Latest news with #trichology
Yahoo
5 days ago
- 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
The Guardian
08-07-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
What is hair and scalp oiling, and will it make my locks long like Rapunzel?
Mythical representations of women, whether Botticelli's Venus, the Hindu goddess Lakshmi or the pre-Raphaellites' women of the Arthurian legends are often united by a common trait: their long flowing hair. You might think such lengths are confined to the realm of myth untouched by the realities of split ends, but if you look on social media you'll find content creators with locks that could rival Rapunzel. These creators often promise specific products have helped them grow their hair 'crazy long crazy fast'. Hair and scalp oiling is most commonly what they attribute to growing their hair so long – as much as five inches in two months – often accompanied by other haircare routine tips such as using a bamboo bristle brush, scalp massaging and hair growth supplements. But what do the experts say? As far as hair length goes, it is mostly predetermined by your genetics, says Rebecca Anderson, a trichologist and salon owner. There are four phases of the hair growth cycle: the anagen (growth) phase, catagen (transition) phase where growth slows down, telogen (resting) phase and finally exogen (shedding phase) when the hair falls out and is replaced by the new hair growing from the same follicle, which starts the process over again. A person's anagen (growth) phase can last from anywhere between two and six years. 'Some people are just blessed and they have a longer growth cycle, and some people's is very unfortunate,' Anderson says. Dr Annika Smith, a dermatologist at the Skin hospital in Sydney, agrees thickness, length and growth rate are largely genetically determined. 'While good hair care can support hair health and reduce damage, no topical product or supplement can override genetic limits or alter the duration of the hair growth cycle.' Apart from genetics, the other things that influence hair growth are age, ethnicity, hormonal changes and balanced nutrition, says Adjunct Associate Professor Michelle Moscova from the faculty of medicine at the University of New South Wales. Evidence that hair and scalp oiling help hair grow faster is very limited, Moscova says. Regular scalp massage can improve circulation to the scalp and hair follicles, which in theory can improve hair growth, but there is little data to back up this claim, she says. Most perceived benefits of oiling are likely due to reduced breakage or improved shine, rather than true stimulation of hair follicles, Smith says. Associate Professor Yousuf Mohammed, an expert in pharmaceutics at the University of Queensland, says although he is sceptical of these videos, the advice around oiling is 'very commonsense and intuitive'. He adds that many ancient cultures, for example Indian and Egyptian, promoted hair oil as a way to boost hair quality. Oils can create a protective barrier around the hair shaft, which helps retain the moisture and prevent damage, while also nourishing the scalp and the hair follicles with essential fatty acids and minerals dissolved in oils, Mohammed says. In this way, not so much has changed from those older practices, as he has come across two hair care products used in ancient Egypt: saffron powder in snake oil and fenugreek in lion fat. 'If I break it down simply, what I see is that there's one ingredient which is a blood flow booster … and then there is a fatty base that helps in its absorption.' Young and healthy people are typically not the subjects of research related to hair, which mostly focuses on those who experience hair loss, Moscova says. 'Several drugs have been shown to be effective to treat this in men and women who are experiencing balding. For example, minoxidil is a topical treatment that improves blood flow to the follicle, and Finasteride is a prescription-based drug.' Drugs such as minoxidil only work for specific conditions of hair loss, and won't be suitable for everyone, Anderson warns. Dr Frances Tefany, a dermatologist at the Skin hospital in Sydney, says the commonest cause of hair loss seen in clinical practice is generalised shedding (known as 'telogen effluvium'), which is usually reversible if it's under six months. Common causes in women in particular are iron deficiency, thyroid issues, as well as certain medications, Tefany says. 'What should alert them is if they start to lose hair suddenly, and then it escalates, and they notice, when they pull back their hair into a ponytail, it's half the size of what it was, or when they're brushing the hair is easily falling out.' A smaller percentage of people will have a more chronic condition, such as autoimmune conditions that cause hair loss such as alopecia areata, for which there are new treatments available, Tefany says. Hair oils are helpful for hydration in patients with a coexistent inflammatory skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis of the scalp, but people who suffer from dandruff shouldn't use oils as often there is coexistence of yeast in the scalp which can cause irritations and also potentially hair loss, she says. Tefany says it's important not to overuse hair products. 'It's a little bit like skincare. These days we find a lot of people are using so much additional products on their skin, even when they don't have an issue.' In general, if people want to have good hair health they should have regular trims, avoid chemical weathering which can occur due to hair dyeing and heat styling, avoid habits such as smoking and over-drinking, and eat a balanced diet. 'All the things that we know that are good for other parts of us will certainly show up in the hair, just like it does on the skin,' Tefany says. Antiviral is a fortnightly column that interrogates the evidence behind the health headlines and factchecks popular wellness claims What health trend do you want examined? Your contact details are helpful so we can contact you for more information. They will only be seen by the Guardian. Your contact details are helpful so we can contact you for more information. They will only be seen by the Guardian.
