We may aspire to having thin bodies, but when it comes to hair, “thinning hair” is not what we want to hear at all.
Hair loss is not, of course, purely an age issue; women can suffer thinning hair or hair loss at many points throughout their lives and for many different reasons – through illness – either directly, as a result of conditions such as alopecia, or indirectly, as a result of chemotherapy – as well as through stress, nutritional deficiencies, pregnancy and childbirth. Hereditary factors and hormonal imbalances can also play a part in hair loss.
Because hair is so important to our appearance and self-esteem, thinning hair can be devastating.
If you are losing hair excessively, SoSensational’s first piece of advice is to see your GP to exclude any medical conditions.
After you have seen your doctor and excluded any conditions which may require medical intervention, there are lots of ways of tackling hair loss and making the most of your hair.
Nutrition
The B-group vitamins, as well as folic acid, are all vital to hair health. While unlikely to be the root cause of hair loss, a deficiency in any of these B- vitamins can exacerbate hair loss caused by any other factors. The B-group vitamins are found naturally in egg yolks, liver, milk, whole grains and yeast. A good quality B-complex tablet, taken daily (unless medical advice warns against it) should be every woman’s first line of defence in keeping her hair healthy.
Other useful nutrients for hair health include zinc (found in nuts, pulses and oats); iodine (found in salmon, seaweed, molasses, watercress and garlic); and the trace mineral silica, which is found in soil. Excellent sources for silica include rice, oats, lettuce, parsnips, asparagus, onions, garlic, leek, cucumber, cauliflower, chard and strawberries. But these foods should be organically grown in order to provide the trace element as the depleted soil used for non-organic farming means silica may not be present. You may, therefore, find it quicker and simpler to take a supplement of silica, available online.
We strongly advise you to consult a doctor before starting on any course of vitamin or mineral supplements; there may be medical reasons not to take a specific vitamin or mineral supplement.
Eating a balanced diet of fresh foods is important for overall wellbeing, but there is strong evidence that even people eating a diet rich in fresh foods can suffer low-level vitamin deficiencies because so-called “fresh” foods are frequently chill-stored for many months leading to the loss of much of their vitamin and mineral content. Also, as we know from silica deficiencies, food grown in depleted soil is less rich in essential trace elements and minerals
Hair-Thickening Products
There are lots on the market, which work by leaving a residue on the hair shaft that either gives hair more body by making it look thicker, or by making hair coarser, so it is less likely to fall flat.
Philip Kingsley Body Building Shampoo , cleanses whilst adding body and strength. There is also the Philip Kingsley Body Building Conditioner, which reduces static and adds volume and shine without weight.
Ojon Hydrating Thickening Spray is a daily leave-in treatment that plumps and improves the condition of fine, thin or limp hair. Formulated with Ojon oil, plus Creatine, Babassu, Macadamia and Jojoba oils, the spray can be applied to damp hair, from roots to ends, before blow-drying to add volume.
Sea Salt Spray, which is used to make hair look tousled and sexy, also adds body to fine hair. Use it in place of conditioner after shampooing, and then style as usual.
Do not use regular conditioner on very fine hair, as it will make it go flatter and reduce “body”.
Scalp make-up
Scalp make-up can be used to tint the scalp to reduce the visual effect of thin hair. Generally, they work best with small areas of thinning hair or small areas of patchy hair loss, rather than all over.
Aveda Invati Hair-thickening system claims to reduce hair loss due to breakage to help you keep the hair you have longer. It also promises thicker fuller hair due to its active ingredient, densiplexTM , which includes a blend of Ayurvedic herbs.
Toppiks Hair Fibres is made of all natural, coloured keratin protein. Toppik fibers blend undetectably with your existing hair, instantly making it fuller and thicker.
Wigs, hairpieces, weaving and threading
Where hair loss has become so dramatic that more drastic measures are called for, do not despair. Advances in technology (and aesthetics) mean that there are fabulous, utterly natural looking wigs available, though expect to pay at least £400 for a passably good wig, and upwards of £850 for something so fabulous that no-one would ever know.
Trendco wigs, offer a big selection of styles and colours, from under £300. Hairtrade also offer wigs from budget to luxe. Keep in mind that the fitting and styling of a wig are vital if it is to look truly sensational. A flourishing wig industry has grown up to cater for strictly-religious Jewish women, who are required to cover their heads at all times. Many of the suppliers are a brilliant source of really natural looking wigs that have been gorgeously styled, but expect to pay £1,000.
In the Manchester area, look out for Michaela Labaton at Hair by Michaela, an established hair specialist working with hair and wigs.
Lucinda Ellery offers some innovative solutions to hair loss, including Medi Connections™, which are very fine hair extensions designed to add volume and density. The method can double or triple hair volume resulting in healthier looking hair and a real confidence boost.
As well as Medi Connections™, Ellery ‘s West London-based hair consultancy also offers the mesh-based Intralace System™ designed for more widespread loss and hair replacement.
If your hair loss is as a result of cancer, take a look at the superb website, www.cancerhaircare.com, for encouragement, advice and options
If you have discovered other products or ways to help with thinning hair, do comment below and let us know.
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