Hair thinning is a common concern that affects both men and women, often causing worry and impacting self-esteem. While it’s normal to experience some hair loss daily, noticing more hair than usual on your hairbrush or in the shower drain can be a sign of an underlying issue.
This guide provides practical advice for those experiencing hair thinning, including prevention tips and styling tricks to create and maintain the illusion of thicker, fuller hair.
Understanding Hair Thinning
Hair thinning occurs when the diameter of individual hair strands decreases, leading to a reduction in overall hair volume. What causes hair thinning varies across various factors including genetics, ageing, hormonal changes (e.g. menopause, thyroid disorders), chronic stress, nutritional deficiencies, and medical conditions such as alopecia areata or scalp infections. Hair styling practices involving excessive heat styling, chemical treatments, and tight hairstyles can also damage hair and contribute to thinning.
How Much Hair Loss is Normal?
It’s normal to lose some hair every day, especially in the shower during hair washing. So, how much hair loss is normal? While it can vary, losing between 50 to 100 strands per day is generally considered within the normal range. However, if you’re noticing a significant increase in shedding or visible thinning, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional or trichologist to determine the underlying cause.
Prevention Tips for Hair Thinning
Some ways to support your hair health and prevent hair thinning include:
- Healthy Diet: Eat a balanced diet rich in protein, iron, zinc, and vitamins to support hair health and growth.
- Stress Management: Maintain a restful work-life balance to reduce chronic stress levels, or adopt stress management techniques to better deal with stress.
- Gentle Care: Avoid harsh hair styling practices or massaging too hard during hair wash if possible.
- Scalp Care: Maintain a healthy scalp by using gentle shampoos and conditioners and addressing any scalp conditions like dandruff or dryness.
Styling Tricks for Fuller-Looking Hair
If you’re already struggling with thinning hair, here are some styling tricks and tips that might help:
Hair Styling
- Get the Right Haircut: Shorter hairstyles tend to make hair look fuller and thicker. Consider a pixie cut, bob, blunt cut, or layered cut to add volume and movement. But avoid overly heavy layers, which can make hair appear thinner.
- Use Volumising Hair Products: Volumising shampoo and conditioner help add body and lift to your hair. You can also use a volumising mousse or root lifter to make your hair appear fuller.
- Blow-Dry Upside Down: Blow-dry your hair upside down to create volume at the roots. Use a round brush to lift the hair and create a fuller look.
- Embrace Curls: Use a curling iron or rollers to add texture and body, creating the illusion of more volume. It’s advisable to use them at their lowest temperature and always apply a heat protectant to prevent damage to your hair.
- Teasing: Gently tease hair at the roots to create lift and volume. However, avoid excessive teasing, which can damage hair.
- Parting: Changing your part can instantly make your hair look fuller. Try a side part or a zigzag part to add volume.
Hair Colouring
- Highlights and Lowlights: Adding highlights or lowlights can create dimension and make hair appear thicker.
- Avoid Single-Process Colour: A single-process colour can make hair look flat and one-dimensional.
Hair Accessories
- Headbands and Scarves: Use headbands or scarves to add volume and style to your hair.
- Clips and Barrettes: Clips and barrettes can be used to create the illusion of fullness by strategically pinning hair.
Seeking Professional Advice for Thinning Hair
If you’re struggling to manage thinning hair, consider consulting a hair care professional. They can assess your hair type and recommend suitable products and styles to help you achieve your desired look. They may also be able to recommend hair care treatments to nourish and strengthen your hair.
By proactively managing thinning hair, you can maintain a sense of confidence and embrace your hair journey with positivity and style.
