No, salt itself doesn't actually thicken hair in the sense of increasing its overall diameter or number of strands. However, saltwater can create a cosmetic thickening effect.
How Saltwater Affects Hair Appearance
The reference material states that saltwater provides a cosmetic benefit to those experiencing hair thinning. It doesn't make the hair thicker, but it improves its appearance of thickness. This is because:
- Increased Texture: Saltwater adds texture to fine hair, making it appear fuller and less limp. This is due to the salt's ability to slightly roughen the hair cuticle, making individual strands less likely to lie flat against the scalp.
- Improved Styling: The added texture also improves the hair's ability to hold styling products, further enhancing the illusion of thickness. Styles hold better, leading to a more voluminous look.
It's crucial to understand that this is a temporary cosmetic effect. The hair's actual thickness remains unchanged. Washing the salt out will revert the hair to its previous state.
