Latest news with #HannahGaboardi
Cosmopolitan
5 days ago
- Health
- Cosmopolitan
5 best shampoos for hair growth, starting at £18 – as recommended by professional trichologists
There are several reasons why you might be tempted to explore the world of hair-growth shampoos. An ill-advised home haircut (hi, hello new wonky fringe)? Bleach-related breakage (welcome, high-maintenance blonde)? We've all been there. So, if your Rapunzel locks are on the agenda, a hair-growth shampoo could do the trick. But first, the facts, courtesy of three trichologists, Helen Reavey, Hannah Gaboardi and Steven Goldsworthy. Side note: If you're experiencing significant thinning or hair loss (as in, more than a few strands in the plughole), it's important to get to the root of the issue first. Unfortunately, a bottle of shampoo won't fix all your problems – yes, a clever, trichologist-developed formula can help, but it's best to find solace in a doctor's appointment. We've got good news and bad news: "Shampoos can't create hair growth," says Helen Reavy, leading trichologist and founder of Act+Acre, "however, they can absolutely support it. "So, while no shampoo will give you Rapunzel-like lengths overnight, the very best formulas can help keep your follicles happy and your lengths fortified, which in turn creates optimal conditions for your hair to grow. Think better growth, not faster. "A good shampoo removes build-up and balances the scalp microbiome, creating the ideal conditions for healthy follicles," Helen says, while fellow leading trichologist and founder of The Hannah Gaboardi Clinic, Hannah Gaboardi, adds: "Cleansing the scalp helps reduce any inflammation and clogged pores, which can cause hair loss. Shampoo also helps strengthen your hair shaft; these make the hair appear thicker and fuller but also help reduce breakage." Helen also notes that it's a myth that frequent washing can be damaging – instead, what matters is how and what you're cleansing with. "I always recommend a double cleanse: the first wash breaks down build-up, the second actually cleans the scalp and allows active ingredients to work," she says. In certain shampoos, there are active ingredients that are beneficial for hair growth. "Ingredients like peppermint and caffeine help the blood flow increase to the scalp, which allows the follicles to receive healthy nutrients and oxygen, in turn, promoting faster hair growth," Hannah shares. But wait, because there's more! "Ketoconazole is an antifungal and keeps the scalp clean, removing inflammation or dandruff on the scalp," Hannah says, recommending the ingredient. "It also has DHT blocking properties, which is the main hormone which causes female and male pattern hair-loss." When it comes to strengthening strands, Hannah says keratin is beneficial; "this helps strengthen the hair shaft, reducing breakage and leaving a thicker feel to your hair shaft." Adding to this, Steven Goldsworthy, director at Goldsworthy's in Swindon and leading trichologist, breaks down his four ingredient recommendations for promoting hair growth. "Biotin enhances the keratin infrastructure within the hair follicle," he says, while "niacinamide retains moisture in the hair, promoting healthier strands. Amino acids and collagen are also great promoters of hair growth; the former are the building blocks of protein, essential for strengthening hair, and the latter supports hair strength and elasticity." We've got the ingredients to know down, but what about ingredients to avoid? Well, Helen says to steer clear of sulfates, silicones, or synthetic fragrance. "They tend to disrupt the scalp barrier and weigh hair down," she says. Hair growth is affected by many different factors like genetics, hormones and vitamin deficiencies. There are many factors to hair growth, but minimising hair loss and hair shedding is key. For this, Hannah says, "It is important to maintain high vitamin and iron levels. Keeping your vitamins within range helps to keep your hair in its natural hair cycle. When your hair growth cycle is disrupted, this leads to the telogen phase, which begins hair shedding," says Hannah. Not only that, but adopting healthy haircare habits plays a crucial role in retention and growth. "Use high-quality hair products, brush gently to avoid breakage, trim your hair regularly to prevent split ends, and exercise caution when using chemical treatments such as hair colouring or perms," Steven recommends." In terms of hair growth," she adds, "it is important to seek professional advice once you are aware of hair loss, hair growth can be encouraged by using the correct medication, supplements and diet, which can be advised by a medical professional." Now you're armed with the knowledge (and realistic expectations), scroll down for the hair-growth shampoos that met our very high standards...
