Why Does My Hair Look Thinner When Wet?

The Science Behind Hair

Before we delve into why your hair looks thinner when wet, let’s discuss the science behind hair. Each strand of hair is made up of three layers – the medulla, cortex, and cuticle. The medulla is the innermost layer, the cortex is the middle layer, and the cuticle is the outermost layer. The cortex is responsible for giving your hair its texture, color, and thickness.

Why Does Your Hair Look Thinner When Wet?

When your hair is dry, the cortex is filled with air, which gives it volume and thickness. However, when your hair gets wet, the water fills up the spaces between the cortex, which makes your hair look flatter and thinner. This is why your hair looks thinner when it’s wet.

Other Factors That Affect Hair Thickness

While wet hair does look thinner, there are other factors that can also affect the thickness of your hair. Genetics, age, and hormones can all play a role in how thick your hair is. Additionally, using hot styling tools, chemical treatments, and harsh hair products can damage your hair and make it look thinner over time.

How to Make Your Hair Look Thicker

If you’re concerned about your hair looking thin, there are a few things you can do to make it look thicker. Here are some tips:

1. Use Volumizing Products

Volumizing shampoos and conditioners can help add volume to your hair. Look for products that contain ingredients like biotin, keratin, and collagen, which can help strengthen your hair and make it look thicker.

2. Blow-Dry Your Hair Upside Down

Blow-drying your hair upside down can help add volume to your roots. Use a round brush to lift your hair at the roots as you blow-dry.

3. Use a Thickening Spray

Thickening sprays can help add volume and texture to your hair. Apply the spray to your roots and work it through your hair with your fingers.

4. Avoid Heat Styling

Using hot styling tools like flat irons and curling irons can damage your hair and make it look thinner. Try to avoid using heat styling tools as much as possible.

5. Eat a Healthy Diet

Eating a healthy diet that’s rich in vitamins and minerals can help keep your hair healthy and strong. Foods like salmon, eggs, spinach, and sweet potatoes are all great for your hair.

6. Get Regular Trims

Getting regular trims can help prevent split ends and breakage, which can make your hair look thinner. Aim to get a trim every 6-8 weeks.

The Bottom Line

Your hair looks thinner when wet because the water fills up the spaces between the cortex, which makes it look flatter. While genetics, age, and hormones can all play a role in how thick your hair is, there are things you can do to make it look thicker. Use volumizing products, blow-dry your hair upside down, use a thickening spray, avoid heat styling, eat a healthy diet, and get regular trims to keep your hair looking thick and healthy.