Hair loss and hair thinning can be common threats to your confidence and there’s no shame in wanting to make hair appear thicker than it is.
Hidden among some of the better-known hair-amplifying products, like clarifying shampoos, minoxidil treatments and strengthening serums, are also some everyday tools that don’t need a refill every time the bottle reaches empty.
Keep reading to see helpful over-the-counter tools recommended by experts and reviewers that either promote hair growth or temporarily make thinning hair appear thicker than it actually is. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to learn that a modern day crimping iron has done wonders for thin and limp hair and that those red light therapy systems actually do make hair grow.
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A medical-grade red light cap
Previously suggested by board-certified dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp, the Kiierr hair growth cap uses up to 272 medical-grade diode lasers to stimulate hair growth. "Low-level light therapy (LLLT) makes use of the biological effect of light on hair follicles," Camp explained. This hands-free and FDA-cleared cap comes in three diode options and can fit securely on a variety of head sizes thanks to the stretch-fit band within the cap.
"The frequency and duration with which these products need to be worn vary depending on the manufacturer," he said as a general note about this kind of light therapy.
A volumizing hair iron
Using ceramic plates paired with a patented checkerboard design, this hair iron is made specifically for creating a "volumizing structure" in the underneath layers of the hair to lift the top layers up so thin hair looks fuller and bouncy. Functioning similarly to those crimping irons of the '80s, the Voloom has adjustable heat settings and tons of promising reviews claiming how easily it transforms flat and limp tresses into thicker-looking hair that lasts for days.
Promising Amazon reviews: "I am an '80s girl and still love the big hair. I am in my 50s with thinning hair this is perfect to give me some lift and helps make my hair look thicker. It’s a great size and heats up quickly." — Monica
"I don’t know how I never found this hair tool before now. I’m 70 and for some reason or other my beautiful long, lush hair has thinned ridiculously over the years to the point of having to wear extensions for fullness. I’m so thankful someone was smart enough to design something to give women back their confidence. After using this, it looks like I have double the amount of hair…and that’s without using any hair products! I can’t recommend this enough if you’re like me and need the illusion of more hair. They say not to do the top layer of hair, but I need the extra oomph so I do a quick tap and release. If it does crimp a little, I just lightly brush through it. But the fullness remains. Love, love, love this product!" — Digital R
A red light therapy helmet
Another red light therapy option that we found based on Camp's earlier guidance is this iRestore treatment helmet, an FDA-cleared laser system that uses 282 lasers and LED lights to stimulate hair follicles for new growth. According to the brand, this hands-free device uses an optical wavelength, can be used to maximize the results of other hair loss treatments like minoxidil and can be useful for conditions like alopecia, receding hairlines, pattern baldness and thinning hair.
Be sure to clip the $100 off coupon on the product page before checkout.
A viral silicone-bristled scalp massager
Shopping writer Haley Zovickian previously wrote about how this viral shampoo brush and scalp scrubber has made her hair cleaner and reduced the appearance of flakes. According to Los Angeles-based trichologist Anna Asarte, who previously spoke with HuffPost about the things you should never do if you're suffering from hair loss, the massager can also stimulate blood flow which helps promote the health and growth of follicles. Reviewers agree that this silicone-bristled brush has created new hair growth, while also extending the amount of shampoo required to create a full and satisfying lather.
Promising Amazon review: "I had a reaction to an antibiotic. Within three months I lost about 80% of my hair. I went to a vegan shampoo (Viori shampoo. Go to Viori.com) and got this scalp stimulator. The two of them worked great together! For one, I will never go back to regular shampoo from big box stores. I will only use a vegan shampoo and conditioner. Second, the scalp stimulator is a unique idea. You gently go over your scalp in circles, emphasis on the gently because it’s easy for your mind to wander, and pretty soon you’re scrubbing away and doing most likely no good at all… Lol. And the stimulator cause an increase in blood flow which can help your hair grow. I was amazed because I had very little hair left and it was 2 to 3 months that my hair had grown a couple of inches. I didn’t really think anything about it until I quit using the scalp stimulator and noticed my hair growth had greatly slowed. It does well and it does what it says it’s going to do. I tend to like that in a product!" — KimberM.