The Guardian
08-07-2025
- Health
- The Guardian
What is hair and scalp oiling, and will it make my locks long like Rapunzel?
Mythical representations of women, whether Botticelli's Venus, the Hindu goddess Lakshmi or the pre-Raphaellites' women of the Arthurian legends are often united by a common trait: their long flowing hair. You might think such lengths are confined to the realm of myth untouched by the realities of split ends, but if you look on social media you'll find content creators with locks that could rival Rapunzel. These creators often promise specific products have helped them grow their hair 'crazy long crazy fast'. Hair and scalp oiling is most commonly what they attribute to growing their hair so long – as much as five inches in two months – often accompanied by other haircare routine tips such as using a bamboo bristle brush, scalp massaging and hair growth supplements. But what do the experts say? As far as hair length goes, it is mostly predetermined by your genetics, says Rebecca Anderson, a trichologist and salon owner. There are four phases of the hair growth cycle: the anagen (growth) phase, catagen (transition) phase where growth slows down, telogen (resting) phase and finally exogen (shedding phase) when the hair falls out and is replaced by the new hair growing from the same follicle, which starts the process over again. A person's anagen (growth) phase can last from anywhere between two and six years. 'Some people are just blessed and they have a longer growth cycle, and some people's is very unfortunate,' Anderson says. Dr Annika Smith, a dermatologist at the Skin hospital in Sydney, agrees thickness, length and growth rate are largely genetically determined. 'While good hair care can support hair health and reduce damage, no topical product or supplement can override genetic limits or alter the duration of the hair growth cycle.' Apart from genetics, the other things that influence hair growth are age, ethnicity, hormonal changes and balanced nutrition, says Adjunct Associate Professor Michelle Moscova from the faculty of medicine at the University of New South Wales. Evidence that hair and scalp oiling help hair grow faster is very limited, Moscova says. Regular scalp massage can improve circulation to the scalp and hair follicles, which in theory can improve hair growth, but there is little data to back up this claim, she says. Most perceived benefits of oiling are likely due to reduced breakage or improved shine, rather than true stimulation of hair follicles, Smith says. Associate Professor Yousuf Mohammed, an expert in pharmaceutics at the University of Queensland, says although he is sceptical of these videos, the advice around oiling is 'very commonsense and intuitive'. He adds that many ancient cultures, for example Indian and Egyptian, promoted hair oil as a way to boost hair quality. Oils can create a protective barrier around the hair shaft, which helps retain the moisture and prevent damage, while also nourishing the scalp and the hair follicles with essential fatty acids and minerals dissolved in oils, Mohammed says. In this way, not so much has changed from those older practices, as he has come across two hair care products used in ancient Egypt: saffron powder in snake oil and fenugreek in lion fat. 'If I break it down simply, what I see is that there's one ingredient which is a blood flow booster … and then there is a fatty base that helps in its absorption.' Young and healthy people are typically not the subjects of research related to hair, which mostly focuses on those who experience hair loss, Moscova says. 'Several drugs have been shown to be effective to treat this in men and women who are experiencing balding. For example, minoxidil is a topical treatment that improves blood flow to the follicle, and Finasteride is a prescription-based drug.' Drugs such as minoxidil only work for specific conditions of hair loss, and won't be suitable for everyone, Anderson warns. Dr Frances Tefany, a dermatologist at the Skin hospital in Sydney, says the commonest cause of hair loss seen in clinical practice is generalised shedding (known as 'telogen effluvium'), which is usually reversible if it's under six months. Common causes in women in particular are iron deficiency, thyroid issues, as well as certain medications, Tefany says. 'What should alert them is if they start to lose hair suddenly, and then it escalates, and they notice, when they pull back their hair into a ponytail, it's half the size of what it was, or when they're brushing the hair is easily falling out.' A smaller percentage of people will have a more chronic condition, such as autoimmune conditions that cause hair loss such as alopecia areata, for which there are new treatments available, Tefany says. Hair oils are helpful for hydration in patients with a coexistent inflammatory skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis of the scalp, but people who suffer from dandruff shouldn't use oils as often there is coexistence of yeast in the scalp which can cause irritations and also potentially hair loss, she says. Tefany says it's important not to overuse hair products. 'It's a little bit like skincare. These days we find a lot of people are using so much additional products on their skin, even when they don't have an issue.' In general, if people want to have good hair health they should have regular trims, avoid chemical weathering which can occur due to hair dyeing and heat styling, avoid habits such as smoking and over-drinking, and eat a balanced diet. 'All the things that we know that are good for other parts of us will certainly show up in the hair, just like it does on the skin,' Tefany says. Antiviral is a fortnightly column that interrogates the evidence behind the health headlines and factchecks popular wellness claims What health trend do you want examined? Your contact details are helpful so we can contact you for more information. They will only be seen by the Guardian. Your contact details are helpful so we can contact you for more information. They will only be seen by the Guardian.
