Hair Care 40+
Thinning Hair
Have you noticed changes in your hair after the age of 40? In some women their hair becomes thinner, in others other hair becomes coarser and drier (perversely, some hair does both), and the greys appear more numerous. Unfortunately for many women these changes are only a matter of time, however there are steps you can take to improve them. In this post, we will look at the issue of thinning hair.
Thinning Hair
For some women, around the time menopause hits, so too does thinning hair. The most common cause of this thinning hair in women is hereditary hair loss. So what exactly happens? When you are younger, a “standard” hair cycle will see your hair grow anywhere from two to seven years, take a rest for up to three months, then fall out to be replaced by new hair. If you are genetically predisposed to thinning hair, your hair follicles may become more sensitive to the change in testosterone mix in your body as Estrogen production declines during menopause and only grow shorter, wispier hair (or none at all).
If you begin to suffer from this hereditary thinning hair, you may be able to offset the effect of the early thinning with shampoo and conditioner and styling products designed to thicken and protect hair. Some of the Shampoos and Conditioners available in Australia that volumise, strengthen and protect are:
Klorane Quinine and B Vitamin Shampoo & Conditioner
Harnessing the botcnical power of plants, this range is especially designed for thinning hair, and as a compliment to hair loss treatments. The special formula strengthens the keratin in your hair and maintains healthy hair growth thanks to the combined action of vitamins B and quinine, which is traditionally known for its strengthening properties to restore thickness and life to thinning, lacklustre hair. RRP $13.95 each for 200ml.
Schwarzkopf Fibre Therapy Bond Restore Range
If your hair is thinning due to weak hair that breaks easily, this range is terrific. The Fibre Therapy Bond Repair range contains Omegaplex technology and liquid Keratin, which restores the bonds within hair fibres that break due to stresses or aging. Hair is renewed and reconstructed both within and on the hair surface. The Leave in Oil, when used after conditioner, leaves hair fabulously soft and shiny. Shampoo & Conditioner RRP $6.99 each for 400ml, Leave-oil-oil RRP $9.99 for 80ml.
Less is More Aloe Mint Shampoo & Conditioner
As the name suggests, you only have to use a small amount of Less is More Shampoo or Conditioner. Sulfate free, PETA-cruelty free, and containing anti-oxidants, herbal extracts and essential oils, the Aloe Mint Volume Shampoo gives added volume to fine & thinning hair, whilst the Conditioner stregthens hair from the roots, leading to less hair fall and breakage. Shampoo RRP $40.00 for 250ml, Conditioner RRP $42.00 for 250ml.
TRESemme Beauty-Full Shampoo & Conditioner
Used in reverse order – ie the pre-wash conditioner is used before the shampoo, the TRESemme Beauty-Full Conditioner prepares hair for the shampoo and protects fine and thin hair without weighing it down. Fibre polishing actives bind to the hair cuticle to protect hair during washing leaving it soft and smooth. The Beauty-Full Shampoo removes excess ingredients and weight, resulting in greater texture and volume in each hair shaft. A light conditioning layer protects hair. RRP $ 10.99 each.
Garnier Fructis Grow Strong Shampoo & Conditioner
The Grow Strong hair care range from Garnier is designed to fortify and restore strength to weakened hair which has a tendency to break and/or fall out.The range is paraben free (so gentle on hair), and is enriched with fortifying fruit enzymes to build strength and resistance in fair follicle, for up to 10x stronger hair. RRP $6.49 each for 250ml.
There are also a wide range of styling products that volumise and thicken hair, to give the appearance of having thicker tresses. Look for products which claim to provide texture and volume for your hair. In addition, you can also try these 2 simple styling tips:
Blow dry your hair using a rounded brush to lift hair away from the scalp to give more volume – the more you lift whilst blow drying, the more volume you can create. Using mousse will keep the style longer, but just apply at the roots, so lengths aren’t weighed down.
Give hair extra volume by applying styling product then styling with a curling iron or velcro rollers near the roots.
Schwarzkopf Volume Mousse & Volume Powder
Both of these products deliver extra volume to your hair – the Mousse gives a push up effects to hairs roots that lasts all day (try this with the styling tip above). The Volume Powder disappears into hairs roots in seconds and creates volume that lasts up to 24 hours. Push Up Volume Mousse 150g RRP $4.99. Volume Powder 10g (gives up to 50 aplications) $8.99.
Less is More Angelroot Volume Spray
Another product that helps create volume at the roots is he Angelroot Volume Spray from Less is More. As with the first styling tip above, it is sprayed into roots, and styled with a lifting brush whilst blow drying. It leaves your hair with a healthy shine afterwards, and the formula also protects hair against moisture loss whilst blow drying. RRP $40.00 for 150ml.
Garnier Fructis Full & Luscious Volume Booster Texturising Spray
Texturising sprays are part dry shampoo, part wave enhancer, and part hairspray, so they give movement and volume to hair, as well as absorbing excess oil to let styles last longer. Fructus Full & Luscious Volume Booster is a lovely light texturising spray to add thickness to your hair without leaving it feeling stiff or crunchy. Perfect for more casual hair styles, hair is instantly thickened and can be re-worked, and re-volumised through the day. RRP $5.95 for 200ml.
You should also consult your doctor as soon as you notice your hair thinning to ensure it is the result of hereditary hair loss, and to see if it can be treated medically.
