Having voluminous and shiny hair just like the princesses we have grown up watching in movies, is a dream for many people. Not only does a thick and healthy crown make you look and feel good, it also tells a lot about your internal health. While losing a few hair strands daily is normal, but if it gets chronic, it can start affecting hair density. Factors like climatic changes, unhealthy diet, stress, or cosmetic treatments make the inevitable happen- hair fall and hair thinning. Excess hair fall can reduce your hair density and can even make your strands lifeless. So, follow some basic tips to prevent hair fall and increase hair density.

What is hair density?

Hair density refers the number or the amount of individual hair strands per square inch on the scalp. It can be low, medium, or high density. Low means few strands per square inch, while high means more strands, hence determining overall hair volume and thickness. It is actually a measurement of how closely grouped the hair shafts are on your scalp. Accordingly, then hair fall can be of various types – like telogen effluvium, anagen effluvium, male-patterned hair loss or androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and female pattern hair loss, says cosmetologist, dermatologist, and trichologist Dr Priti Karde Shringarpure.

If severe hair fall is left untreated, it can badly affect hair density. One should follow the right measures alongside taking a high-protein diet to compensate for the persistent hair loss. A diet rich in protein, vitamin D, folic acid, zinc, magnesium, and iron can effectively improve hair density.

What causes low hair density?

There could be several causes of low hair density. Some of these include:

• Genetics
• Imbalance of hormones
• Stress
• Bad eating habits
• Irregular hair care regime
• Pregnancy and menopause
• Long-term illness
• Hot showers
• Colouring your hair or using styling products
• Disrupted sleep cycles
• Seasonal or environmental changes

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How to increase hair density?

If the loss of hair is only because of some external factors and not any medical condition, your hair density can be revived with some of the following tips:

1. Consume a well-balanced diet

We are what we eat. That is true. Our hair and skin health are a sheer reflection of what we consume in everyday life. So, be mindful of your diet, and include a mix of everything to make up for any deficiencies in the body. Having a good and balanced including all vitamins, minerals, calcium, carbohydrates, fibre, and adequate water intake including a protein-rich diet can help increase hair growth, says the expert.

One food that is rich in healthy fats and can boost hair growth is avocado. It can increase your hair growth cycle. It is rich in vitamin E which can boost hair density. It has a lot of antioxidants that can reverse the harmful effects of free radicals in your body while making your strands stronger.

Alongside, human hair is made up of keratin (a naturally occurring protein), so partaking in protein-rich foods like eggs, spinach, lentils, or carrots is also vital.

2. Take the right hair supplements

Sometimes, our nutrient goals for our hair do not get met by our regular diet. So, it is not wrong to consume anything extra to satisfy our nutritional needs. This is where supplements come into the picture. To boost your hair volume, you can take supplements like biotin, collagen, omega-3 fatty acids, grape seed extract and vitamins A, B, and C.

3. Stress management

Stress is one of the major reasons we lose our hair health and density. Despite being aware of its side effects, we fail to manage stress in our everyday lives. Make yourself and your health a priority by indulging in stress management techniques like yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises that can help rectify your thinking patterns and soothe your agitated mind.

Also, speaking to your loved ones, cuddling with your furry friends, or pursuing your hobbies, can also help boost happy hormones in the body, thereby reducing stress.

4. Scalp massage

No one is alien to the fact that scalp massage increases blood circulation on the scalp. As per Eplasty Journal, massaging the scalp can increase hair thickness. Giving yourself a massage can help get rid of toxins and boost your hair density. Oiling and massaging also strengthen the hair roots, better hair growth, and alleviate seasonal dryness.

Oiling is a great way to eradicate hair care issues like dryness or frizz. Massaging can control hair fall, creating an ideal environment for your hair to grow. Use oils like rosemary oil, peppermint oil, castor oil, olive oil, coconut oil, or almond oil depending on the type of hair you have. You can also apply aloe vera gel directly to your scalp to thicken your hair. Click here to know about the best oils to boost hair density!

As per International Journal of Trichology, hair strands absorb coconut oil well and using it can reduce the issue of breakage or spilt ends. Rosemary oil works like minoxidil in people with androgenic alopecia, according to a 2015 study. It was found that rosemary oil had the same effect on hair growth as the medication for curbing scalp itchiness.

5. Lifestyle modifications

Getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep, quitting habits like drinking alcohol or smoking, and indulging in regular physical activity can boost overall health and hair density, says the expert.

6. Gentle hair care

If you have hair fall concerns, make sure you use mild shampoos and conditioners, Avoid chemicals like colours, dyes and parlour treatments like Botox, straightening, smoothing, hair spa and heat styling like blow-dry to prevent damage to hair cuticle (hair protein) and thus breakage.

7. Professional advice

If your hair loss concern is grave, it is best to get in touch with the right health expert to get to the root of your cause and get it treated effectively. Trying out home remedies can only be effective temporarily for such cases. A dermatologist can give you the best advice and medications for your hair concerns.