Vogue
22-07-2025
- Health
- Vogue
Will Batana Oil Give You Longer Hair?
You might have heard of argan oil and be familiar with rosemary oil, but how much do you know about batana oil? The latest hair oil to know about is a nutrient-packed oil that's extracted from the nuts of the palm tree. Native to Honduras and other Central and South American countries, it is rich in fatty acids and has been used for centuries to encourage thicker, shinier strands and a healthier scalp. To help you understand all about batana oil and why you might want to add it to your haircare routine, we enlisted the help of trichologist Hannah Gaboardi who answers all your burning questions. Read on to discover more. Does it promote hair growth? 'Although batana oil is rich in nourishing ingredients like fatty acids and antioxidants, it does not promote hair growth in the same way clinical treatments do,' says Gabpardi. 'It is known to nourish and improve the overall appearance of the hair shaft, helping to reduce frizz and brittleness. However, there is no scientific evidence to support batana oil as a treatment for stimulating follicle growth. While it can help create a healthier scalp environment, actual hair regrowth is typically achieved through anti-androgenic medications or clinically proven treatments designed specifically for hair loss.' How is it different from other oils such as rosemary oil? 'Batana oil differs from other oils in both texture and function,' explains Gaboardi. 'It can be applied directly to the hair and scalp and acts more like a deep-conditioning hair mask, delivering rich moisture to the hair shaft and scalp. In contrast, oils like rosemary are essential oils that must be diluted and are typically used on the scalp only. Rosemary oil is intended to stimulate hair growth and reduce inflammation by increasing blood flow to the follicles.' What hair type is batana oil good for? 'Batana oil is best for those with dry, brittle, or chemically damaged hair, as it helps restore elasticity and softness,' Gaboardi adds. 'Due to its thick, buttery consistency, it's ideal for thick, curly, or coily hair types, which absorb heavier oils more easily. It can also benefit individuals with flaky or dry scalps, as the vitamin E and fatty acids in batana oil help reduce dandruff when used correctly.' Who shouldn't use it? 'Batana oil is not recommended for people with fine or oily hair, as its heavy texture can weigh the hair down and make it greasy,' says Gaboardi. 'Those with sensitive scalps should also use caution—if not washed out properly, batana oil can clog pores, disrupt the natural hair cycle, and in some cases contribute to sebum buildup or seborrheic dermatitis. If your hair is thin or damaged, it's best to avoid applying it to the scalp and instead use it only on the mid-lengths and ends.' Will it make my hair greasy? 'Yes, batana oil has a thick, butter-like texture, which can leave the hair feeling greasy or heavy, particularly on fine or straight hair,' says Gabordi. 'However, curly, coily, or thicker textures tend to absorb the oil more easily, making it less likely to leave a greasy residue when used properly.' How long does it take to see results? 'While batana oil is not proven to stimulate hair growth, many users report noticeable improvement in hair texture and strength after 4 to 6 weeks of consistent use,' says Gaboardi. 'When applied weekly as a deep conditioning treatment, it helps reduce frizz and will also reduce breakage and chemical damage. Batana oil will help nourish and strengthen the hair shaft, however, hair density and hair growth can only be achieved using the correct medication which would be prescribed by a professional or clinical treatments.'
