Let’s talk hair and scalp! Often terms like thin hair, fine hair and thinning hair are thrown around and it’s important to know that there is in fact a difference between them. But first let me ask you, are you familiar with your own hair type, what kind of thickness and density it has? Once you work this out and become besties with the hair on your head, it’s much easier to give your hair the TLC that is deserves so you can keep it in it’s best and healthiest condition.

First things first, let's clear up these terms:

• Fine hair – each hair strand (diameter) is smaller than other types.
• Coarse hair – each hair strand (diameter) is bigger than other types.
• Thin hair – having less hair on your head (density) – refers to the amount of hair, in most cases the hair follicles have a greater distance between them.
• Thick hair – having more hair on your head (density) – usually looks and feels fuller than thin hair.
• Thinning hair – the quality of your hair is changing, you’re able to see more scalp through your hair.

Ultimately strand thickness (diameter) and hair density don't typically correlate, you can have coarse hair that's thin, fine hair that's thick – and anything in between!

Is you hair thinning or naturally fine?

As you now know, fine hair relates to the diameter or thickness of each individual strand of hair. To measure the thickness of your strands, look at a strand of your hair and compare it to a sewing thread. If your hair is approximately the same width as a sewing thread, then you have thick hair. If it’s a little less thick, you’d have medium hair. If your hair is much finer than a sewing thread, you’ve got thin hair.

For the fine ladies and gents out there like me, it's important to take care of your hair because it's on the more gentle and fragile side. Fine hair can be easily damaged and broken if you don't look after it properly. Some tips I've learnt over the years for taking care of my hair include: 

1. Wear scrunchies instead of hair ties, to avoid ripping any hair out.
2. Don’t wear ponytails or braids too tight.
3. Sleep on a silk pillowcase! Your hair is less likely to tangle during the night.
4. Don’t overbrush your hair (I love the wet tangle teaser brush!)
5. Limit heat styling, and always use a heat protectant when styling.
6. Use a shampoo & conditioner specifically for fine hair, my absolute fave is Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Multiplying Volume.

Have you noticed more hair falling out than usual, you’re shedding clumps of hair, or your hair seems to be visibly thinning? This could be a sign of hair loss or thinning hair. Hair loss affects at least a third of women; according to the Australasian College of Dermatologists around 40% of women show signs of Female Pattern Hair Loss by age 50.

Common causes of hair thinning:

1. Genetics
2. Taking certain medications
3. Frequently wearing hairstyles that pull hair too tight
4. Thyroid or inflammatory conditions
5. Recent pregnancy

Treatment:

When seeking treatment for hair loss or thinning hair, it’s important to have realistic expectations as treatment depends on the underlying cause and results are variable. The first step is to slow or halt the progression of hair loss, then the aim is to try and stimulate hair regrowth. Visit your GP if you’re concerned and they can make a diagnosis.

We stock 3 brands which deliver personalised solutions for hair thinning and stimulating hair growth: L’Oreal Professionnel Serioxyl, Alterna Caviar Clinical Densifying, and NIOXIN.

FOR NATURALLY FINE HAIR:

RPR My Thicker Fuller Stronger range

Enjoy thicker, fuller and stronger looking and feeling hair! Formulated with Carob Amino Acids and advanced Baipexil Botanical Complex to revitalise roots for healthy hair growth.

About the range:

RPR My Thicker Fuller Stronger Shampoo: a stimulating shampoo that helps to remove follicle clogging impurities and instantly give the appearance of fuller, thicker hair.

RPR My Thicker Fuller Stronger Conditioner: a weightless conditioner that promotes a healthy scalp environment and instantly give the appearance of fuller, thicker hair with shine.

FOR THINNING HAIR:

Alterna Clinical Densifying range

Powerful hair care and scalp solutions that target thinning hair with transformative products and sensorial rituals.

About the range:

Clinical Densifying Shampoo: A gentle cleansing treatment formulated with a luxurious texture to cleanse the scalp, eliminate impurities and build-up, and give the appearance of fuller, thicker hair.

NEW Clinical Densifying Foam Conditioner: A gentle self-foaming conditioner that infuses weightless, nourishing moisture to delicate, thinning hair for healthy body and movement.

Clinical Densifying Scalp Treatment: A gentle daily leave in scalp treatment with a lightweight texture that gives the appearance of denser, fuller looking hair.

Clinical Densifying Styling Mousse: A lightweight, densifying mousse that thickens and strengthens hair while helping to prevent breakage.

L'Oreal Professionnel Serioxyl range

1000+ new hairs in 6 weeks!* Formulated with Resveratrol and Stemoxydine 5% to stimulate hair growth, by awakening dormant hair follicles from the dormant phase of the hair growth cycle.

*Cosmeto-clinical study, 79 women, 3 months. The average human head has 100,000.

"Serioxyl has made such a big improvement to my hair density. I love the results and have never felt more confident!" – Tilly D. NZ Serioxyl consumer.

About the range:

Serioxyl Denser Hair Serum: a daily treatment for those wanting denser, more luscious hair. It is powered by Stemoxydine 5% + Resveratrol.

Serioxyl Shampoo*: a hypoallergenic formula which is suitable for sensitive scalps. It cleanses the scalp of impurities, whilst bodifying the hair. *2 types: for coloured and non-coloured hair.

Serioxyl Thickening & Detangling Conditioner: a hypoallergenic formula that is suitable for sensitive scalps. This conditioner cares for & detangles the fibre without weighing it down, whilst thickening the appearance of hair for an immediate densifying effect**.

Serioxyl Thicker Hair Serum: is an everyday fibre thickening serum that leaves hair looking thicker. Enriched in Intra-Cylane™ - a thickening molecule born of ten years' research - it reveals hair that looks thicker and appears fuller to the touch.

**Instrumental test Serioxyl shampoo + conditioner.

References

1. Australasian College of Dermatologists. Female pattern hair loss.
2. Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School. Thinning hair in women: Why is happens and what helps.