Thinning hair: What’s causing it and how to stop it

Thinning hair can be something that affects everyone, and there are all kinds of reasons as to why it happens. We completely appreciate the pain that thinning hair causes, too: feeling as though you’re losing your hair can kill your confidence in a heartbeat. But don’t worry: you’re not alone.

If, like thousands of other women out there, you find yourself wishing for a thicker head of hair, don’t stress! We’ve compiled some great tips to help you understand the causes of thinning hair, alongside some pointers on how to help retain a healthier-looking mane.

The causes of thinning hair

Stress

While stress is an unavoidable part of everyday life, too much stress can start impacting your physical well-being, and your hair is one of the first places where you’ll see the signs. A high amount of stress creates increased levels of testosterone, which can disrupt the hair growth cycle as well as prevent your hair follicles from absorbing vital vitamins and nutrients.

Editor’s tip: Think about your daily habits and patterns to see if you can minimise the amount of stress you experience. You can, for example, establish routines like a daily morning ritual or a fixed bedtime – which are small changes, but practical ways to create stability in your life by helping you to feel calmer and less stressed.

Nutrition and diet

What you eat has a huge effect on your hair, so it’s no surprise that a healthy, balanced diet can really help encourage stronger locks.

Editor’s tip: Stock up on leafy greens, red meat, and nuts – these foods are all packed with protein, iron and biotin, which will help encourage healthy hair growth and strengthen your existing hair. And don’t forget to stay hydrated – it’s essential if you want to keep your hair looking shiny and glossy!

It’s also worth thinking about any medications you may be taking: these can also impact your body’s nutrient uptake temporarily and cause thinning hair. It’s worth speaking to your doctor if you think this might be affecting you.

Hormonal changes

Our hormones are constantly changing, especially when you’ve gone through a major transformation such as a pregnancy or the menopause. The change in hormones in your body after giving birth can lead to thinning hair, but they should ease off as your body returns to its normal habits.

Obviously, we recommend that you visit your local GP for a professional diagnosis. But you can also try massaging your scalp daily with your fingers – the extra boost in your circulation will help stimulate your follicles – and as a bonus, it feels pretty relaxing, too!

Hair care routine

If your hair is thinning, it’s especially important to take extra care of it. How you towel-dry, brush, or style your locks can all make a difference to your overall hair health.

So be gentle – blot hair softly with a towel after washing to absorb moisture from your hair without damaging the strands. You can also try using a treatment mask on your hair once a week to nourish and hydrate your tresses.

Hopefully, with these tips, you’ll be able to tackle your thinning hair with more confidence.