8 Super Simple Ways to Fake Fuller Hair

Exfoliate Your Scalp

Just like how the skin on your face and body needs to be exfoliated, the same goes for the skin on your scalp. “Your scalp is exposed to everyday life like your face,” says celebrity stylist Julian Farel. “Hair cannot grow in a clouded, cluttered, oily scalp. By exfoliating your scalp, you get the benefit of producing healthy hair.”

Change Your Part

If you normally wear your part down the middle or to the side, try switching it up. “Hair grows in phases and when hair is thinning, you can see the scalp more in certain areas. Changing your part can create the illusion of thickness and add lift and height,” says Farel. 

Massage Your Scalp

The massaging action that occurs when washing actually helps to increase circulation and stimulate and energize the follicles. Plus, the cleaner your hair is the less oil there will be, so it won’t look limp or greasy and less of your scalp will show through.

Get Extensions

According to celebrity hairstylist Sacha Quarles, extensions make your haircut, regardless of its length, look amazingly thicker with more volume. “The best extensions are minimal. And most celebrities wear just 20 to 40 strands, at a cost of around $200.”

Update Your Cut

According to Bumble & bumble stylist and educator, Carrie Hill, medium and shorter lengths are most flattering on thinning hair because they make the hair appear fuller and stronger. 

Load Up On Thickening Agents

When it comes to products, celebrity stylist Ahn Co Tran, co-owner of Ramirez Tran Salon in Los Angeles, says that you want to choose those that create volume without weighing down the hair. Certain ingredients, think wheat protein and antioxidants, can thicken hair at the root so that it looks fuller overall. While these products don’t give permanent results—on average, they’ll last until you wash your hair—they can make a big difference. A few to try: Aveda Thickening Tonic ($28), John Frieda Root Booster Blow Dry Lotion ($8) and L’Oréal Tecni Art Bouncy ($26).

Wrap Your Hair in a Towel Turban

According to celebrity stylists Kayla MiChele and Christine Cherbonnier, after washing your hair, wrap it up in a towel turban and leave it on for as long as possible. “When you take the towel off, shake your head around to find your part. Don’t brush or comb your hair out, which will flatten it,” says MiChele. “Once your hair is dry, add some baking soda to your roots for a natural dry shampoo effect that adds body.” 

Add Some Color

For hair that’s thinning at the roots, create denser looking strands by coloring the hair a little darker at the crown. “The lighter the hair color, the more transparent it will look. In general, coloring hair can also make thinning hair look fuller as hair color expands the hair shaft, increasing volume and thickness,” says Amy Errett, CEO and founder of Madison Reed.