4 things you need to know about thinning hair

Like going grey or getting wrinkles, losing your hair is a simple fact of life. The depletion of quantity and quality of your hair can stem from more obvious issues like daily stress, but bigger factors like genetics, deficiencies, and even side effects of medication can also play a part. Here’s what you need to know about thinning hair.

#1 Hair thinning can be caused by numerous factors

Interestingly, hair thinning in different areas can mean different things; “thinning hair at the front and top of the head is probably genetic thinning caused by three factors - genetics, normal levels of male sex hormones (androgens) and inflammation around the hair follicles,” says trichologist David Salinger.

#2 Long-term hair thinning can be caused by more serious issues

However, general long-term thinning all over is due to “an internal imbalance such as anaemia, thyroid problems, malabsorption leading to mineral deficiencies, blood sugar problems, or a side effect of medication. Plus, sex hormonal imbalances can trigger genetic hair thinning, whereas other types of hair loss are autoimmune problems.”

#3 Thinning hair doesn’t just come down to genetics

The cause of thinning hair rests on much more than the genetic composition of your body. Most commonly, “women after menopause are more susceptible to genetic hair thinning because of the drop in estrogen levels,” continues Salinger. “Younger women suffering from PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) or on certain oral contraceptives are more prone to genetic hair thinning if the person has inherited the relevant genes.”

#4 Hair loss can be prevented

As a guide, “genetic hair loss can sometimes be helped by finasteride and minoxidil, and women can also take anti-androgens such as some birth control pills (Diane 35 ED, Yasmin or Yaz) or aldactone.” You should always speak with an expert before self-diagnosing and prescribing any of the above, but you can use these products at home to help get you started with preventing and treating the first signs of thinning hair…

In the shower:

Exfoliate your scalp with Aveda Invati Exfoliating Shampoo; it’s loaded with salicylic acid to help remove product build up.

Klorane Conditioner with Quinine and B Vitamins features an active plant-based ingredient called cinchona to awaken the hair bulb.

Kérastase Densifique Masque Densité can encourage hair growth and improve the thickness of each hair strand. Use this from your roots to the tips of your hair for best results.

Post shower treatments:

Evolis Tonic For Women is made with botanical ingredients that can encourage the number of growing hair follicles and reduce hair loss.

Spritz Paul Mitchell Scalp Care Anti-Thinning Tonic into roots to increase hair density and encourage hair growth, all thanks to the addition of Kakadu plum, pea peptides and ginseng.

At night, drop 4-8 pipettes of L’Oréal Professionnel Serioxyl Denser Hair Serum straight onto the scalp and massage it in to awaken dormant hair follicles.

Strengthening hair products:

Loaded with quinoa protein and organic rosehip, De Lorenzo Protein Complex can protect the hair from snapping or splitting.

The addition of a special Hair Preserve Blend in Bumble and bumble Full Potential Hair Preserving Booster Spray helps strengthen locks and prevent breakage over time.

Nioxin Rejuvenating Elixir works to strengthen the hair strands’ layers and protect it from further damage.

Image photography by: Edward Urrutia