Unfortunately, there’s no magic involved, rather those changing hormones are at work again, causing us to become increasingly susceptible to thinning hair. But the good news is there is a growing range of treatments.
Remember that first grey hair you plucked out? Well, those grey strands may be welcome when you discover that your once thick, lustrous hair is thinning. Perhaps you’ve noticed the hairline at the front of your head becoming more sparse or your scalp is coming into view where you part your hair – changes that can be very distressing when you start noticing them in the mirror. As we age, our hair becomes less dense due to finer strands, fewer strands, or both.
There are several types of female hair loss, but the most common is female-pattern hair loss, and according to the Australian College of Dermatologists it affects around 40 per cent of women by the age of 50. Hair can also thin due to illness, medications, nutritional deficiencies or stress, so a visit to your GP is a good place to start. But there are ways you can minimise even hardwired hair changes at home.
Gentle hair care
Avoid frequently pulling hair into tight buns, ponytails or braids: repeated tension can cause a form of hair loss known as traction alopecia. Use a brush made from a flexible material and bristles with rounded tips. High heat can cause damage and breakage so use heat-styling tools sparingly.
Treatment shampoos
Hair loss shampoos and tonics can help with hair retention and the condition of hair and scalp: Plantur 39 uses a phyto-caffeine formula. Caffeine has been shown to stimulate the growth of strong, thick hair cells. It also helps protect roots against hormonal changes. The Phyto-Caffeine Tonic needs to be massaged into the scalp every day.
Aveda Invati Advanced Solutions for Thinning Hair has been shown to reduce hair loss from breakages by 53 per cent. It also helps hair appear thicker. This system contains a shampoo, conditioner and a Scalp Revitaliser that needs to be applied daily.
John Frieda Luxurious Volume Core Restore bolsters protein in fine hair, cumulatively building strength and volume. In addition to the shampoo and conditioner, the Advanced Protein Volumizer bonds with the hair to add volume while you’re drying and styling your hair.
(Let's not forget about the men in your life. Rogaine can help to stimulate hair regrowth)
Style changes
Avoid centre parts or try switching your part from one side to the other, which creates volume by lifting hairs that have been trained to lie flat. Consider a short cut, which focuses attention on fuller-looking growth close to the scalp.
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