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Why Is My Hair Falling Out? Experts Explain The Top Causes for Hair Loss
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." To some extent, hair loss is normal. "On average, a person sheds between 50-to-150 hairs a day," Hannah Gaboardi, a highly experienced trichologist and hair health expert, tells Bazaar. But losing more than your normal amount and experiencing an overall thinning of the hair can be worrying. "One should pay attention when the amount of hair shedding exceeds their typical daily experience," she says of the threshold that varies from person to person. "Additionally, an increase in scalp visibility, accompanied by sensations of tingling or soreness, warrants careful consideration, as it may signal the onset of a less common form of hair loss." Gaboardi recommends seeking professional care before self-medicating or spending on at-home treatments: "One should see an expert if they are experiencing a lot more hair loss while brushing and touching their hair, and if hair strands start hanging off clothing and clogging showers." You should also seek medical advice if you are "experiencing scalp pain and noticing bald spots anywhere across [your] scalp and body," she adds. To understand what might be behind your hair loss, we consulted more hair experts for insights on the top nine reasons why hair falls out. 'Traction alopecia is hair loss that has resulted from repetitive stress or tension on the hair follicle, which compromises its ability to produce and sustain long, strong, healthy hair strands,' explains the consultant trichologist Nicola Smart. 'Hairstyling practices are ultimately to blame here, with tight ponytails, braids, clip-in hair pieces, and weaves being very much the culprits. The more consistently the follicle is abused, the more likely it is to diminish, slowing and preventing blood flow and nutrients to the bulb and subsequent hair shaft.' The result is fine, fluffy pieces of hair or areas of sparseness. Afro-Caribbean women are particularly at risk because they are "more likely to express, celebrate, and accentuate their beauty with intricate styles and designs," says Smart, and "due to the fragility of African hair types from its elliptical follicle shape, this type of styling can lend itself to hair loss." Tip: Get to Know Your Hair"Educate yourself on your own hair so you have a better idea of its limits," advises Smart. "Get a good grasp of its physical characteristics, such as density (how many hairs/follicles you have) and diameter (how thick it is). As well as how it behaves, for example, its porosity levels and elasticity. By learning more about your hair, you can learn to avoid doing things that it doesn't like."Then, "be mindful of how you handle your hair, which means once it's in that ponytail, loosen it just one last time to ensure it isn't too tight and avoid doing any intricate styling when you are in a rush," continues Smart. "Insist that braids, extensions, and weaves are installed loosely, and if they prove too tight, remove them without hesitation. Resist the urge to constantly slick hair tightly into a style and finally, change it up. One of the key issues with traction is the repetitive tension, so attempt to avoid this by varying styles." CCCA, which stands for central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia, is another type of hair loss, especially common in Afro-Caribbean hair types, which tends to present as a gradual circular pattern of thinning on the crown of the head. This sounds like what Viola Davis was describing when she spoke about her hair loss struggles, telling Vulture magazine that she woke up to a "big splash of bald on the top of my head." A genetic component is likely, but the traditional use of hot combs, chemical relaxers, and excessive tensions from braids and extensions exacerbate the predisposition. CCCA can lead to permanent hair loss due to scarring of the hair follicle, necessitating treatment and the prompt identification of reduced styling. Tip: Change Your StyleIf you are struggling with very fine hair or areas of sparseness, how you wear your hair can help minimise its appearance. "In general, if you have finer hair, don't grow it too long," suggests hairstylist Neil Moodie. "The longer it gets, the weaker the hair gets, and so it can tend to look lank, straggly, and not healthy. Instead, focus on creating layers within shorter styles to get a bit more height. I wouldn't recommend really short layers, though, because they can highlight the fineness of the hair."Less can also be more with fine hair. You might assume that using lots of volumising products will help, but it can actually show how fine your hair is by lifting it up. Instead, keep styling to a minimum and focus on adding moisture to your regimen to maintain the elasticity of your hair. Plus, to conceal sparness, try changing your parting or use a tinted product, such as Color Wow's Root Cover Up, to fill in any gaps. And speak to your doctor or a trichologist if you are concerned about excessive hair shedding.