The Best Thickening Treatments for Hair That Has Started to Thin Over Time

However you treat your hair—whether you regularly dye it or embrace your natural color and texture—it is bound to change over the years, especially as you (and your hair) begin to mature. "As people age, the rate of hair growth slows. Hair strands become smaller in diameter and have less pigment—hence gray hair," Diane Stevens, the owner of Cole Stevens Salon in Washington, D.C., says. "It becomes less dense per square inch and the scalp may become more visible." These gradual changes become obvious when the hair begins to thin out, which often (though, not always!) accompanies strands turning gray. If this does happen to you, don't fret—there are several treatments on the market that can help you achieve thickness and body, no matter what.

Before you do anything else, be sure to consult with your dermatologist to take stock of your scalp. Ensure it is in good shape, along with your thyroid (which could cause hair shedding), Clariss Rubenstein, a celebrity hairstylist, says. "To promote hair growth, make sure you are eating well (not under-eating), staying active to promote good circulation, remaining well hydrated, and getting enough vitamins and nutrients," she explains, noting that only after you do these baseline checks should you turn to products. When you do, Rubenstein explains that stimulating formulas—like Aveda Rosemary Mint Purifying Shampoo ($18, nordstrom.com)—can help hair continue to prosper.

In the event that you simply need products that will add more volume, body, and lift to your hair, "altering your daily routine and the products that you use can certainly help return some of your hair's shine and youthfulness," Maria Elizabeth, the founder of Salon deZEN, explains. Ahead, we share some of the best thickening treatments on the market to help you revitalize your hair at any age.

To give your hair some volume and body, Stevens recommends this shampoo—which is also lightweight and cleanses strands of any product residue.

Shop Now: Wella Invigo Volume Boost Shampoo, $16.50, ulta.com.

When used in tandem with its shampoo counterpart, this body-boosting foam is meant to add volume to even the finest of hair without weighing it down. It's especially helpful during the styling process, since it eliminates static.

Shop Now: Wella Invigo Volume Boost Bodifying Foam, $12, ulta.com.

Those with curly hair types require constant moisture to maintain elasticity. That's where this hydrating mousse comes in. The coconut and argan oils give aging textures a solid amount of hydration, while also providing enduring hold.

Shop Now: TGIN Honey Whip Hydrating Mousse, $12, ulta.com.

"This shampoo will help transform aging hair into stronger, fuller-looking locks with renewed strength and vitality," Elizabeth explains. It is filled with ginger root and nettle extracts to add density to fine hair in particular.

Shop Now: Kevin Murphy Plumping Wash, $16.50, amazon.com.

If you follow up the Kevin Murphy Plumping Wash with this thickening conditioner, Elizabeth adds that the duo "will plump up your hair in all the right places and give your strands a new level of thickness and volume."

Shop Now: Kevin Murphy Plumping Rinse, $32.59, amazon.com.

Aging hair—especially if it has been chemically treated—will benefit from this leave-in tonic. The bamboo-infused thickening serum adds fullness to hair and also helps prevent breakage.

Shop Now: Pantene Blends Hair Multiplying Tonic, $7, target.com.

Watermelon, lychee, and edelweiss flower extracts work together to protect delicate hair from hot tools and damaging UV rays; the thickening spray also adds a durable lift to hair and a medium hold, too.

Shop Now: Oribe "Maximista" Thickening Spray, $39, amazon.com.

This conditioner adds volume to thinning, limp hair, including straight, wavy, and curly types.

Shop Now: Living Proof Full Conditioner, $28, sephora.com.

In need of more body and texture? This thickening leave-in lotion delivers both and includes proteins to strengthen strands and prevent breakage.

Shop Now: Redken Thickening Lotion 06, $20, ulta.com.

This strengthening shampoo helps "to penetrate hair and guard against stress caused by chemicals and heat damage," Stevens says. It also offers a boost of volume and softness via the bamboo extracts.

Shop Now: Sebastian Volupt Volume-Boosting Shampoo, $16.50, amazon.com.

Your hair will be that much fuller if you pair the Sebastian Volupt Volume-Boosting Shampoo with its matching conditioner. This product won't weigh strands down, instead leaving them light and soft.

Shop Now: Sebastian Volupt Volume-Boosting Conditioner, $17.50, amazon.com.

This thickening spritz is the perfect product to use before styling your hair—particularly with hot tools, like a blow dryer or straightener.

Shop Now: Original Mineral Atonic Thickening Spritz, $34, amazon.com.

Gain more volume from roots to ends with this lightweight mousse. It also combats frizz, dehydration, and split ends.

Shop Now: Dove Style + Care Mousse Volume and Fullness, $4.88, walmart.com.

This thickening hair lifter provides a boost of strength and body to your strands, while also giving them some shine.

Shop Now: Not Your Mother's "Plump For Joy" Thickening Hair Lifter, $7, ulta.com.

Infused with biotin and caffeine, this thickening treatment adheres to and fluffs each strand, resulting in a fuller, healthier look and feel. 

Shop Now: Hair Biology Thickening Treatment with Biotin, $12.19, target.com.

This thickening shampoo improves thin hair's volume, shine, and texture with every wash, thanks to its aloe vera-based formula.  

Shop Now: Bumble and Bumble Thickening Volume Shampoo, $30, ulta.com.