Condé Nast Traveler
09-06-2025
- Health
- Condé Nast Traveler
Is the Haircare Spa the Next Big Wellness Travel Trend?
'Hair is the only appendage we carry around after it's dead,' says Bridget Desrosiers, master stylist and in-house trichologist at Miraval Berkshires. She turns her laptop toward me to display the high-definition photo of my scalp she'd just taken. 'See, those are baby hairs growing,' she said, counting seven short, thin strands. She then pointed to gunk pooling in each magnified follicle. 'And that's oil.' I recoiled. In our private session on hair and scalp wellness, Desrosiers explained the science behind hair regrowth, from the anagen (growth) to exogen (shedding) phase, performed a 'scope' of my head, and helped me make my own nourishing scalp oil that I could take home with me. I scooped fragrant dried calendula, witch hazel, rosemary, and lavender out of giant glass jars, blitzing them in a spice grinder. I told Desrosiers how badly I wanted to regrow my hair—and how much money I'd thrown at products that promise growth and density. 'Hair is dead,' Desrosiers said matter-of-factly, advising me to steer clear of any product that claims to 're-bond.' 'They don't get back together; they don't text,' she joked. That's why scalp health is so vital, she said—and why brushing (and scalp stimulation in general) is so important for growth. You can slather your head in fancy products, but if you're not opening the follicles, none of it is getting in there. Miraval Berkshires' spa offers housemade herbal scalp treatments and consultations with hair experts, or trichologists. James Baigrie/Courtesy Miraval Spa At many of the world's top wellness resorts, haircare is a growing offering. It's no longer sufficient to boast a single obligatory salon chair, tucked away for the occasional mani or blowout appointment. Top spas are increasingly taking a holistic approach to haircare, putting the scalp in the spotlight. Facials give guests glowing facial skin long after checkout, so why not offer the same love to the skin that sits just a few centimeters higher? Destination spas have always tended to have some salon component, especially if they're attached to a hotel that hosts weddings and bridal parties. Unlike facials, however—which comfortably straddle that line between health and aesthetics—hair services have historically been relegated to the purely cosmetic (cuts, blowouts), or as a brief scalp massage during a full-body massage, but rarely the main event. That's starting to change, especially as stand-alone head spas (also known as scalp bars) are becoming more popular in the States, offering holistic treatments that target scalp health, without any scissors in sight. Many of these spots, like Blow Me Away in Los Angeles and Hanare 87 in Brooklyn, take inspiration from Japanese head spas and offer treatments that include some combination of scalp analysis, steaming, massage, and masking. The Tryall Club in Jamaica is taking its cues from India, recently incorporating Indian head massage (champissage) into their signature massage, which focuses on acupressure points along the head, neck, and shoulders and uses circular strokes to improve hair and scalp condition. Courtesy Tryall Spa While Japan has some of the most known head and scalp treatments, the newly refreshed Livity Spa by Tryall Club in Jamaica is taking its cues from India, recently incorporating Indian head massage (champissage) into their signature massage, which focuses on acupressure points along the head, neck, and shoulders and uses circular strokes to improve hair and scalp condition.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
A trichologist's guide to thickening your hair without hormones
Experiencing a thinner ponytail or less bounce at your roots? You're not alone. Hair naturally sheds more and thins as we age. While hormonal changes often contribute, several non-hormonal strategies can restore thickness and fullness. Trichologists and celebrity hair experts weigh in on why hair changes and how to revitalize body and volume – without hormone intervention. One key factor is the shrinking of hair follicles with age, leading to finer strands and a thinner overall appearance. Additionally, the hair growth cycle loses efficiency over time. 'Everyone's hair loses volume to a certain degree with age,' explains Philip Kingsley's lead trichologist Anabel Kingsley. 'Just like we don't have the same skin tone in our 40s, 50s and beyond as we did in our 20s, our scalp and hair follicles age – which impacts the quality of strands they produce. Hairs become finer and fewer hairs are growing in relation to resting and shedding.' Hormonal shifts – especially during perimenopause and menopause – can play a big part. 