If your hair isn't dense, but you don't notice any of these changes, you have thin hair; if you notice changes over time, chances are it's thinning.
If you can visibly see sections of your scalp underneath or through the hair, then your hair is thin. If you barely see your scalp at all, your hair is thick. If it's somewhere in-between, then your hair has a medium density.
The easiest way to determine if your hair is fine or thin is to look at the width. Compare a piece of hair to a piece of thread. If you find that the hair is smaller than the thread, chances are good your hair is fine.
Here's the hard truth: Little can be done to permanently change the diameter of individual hair strands. Thickening products can do wonders to temporarily plump hair strands, but when it comes down to it, fine hair is genetic and can't be changed.
Lifestyle factors could include using certain hair products, wearing your hair up too tightly, experiencing high stress levels, or not getting enough of certain vitamins and minerals in your diet. People who have immune system deficiencies could also have thinning hair.
"Sudden thinning hair can be a symptom of anemia (low red blood cell count), hormonal issues especially related to events like pregnancy, or a thyroid disorder, which are all very common in women," says Dr. Peredo.
Bobs, pixies, layers, and bangs — these haircuts are strategically designed to help fine hair full-fill its potential. The look of thin hair can change dramatically with the power of the humble scissor — and the right cutting hand.
When to see a doctor. See your doctor if you're concerned about how much hair you are losing every day. A gradual thinning on the top of your head, the appearance of patchy or bald spots on your scalp, and full-body hair loss are signs that there may be an underlying health condition.
The most obvious of the stages of hair loss is a noticeable change in your hairline that you can clearly see. Baldness often begins in the hairline, with the flat or mildly receded hairline you previously had turned into a more obvious M-shaped hairline — basically, bald with hair on sides.
Pluck a strand of hair from the middle of your head (so there's more chance of it being fully developed) and compare it with a sewing thread. If the strand is just as wide, then you have thick hair, but if it's much narrower then you have thin hair.
Thicker strands of hair are more likely to have a defect, making them more prone to breakage, the researchers believe. Lustrous, thick hair may be desirable but it is not necessarily the strongest. Scientists said thin hair tends to be stronger than thicker locks, after looking at the way they break.
A mature hairline typically moves back evenly and is only about an inch above the top crease in the forehead. If the entire hairline recedes further back on the scalp, with a more defined hairline, like a M-shape or a widow's peak, those are signs of a receding hairline.
Genetics
In women, hereditary hair loss usually starts after the age of 40. Roughly 40% of women have noticeable hair loss by the age of 50. And less than half of women get through life with a full head of hair.
Nearly everyone has some hair loss with aging. The rate of hair growth also slows. Hair strands become smaller and have less pigment. So the thick, coarse hair of a young adult eventually becomes thin, fine, light-colored hair.
Nervous you're losing an excessive amount? Dorin suggests a quick trick: "Take about 60 hairs in your hand and run your fingers through it. Usually between five and eight hairs will come out — this is normal." (You're running your hand through your hair right now, aren't you?)
Does thin hair look better short or long? Shorter styles are generally better for thin hair, as there's less weight pulling down, and it's easier to maintain and keep healthy. Plus, shorter styles allow you to add extra volume with cutting techniques and products.
Lightly blow-dry your hair until it's slightly damp, then apply a volumizing product to the roots to set the 'lift' created with the blow-drying. This keeps hair from sticking to the scalp. You can also use a curling iron, roller set, or electric curlers at the roots to add volume.
The rule: For more volume and movement in your hair, get a layered cut. Yep! But this is only true for hair that has some volume in the first place. Truly thin hair can look even thinner with layers.
If you are experiencing thinning or balding, our Bosley experts recommend washing no more than three times a week.
Effective treatments for some types of hair loss are available. You might be able to reverse hair loss, or at least slow it. With some conditions, such as patchy hair loss (alopecia areata), hair may regrow without treatment within a year. Treatments for hair loss include medications and surgery.
It usually takes 15-25 years to go bald, but can be quicker. Typically, at first the hair begins to thin (recede) at the sides (temples). At the same time, the hair usually becomes thin on the top of the head. A bald patch gradually develops in the middle of the scalp.
Even if it's a new barber or hairdresser, they should be able to tell you if your hair is looking thin. They can also advise you on the best hairstyles and styling tips for thinning hair.