How can I get thicker, longer hair?

Everyone wants thicker, longer, stronger hair. Here's how to get your hair longer and thicker with ease. Wish your hair were longer and thicker?

Long, thick hair looks beautiful any way you wear it. But for some of us, thin hair is a problem, or we’re used to short cuts and afraid to grow them out. It’s easy to get longer, thicker hair.

Just try these easy tips. Get a good, professional haircut, and don’t be afraid to go a bit shorter than you might like the first time. Ask your stylist to cut off dry, split ends and give you a style that will grow in thicker and beautiful.

The goal is to get your hair in healthy condition to grow it longer and thicker. As your hair grows in, return for regular trims every 6 to 8 weeks to keep hair healthy, strong, and in the best condition to get longer and thicker. Ask your stylist to apply a salon-quality conditioner to keep hair smooth and strong.

Wash your hair every few days — do not overwash. Washing hair too often pulls the strands, damages the scalp, and rids your hair of the natural oils that are essential for growing longer, thicker hair. Gently condition hair every day.

Apply products generously and massage into scalp for 3 to 5 minutes. Put extra conditioner on the ends and leave in after rinsing. Use warm water and a cool rinse — never immerse hair in hot water.

Detangle hair regularly using a wide-toothed comb. Knots and tangles interfere with the hair’s ability to grow longer and thicker. Don’t overdry your hair with a hair dryer.

Instead, blow-dry hair lightly, or better yet, let it air-dry. Avoid using curlers, hot rollers, curling irons, or straightening irons. They all cause hair to dry out, and hair can’t grow longer than its damaged ends.

Instead of getting thicker, your hair will actually start to thin. Invest in a top-quality brush with natural bristles. Try 100 strokes before bed each night to stimulate hair growth.

At night, tie back hair in a ponytail or braid, then roll into a bun and tie it up. This protects hair from pulls and knots while you toss and turn in your sleep. Use soft cloth hair ties — never uncovered elastic!

— and secure gently. Use a hot oil treatment or hair mask once a week to nourish hair. Follow the directions on the package, let it sit in the plastic cap for at least 30 minutes, then rinse and style as usual.

Go for the natural look — avoid permanent waves or straightening treatments. While these may give the illusion of longer, thicker hair temporarily, they damage hair and prevent it from growing thicker and longer on its own. Be smart about your hairstyle.

Wear hair up or pulled back on hot days to reduce sweat and grime, but wear hair loose whenever possible. Too much pulling, tying, braiding, twisting, and fussing breaks hair and makes it harder for you to grow long, thick hair. Lead a healthy life.

Good nutrition, adequate rest, regular exercise, and stress management all help your body grow longer, thicker hair. It’s easy to get your hair longer and thicker. With a little love and smart styling, your hair can get thicker and longer naturally.

This material is written by members and has not been medically reviewed. You should not rely on this information as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.