Thinning Hair Tips

Many factors can trigger thinning hair. Possible triggers include medical conditions, stress, lifestyle factors — such as the food you eat — even genes can play a role. Hair will usually grow back once the cause is addressed. Here are some tips that can help care for thinning hair.

Shampoo You!
Washing your thinning hair won't necessarily send more of it down the drain. Some shampoos can even strengthen it. Avoid products with harsh detergents, like sodium lauryl sulfate, which can cause breakage. Don't rub shampoo into your hair itself. Gently massage it into your scalp and let it slide down through your locks.

Try Some Makeup
You use makeup on your face, so why not on your scalp? Try a tinted hair spray or a coloured powder made specifically to disguise hair loss. These come with an applicator like the kind you use to apply eyeshadow. Choose a shade that matches your roots. Apply the product lightly — tap the excess off the brush and dab it gently onto your scalp.

Take a Powder
Running late? Save time by using a dry shampoo. Made with talc or cornstarch, they can give thinning locks a boost by soaking up excess oil. You'll find them in powders or sprays — just apply, let sit, then comb through the hair. It's okay to use them every 3 or 4 days, but don't skip the shampoo entirely.

Go Under Cover
A wig offers you different hairdo every day. Wig shops are easy to find, and they offer something for many budgets. Not into wigs? Opt for a hat or scarf. You can even find baseball caps with ponytails attached. Wearing wings will not lead to more hair loss, but wearing hats all day can cause friction, resulting in frizzy hair.
Colour Me Lighter
When dyeing thin hair, choose a shade that's close to your natural colour. The lesser the contrast between your hair and scalp, the better. Avoid bleaching — dramatic colour change requires more chemicals, which can lead to hair breakage. If you colour at home, follow the instructions to the dot. If you can afford salon colour, it may be worth investing in a pro who's more skilled at using the products.

Get Into Condition
Hair — whether it's thick or thin — needs moisture to bounce and shine. If yours needs a boost, try a conditioner. Dry tresses will absorb the product, making your hair more manageable, shinier, and better protected from breakage.

Switch Up Your Style
A layered cut can add bounce and fullness. Sweep thinning hair into an updo, or add clip-on hairpieces for a look that's more subtle than a full wig. Avoid tight styles such as cornrows, ponytails, or pigtails. They can cause breakage and pull out hair at the root, causing scarring that prevents regrowth.

Don't Be a Tease
Teasing seems like an easy way to give your locks a boost, but it can damage your hair and cause split ends and fly-aways. Save it for special occasions, and get it done at a salon to reduce breakage. Combs designed to sit on the crown of your head and push the hair up can give you a lift without the damage.


To Extend or Not to Extend?
Regular extensions won't hurt your hair, but they're designed to add length, not thickness. They cannot add fullness at the top because most are placed on the sides of the head. Some companies and salons offer products designed for thinning hair, but they may be pricey.

Tools of the Trade
It's okay to use a round brush, hot rollers, blow dryers, and curling — or straightening — irons. Just choose a cool setting and don't overdo it. Use heat-protectant spray or gel. When your tresses are dry, stop. If you use gel or spray, comb your hair before it dries, or the strands will harden and get brittle.

A Permanent Solution?
A permanent can add volume and make it seem like you have more hair than you do. If the hair is already breaking, though, a perm may not be the best option as it can cause further damage to the hair. If you must perm, go for a salon perm, where timing and chemicals can be carefully controlled by a pro. It would be a better bet than home perming.

Seek Professional Help
If you're losing hair, visit your doctor to pinpoint the cause — whether it's a health condition, medications, stress, or other lifestyle issues — and suggest treatments.