$34.50 at Stress can have an impact on almost every aspect of mental and physical well-being, and our hair is no exception. Stressful circumstances raise levels of the hormone cortisol, which triggers your natural "fight or flight" response. This, in turn, "negatively impacts your hair growth cycle", says the trichologist Anabel Kingsley, by channelling your body's resources elsewhere (to the muscles and brain, for example) and by "affecting nutrient absorption, messing with hormone levels and impacting the health of your scalp." It can lead to a hair shedding condition known as telogen effluvium, whereby the hair's normal growing and shedding cycle is disrupted, causing there to be less hair in the growing phase, and more in the resting and shedding phases. In this case, once the stress-causing lifestyle factors are addressed, the body should recover from the disruption on its own. Hair thinning may also be a sign of iron, vitamin D, and B12 deficiencies, or a lack of protein in your diet. The latter is especially noteworthy as the protein keratin provides the strength and structure of hair, which is why vegetarians and vegans may find their hair becomes less full and glossy after making the switch if they are not careful. Tip: Prioritize Your Health (And Consider Supplements)Alongside recognising times of stress in your life, monitoring your diet to ensure it contains enough protein and iron can help both your health and your hair, as can adding more omega-3 oils (found in oily fish like salmon and seeds including chia and flax) into your meals. Check for deficiencies with a blood test via your doctor, and focus on getting the aforementioned nutrients from your food first and foremost, but know that supplements can also be helpful, such as Viviscal's Hair Growth Supplements.$36.99 at Up to 80 percent of permanent hair loss is due to genetic factors, so it is worth speaking to your parents to see whether thinning hair runs in your family, for example, in the form of male or female pattern hair loss. In some cases, though, hair loss is the result of a medical condition, such as alopecia areata, which is caused by an autoimmune disorder. Importantly, this is different from the traction alopecia explained above. A link between coronavirus and hair loss has also been made. A survey by the UK's Institute of Trichologists (IoT)—a professional body for those who treat hair and scalp disorders—found that 79 percent of its members had seen cases of 'post-COVID hair loss' in their clinics. Consultant trichologist and chair of the IoT, Eva Proudman, tells The Guardian this can be due to the high temperatures and loss of appetite that are symptoms of the virus, causing temporary excessive hair shedding. However, pandemic-induced stress could also have caused many cases of telogen effluvium, as outlined above. Tip: Speak to a DoctorIt is worth consulting your doctor for guidance if you are struggling to identify the reason for hair thinning or if your hair loss is becoming substantial. That way, you can not only discuss your general health and identify your stress and hormone levels, but also receive expert advice on whether something more serious is to blame. Hormonal changes from pregnancy not only affect your skin, but they also have an impact on your hair. When you are pregnant, the glow your complexion seems to have is mirrored in how glossy and thick your hair tends to be. Unfortunately, post-pregnancy, it can feel like it is falling out at an unprecedented rate. Again, it's due to telogen effluvium, whereby hairs that were kept in the growth phase move all at once into the telogen (shedding) phase, creating substantial hair fall. Hormonal changes during menopause can also lead to hair loss. "With aging, nearly everyone has some hair loss, and the rate of hair growth slows," explains Moodie. "Hair strands become smaller, have less pigment, and many hair follicles also stop producing new hairs. So the thick, coarse hair of a young adult eventually becomes thin, fine, light-colored hair." This process is accelerated in perimenopausal women, where the consequent fall in female hormones, especially estrogen, which is essential in promoting hair growth, coupled with the rise in testosterone, can cause hair to thin and not regenerate. Tip: Don't PanicIt is crucial to understand that this supposed process of growth and loss is part of an illusion. Your hormones rise during pregnancy, affecting your hair growth cycle and delaying shedding in the process. This means the hair you would naturally lose each day builds up, leading to seemingly thicker hair. When your hormones return to normal, your hair-loss cycle reboots, making you experience what seems like significant hair loss but is actually a build-up from the past nine months. Even when hair