How to Regrow Thinning Hair Naturally in 3 Easy Ways

If you’ve been wondering about how to regrow thinning hair, the root of the problem may be your scalp. “Heat and humidity affect the health of the scalp and can lead to halted growth and weakened strands,” says trichologist Susan Roberts-Cooper of évolis hair care. That’s why, with spring and summer’s heat upon us, we sought to figure out the best way to regrow thinning hair — and even how to regrow thinning hair naturally — and discovered these expert-backed tips.

Can hair grow back after thinning?

The good news: You absolutely can regrow thinning hair. In fact, the answer may already be in your pantry. Read on to find out how typical items in your kitchen — honey, apple cider vinegar, and even an avocado — can help thicken hair naturally and solve some common age-related hair problems that may have you feeling less than confident.

How to Stop My Hair From Falling Out

Is your hair shedding? Your scalp may be sweaty. Perspiration creates a moist environment that allows the natural fungus on the scalp to thrive. The resulting inflammation and itching can lead to follicle damage, making hair vulnerable to fall-out, says Roberts-Cooper. 

One of the most natural ways to stop hair from falling out and thinning? Honey. Research shows applying honey, which is a natural antifungal, to the scalp every other day eliminates fungus in one week, plus leads to a noticeable drop in shedding in four weeks. 

To make a honey hair mask: Mix two tablespoons of honey with 2/3 cup of warm water. Massage into scalp and let sit for 30 minutes, then rinse.

How to Stop Hair Breakage

Prone to breakage? Your scalp may be parched. Whether from the sun’s heat, chlorine, or hormone flux, a severe lack of moisture on the scalp can lead to weak locks that break easily. 

There are so many uses for avocados in the kitchen, and as it turns out, they are Roberts-Cooper’s kitchen fix for an instantly hydrated scalp. The fruit’s omega-3 fatty acids penetrate the layers of scalp skin to replenish moisture, while its vitamin E helps repair the skin’s barrier to lock in that moisture. Bonus: Those same nutrients infuse locks with luster. 

To make an avocado hair mask: Rub half a mashed avocado onto damp hair from the roots to ends, cover with a shower cap for 30 minutes, then rinse.

How can I restore my thinning hair?

Does your hair growth seem stalled? Your scalp may be oily. Humidity triggers sebaceous glands on the scalp to release excess oils that can build up and clog follicles, halting new hair growth. What’s more, research shows that hot temperatures can cause hair follicles to prematurely enter the telogen (or resting) phase, contributing to slowed growth and increased shedding for a thinner-looking head of hair. 

To help thicken and regrow your thinning hair, try apple cider vinegar. Its alpha-hydroxy acids dissolve oil buildup on the scalp and in pores, while its acetic acid stimulates blood flow to follicles to encourage growth. Plus, the vinegar’s astringent properties help tighten pores to reduce the amount of oil that is secreted. 

To make an apple-cider vinegar hair solution: In a small spray bottle, combine equal parts apple cider vinegar and water and shake. Spritz onto hair and scalp, and massage in circular motions. Let sit for 15 minutes, rinse with cool water, then shampoo as usual. Repeat twice a week for results in four weeks.

This article originally appeared in our print magazine.