Do Hair Thickening Products Work for Men?

There’s a lot of hype surrounding hair thickening products lately – especially for men who are experiencing thinning hair. A wide range of products exist on the market today that promise to support healthy hair growth and improve hair thickness and volume – from hair thickening shampoos and serums to medicated treatments like minoxidil. But do they actually work? 

You don’t want to waste cash on hair products that do nothing to improve thin or balding hair. That’s why we’ve created this article, to give you the low-down on what works and what doesn’t. We’ll discuss the best hair thickening products you can buy to promote hair growth and reduce loss, so you can enjoy thicker, fuller hair and boost your confidence.

What Are Hair Thickening Products?

Hair thickening products are formulated to create the appearance of fuller hair and reduce thinning. They contain a range of active ingredients that boost the diameter of individual strands and increase their volume from root to tip. These products strengthen the hair shaft and create the illusion of thicker hair, helping to mask thinning areas. 

Hair thickening products generally come in two categories: those that work in the short-term and those that provide a long-term solution for hair growth. Many hair loss shampoos and serums offer temporary hair thickening effects, while medicated treatments are more appropriate for those who are dealing with ongoing hair loss.

Who Should Use Hair Thickening Products?

Hair thickening products can provide advantages for a wide range of people with different hair types – but they are particularly beneficial for those experiencing thinning hair or hair loss. Lots of men with fine hair might opt for a hair thickening product to give their hair more body and volume, whereas individuals in the early stages of hair loss with conditions like male pattern baldness can use these products to disguise the affected areas.

What Causes Hair Loss in Men?

Male pattern baldness, also called androgenetic alopecia, is the main cause of hair loss in men. Around 50% of men will experience some hair loss by the age of 50 as a result of this condition. It’s caused by a combination of genetics and male sex hormones. 

A sensitivity to the hormone DHT, which shrinks hair follicles, can lead to thinning hair and bald patches on the scalp. Over time, hair follicles might stop producing hair altogether. Other causes of hair loss include hormonal changes, stress, a poor diet, hair routines, health conditions and reactions to certain medications.

Do Hair Thickening Products Work?

Many products can be effective at giving the appearance of fuller and thicker hair, especially if you’re only experiencing mild hair loss or want to boost the volume of fine hair. There is no one-size-fits all approach though, so you may need to experiment with different products until you find one that works for you. Here are some of the products you can try:

Hair Thickening Shampoos

Hair thickening shampoos aim to stimulate hair growth and create the appearance of fuller, thicker hair. Formulations vary widely across products, but key ingredients may include biotin (vitamin B7), collagen, keratin, caffeine and proteins that help to plump the hair shaft and make strands look thicker. 

The ingredients also improve scalp health by removing excess oils and product build up that can affect the overall appearance of hair. Some shampoos may contain DHT blockers which combat the shrinking effect this hormone has on hair follicles.

Hair Growth Serums

Hair growth serums are another option for treating thinning hair. They are usually applied to the scalp and work to stimulate the follicles and promote hair growth. Serums often contain natural ingredients like saw palmetto, peptides and caffeine which are thought to boose hair growth, reduce breakage and prevent further thinning. 

These products are best used in the earlier stages of hair loss – so they may not work as effectively for people with significant thinning. People notice results after several months of treatment, so commitment to a regular hair care routine is essential.

Medicated Products

Medicated hair growth treatments are more suitable for those who are experiencing more significant or ongoing hair loss, especially from conditions like male pattern baldness. They contain FDA-approved ingredients like finasteride and minoxidil which are clinically-proven to treat the root cause of hair loss. These drugs work by targeting DHT and increasing blood flow to the scalp to stimulate hair follicles. 

You can find medicated hair growth products in various forms, such as foams, sprays and shampoos – but more powerful formulations require a prescription from your doctor. If you’re not a fan of visiting clinics, the Hairy Hair treatment plan offers the perfect solution. 

By signing up for a Hairy Hair subscription, you’ll get access to online consultations with a qualified GP and a personalised care plan. We’ll deliver a single daily pill straight to your door that contains a combination of minoxidil and finasteride with other science-backed ingredients, so you can manage hair loss from the comfort of home.

Supporting Your Overall Hair Health

It’s important to support your overall hair health when you’re trying to reduce thinning, prevent balding and thicken hair. Here are some tips for achieving healthy hair growth:

Lifestyle Changes

To promote hair growth and slow down loss, make sure to eat a balanced diet, reduce stress and get regular exercise. Your hair is a testament to your lifestyle, so avoid smoking or drinking too much alcohol and get plenty of sleep.

Haircare Routine

A consistent haircare routine with gentle products can help promote thickness and volume. Thickening shampoo and conditioner can help you achieve this, but make sure to limit your use of heat styling tools like straightners and hairdryers as this can weaken hair strands and cause breakage. Avoid tight hairstyles because this can lead to traction alopecia – a condition that causes temporary hair loss as a result of too much tension on the hair follicles.

Hair Growth Supplements

Supplements with ingredients like biotin, zinc, vitamin D and folic acid can support healthy hair growth. However, for optimal results you shouldn’t rely on just taking supplements – a comprehensive approach is key. You could combine supplements with a consistent use of a hair thickening product, and potentially a medicated treatment if your hair loss is more pronounced.

Final Thoughts

Deciding to use a hair thickening product can help you achieve thicker, fuller hair with consistent use, but this depends on many factors such as whether you have a condition like male pattern baldness and the extent of hair loss. The best method is to experience with various products and see what work’s for you. Combining multiple methods provides a better all-round approach to hair growth, especially if you’re experiencing ongoing loss. Remember, the main thing is to commit to a regular routine, as most people will only see results after consistent use.