loss is more permanent, which is linked to aging and menopause, periods of accelerated hair loss during this time are likely to calm and become manageable. Overuse of heat styling tools, such as your hairdryer, curling wand, and straighteners, can cause your hair to dry out, become prone to breakage, and be more likely to fall out, especially if you use them daily. This is because excessive heat weakens the hair shaft. Dry, frizzy hair caused by heat damage can also become more difficult to style, yet tackling this side effect (as many of us do) by using our hot tools even more often will only exacerbate rather than solve the issue. Tip: Control the Heat"I highly recommend everyone uses heated hair tools that have a temperature gauge, so you can lower it," says Moodie. "This will cause less stress to the hair shaft." GHD's Helios Hairdryer and Dyson's Supersonic are two great examples. Additionally, avoiding going over the same section of hair with a temperature-controlled pair of straighteners or curling iron can help minimize the damage, too. You should also double the protection by using a heat defence spray and towel-dry your hair gently but thoroughly before picking up your tools to minimise the time spent using them. Dyeing your hair too often, especially if you are using bleach, can also lead to hair loss. "When hair is over-processed", explains Moodie, "it will generally snap off and break due to hair being damaged by the chemicals for too long. This causes the hair to lose its elasticity completely." Hair that has been over-dyed is often dry and straw-like, with choppy, uneven layers and a lack of volume caused by strands that have snapped, which can also make thinning more obvious. Tip: Take a BreakIf you frequently dye and style your hair, try taking a break from these habits for a month or so to see if they are the prominent cause of your hair loss. Semi-permanent color or highlighting and balayage techniques can also be less harsh on your hair, so seek a hair consultation before your next salon appointment to see what options are out there. Hair conditioning treatments, such as Philip Kingsley's Elasticiser and Briogeo's Don't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask can also help improve the condition of your hair after a trip to your colorist. Brushing your hair thoroughly will stimulate your scalp, which can encourage hair growth, so it's important not to skip this step of your haircare routine. However, you must be gentle. If you tend to tug and pull your hair or hear ripping sounds as you brush it, you are likely applying too much pressure or combing in the wrong manner, which will cause breakage and a lack of hair growth. The same is true if you tend to brush your hair as soon as you step out of the shower, as your hair is most fragile when wet. Tip: Use the right tools"Look for a brush with rounded, plastic prongs and a vented, cushioned base," says Kingsley, such as the Philip Kingsley Vented Paddle Brush. This will help to detangle your hair and give you control as you brush without the need for excess force. Always comb from the ends, using your hands to secure your hair as you do so to avoid pulling, and then move slowly upwards. If you are struggling, use a detangling spray (and reassess whether you need to use more conditioner in the shower) alongside a wide-tooth comb to minimise breakage. This technique can be especially useful for curly hair that tends to frizz when overly brushed, as you can counteract the knots and tangles that cause breakage without compromising your style. "Research has also discovered that hair loss can be seasonal for some people," Moodie continues. "Around 10 percent of a person's hair can go into a resting phase, when hair can fall out. Women apparently experience slightly higher rates of hair fall during the month of July, which, in turn, sees the effect of hair falling out in mid-October or November." Tip: Get Regular TrimsHaving regular trims will help maintain healthy hair, as the longer you leave it between cuts, the more likely it is to split and break, especially at the ends, accentuating the appearance of thin hair. Taming your ends can make a significant difference while you wait for any shedding to pass. You Might Also Like 4 Investment-Worthy Skincare Finds From Sephora The 17 Best Retinol Creams Worth Adding to Your Skin Care Routine
Irish Daily Star
28-04-2025
- Business
- Irish Daily Star
Best-selling hair growth serum hailed a 'miracle' for reducing hair loss
