Top 10 reasons for thinning hair with trichologist, sally-ann tarver
Thinning hair can be a common complaint in salon but knowing exactly what to recommend can be tricky. We spoke to trichologist Sally-Ann Tarver to find out the top reasons for thinning hair and what to recommend.
1. Eat More Protein
Increasing the amount of dietary protein, can help with nutritional hair loss. A reasonable portion of meat or fish every day can make up around half of the 45g quota. Recommend your client adds up how much protein they consume daily for a week to get a feel for how much they really need – it can be surprising how little is consumed.
2. Loosen Up
Constantly pulling hair into a tight ponytail, wearing hair extensions and excessive blow-drying will cause strain on hair follicles and could cause traction alopecia. Recommend that your client chooses a loose hairstyle rather than a tight up do, they should try to avoid having hair extensions and give hair a break from excessive styling.
3. Listen to the Body
Thinning hair can be caused by thyroid conditions, particularly hypothyroidism which is seen in postmenopausal women. Left untreated the condition can cause hair to thin and become dry. Other symptoms include weight gain, dry skin and tiredness. This condition is best monitored and treated by a GP.
4. Up the Vitamins
Nutritional deficiencies such as low B12 and Vitamin D can slow down hair growth and they can cause hair thinning. Dietary B12 deficiency can be easily resolved by increasing intake of meat, fish, eggs, dairy and by taking a good quality B Complex. Vitamin D deficiency is on the rise and definitely a test to ask the GP for if hair is declining.
5. Try Laser Phototherapy
Laser phototherapy offers a lotion free, pill free method of improving hair structure and growth, with no side effects, scalp irritation or damage to hair structure. The Theradome LH80 Laser Helmet floods the scalp with photons to energise hair follicles. Laser Phototherapy stimulates blood circulation, nutrients and oxygen to the hair follicles and helps to produce stronger, healthier, faster growing hair. Theradome is available at www.theradomeforhairloss.co.uk
6. See a Trichologist
Don’t ignore the signs that hair has started to thin. If your clients ponytail has got noticeably thinner and they're starting to see their scalp at your hairline, encouage them to consult an expert and book an appointment with a Trichologist. They can help determine the cause and set them on the right track to regaining hair.
7. Increase Iron
Life can be very stressful, any busy periods, being a vegetarian or being a blood donor can all lead to low serum Ferritin levels which is the protein that stores iron in the body. Low iron is one of the most common causes of hair thinning, hair can be rebooted from the inside out by including lean red meat or taking an iron supplement such as Florisene.
8. Look after the Scalp
A healthy scalp=healthy hair. There are a few products on the market that may help the scalp to stay healthy and encourage growth. The professional hair care company Mediceuticals have a brilliant range of scalp specific products formulated to moisturise, sooth and hydrate.
9. Don’t Skip Conditioner
If your client doesn't use conditioner, over time hair can become de-hydrated, which can then lead to hair becoming damaged and brittle. Recommend lightweight conditioners that contain panthenol and glycerin that moisturise and keep fragile hair strong.
10. Live Healthy!
Unhealthy people who live on fast food, take no exercise, drink, smoke and party excessively rarely have great hair. Hair is a reflection of overall health, diet and wellbeing – a healthy lifestyle will naturally make hair look healthy too!
