The meaning of the term “hair filler” in hair-care terminology isn’t always clear cut. The term “hair filler” was originally used by colorists. It is now a product enhancement or treatment that makes your hair look fuller.
Origins of the term stem from how colorists “fill up” hair with the right colors to enhance a client’s natural tone. Brendan O’Brien is a Lamb & Wolves colorist. He explains that if you have dyed your dark hair to platinum (or level 10) blonde, and you want to change it back to brunette, then you will need to fill your hair using the removed color molecules. This is a process that can only be done by a professional colorist.
Today, however, we are seeing a variety of products that claim to be hair fillers. This is due to the fact that they have bond-building ingredients. The term is being used by both hairstylists as well as dermatologists. Hair fillers are all about fullness. They can be used to enhance the appearance of hair, or as permanent solutions to baldness.
There are many hair fillers available, whether you have damaged or fine hair, receding hairline or want more thickness. Jan Marie Arteca is a colorist at Sally Hershberger. “When you really take it down, there are a hair filler product or technique out there for everybody looking for more fullness.” The right product for you will depend on your lifestyle, budget and needs.
Extensions can be used to increase volume
Keratin bond extensions have been used by stylists for years as a semi-permanent method to increase volume in fine hair. The extensions are applied strand-by-strand and heat is used to fuse it to your hair at its root. It lasts for approximately three months. Arteca, who is also a hair extension specialist, explains that extensions can be used as hair filler by strategically placing them where the hair is most beautiful. Arteca places more extensions in the temples of clients who have full heads.
Warning: In-salon, keratin-bonded extensions can be costly and time-consuming. Prices range from $1,500 to $3,000 per full head. Clip-ins are a cheaper way to add extensions to your hair. Clip-ins are available in many colors and textures. You can even have them cut to your hair’s length so that they blend seamlessly. Hidden Crown Hair Halo Extensions have been a staple on the red carpet.
Protein-infused treatments can be used to repair damage
There are many in-salon hair treatments, but Olaplex is the original and most popular. This three-step process uses a bond-building technology that penetrates the hair shaft to help rebuild it from within. Ron Robinson, cosmetic chemist, and founder of BeautyStat explains that healthy hair looks like shingles laid flat on top of each other. Over-processing, heat or lack of care can cause hair to become brittle and fall. Olaplex’s patented proteins and chemicals have his approval for “filling-in” and repairing damage. They can penetrate deeper into hair’s cortex to repair damaged bonds and reconnect them.
Olaplex also offers at-home products like the Hair Perfector No. 3 is a weekly treatment to help you repair your hair. There are many options when it comes to bond-building. We love the OGX Restoring+ Bonding Plex Bonding Creme and Orlando Pita Play Former Glory protein treatment spray.
Powder concealers can be used to disguise bald spots and define your hairline
This hair filler is perfect for anyone who has a thin hairline or is suffering from hair loss around the temples due to stress or pregnancy. Arteca states that Toppik is the industry standard. It’s extremely low-maintenance, and so simple to use that it can be used every day or for special occasions.
Toppik spray-on hair powder comes in nine colors and contains silica and keratin that create small hair fibers that attach with your natural hair. Robinson explains that the powder collects on your hair and sticks to your hair like magnets when you brush it onto your hair. Toppik helps create texture, density, and body. Both Style Edit Root Cover Up Stick or Color Wow Root Cover Up can be used in powder form to accomplish the same task.
Injectable hair fillers can be used to aid in hair regrowth
Adriana Lombardi MD, a dermatologist at The Skin Cancer and Cosmetic Surgery Center in New Jersey, states that “in dermatology, people often consider platelet-rich plasma [PRP] as a hair filler.” “My patients are interested PRP for many reasons, including to prevent hair loss, grow their hair back, or make their hair thicker.”
Your dermatologist will draw blood from your arm and then place it in a centrifuge to separate plasma from red blood cells. The plasma is rich in platelets that are then injected into the scalp to stimulate hair growth. Neil Sadick MD, a New York City-based dermatologist, stated that PRP is a “great treatment option for hair fall” because of its scientifically-based evidence. It increases hair count, hair thickness, as well as the growth phase.
It won’t be cheap. Dr. Lombardi recommends PRP sessions that cost between three and four sessions. Each session costs approximately $1,800. Touch-ups are available every six months at $800 each. She’s seen many patients recently who suffered from ongoing hair loss as a result of COVID. A recent study found that COVID can cause acute telogen effluvium. This is hair loss caused by stress and lasts for up to six months. Dr. Lombardi suggests that you consult your doctor if your hair loss has been ongoing for more than three months. This will confirm that there is no underlying cause, such as a hormonal imbalance.
Experts agree that hairfiller is a loose term, which can be used in many ways. It doesn’t matter how you define it, hair filler can help boost your confidence. You can think fuller, shinier and healthier hair, at least temporarily. Consult your hairdresser if you are still uncertain about the best hair-filling method for you. To help them find the best solution for you, be specific in what you are describing. Experts are there for that purpose.
