There are multiple ways to get the best style of hair. Ranging from the number of minutes to leave shampoo in, to having the right vitamins for shinier hair, there is so much more than people realise.
But it is important to know of a huge mistake individuals make when they try to achieve thicker hair.
Hair expert Dr Naheed Ali shared what women should be avoiding when growing thicker hair and the best ways to achieve it.
Speaking exclusively to GB News, he said: "One of the biggest mistakes I see is overprocessing. Constant heat styling, bleaching, and chemical treatments break down the hair’s structure, making it weaker over time."
'One of the biggest mistakes I see is overprocessing'
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Try to cut back on how many washes you do on your hairunless using a gentle shampoo as it will help retain the moisture.
The doctor said: "If you have an oilier scalp or sweat frequently, daily washing with a gentle shampoo may still be necessary.
"When you do shampoo, focus on the scalp, not the ends, and use lukewarm water instead of hot.
"Look for shampoos with ingredients like ketoconazole or biotin, which can help maintain a healthy scalp environment."
Over washing and overprocessing your hair strips away essential oils which in turn weakens the hair shaft. Women should focus on reducing the amount of stress that goes on their hair.
Another mistake made is ignoring scalp health. The scalp is the foundation for hair growth and if it is inflamed or neglected, achieving thicker hair becomes very hard.
Dr Ali said: "Try scalp massages as it may help improve circulation, which supports follicle health. Some people also find that natural oils, like rosemary or peppermint oil, can be beneficial.
"Early research has suggested it may promote a healthier scalp environment. Some studies have even compared rosemary oil to minoxidil, but more research is needed."
Glycolic acid can also help scalp health. Despite being best known for its benefit to people's skin, the product can be applied to help exfoliate the scalp and stimulate hair growth.
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'Look for shampoos with ingredients like ketoconazole or biotin, which can help maintain a healthy scalp environment'
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Nutrition also plays a pivotal role in women trying to achieve thicker hair. Dr Ali said: "What you eat directly affects hair health. Hair is primarily made of keratin, which relies on amino acids from dietary protein and key nutrients like iron, zinc, and biotin to support strong, healthy strands."
Foods rich in omega-3s such as salmon and walnuts can help support healthy hair growth. They help to keep the scalp hydrated and improve hair thickness, according to a study in the National Library of Medicine.
The study was conducted on 120 women who consumed omega 3 and 6, alongside other antioxidants.
The results showed a reduction in telogen hair and hair loss as a whole. There was also an improvement in hair diameter and density in the majority of participants.
Dr Ali added: "Low iron is a common cause of excessive shedding, so if you’re experiencing noticeable hair loss, it’s worth getting your iron and ferritin levels checked before considering supplementation.
"Do not overlook vitamin D and zinc too. Many people dealing with thinning hair are deficient in one or more of these."
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