Or, an electric cordless scalp massager
Based on Asarte's former comments about the benefits of scalp massage on hair health and potential growth, we selected this handheld electric massager that has 4.5 out of 5 stars on Amazon and tons of promising reviews. This cord-free contraption is waterproof so it can be used with shampoo in the shower and features four node-covered and rotating massage heads that are specifically designed not to tangle hair as it massages. Users can choose from speed settings and easily store the massager in the convenient charging base.
Promising Amazon review: "I really enjoy using the every day. I find it relaxing especially when massaging my hairline at the back of my neck and on my temples. I believe it stimulates hair growth (I’m slowly seeing my thin spots fill-in with new little short hairs) or at the very least it’s improving the blood circulation on my head and neck. Sometimes it will pullout a hair or two but that’s usually my fault because of the way I’m holding the massager or because I leave it in one spot for too long. For best results I leave it in one spot for 3-4 seconds then I lift it off my scalp, move it just a little, touch it to my scalp again and hold it on the new area for 3-4 seconds and repeat. Don’t expect fast results, hair won’t suddenly pop up long and thick, but I believe you will see improvements over several weeks." — Ellie Wallace
A volumzing teasing comb
Rated 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon, this little teasing comb by Revlon can make thin hair appear thicker and lock in fullness when used to back comb sections of hair towards the scalp. It uses densely packed bristles that are infused with ions to tease tresses without creating excess frizz. Reviewers claim that this brush has helped make thin hair look immediately fuller.
Promising Amazon reviews: "This brush is a breeze to work with especially if u don’t know what you’re doing ! (Me). I have thin hair and a few strokes with this brush and my hair is immediately fuller looking!" — Garcia
"I got my hair done for a wedding last month and the stylist used one of these teasing combs I had never seen one before and was impressed with the amount of volume she achieved with it. As someone with thin hair, this has seriously stepped up my efforts to add more volume to my hair." — Courtney L.
Breakage-free and volumizing spiral hair ties
Individual strand breakage can definitely impede hair growth, as can wearing hair back too tightly, according to previous guidance from hair experts. In this way, these stretchy spiral hair ties by Kitsch can help thinning hair be thicker in two ways. Firstly, their unique and soft material design evenly spreads pressure across a larger hair surface to reduce tension and breakage. Secondly, several reviewers report that the ties add the appearance of volume to ponytails and messy buns. they also won't leave those troublesome dents in hair that traditional hair ties can. Find these in several color variations and packs of four or eight.
Promising Amazon review: "I have been hearing about these and wanting to give them a try - and SO happy I did! I have very fine, blonde, brittle hair from years of coloring. I try my best to avoid traditional hair bands because they cause SO much breakage for me. I was on the hunt for a way to keep my hair out of my face at the gym, and these do just that. They are super comfortable, stay in place, no breakage and best of all - they add a ton of volume to my hair! Idk how or why - but they give the appearance of a lot more hair. I am so pumped! Never going back to regular ties. If they stretch out, I read you can just put them under the heat of your hair dryer and they return to regular size." — Cherish O.
A set of bun donuts
If your hair is too thin to style a full and satisfying bun, this multi-piece kit can help create the illusion. Featuring seven "donuts" in four different sizes, along with hair elastics and some straight pins for securing hair, these rings work by sliding over a ponytail, then the hair gets wrapped around the edges of its soft surface. This kit comes in four different shades to best blend in with your specific hair color.
Promising Amazon review: "I wanted something that made my bun look a little fuller. I always just thought I had really thin hair and that everyone achieved this look without help because they have thick hair. Guess I was wrong. I love it, and it was so easy to use. The attempt in the pictures was really just a quick try and I loved it so much I kept it for the rest of the day." — Rebecca D.
A variety pack of old school hair inserts
Though I'm far from an expert, I can personally attest to the volumizing capability of these hair inserts that you probably remember from the "As Seen On TV" commercials in the early 2000s. Call me outdated, but even after over a decade I still use my Bumpit, a clever plastic tool that hides at the crown of the head and gets covered with layers of teased hair to create volume. This particular set comes with four different Bumpit sizes and I mostly use them to style big '60s style updos and I'm able to make them extra secure by sliding a few pins at the base of the Bumpit that's closest to my scalp.