Thinning and Shedding Hair
If there’s one thing I hear almost daily in the salon, it’s: “I feel like my hair is thinning” or “I’ve been shedding so much lately.” It’s an incredibly common experience, and often tied to things happening internally - not something you’ve done “wrong.”
While it can feel unsettling, there’s usually an explanation and ways to support your scalp health and hair growth.
Why Hair Thinning and Shedding Happens
Hair thinning and shedding can happen for many reasons, and often it’s not just one thing. Some of the most common reasons include:
Hormonal changes, including perimenopause and menopause
Postpartum hair shedding
Significant weight loss or dietary changes
High or prolonged stress
Medication changes
Illness or viral infections
Genetics
Because hair growth cycles are slow, thinning or shedding often shows up months after a triggering event. That delay can make it hard to determine the exact cause, but it’s a very normal response when your body has experienced anything from the list above.
Thinning vs. Shedding vs. Breakage
One thing to be aware of is the difference between thinning, shedding, and breakage. They’re often lumped together, but they’re not the same. Understanding which one you’re experiencing can help determine how to support your scalp and hair health.
Thinning refers to an overall, gradual reduction in density over time. Often people feel that their hair isn’t as thick as it was years ago.
Shedding usually feels sudden and excessive. It’s often temporary and related to stress, illness, or hormonal shifts.
Breakage happens when hair snaps off on the ends, rather than falling from the root - often due to chemical overprocessing or too much heat styling.
Products That Help Support Hair Regrowth
There’s no quick fix, but there are definitely options that can be supportive depending on the cause. Some people find benefit from:
Targeted scalp health products, which often include antioxidants and nutrients like niacinamide, biotin, and caffeine to nourish the scalp, increase hair diameter, and strengthen against breakage. I’ve personally used and often recommend the Nioxin Scalp Care + Hair Thickening Leave-In Treatment or the Nioxin Hair Fall Defense Serum.
Minoxidil, a clinically studied medication used to stimulate hair growth and treat hair loss. It works by extending your hair’s growth phase and increasing blood flow to hair follicles. This can be used topically or taken orally, though oral forms must be prescribed by a doctor.
Reassessing hair products, such as incorporating volumizing shampoos and styling products with some alcohol content. These can help plump the hair cuticle and create the appearance of fuller, thicker hair.
One of the most important things I remind my clients is setting realistic expectations. These options support the hair growth process, but you have to be consistent and use these products for an extended period of time to notice growth and density.
Additional options
Hair health is influenced by what’s happening internally, so things like focusing on nutrition, eating enough protein, and overall wellness can make a meaningful difference over time.
For some people, especially those experiencing more noticeable density changes, hair toppers (partial wigs) have become a really helpful option. Toppers are natural looking and designed to blend seamlessly with your existing hair. If this is something you’re interested in, I’m always happy to refer clients to specialists who focus specifically on extensions and toppers!
Final Thoughts
Hair density changes are a normal part of life, but can understandably be very stressful. If you’re unsure where to start, I’m always happy to talk it through with you!