Thinning hair is something that affects most of us as we get older, and while it might be more noticeable in men, it happens to females too, and my of us resort to using hair growth products to combat thinning.
Hair can be a very personal thing to us women, and it can give us a huge boost in confidence and self-esteem. That's why it's very understandable why thinning hair can take an emotional toll on our wellbeing too.
The kind of thinning females experience is very different to the thinning males experience, and women most commonly find that hair thinning affects the hair parting area, to the point where the scalp can become visible at the crown. Many of us opt for a hairstyle to suit thinning hair as we mature to disguise the signs of thinning.
There are many reasons why your hair might be thinning. Things like genetics, stress, hormonal imbalance and nutritional problems can all have an impact on your hair, and although you might think that once it's gone it's gone, there are some things you can do to encourage hair regrowth. Many resort to using hair growth serums to boost hair growth.
While many of these solutions are medicated and can be prescribed by your GP (things like Rogaine, microneedling and laser therapy) natural remedies as well as hair growth shampoos may also be worth a try.
Massage therapy
Not only is a scalp massage lovely and relaxing, if massaging with a range of stimulating oils, some studies have found they can promote hair regrowth resulting in thickness. Similar to brushing your hair with a hair brush suitable for thinning hair, massaging is known to improve blood flow to the scalp and the cells that play a key role in the regrowth cycle.
A daily scalp massage can also help relieve the stress and tension of the day which is an added bonus!
To massage your own scalp, use your fingertips or a special scalp massager to make small, circular motions applying light to medium pressure across your scalp for a few minutes each day.
This serum is ideal for damaged hair that needs some repairing and TLC. It's also suited for dry, flaky scalps as it contains aloe vera to soothe the scalp. You can massage into the scalp with your fingers or scalp massager and leave in.
Pros
- Soothes the scalp
- Prevents breakage
- Best for damaged hair
Cons
- Doesn't last very long
This daily treatment can be used on damp or dry hair to reduce hair loss and breakage and is ideal for adding volume at the root and reducing hair breakage.
Pros
- Ideal for preventing hair loss
- Pleasant smell
- Good for dry hair
Cons
- Takes a while to see results
To nourish your scalp and aid growth, the Kérastase Genesis Hair Serum is designed for thin hair. Enriched with caffeine, it helps increase your hair thickness while simultaneously slowing down the hair loss process.
Pros
- Ideal for fragile hair
- Designed to work in 30 days
- Reduces scalp irritation
Cons
- Can leave hair feeling greasy
Natural essential oils
There are a number of different oils you can use on your scalp which all have links to hair regrowth and thickening the texture of your hair. Some of the most popular include:
• Coconut oil - some studies have found this can reduce the protein loss from hair.
• Rosemary oil - this has been found to stimulate hair growth. Note that it should be mixed with a carrier oil before applying.
• Geranium oil - can help boost circulation, hydration and hair regrowth. Again this should be used with a carrier oil.
Avoid stress
According to the Harley Street Hair Clinic. stress can cause short-term hair loss. If you're feeling particularly anxious or emotionally or physically stressed, consider if anything has happened in your life that could be causing this and make some lifestyle changes to minimise this stress.
Hair growth supplements
There are a number of different hair growth supplements on the market which claim to help boost hair growth and condition. These are full of vitamins, so can be beneficial if you're concerned about a lack of nutrition from your diet. However, the best way to ensure you consume enough of these vitamins is by eating a balanced diet. Always talk to your GP before taking any supplements such as this.
Treat your hair carefully
As we age, our hair can become a lot more delicate, so needs treating with more care than we might have in our younger years.
Firstly, avoid using heat on your hair and opt for heat-free styles instead. Avoid any hairstyles that could pull on your roots like ponytails or buns and let your hair down. Never brush your hair when it's wet, comb instead and you shouldn't be vigorously drying your hair with a towel either as this could lead to breakage.
Medicated help
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Regaine offer two different kinds of hair regrowth solution made specifically for women with one a little more stronger than the other which are both available to buy over the counter. They work to combat hair loss at the top of the scalp with a daily solution.
Other treatments include microneedling, which involves hundreds of tiny needles on your scalp. There's also hair transplant surgery, which is rather invasive, laser therapy and platelet-rich plasma where your plasma is injected into the areas of your scalp where you're losing hair.
If a more invasive treatment is something you're considering, you should speak with your GP to find the best solution for you.
Lorna White is a Senior Digital Writer at Yours.co.uk. She was previously a writer at Yours Magazine writing features and news stories before joining the digital team. Lorna loves the great British countryside and likes to spend her spare time out and about in her home of Nottinghamshire walking her dog, Pippin.
