Instantly Thicker Hair: How Hair Fibers Can Conceal Thinning and Hair Loss in Seconds
These fibers boost confidence while concealing any sparse spots
If you’re on a hair growth journey, you surely know how long the process can feel and how much patience is required until you start seeing results. Unfortunately, just about every hair loss treatment takes time, typically months, until hair starts growing in, which can feel frustrating in the meantime. Luckily though, there are ways to camouflage and conceal thinning hair or bald spots while you’re waiting for new growth, and it’s not only inexpensive, it’s easy too. Enter: hair fibers, a.k.a. hair building fibers. Here, we get into everything there is to know about the thinning hair savior, including insights from a hair restoration specialist.
What are hair building fibers?
Hair fibers are meant to help “fill in” sparse spots along your scalp where you notice thinning, such as the hairline, part, temples and more. “These are finely-milled keratin- or cotton-based particles that cling to your existing hair to make it look thicker,” explains Ross Kopelman, DO, a hair restoration surgeon. “They’re not treatments—they’re purely cosmetic—but for the right patient, they’re incredibly effective at restoring confidence.”
Perhaps you’ve heard of fiber mascara, a popular type of lash enhancement, which is made of tiny particles that make your lashes look thicker; it’s the same idea with hair fibers. Hair building fibers are typically colored to help them blend more easily and naturally into your hair. They are not like dry shampoo, which is often white-colored and can stick out. Rather, hair fibers are supposed to match the color of your roots, so they’re often available in a wide range of shades from blondes to brunette hues to red tones.
Benefits of hair building fibers for thinning hair
Hair fibers make hair look thicker
Once again, it’s important to note that hair fibers won’t treat your hair loss. Instead, they are a great tool to have in your beauty arsenal for concealing thinning, whether you’re partaking in treatment for hair loss or not. It won’t grow your hair, but it will help your hair appear fuller and with fewer sparse spots. “I often recommend hair fibers to patients who want immediate camouflage while we work on long-term regrowth,” says Dr. Kopelman.
Hair building fibers can boost confidence
If you’re insecure about your thinning hair or have certain spots that you just wish were a little fuller (for me, I struggle with sparse spots along my hairline), hair fibers are a great way to boost your self-esteem. “The emotional boost these offer is huge. I’ve seen patients walk out of my office with fibers applied after a PRP (platelet-rich plasma) session or transplant, and they immediately look and feel better,” affirms Dr. Kopelman. “For anyone in the in-between phase—especially post-surgery or while waiting on medications to work—fibers help bridge that gap.”
Downsides of hair fibers
While hair building fibers are amazing at concealing sparse spots, they’re not everything-proof. Since they are a temporary solution and are made to fully wash out, they typically don’t last well in wet environments, which is something to be aware of before applying. “They don’t hold up well with sweat, rain or if someone’s touching their hair often,” warns Dr. Kopelman. To help prevent this, he recommends using a setting spray to “lock them in place.”
Also, applying hair building fibers can take some practice to master. You’ll be applying them like a pro before you know it, but it usually takes a couple of tries before you perfect your technique. “If you overapply, they can look unnatural or cakey. It’s a learning curve, but once you get the hang of it, it becomes part of your daily grooming routine,” assures Dr. Kopelman.
How to apply hair building fibers for thicker hair
There are a few tricks of the trade to know when it comes to applying hair building fibers. See the steps below from Dr. Kopelman:
- Locate the thinning or sparse area(s) you want to address and make sure your hair is dry before applying any fibers.
- What can make the application process easier is using a hair fiber pump. “Use an applicator pump for precise areas like the crown or part line,” says Dr. Kopelman, as these areas are harder to master when just sprinkling on the hair fibers without a pump. One we like is Toppik Hair Fiber Spray Applicator. “The key is to use light layers, blend with your fingers or a comb, and avoid overdoing it,” advises Dr. Kopelman. A little goes a long way, so start light and work your way up.
- Finish off with a hair fiber setting spray, like Toppik FiberHold Spray.
Hair building fibers to try
There are a few hair fiber brands that we love and are fairly inexpensive. Plus, they’re backed by Dr. Kopelman.
One of his picks is Toppik Hair Building Fibers. They have nine shades available, from gray to brown and blonde and range from $8 to $47. Personally, I also like Toppik Fill Me In Hairline Filler, which consists of a precise spoolie and blending sponge that makes filling in sparse areas along my hairline easy-peasy (it’s great for when I want to wear my hair up).
Another hair fiber brand Dr. Kopelman recommends is Boldify Hair Thickening Fibers. These stand out because they are wind-, water- and rain-resistant, unlike some other hair fiber brands.
Lastly, Dr. Kopelman likes Caboki Hair Fibers, which have a great range of shades for both men and women.
He says that all of these brands “offer a good range of shades and look natural under most lighting.” Again they aren’t a cure for thinning hair, but can help restore confidence. “They’re not a fix for hair loss, but they’re a fantastic confidence tool while we tackle the underlying issue with medical or surgical treatment.”
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