We get lots of emails from readers who have thin hair, suffer with hair loss and are constantly looking for volumising products. In light of this we caught up with hair guru Philip Kingsley to ask his advice about thinning, flat hair. What is it? Why do we get it and how can we prevent it? Read on to see all of Philip's expert advice and leave your comments below.
Does thinning hair get worse with age? Why do women in their 20s/30s get it?
Thinning hair can occur amongst women in their 20s or 30s for a variety of reasons. Genetics, pregnancy or use of birth control are usually major culprits, although poor diet and stress can also be to blame.
Why do women lose their hair - is it genetic or a sign of illness?Both. For many women thinning of the hair or hair loss can be attributed to genetics on the other hand it can also be an indication of an underlying health problem. I'd always urge women to visit their GP or Tricologist if they're concerned in any way.
Is there any way to make the hair at my roots thicker?
In order to fully tackle thinning hair you must first understand the cause of it. For example, if it is caused by traction, i.e. pulling the hair back too tightly, with care it could often grow back by itself. If it's caused through other reasons, blood tests may be necessary. If it's hormonally induced, you can obtain prescription only anti-androgen drops which can be very effective.
My hair breaks easily and falls out a lot, should I be worried?
Hair breakage can occur due to a number of factors including overzealous use of heat styling tools, chemical treatments and poor diet. Try cutting back on the number of times you use your straightening irons or hairdryer a week and make sure that you use protein enriched hair treatments before and after you chemically process your hair. If the problem persists I'd recommend you visit a Tricologist.
Does brushing my hair and blow-drying daily effect thinning hair and stress it out more?
Daily blow-drying can have a negative effect on the hair as the regular exposure to concentrated heat can leave hair feeling dry, dull and more susceptible to breakage. Also most synthetic brushes can pull and snag at the root of the hair, which after a long period of time can leave you with bald patches. For daily brushing I'd suggest a soft bristle brush or a wide tooth comb.
What ingredients should I look for in a good hair loss preventative product?
As the hair is made up of protein I'd recommend protein supplements and a diet that is rich in protein and iron, high levels of which are found in red meat and eggs. Energy levels to the hair follicles are lowest in the morning, so eat a protein rich breakfast for a hair growth boost.
Can you recommend any products for extremely thin, fine hair?
My PK4HAIR (£21 for a month course philipkingsley.com) supplements are fortified with soy proteins and amino acids that are beneficial to healthy and sustained hair growth. For a topical but temporary solution I'd suggest the Philip Kingsley Maximiser (£21 for 250ml philipkingsley.com). It's a light hold spray that lifts the hair from the root, giving the illusion of volume and body.
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