'The biggest time to see loss of hair volume is during perimenopause and menopause,' says Kingsley. 'This is due to declining oestrogen levels. Oestrogen is very hair supportive; it's anti-inflammatory and helps to keep hairs in their growth – the anagen – phase for longer. 'When oestrogen declines, it can cause more hairs to shed, as well as make them finer and shorter.' These hormonal changes, combined with reduced blood circulation to the scalp and slower cell regeneration, all contribute to hair thinning. Fortunately, thinning hair doesn't mean you're out of options. Several non-hormonal treatments can support scalp health and stimulate hair growth. 'Topical or oral minoxidil is generally the most effective non-hormonal treatment for female pattern hair loss,' explains Kingsley. 'Micro-needling may also help – but I would suggest having this done at a dermatologist to avoid damaging your scalp. It's most effective when used alongside Minoxidil.' Minoxidil is a topical treatment that you can apply to your scalp to stimulate hair growth but can take two to four months to see its effects. It also maintains the regrowth, meaning when you stop using it, the regrown hair can fall out within three months. However, more natural ingredients can also stimulate hair growth. 'Topical melatonin, caffeine and peptide blends [also work],' explains Kingsley. 'While these won't be as effective as a medicated treatment, they can help.' Inanch Emir, co-founder of Inanch London and hair extension specialist, supports this view, adding: 'Peptide – or stem cell-based serums – stimulate follicle activity. 'Caffeine-infused products may help energise roots. Biotin, niacin and zinc supplements also support healthy hair from within.' She also says topical rosemary oil – which you may have seen on TikTok – has been shown in some studies to perform comparably to Minoxidil. Regaine For Women 5% Scalp Foam 4 Months Supply, £34.32 (was £50), Just My Look The Ordinary Multi-Peptide Serum for Hair Density, £20.80, Space NK Nature Spell Rosemary Oil For Hair & Skin, £8, Holland and Barrett Can routine and scalp care really make a difference? While products are important, your daily habits and how you treat your scalp can play a key role in hair health and maintaining thickness. 'Scalp massages won't grow you a new head of hair, but it can support scalp health by reducing stress, encouraging healthy blood flow and relieving tension,' says Kingsley. However, she warns against using scalp brushes, and instead use your fingertips. '[Scalp brushes] can break your hair and damage your scalp – plus they tend to get mouldy.' Emir also stands by incorporating scalp and head massages into your routine: 'Scalp massaging for three to five minutes daily boosts blood flow, helping nutrient delivery to follicles,' she explains. Micro-needling, in a clinical setting, can also help by enhancing the absorption of growth serums to stimulate follicles. But remember, sometimes less is more. Stick to gentle shampoos and finish with a cold rinse to enhance shine and scalp tone. The right cut and styling can make a world of difference. Whether you're aiming to create the illusion of more volume or maximise what you have, small tweaks go a long way. 'I recommend using plumping shampoos to make the appearance fuller,' says Kingsley. 'Blow-drying your hair upside down or against the grain of growth can add lovely root lift. 'Volumising products are also great – use a root-boosting foam or froth to add root volume and spritz a thickening protein spray throughout your mid-lengths and ends to add texture.' As for hair cuts, 'regular trims are essential for finer hair to get rid of any split ends and damage that makes hair look thinner,' says British Hairdresser of the Year and Toni & Guy's global creative director, Cos Sakkas. 'A blunt cut will make hair look thicker as it's denser through the outline. Layers cut in the correct way will help to create volume and shape, but it's important to keep the perimeter heavy and full throughout.' Using volumising products after washing give an instant appearance of thicker-looking hair. 'Adding volume at the root will instantly make hair look and feel thicker,' says Sakkas. 'Blow-dry hair upwards away from the root […] tip it upside down in a diffuser if you're wanting a more naturally textured finish. Switch up your parting – wear it on the opposite side to your usual parting and you will instantly notice volume through the front.' Philip Kingsley Body Builder Weightless Shampoo, £28 Philip Kingsley Body Builder Weightless Conditioner, £28 LABEL.M Volume Foam, £25, Toni and Guy
