Need to Create Thicker-Looking Hair in a Pinch? Try These Hair Makeup Hacks

Want to combat thinning hair? Using products that contain biotin and keratin can do wonders to increase hair fullness over time. And the right haircut can mask thinning sections. But what if you need a thicker style stat? It’s not easy to find a realistic-looking wig or learn how to use clip-on extensions when you’re pressed for time. To the rescue: hair makeup. This latest trend helps you fake a fuller mane in minutes, so you’ll be ready for your next party or event. Below, learn how to conceal a receding hairline, cover up a sparse crown, and add “volume” to a widening part.

Receding Hairline: Use a Concealer Stick

Avoid pulling hair back into an updo since it emphasizes recession in front? Dabbing on a tinted concealer stick, like Tarte Big Ego Dab & Go Hair Concealer, which comes in seven shades (Buy from QVC, $26), can help. Its sponge-tip applicator allows for precise color placement to “restore” the natural hairline. Plus, the waterproof formula lasts until hair is washed.

Sparse Crown: Use Hair-Building Fibers

A common place to find pronounced thinning: on the top of the head along the crown. Fortunately, sprinkling on hair-matching fibers, like Thickening Solutions by Ion Hair Building Fibers, which comes in three shades, (Buy from Sally Beauty, $17.39) can mask it. The fibers are tiny and contain keratin, and they work by adhering to the hair shaft to cover up patches, stat. Tip: Setting with hair spray helps lock in fibers.

Widening Part: Use a Scalp Cover Cream and Powder

If the gap along your part is sapping your confidence, reach for a cream and powder duo, like Kristofer Buckle Full Disclosure Scalp Cover Duo, which comes in four colors (Buy from Amazon, $6.50. Use the included brush to apply the cream along the part first (it fills in the gap), then top with powder (it sets the cream and absorbs any oil) so the concealing color stays put all day.

How To Thicken Hair Over Time

While these strategies are great for adding instant dimension and body to your hair, using hair-thickening products consistently will give you the best results in the long haul. Here are a few products we recommend:

• Viviscal Hair Exfoliating Scalp Scrub with Biotin and Keratin (Buy from Amazon, $19.99). This salt scrub removes buildup, which can block pores, cause inflammation, and lead to hair thinning. And adding biotin and keratin directly to the scalp is the way to go. (We also like the Viviscal Hair Thickening Shampoo, Conditioner, and Serum.)
• Kamedis Scalp Lotion (Buy from Amazon, $20.97). If you struggle with a dry, itchy, and flaky scalp, consider using a product like the Kamedis lotion which helps repair the natural skin barrier with moisture and nutrient-rich ingredients.
• Noun Naturals Organic Black Seed Shampoo for hair thinning (Buy from Noun Naturals, $18). If you have sensitive skin, try a shampoo that contains natural, soothing fragrances like Noun naturals, which uses peppermint and eucalyptus to both scent and soothe the scalp.

In addition to adding hair-thickening products to your routine, we recommend using a scalp scrubber in the shower. A gentle scrubber not only removes buildup but also increases blood flow, which is key for promoting hair growth.

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A version of this article originally appeared in our print magazine, First For Women.