, thirsty scalp means weaker, brittle strands that snap and break instead of growing long and strong. We try to make drinking water a daily thing, not just when we remember after a tough workout. Adding more fruits and veggies with high water content can help too. If you’re staying hydrated, your scalp is staying happy and your hair is much better off.
3. Take care of your scalp
Healthy scalp = healthy hair. Scalp care is all about creating the best environment for your hair to grow. When your scalp is dry, clogged or inflamed, it’s way harder for hair to come through strong and healthy. We’re big fans of regular scalp massages, light exfoliation and keeping hair products gentle and clean.
ghost™ exfoliating
scalp nectar
a lightweight serum that
gently exfoliates and helps
remove product build-up
4. Try to keep your stress levels low
High cortisol levels can mess with your hair’s natural growth cycle and lead to thinning or shedding. So, finding ways to relax matters. Whether it’s going for a walk, journaling, getting a little more sleep or laughing through your group chat, keeping stress in check helps your hair stay stronger longer.
5. Add hair masks to your routine
The best hair masks can help hydrate, strengthen and smooth your strands so they’re less prone to breakage and look fuller over time. If your hair leans low density, the key is finding a mask that doesn’t weigh everything down. Our Ghost™ Mask is made exactly for that. It’s lightweight and infused with moringa oil to add moisture without the heavy feel. Use it once or twice a week to keep your hair soft, shiny and easy to work with!
ghost™ mask
light-as-air, moringa
oil-infused & designed
for easily weighed-down hair
6. Talk to your doctor
Sometimes thinning hair isn’t just about products or habits. Things like thyroid issues, hormonal shifts or vitamin deficiencies can sneak up and mess with your hair density too. If you feel like you’re doing everything right but not seeing progress, talking to a doctor could be a smart move. The sooner you know, the sooner you can treat the cause.
7. Try hair products that will actually improve density
Not every hair product that claims to thicken hair actually helps. Picking the right formulas will make a huge difference.
Final advice on how to “fix” low density hair
Improving your hair density isn’t about wishful thinking. It’s about getting consistent, supporting your scalp and feeding your hair what it needs to look and feel its best.
Whether you’re just starting to notice changes or have been dealing with thinning for a while, there are steps you can take to get thicker, fuller-looking hair. And now you’ve got the guide (plus, the product recs) to help make it happen. If you’re still figuring out what works best for your strands, take our quick, free hair quiz for personalized recommendations!
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