Hair loss and thinning hair is a delicate and sensitive subject for anyone who is experiencing it. I have had a lot of clients tell me “I feel like my hair is all over my pillow when I wake up.”, “There is way more hair ending up in my brush.”, and “It seems like there are clumps of hair coming out in my hands in the shower.” Here are some of the facts and tips that I share with my clients in scalp maintenance as well as hair styles that may be better suited to you if you are dealing with thinning hair or hair loss.
What is Hair Breakage?
Hair breakage is when your hair shaft breaks. It results in split ends and your hair strands become shorter. This is because the hair is constantly suffering from dryness and damage from excessive usage of heat styling products and bleaching processes. Vigorous brushing, as well as certain hairstyles that restrict and tighten the hair, can also be damaging.
What is Hair Thinning?
Loss of hair density or thinning happens usually when we mature. The hair strands diameter becomes smaller. Unhealthy hair follicles can result in hair growth that is thin, fine and weak at the roots. When hair follicles are damaged, they can shrink in size, resulting in thinner hair strands that are easily breakable. The result? Hair looks visibly thinner.
Why Do People Experience Hair Loss?
Hair loss can be caused by hormonal imbalances, thyroid issues, stress, low iron, alopecia, extreme diet changes and let’s not forget maturity. If you are experiencing an extreme amount of hair loss, I highly recommend that you see your doctor to check if any of these issues could be the problem.
The Hair Life Cycle
Hair has 3 stages in its life span. First, is the hair growing stage, your hair grows around half an inch a month (about 6 inches a year), and faster in the summer than in winter.
Next, is the falling out stage, where hair is shed from the scalp, often helped along by washing and brushing, and it is normal that people lose up to 100 hairs a day. (For people with longer hair strands, losing them may be more noticeable). And finally, the dormant stage where the hair follicle will stay dormant and reactivate and grow later.
As we mature, both men and women experience some form of hair loss, like receding hairlines and thinning of the actual diameter of the hair strand. If we take care of our hair and scalp we can preserve or maintain our hair for longer.
What do I do if I am Experiencing Hair Loss or Hair Thinning?
1 When experiencing hair loss the ends become finer and straggly. I highly recommend that the hair length is cut shorter leaving the ends to look thicker and healthier. Also leaving the layers longer is better visually as it will give the illusion of thicker hair.
2 Products that are used in the hair should be light. Avoid heavy and rich shampoos, conditioners and styling products. It will weigh your hair down and it may sit flat against the scalp, making your hair look thinner.
3 When combing your hair, start from the bottom working up to the root, this will avoid tangling and breakage of the hair. Use a wide tooth comb or an Anti-Stress Detangling Brush and be gentle.
4 Massage your scalp! It encourages blood flow bringing nutrients to the hair follicle. Really get in there and stimulate the scalp. More often than not, people who are experiencing hair loss, are so delicate with their scalp and it’s the opposite of what you should do. Massaging may be the most important thing you should do! This will help keep your growing stage go on for longer, the dormant stage shorter and your hair healthier and stronger.
The Best Hair Products to Use for Hair Thinning or Hair Breakage
My Recommendation? The Kérastase Genesis range, their new dual anti-fall hair care system is a hair care collection designed to stop hair fall and prevent hair breakage. A spotlight product would be the Anti-Breakage Fortifying Serum, this daily serum is for weakened hair, prone to falling and due to breakage. It helps to re-anchor hair follicles more solidly into the scalp while building the optimal environment for future growth.
For a hair-thinning prevention the Kérastase Specifique Bain Prevention Shampoo with stimulating properties boosts hair fiber production, visibly thickens the hair fiber, and brings immediate volume. It purifies the scalp, while leaving hair feeling denser than before.
And if you’re experiencing loss in density, I would recommend a lightweight styling product like Mousse Densimorphose in the Densifique line from Kerastase. It hydrates hair with Hyaluronic acid which helps hair attract and retain moisture and creates a plump, hydrated hair fiber. Hair is volumized with greater substance without a heavy feeling with each use of this hair thickening product.
If breakage is your main issue and not thinning, I highly recommend the Kerastase Extentioniste line. It will strengthen your hair shaft and prevent breakage resulting in growing healthy hair. 99% less breakage & 78% less split ends when Bain Extentioniste and Fondant Extentioniste are used together.
The Takeaway
Hair loss and thinning hair is a very common issue in both men and women. It is a sensitive subject for most people. You’re not alone, hopefully these tips help.
Ermanno Venere
Co- Owner Venere Salon, Master stylist, Educational Director and award-winning stylist.