Customers on the hunt for luscious and more vibrant hair are scooping up a hair growth serum that promises to edge them closer to their dream mane. The UKLASH Hair Growth Serum , starting at $38 for a 30ml bottle, was an instant hit, selling out within just four days of hitting the market last year. Boasting results like boosted hair volume and density, and saying it can cut hair loss by up to a staggering 95%, it's jam-packed with ingredients like pisum sativum (pea extract) and turmeric. Trichologist and brand champion Hannah Gaboardi claims these components "work harmoniously to revitalise the scalp and create an optimum environment for hair growth during tumultuous periods." For those looking for another crowd-pleaser, the Pitta Hair Growth Serum by Champo is flying off the racks, selling one unit every half a minute, with a price tag of $48 for 30ml. For a more budget-friendly pick, take a look at the more pocket-friendly Mielle Organics Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil for $9.96 that's a #1 Best Seller on Amazon. Wayfair Way Day: Get up to 80% off during Wayfair's biggest sale of the year Anti-aging eye cream brightens skin and gives 'filler effect without needles' Free Walmart+ Membership Free Walmart+ Membership Like free delivery? A Walmart+ membership gives you free delivery, early access to Black Friday deals, savings on gas, and more. Usually $8.17 a month, you can now get a 30-day free trial to Walmart+ to experience these benefits. Free Walmart Get Walmart+ here The secret to success, as per UKLASH's site, is applying three to five drops of the Hair Growth Serum every day to either a clean, damp or dry scalp. The brand' tests show that users will see stronger hair with less breakage in about three months' time, reports the Express . UKLASH Hair Growth Serum (Image: UKLASH) The UKLASH Hair Growth Serum boasts an impressive 4.4-star rating from over 1,200 customer reviews. A satisfied user shared: "Started using this about 6 months ago possibly longer as my hair had started falling out alot hitting menopause, this little product has been a miracle for me, highly recommend, my hair is growing quickly and thicker, I already use the lash serum which is also 5*." Another happy customer remarked: "I purchased this for my mom who has female pattern baldness and we have both noticed lots of new hair growth, this is amazing as she's had two hair transplants in the past, but with this serum it's really making a difference and she's still on the first bottle! She's so happy with the results it really is like a miracle!" Before and after of using UKLASH Hair Growth Serum (Image: UKLASH) However, not everyone was pleased, as one customer noted: "I was really hopeful that this would work after seeing all the good reviews, but after using for four months I've seen no sign of anymore hair growth around my temples and parting, even after applying every day. Very sad that that this product didn't work for me." Yet another added their praise: "It does what it says on the packet. Makes it grow faster and thicker than without it." Get the UKLASH Hair Growth Serum starting at $38 from UKLASH.
The Independent
25-04-2025
- Health
- The Independent
How to treat a thinning hairline, according to a trichologist
If you've noticed your edges thinning or your hairline retreating, you're not alone. Hair loss in women is far more common than people think. According to Dr Mohammed Ditta of Harley Street Hair Transplant Clinics, an estimated 8 million women in the UK experience some form of hair loss. For Black women with afro-textured hair, hair loss can be especially prevalent thanks to traction alopecia. While repeated tension from certain hairstyles and chemical treatments can play a role, factors such as hormonal changes and increased stress levels can also be contributing factors. For many, hair loss can feel deeply personal. Our hair plays a huge role in identity and self-expression, so when it starts to thin, it really can knock your confidence. On top of that, trying to find a real solution can often be frustrating. The internet is filled with anecdotal and badly sourced advice; some people swear by minoxidil, others suggest derma rolling, PRP treatments, or a full-blown transplant. With so many options out there, it's difficult to know what actually works. To cut through the noise, we spoke to trichologist Hannah Gaboardi, who shares the five science-backed ways to restore your hairline and bring back your edges. She also gives her take on whether stimulating hair oil remedies work. Meet the expert Leading trichologist Hannah Gaboardi has 15 years of experience and has become one of the most trusted names in hair and scalp care. Her Hair Growth Clinic is situated at Nobu Portman Square, London. Do oils really help hair growth? The internet is full of claims that essential oils, such as rosemary and peppermint, can work miracles for hair growth. But while these oils may help stimulate the scalp, they don't necessarily translate to significant hair growth, and, in some cases, they could do more harm than good. 'Rosemary oil, for example, can create a barrier on the hair follicle, depending on your hair's porosity, potentially blocking growth rather than encouraging it,' explains Gaboardi. 