How to Strengthen Weak Hair Roots

Co-authored by Gina Almona

Last Updated: March 7, 2023 References

If you notice your hair falling out regularly, you may have weak hair roots. Luckily, there are a number of easy and inexpensive solutions to strengthen them. Consider using strengthening products and try your best to avoid harsh chemicals. Where possible, try to avoid heat-styling appliances and minimise how often your shampoo and dye your hair. To keep your hair strong and healthy, eat a balanced diet and drink plenty of water. It normally takes about 6 weeks for your hair to become noticeably stronger.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Using Strengthening Products

1
Use sulfate-free hair products to keep your hair strong. Hair products with harsh chemicals, such as sulfates, loosen the hair follicles around the roots of your hair. Over time, this can make your hair fall out more easily. Check the ingredients lists on the back of the bottles and look for any sulfate additives. If your products do contain this ingredient, consider giving them away and purchasing a sulfate-free alternative.^{[1]
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2
Moisturise your scalp with hair oil to strengthen the roots. A healthy, nourished scalp helps to promote hair growth and follicle health. Rub your favourite hair oil over your scalp and leave it to sit for 20 minutes before you rinse it off. Try to do this at least once a week to keep your scalp moisturised.
- If you don't have a hair oil, use coconut oil or almond oil instead.
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3
Use a keratin shampoo to nourish the roots of your hair. Keratin is a natural protein that is found in your hair shafts. Choose a keratin shampoo to help to prevent hair loss and split ends. Rub the shampoo into your scalp to strengthen the roots of your hair.
- Purchase a keratin shampoo from a hair salon or from a supermarket.
4
Try using a hair mask to moisturise and strengthen your hair. Choose a hair mask that is designed to strengthen your hair, as this will help your weak hair roots. Look for words as phrases such as “minimises hair loss”, “for damaged hair”, or “strengthening”. Apply the mask to damp hair and leave it to soak in for about 30 minutes or as directed on the box.^{[2]
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- If possible, choose a natural hair mask, as this will help to retain the natural oils in your hair.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Avoiding Hair Loss and Damage

1
Wash your hair with warm water to avoid drying it out. When you wash your hair in the shower, avoid setting the temperature too hot, as this can strip the natural moisture from your hair and weaken the roots. Instead, set the temperature to room temperature or as low as you can handle it.^{[3]
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- Similarly, avoid going to hot pools regularly if you have weak hair, as this will dry it out.
2
Wash your hair only once or twice per week. Washing your hair every day can dry it out and make it brittle. To keep the roots strong, wash your hair as infrequently as you can. If possible, try not to wash your hair more than once a week.^{[4]
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- Use dry shampoo to keep your hair looking fresh in-between washes.
- When you wash your hair, try to be as gentle as you can.
3
Try a variety of hairstyles to avoid weakening your hair follicles. If you wear your hair in the same style every day, it can damage the roots of your hair. Try to wear a different hairstyle each day to give your hair a break. For example, wear your hair in plaits 1 day, leave it down the next day, and then put it in a bun the next day.^{[5]
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- Avoid tying your hair up too tight, as this can weaken your hair.
4
Try not to use heat-styling appliances, if possible. Over time, heat-styling appliances such as hair dryers, curlers, and straighteners will weaken your hair follicles and damage the roots of your hair. Where possible, leave your hair to dry naturally and style it without heated appliances.^{[6]
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- If you do use heat-styling appliances, always spray your hair with a protectant spray to minimise the heat damage.
5
Avoid dyeing your hair to prevent further damage. Taking a break from dyeing your hair will allow it to gain back its natural oils. If your hair is often weak and breaks off from the rots, consider avoiding dye permanently. If you really want to dye your hair, try to colour it only once every 6 months to minimise the damage.^{[7]
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- Note that bleaching your hair is more damaging than dyeing it.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Strengthening Your Hair with the Right Nutrients

1
Take a vitamin A, B, C, or E supplement to nourish your hair roots. These different supplements help to strengthen your hair and make it shiny. Over time, this can help to nourish the roots of your hair and will give you thicker hair. Consider taking a multivitamin that has all of the supplements in it or take the supplements separately. Follow the dosage instructions on the back of the packet and consult your doctor if you are pregnant or have other health conditions.^{[8]
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- If possible, take organic vitamin pills, as these will have the highest quality nutrients.
2
Eat a varied and healthy diet. Do your best to include plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables in your diet. This helps to ensure that you receive all the vitamins and minerals that you require to keep your hair roots strong and healthy. Where possible, buy organic produce, as this won't contain any harmful pesticides.^{[9]
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- Visit your local farmers market to buy fresh and affordable produce.
3
Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to help keep your hair strong. Keeping hydrated can make your hair look shiny and helps to prevent weak hair roots. Make an extra effort to drink water when you are exercising or if the weather is hot.
- Still water will give you far greater health benefits than sparkling water.
- Consider using a drink bottle so that you can keep your water nearby all day.

Expert Q&A

Question

What supplements strengthen hair roots?

Gina Almona
Professional Hair Stylist
Gina Almona is the Owner of Blo It Out, a New York City-based hair salon. With over 20 years of beauty training experience, Gina's work has been featured in People Magazine, Time Out New York, and Queens Scene. She has been able to keep a fresh perspective in the industry by demonstrating and participating in trade shows and workshops like the International Beauty Show. She received her cosmetology training from the Long Island Beauty School, Astoria.

Gina Almona

Professional Hair Stylist

Expert Answer

Talk to your doctor about taking a biotin supplement! This can help strengthen your roots.