Before I started wearing a hair topper at the age of 30, I used thickening powder for a long time to mask my androgenetic alopecia. I tested powders from several different brands, over several years, occasionally. So today I can share with you a reliable and objective opinion on thickening powder as a solution against androgenetic alopecia.

Is it effective to hide alopecia? How does daily use actually work? Which brands can I recommend to you? Why did I decide to switch to another solution after a few years of use?

I tell you everything in this article!

Densifying powder: what is it?

Densifying powder is a keratin powder that attaches to the hair fiber by electrostatic effect and gives a density effect when the product is sprinkled on the scalp.

The result is quite effective, as you can see in this photo:

I never could determine precisely if the product actually attaches to the hair fiber, as claimed by the different brands, or if it dyes the scalp, but the result was very satisfying for me.

At the age of 27, my androgenetic alopecia started to become quite visible. Indeed, over the years, my scalp gradually became quite sparse, which began to make me feel very self-conscious. I then started using the thickening powder from the Kmax brand, which is made solely of Keratin and silica. For certain occasions like weddings, job interviews, and nights out with friends, I wanted to feel better and truly confident. I therefore used thickening powder quite regularly to mask my androgenetic alopecia.

Application and use

The product is very simple to apply. Just sprinkle it on the sparse areas so that they become immediately less visible. It does not leave any traces when you run your hand through your hair, nor on your face at the end of the day. I also did not have any marks on my pillows. It does not run with the rain, although I do not recommend staying out in the rain if you have a lot of powder on your head, let’s not tempt fate 😉

The product lasts several days on the scalp without any problems, although it is better to reapply a bit in the morning for optimal results. It washes out very easily with each shampoo.

The brands I have tested and recommend

Over the years, I have tested several brands of thickening powder. The one I used the most is from the brand Kmax, which I was really very satisfied with. I initially chose this brand for its composition. Indeed, this powder is made solely of Keratin and Silica. I then got to try the Toppik brand, which is also very effective.

As part of a partnership, I also received the thickening powder from the Ultimane brand. This powder is also a good alternative for women looking for a 100% natural composition, made from cotton fibers. However, the downside is that it distributes a bit less evenly on the hair fiber compared to the previous two.

At 30, I switched to a more effective solution for me!

Although this product is very effective at masking my hair loss, I never really enjoyed applying it. I found it quite humiliating to have to sprinkle a product that would hide my “holes”. Moreover, the more my alopecia progressed, the more product I had to put on my head. Initially, I only had to sprinkle it at my hairline.

But after a few years, I was reduced to pouring a huge amount all over my head (on top, on the sides, in front, in the back… basically everywhere). It was actually at the moment when I realized that I had to use almost half a pot on my head each time that I thought this solution might not be the most suitable for me anymore.

This is partly why I decided to switch to a hair topper at the age of 30. This solution suits me better as it provides real hair density, compared to the powder which I believe only has a 'quick-fix' effect. I didn't enjoy using thickening powder. I simply felt like I was masking my problem and was ashamed to have to resort to this type of product. However, when I clip on a hair topper, I get a 'wow' effect that truly transforms me and allows me to feel beautiful.

However, I always have a pot of thickening powder at home because I still use this product occasionally, especially with pony toppers. Pony toppers are hair toppers designed to be worn with hair tied back. They are positioned back from the hairline. The thickening powder is very useful to mask the difference in hair density between the pony and our hairline.

Some women also use a bit of thickening powder with a classic hair topper to mask the transition at the hairline if they are not wearing bangs or strands and do not wish to position the topper too far forward.

Thickening powder is therefore a solution that can be interesting to consider, especially in cases of early alopecia, when one does not yet feel ready to switch to a hair topper. It can help you easily and effectively mask your alopecia. However, in the long term and in cases of advanced alopecia, my opinion is that a hair topper or wig will be a more interesting solution to truly find oneself.

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