How can I make my hair thicker if I have PCOS?

There's a common misconception that hair fall is the only thing that worries women. Of course, seeing strands on your pillowcase, comb or bathroom floor can be unsettling. But that's not the whole story. What's often brushed aside is the slow, almost silent shift from full-bodied hair to strands that feel limp, lifeless and lacking volume.

The market is flooded with 'anti-hair fall' solutions, yet very few genuinely address the concern of hair thinning. And the hard part for women with PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) is that it's not just about managing irregular periods or sudden breakouts. It's also about watching their once-thicker hair lose strength, bounce, and body over time.

Yes, hair thinning is a symptom of PCOS. A 2021 study found that 8% of women reporting hair thinning had already been diagnosed with PCOS, triggered by hormonal imbalances. Unlike sudden hair shedding, this thinning occurs gradually, making it less noticeable initially but equally impactful over time.

However, the right solutions can restore your hair to thickness and health.

What is PCOS, and How Does It Lead to Hair Thinning?

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder that affects how the ovaries function and how hormones behave in the body. While it's often linked to irregular periods and skin issues, one of the more quietly frustrating symptoms is hair thinning, especially around the crown and parting line.

So, how exactly does PCOS lead to thinning hair?

• Excess Androgens: PCOS causes higher-than-normal levels of androgens (male hormones). These androgens can shrink hair follicles, which leads to strands that grow back finer, weaker, and in lesser volume.
• Shortened Growth Cycle: Normally, hair grows in a cycle. In women with PCOS, this cycle becomes disrupted. This means the hair growing phase gets shorter, and hair enters the resting phase too quickly, resulting in thinning over time.
• Diffuse Thinning: Unlike patchy hair loss, PCOS-related thinning is more diffused. It usually appears as reduced volume, especially near the parting or crown, rather than noticeable bald spots.
• Insulin Resistance: A major feature of PCOS, insulin resistance can worsen hormonal imbalance and further trigger androgen production, indirectly contributing to thinner hair.
• Underlying Stress & Inflammation: Chronic low-grade inflammation, higher stress levels, and poor sleep are common signs of PCOS and can disturb the hair's growth environment.
• Nutritional Gaps: Iron, vitamin D, or B-vitamin deficiencies, which are not unusual in women with PCOS, may also weaken hair strands and reduce volume.

What are the Natural Solutions to Grow Thick Hair in PCOS?

When your hair starts thinning due to PCOS, it can feel like a slow loss of confidence. But with patience, consistency, and the right care, you can see a good volume improvement in your hair. Here’s a natural approach without depending on pills:

1. Prioritize scalp health

• A healthy scalp creates the ideal base for thicker and stronger strands.
• PCOS-related hormonal shifts can lead to increased oiliness or inflammation, which disturbs the follicle function.
• Regular scalp massages (2–3 times a week) can help increase blood circulation and stimulate hair follicles.
• Use lukewarm water to cleanse your scalp with a mild, herbal shampoo that supports your natural pH balance.

2. Choose Ayurvedic hair oils that go beyond hydration

• Not all oils help with thinning. To prevent excessive hair loss, you need a formula that strengthens from the root up and combats scalp DHT.
• Rooting For You is a scalp and hair strengthening oil formulated with organic rosemary essential oil, organic brahmi, organic pumpkin seed oil, jojoba, and 6 other herbs that encourage follicle strength and promote hair density.
• The oil also supports circulation, soothes inflammation, and improves texture in 3 months of consistent use.
• For best results, avoid overnight application. Instead, massage the oil on the scalp 2-4 hours before the hair wash. Use it twice a week.

3. Nourish your hair from within

• PCOS often impacts how the body absorbs nutrients, particularly those essential for hair health, such as iron, zinc, biotin, and vitamin D.
• Focus on seasonal, nutrient-dense foods like curry leaves, sesame seeds, millets, almonds, spinach, methi seeds, and fermented options like curd.
• Ayurveda also recommends rasayanas (rejuvenating foods), such as amla or triphala, which help detoxify and nourish from within when used correctly.

4. Simplify your hair care routine

• Avoid harsh shampoos with sulphates, parabens, or artificial fragrances that irritate the scalp and weaken follicles.
• Limit washing to two or three times weekly and use a wide-toothed comb to prevent mechanical breakage.
• Let your hair dry naturally whenever possible. Heat styling can cause further thinning in already fragile strands.

5. Reduce stress to support hormonal balance

• Chronic stress can worsen PCOS symptoms and trigger further thinning by elevating cortisol levels.
• Simple practices like daily yoga, pranayama, walking outdoors, or oil-based head massages significantly reduce stress and improve hormonal regulation.

6. Stay consistent and give it time

• Hair doesn’t thicken overnight. Most changes become visible after 2–3 months of regular care.
• Track your progress, not just in terms of volume but also in how your hair feels. Less breakage, smoother strands, and improved scalp comfort are all signs of healing.

FAQs

1. What are the early signs of PCOS-related hair thinning?

You might notice widening part lines, increased scalp visibility under light, or hair that feels limp and flat. It often starts at the crown or temples and progresses slowly, so early care is crucial.

2. Are there any specific ingredients I should avoid in hair products?

Yes, avoid sulphates, parabens, silicones, and artificial fragrances. These can irritate the scalp and weaken hair over time. Stick to clean, herbal, or Ayurvedic formulations for best results.

3. Which natural oils are best for PCOS-related hair thinning?

Look for oils with ingredients like bhringraj, amla, brahmi, and rosemary. The Rooting For You hair oil is an excellent Ayurvedic blend specifically designed to nourish thinning hair and support scalp health.