If you want to look young, healthy, and vibrant, it all starts with your hair. And if your hair is thinning, fragile, or receding, it’s important that you do something about it sooner rather than later. Thankfully, you have plenty of safe, effective options.

1. Use Shampoo and Conditioner the Right Way

What if you’ve been using shampoo and conditioner wrong your entire life? Well, it’s possible…and more common than you might think. And by correcting your misinformed habits, you can give your hair every chance to be healthy and vibrant. Here are some suggestions:

• If you have oily hair, you need to wash it more frequently. (As much as once per day.) If you have dryer hair, you can get away with only shampooing every few days. (But if you notice flakes, this is a sign that you’re not shampooing enough.) 

• Shampoo should be applied to the scalp. Focus on cleaning the scalp, rather than washing the entire length of your hair. 

• Conditioner should be applied after every shampoo. When applying conditioner, focus on the tips of the hair (not the scalp). 

• Don’t choose shampoo or conditioner based on the brand, color of the bottle, or smell. Read the ingredient list and choose ones that contain fewer chemicals and more natural ingredients. Once you find products that work for your hair, stick with them. 

These simple tips can help you maximize the health and vitality of your hair and avoid stripping its strength. For advice that’s specific to your hair type and other situational factors, speak with your dermatologist. 

2. Use LLLT 

While you may not be fond of hair procedures or medication, there is another way to regrow thicker and healthier hair without unwanted side effects. It’s called low level laser therapy, or LLLT. 

LLLT is totally safe, FDA-approved technology that uses LED lights to improve circulation in the scalp and awaken dormant hair follicles so they can begin the process of regenerating hair. It can be done in the comfort of your own home and has a 93 percent success rate in clinical studies.

3. Eat a Balanced Diet

 What you eat (or don’t eat) has a direct impact on the quality, strength, and appearance of your hair. If you’ve never taken the time to evaluate your diet, now is the time.

 “The nutrients our body needs for healthy hair and nail growth can actually be adequately obtained from a good diet,” dermatologist Adeline Kikam says. “Strive to have a healthy balanced diet in nutrients that promote healthy hair, skin, and nails overall such as omega-3 fatty acids, proteins, selenium, and vitamin D and use multivitamin supplements if unable to achieve this through diet alone.”

 Eliminate as much processed food as you can and focus on fresh, natural ingredients. It might take a few months for you to notice any changes, but the results will come.

4. Deal With Stress

Did you know that stress can actually push hair follicles into what’s known as a “resting” phase. During this resting phase, these “sleepy” follicles don’t produce new hair strands. And eventually, stress can cause hair to fall out more easily.

If you want to enjoy thick, healthy hair, it’s important that you counteract stress and deal with the root cause. Consider neutralizing the source of the stress (like quitting a job you hate or ending a toxic relationship), learning relaxation techniques, and/or seeking counseling from a therapist.

5. Style Smarter

How you style your hair has a direct impact on the health of your hair. Tight hairstyles that pull your hair back will accelerate balding and make you more prone to a receding hairline. Likewise, excessive coloring (with chemicals) will deplete your hair of the vitamins and nutrients it needs to be healthy and vibrant.

To keep your hair thick, be smart about how you style it. Get regular haircuts. Let your hair dry as much as possible prior to blow drying. Limit your use of hot tools. Be gentle when brushing and combing. All of these little tips can help! 

Enjoy Thicker, Fuller Hair 

Some people are blessed with thick, healthy hair that lasts from early childhood all the way into the later years of life. But these individuals are few and far between. Most of us — men and women included — experience thinning hair, receding hairlines, and/or balding at one point or another. 

Now that you know some of the tactics for achieving thicker hair, you can enjoy the confidence that comes from knowing your hair is as healthy as it can be. Good luck!