The thing about hair is that when it’s looking fabulous, you often feel that way too. It’s intrinsically linked to our sense of worth. Wake up with hair looking on the right side of bedhead, and you’ll have a smug disposition all day. However, a bad hair day can do the complete opposite: an unruly cowlick, a fringe not playing ball or more miserable, hair that looks and feels far thinner than it once was.
Female hair loss was once a taboo topic, but thankfully there’s far more discussion around it now, particularly with celebrities such as Jada Pinkett Smith and Keira Knightley opening up about their experiences. So if you’re seeing more hairs on your pillow, you shouldn’t be afraid to open the conversation either.
What actually causes shedding?
Hair follicles go through three phases: anagen, catagen and telogen, also known as the growth, transitional and shedding phases. At any given moment, all of the hairs on your head are in different phases. It’s normal and natural to shed around 100 hairs a day.
However, if this cycle is disrupted, or if a hair follicle is damaged, hair may begin to fall out more quickly than it is regenerated, leading to symptoms such as a receding hairline, hair falling out in clumps, bald patches, or overall thinning.
What triggers female hair loss?
According to trichologist and Nioxin ambassador Mark Blake, these are the most common causes.
Genetics: This type of hair loss is known as androgenetic alopecia.
Health: If you are unwell this has a massive impact on your hair. Inflammation within the body is a common cause of hair loss, as are conditions such as thyroid disorders and autoimmune diseases.
Nutrition: The hair follicle requires a lot of energy to grow optimal hair hence why good nutritional health is vital.
Stress: This increases the body’s production of adrenaline and cortisol (our ‘fight or flight’ hormones), disrupting the hair’s natural growth cycle and leading to excessive shedding.
Medication: Some prescription drugs can stop the absorption of certain nutrients.
Menopause: Can lead to miniaturisation of the hair follicle leading to hair thinning, hair breakage, or hair loss. Some hair follicles are particularly sensitive to androgens, a group of hormones that include testosterone and androstenedione. During the onset of the menopause, oestrogen levels start to fall and the balance is disrupted between oestrogen and testosterone.
What can you do about hair loss?
Get expert advice
Contact your GP or find a trichologist atTrichologists.org.uk. They’ll assess the condition of your scalp and hair to identify what the cause could be and organise blood tests to look for any underlying causes. “Blood tests to ensure you are nutritionally balanced are crucial – Vitamins D, B12 and iron are especially important,” says wellbeing expert Dr Sophie Shotter. “You can also explore genetic testing using Trichotest (a cheek swab) to check what underlying genetic drivers may be contributing to your hair loss.”
Check your diet
“Eating a well-balanced diet including foods that contain iron and zinc, like pumpkin seeds, lentils, flax seeds, red meat, quinoa and green vegetables is key,'' says Viviscal ambassador and trichologist Hannah Gaboardi. Hair is made up of around 85% protein, so it’s obvious that you need plenty of protein in your diet to grow the hair you deserve. Mark Blake advises around 100g a day.
Rethink your styling
“Things you should avoid doing if you are experiencing hair loss include excessive heat styling, pulling hair back tightly in a ponytail, and using hair extensions or tight hair weaves, as these can cause further damage to the hair and scalp,” says Sam Cinkir, CEO of hair and skin clinic Este Medical Group. It’s also advisable to avoid harsh hair treatments such as chemical straightening or colouring too.
Introduce supplements
Hair growth supplements include vitamins like vitamins A, C, and multiple B vitamins, and minerals such as zinc and selenium. “My favourite is Viviscal Hair Growth Supplement For Women, £25.99 here,” says Dr Shotter. “It contains a vitamin blend as well as a patented complex called Amino MarC which has been proven to stimulate hair growth.” You could also try Gold Collagen Hair Lift, £42 here, a hair growth liquid supplement to support the health of your hair and scalp.
Change your brush
If your hair is fragile, choosing the right brush is vital. The Manta Brush, £34 here, was created by a professional hairdresser with vulnerable hair in mind. Its bristles are specifically designed to lessen snagging on even the most delicate strands, so even the knottiest of knots are smoothed and detangled without further shedding or breakage. There’s also a new electrical Manta Pulse version, £70 here, which includes a stimulating scalp massage.
Consider a hair ‘filler’ treatment
Unlike traditional extensions, hair ‘filler’ is all about adding thickness, not length. Extension specialist Hadley Yates offers this volume-enhancing technique at his salon (hadleyyatessalon.com). “By adding very small amounts of hair in just the right places, this signature method promises a damage-free, flawlessly fuller look,” he says.
Give your hair and scalp a ‘skincare’ regime
Products to keep your scalp healthy and help reduce hair fall are an essential part of achieving a fuller head of hair
Cleanser
Grow Gorgeous Intense Thickening Shampoo, £11.20 here
Packed full of skincare-grade ingredients such as caffeine to stimulate roots and ProVitamin B5 to moisturise hair and scalp.
Exfoliater
The INKEY List Salicylic Acid Exfoliating Scalp Treatment, £11.99 here
A healthy scalp = healthy hair. Salicylic acid gently removes dead skin around the hair follicle. This stimulates regrowth and encourages healthier-looking strands.
Serum
Nioxin Anti-Hair Loss Serum, £41.80 here (on sale)
This professional leave-in treatment is clinically proven to reduce hair loss with visible results in just 8 weeks. Loved by beauty editors, it really is worth the hype.
Moisturiser
Philip Kingsley Density Thickening Conditioner, £27 here
If there’s one brand you can trust, it’s scalp and hair health specialist Philip Kingsley. This treatment conditioner, with peptides and polymers to increase volume, is your gateway to fuller, hydrated and healthy hair.
Strengthener
Head & Shoulders new DermaxPro Scalp & Hair Revitaliser Treatment, £9.98 here (on sale)
Leave it on overnight and let the anti-fall formula improve scalp skin barrier function, so roots can better support natural hair growth.
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