When you notice your hair's getting thinner it could be the result of one of two things: a decrease in your hair's density - the number of strands on your head – or, a change in the thickness of individual strands.
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.
In other cases, thinning hair is triggered by something going on inside the body — for instance, a thyroid problem, a shift in hormones, a recent pregnancy, or an inflammatory condition. Hair loss may also be genetic. The most common genetic condition is known as female-pattern hair loss, or androgenic alopecia.
If you can easily see your scalp through the hair, it's thin. If you can't, it's medium or thick.
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.
Vitamin C, or collagen, keeps blood vessels in the scalp healthy by supporting hair follicles. Vitamin C also helps you absorb iron from plant proteins. Biotin, an essential B vitamin, strengthens weak hair and improves its texture. Biotin is found in salmon, carrots, egg yolks and sardines.
If you are experiencing thinning or balding, our Bosley experts recommend washing no more than three times a week.
The bottom line. There's no strong evidence to support using biotin for hair growth or to prevent hair loss in people without a deficiency. Because hair thinning and poor hair growth are sometimes associated with a biotin deficiency, correcting a deficiency can help restore hair growth in some people.
Telogen hair, or 'resting' hair, comprises around 15% of the hair on a person's scalp. Periods of elevated stress can lead to this hair being temporarily lost, contributing to a visibly thinner scalp and hairline.
The right hair care routine, use of strengthening and volume-boosting shampoos, hair oils and a proper diet can help curb thinning hair and make it grow faster and thicker.
Biotin. Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, stimulates the production of keratin to increase follicle growth. Biotin deficiencies tend to be rare, with those diagnosed with Biotinidase Deficiency being the most common.
There are a number of topical solutions such as shampoos and moisturizing conditioners that can revitalize and thicken your hair. There are also special medications like Propecia that are designed to restore hair growth. You can also harness the power of light to stimulate hair growth.
Extensions
A lot of actresses wear clip-on hair extensions for their performances, to give an extra-glamorous and lush mane look. While the extensions available in the market previously were quite cheap-looking, you get a lot of realistic-looking, natural extensions now.
The thickness of a hair strand is ultimately determined by the diameter of the follicle. Once the hair has protruded from the follicle, the hair cannot grow or expand to become any thicker. It's biologically impossible to do so because once the hair is out of the follicle, it's a wrap – the hair is dead.
Nervous to cut thin, fine hair? Don't be! Longer tresses weigh down hair near the scalp, so you lose fullness and volume at the root. "Some women think by not cutting their hair it'll make it look thicker, but the reality is you have to cut it because if you don't it'll look stringy," Mele explained.
"Ironically, with thinning hair it's important to make sure you get your hair cut regularly," says Julie Hensman, from Hensmans in Northampton. "Thinning hair can get out of shape more quickly, making it look more obvious". Booking in for regular trims can keep your hair looking its best.
Blunt cut. If you have a finer hair texture but like to keep your length long, Seamus McKernan, hairstylist and Nioxin Top Artist, recommends asking your stylist for a blunt haircut. "Blunt cuts have a solid, clean line at the perimeter of the hair that gives the appearance of fuller hair.
Vitamins B and D factor big in healthy hair. So do zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and the B vitamin biotin. Your doctor can test you for deficiencies. Ask them whether you should take a multivitamin or supplement and how much.
Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, stimulates keratin production in hair and can increase the rate of follicle growth.