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At your wedding, all eyes–and several cameras–will be on you, so it’s only natural you’ll want to look and feel your best. For some, that confidence boost comes from a beautiful wedding dress or the perfect signature fragrance; for others, it’s a shiny mane full of thick hair. Sure, you could absolutely use hair extensions to achieve the look, but a thickening shampoo can also help you build up your locks in the months leading up to the big day. 

“Thickening shampoos target individual strands of hair for the ultimate growth,” says beauty pro and longtime industry vet Michelle O’Connor. Ahead, O’Connor breaks down what to know about using a thickening shampoo before your wedding—including when to start, what products to pair it with, and more.

Meet the Expert

Michelle O’Connor is an award-winning hairstylist and the Global Artistic Director for Matrix.  

What’s the difference between volumizing and thickening shampoos? 

“Thickening shampoo thickens every single strand of hair,” says O’Connor. “It generally adds various proteins and collagen, and may also contain biotin which is known to stimulate growth, whereas a volumizing shampoo is going to include lightweight ingredients that won’t weigh your hair down.” Translation: Thickening shampoo is all about improvements in density throughout the length of the hair shaft, whereas a volumizing shampoo will provide a more instantaneous yet temporary lift at the root of the hair. If you want bouncy hair, reach for volumizing shampoo, but if you want a fuller ponytail, go for a thickening shampoo.

What’s the difference between thickening shampoos and shampoos for thinning hair? 

If excessive shedding is the reason your locks are feeling thinner, you’ll want to reach for a product that specifically targets hair loss. These are different from thickening shampoos in that they work to stimulate follicles at the scalp. These shampoos encourage hair growth instead of increasing the density of strands that are already present. They may contain DHT-blocking ingredients, which work to prevent the hormone dihydrotestosterone from shrinking hair follicles, as well as scalp-soothing ingredients that minimize the effects of dandruff or psoriasis, which can exacerbate hair loss.

How can I supplement a thickening shampoo to maximize results? 

A good thickening shampoo is just one component of hair health. If you want to combat thinning from within, O’Connor suggests vitamins or supplements containing biotin and collagen (just remember to consult your doctor in advance!) as well as regular haircuts. “Hair that’s grown past its optimal length without trims tends to get thinner,” she explains. “A good cut is going to accentuate the look of healthy hair—and maximize how thick your hair looks.”

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When should I start using a thickening shampoo before my wedding? 

“As with any other regimens involved in wedding preparation, most usually start up to a year in advance,” says O’Connor. “My advice would be in that same vein for achieving optimal hair health.” Starting early also gives you the opportunity to try out different thickening shampoos to determine the most effective one for your personal goals.

Tips for Applying Thickening Shampoo 

“A good rule of thumb for any shampoo is to focus on cleansing the scalp first,” says O’Connor. “Apply the shampoo directly to the scalp, massage in, then work directly towards the ends.” Also, be sure to follow with a hydrating conditioner or good hair mask, because, as O’Connor explains, “the key to thick hair is sealing in moisture and preventing breakage.” 

You’ll also want to be sure to regularly cleanse your hair, as styling product buildup can flatten and dull hair, and can also prevent the active ingredients of thickening shampoo from reaching their targets and working their magic.

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