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Herbs to Help Thicken Hair

You can use herbs to help thicken your hair. Herbs that contain proteins such as silica can help hair appear thicker and shinier when applied. Herbs high in vitamins and minerals also may improve thickness by adding nutrients to your hair. Horsetail, nettles, parsley and comfrey all have properties which may help to thicken you hair.

  1. Horsetail

    • Horsetail is an herb that contains a large amount of silica. It is available at health food stores. You can take horsetail internally or use it as a hair rinse. Internally, horsetail also may be effective to prevent osteoarthritis and may help improve your memory, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. If you wish to use horsetail internally, the University of Maryland Medical Center suggests steeping 2 to 3 tsp. in 1 liter of water for approximately 15 minutes; drink three times daily. To use horsetail as a hair rinse, steep 2 to 3 tsp. horsetail in 1 liter of water for at least 15 minutes and up to an hour. After regular shampooing, rinse your hair with the horsetail tea. You can catch the rinse water in a bucket placed under your hair and reapply up to three times for better saturation.

    Nettles and Parsley

    • Nettles and parsley are considered good herbs to promote thick, shiny hair. These herbs contain many nutrients, such as vitamins B and C as well as zinc. These nutrients are essential to healthy hair and may be the reason a nettle or parsley hair rinse can help hair look thicker or shinier. Nettle or parsley tea may be drunk for their health effects as well. To use a nettle or parsley hair rinse, simply infuse 2 to 3 tsp. of the dried herb in 1 liter of water for about 15 minutes. After shampooing, rinse your hair with the tea. You reapply up to three times for increased effect.

    Comfrey

    • Comfrey, used externally, also may work to thicken hair; however, this herb has been banned for internal use in the United States and many other countries because of its toxicity. Do not use it on broken skin. As a hair rinse, there is little risk of toxicity, but care should still be taken with this herb. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, do not use it on children, even externally. Comfrey contains substances that help the skin regenerate, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, and these substances may contribute to comfrey’s use as a hair thickener.

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