Style your hair happy

When it comes to shampoo and conditioner, one size doesn't fit all. Choose products specifically formulated for your hair needs. Photograph: TOPAS/Corbis
We all love those days when we experience glossy, full-bodied hair. But according to new research, 53% of women are concerned about hair thinning and 68% feel self-conscious about their hair and how it looks. Thankfully, there are simple ways to give your hair a fuller, thicker appearance.
"A haircut is a very individual thing, so there is no set answer for what cut someone with thinning hair should have," says Michael Lendon, advanced creative director at Aveda. "But having a cut with a strong structure can help. Blunt edges can help to give weight and define shape. Graduations towards the back of the head can also add impact to a look.
"For longer haircuts, I'd suggest not over-texturising the hair with layers, as this can make it look thinner. And avoid fringes unless you're sure it won't go wispy – wispy hair automatically looks thin."
There are other styling tricks you can borrow from the professionals to give your hair the appearance of extra thickness. "When styling your hair, try to move your hair up and away from your face to create height and volume," says Lendon.
"Heated rollers are great, too; even just three or four put in dry hair before you go out will add a lovely soft lift to your hair. Spray a little Aveda Air Control Hairspray (£18 RRP for 300mls) in each section before you roll to ensure it holds – and leave the rollers to cool down properly before taking them out, otherwise your hair will drop flat."
Five steps to fuller-looking hair
There's more to washing your hair than dunking it under a hot shower. Follow Aveda creative director Michael Lendon's expert advice:
Get personal
When it comes to shampoo and conditioner, one size doesn't fit all. Choose products specifically formulated for the needs of thinning hair, such as Aveda's Invati range. The three products are made from a blend of Ayurvedic herbs, including turmeric and ginseng, which – when massaged in – help to revitalise the scalp around the follicles. The exfoliating shampoo (£20.50 RRP), thickening conditioner (£22.50 RRP) and scalp revitaliser (£43 RRP) are made with 97% naturally derived ingredients, and can help you to get thicker, fuller looking hair for longer. Discover how to get a free Invati sample at aveda.co.uk/guardian
Go with the flow
Giving your head an invigorating massage as you shampoo is a good way to encourage blood circulation and helps to detoxify the scalp.
Splash out the right amount
The volume of shampoo you should use depends on the length and thickness of your hair, but a blob the size of a 20p coin is a good start. Longer hair needs a 50p-size dollop. Use shampoo on wet hair and use a little more water to help get extra lather. Cleanse twice, as this will really encourage a healthy scalp. In turn this means better hair growth and thicker-looking locks.
De-knot, avoid hot
Comb your conditioner through your hair, as this will help to ensure the product works its magic on each individual strand. Leave it in for two to five minutes and then rinse it out with warm or cool water – never hot.
Step away from the hairdryer
You should always be careful with heat, but this is especially true if your hair is thinning. Keep the hairdryer nozzle two inches away from your hair and always use a heat-protector spray, such as Aveda's Brilliant Damage Control spray (£16 RRP). Use a soft brush, such as the Aveda wooden paddle brush (£19 RRP), and don't be rough with your hair: treat it nicely and it will repay you by looking healthy and shiny.