'There are no long-term studies proving its effectiveness, and excessive oil buildup on the scalp can actually lead to conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis.' While using oils as part of a scalp massage routine may improve circulation, they aren't a magic fix, and relying on them without addressing other factors such as diet, stress, and overall scalp health might not yield the results people hope for. When it comes to traction alopecia, hair transplants are often seen as a last resort, but are they really the best solution? 'In cases where traction alopecia has caused scarring, a transplant may be the only option,' says Gaboardi. 'However, even after the procedure, it's crucial to follow a proper haircare routine, including topical treatments, to prevent further thinning or hair loss.' For those experiencing early signs of hair loss, there are often other steps to take before considering surgery. From reducing tension on the hair to using targeted treatments, prevention and maintenance are key to long-term hair health. 5 hair loss solutions 1. Stop the damage before it's too late Traction alopecia, the leading cause of hairline thinning in Black women, happens when hair is repeatedly pulled too tightly, putting strain on the follicles. 'Haircare is the most important when dealing with traction alopecia,' says Gaboardi. 'This condition commonly arises from tight hairstyles, such as braids, ponytails, weaves, and extensions that place excessive stress on the scalp.' If your edges are thinning, it's time to loosen up. 'It is important to release the edges when having hairstyles that contain extreme pulling,' she explains. Taking breaks from tension-heavy styles enables the follicles to recover. It's also best to avoid chemical treatments such as relaxers or keratin treatments: 'These weaken fragile follicles along the hairline, and continuous damage can lead to dormant follicles, which can eventually cause permanent scarring,' says Gaboardi. If your goal is regrowth, it's essential to catch the damage early. 2. Consider minoxidil and prescription medications If there's one hair loss treatment that's been clinically proven to work, it's minoxidil. Available over the counter, it works by increasing blood flow to the hair follicles, and 'stimulates hair follicles and promotes hair growth', explains Gaboardi. For mild cases of traction alopecia, minoxidil may only need to be used for 12 months to fully restore the hairline. However, for severe cases, a trichologist may recommend prescription medication. 'Patients with advanced traction alopecia may need androgenetic drugs to help promote growth.' 3. Check if deficiencies are the problem If your hair is thinning, your body might be lacking key nutrients. 'Many women suffering from a thinning hairline or traction alopecia have vitamin and iron deficiencies,' says Gaboardi. A blood test could help determine if there are any underlying issues. While a GP might focus on overall health, trichologists look at different markers, such as vitamin and nutrient levels. 'Levels need to be on the higher range to help your hair grow,' explains Gaboardi. If you've recently had a baby, this is especially important. 'Many patients who have suffered from a thinning hairline after pregnancy have deficiencies that can trigger hair loss.' The same goes for women with PCOS or endometriosis – conditions that can cause hormonal imbalances that directly affect hair health. If you've tried everything and nothing seems to work, a blood test could reveal the missing piece of the puzzle. 4. PRP treatments If topical treatments haven't worked, PRP therapy could be the next step. 'PRP involves drawing a small amount of the patient's blood, processing it to separate the platelets, and then injecting the concentrated platelets into areas of the scalp affected by hair loss,' explains Gaboardi. These growth-factor-rich platelets stimulate hair follicles, improve scalp health, and promote regrowth. 'PRP helps restore the hairline and is particularly recommended for women who are recently postpartum,' Gaboardi adds. The catch? Results aren't instant. 'Many patients need four to six sessions to see significant regrowth.' While it's not the cheapest option, PRP has become one of the most effective treatments for stubborn hair loss. 5. Adjust your diet While topical treatments are important, your diet plays a huge role in hair growth. 'Food is the easiest source to absorb vital nutrients and vitamins that our body may be deprived of,' says Gaboardi. The right balance of biotin, vitamin E, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, and protein can strengthen the hair shaft, reduce breakage, and promote growth. What should you be eating? 'Foods like salmon, avocados, nuts, leafy greens, and eggs are all excellent sources of hair-loving nutrients,' Gaboardi explains. Making small changes to your diet can make a big difference to your hair health, so if you're looking for a natural way to improve your hairline, start by thinking about what goes on your plate.
