How To Make Finer Hair Look Thicker Fast With Dollar Tree Finds That Cost $3 or Less

Have fine or thin hair and want to add volume fast? We’ve got you covered. While hair-loss treatments like minoxidil are proven to help boost hair growth in the long term, they can take some time to work. That’s where our easy, inexpensive hacks come in. We spoke to a dermatologist to get her top Dollar Tree hair product recommendations, plus styling tips that make fine hair look thicker almost instantly. 

Fine hair doesn’t mean your strands are unhealthy  

“Fine hair describes the diameter of each individual strand,” explains Shamsa Kanwal, MD, a board-certified dermatologist at Aesthetic Evolution Skin and Laser Clinic. “The strands are naturally smaller in width, but that does not necessarily mean someone has less hair. You can have very fine strands and still have a lot of hair overall.”

Dr. Kanwal says fine hair is genetic for many people. She adds that hair can become finer when hair follicles grow smaller with pattern hair loss, but many people are born with naturally fine hair.

It’s true that age, nutrient deficiencies and certain medical conditions can all contribute to hair loss over time. But that’s a separate issue from fine hair itself. Dr. Kanwal explains that genetic fine hair is just a characteristic like any of the other qualities of your hair. “Fine hair is absolutely not a bad thing or a sign of unhealthy hair,” says Dr. Kanwal. “It is simply one hair type.”

Dollar Tree finds that make fine hair look thicker  

You can make thin hair look thicker fast—without breaking the bank. Here are Dr. Kanwal’s top three Dollar Tree finds to create volume and healthier, fuller hair. 

Spa Luxury Professional Styling Mousse 

At just $1.25 for a 6-ounce bottle, this mousse is great for getting the most out of your product. Dr. Kanwal says to add a small amount to your roots and the mid-length of your hair while it’s damp, then blow dry your hair while lifting your hair from the roots. “A mousse gives fine strands more grip and hold, so they sit farther apart and look fuller,” explains Dr. Kanwal. The result: Hair that appears thicker by the time you’re done blow drying.

B.pure Volume & Body Dry Shampoo

For just $3.00, this dry shampoo is designed to add body and volume to thinner hair. Spray it lightly at any oily roots, let it sit, then massage or brush it through the length of your hair, says Dr. Kanwal. “Dry shampoo absorbs some oil and adds texture, which can stop fine hair from collapsing flat against the scalp,” she adds, creating the illusion of thicker hair. 

Self-Stay Hair Rollers

These classic pink rollers can make you feel like your favorite character from Grease for only $1.25. Place them toward the crown of your hair while it’s damp or still warm after blow drying, then let the hair cool completely before removing them, recommends Dr. Kanwal. “They create lift at the roots without needing a lot of product,” adds Dr. Kanwal. 

How to make fine hair look thicker with quick styling tips 

For more voluminous hair, Dr. Kanwal recommends two hair hacks that deliver impressive results: 

Switch your part 

“Flip your part to the opposite side, since hair that has been lying in one direction naturally lifts when moved,” explains Dr. Kanwal. She adds that blow drying your roots against their normal growth direction and letting the hair cool before styling also helps. 

Apply conditioner and oils this way 

“Another simple trick is keeping conditioner and heavy oils mainly on the mid-lengths and ends of your hair,” says Dr. Kanwal. Applying rich or heavy products directly at the roots can cause a flatter look, especially when you have fine hair, she explains.

The bottom line on how to make fine hair look thicker

If pattern hair loss has resulted in finer hair, treating it and supporting long-term hair thickness takes time, and your dermatologist can help you figure out the best game plan. But there’s nothing wrong with having naturally fine hair either. And know that if you want to switch up your look and make your hair appear fuller right now, you can.

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