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Thinning hair as a woman - Our best advice for full hair

by Lotte Lindgren on Jul 11, 2022

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Dorthe Kristensen

Read through by Dorthe Kristensen

Hairdresser and former co-owner of the award-winning hairdressing chain Zoom by Zoom
With many years of experience in the hairdressing industry, Dorthe has advised many customers about hair and hair care. Dorthe has read through this blog entry to ensure high quality and professionalism. This blog post is professionally updated on September 26, 2024.

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Tired of thinning hair?

Is your hair perennially thin? you’ve tried all sorts of solutions, but nothing works for you. Luckily, you’ve come to the right place. We’ll take you through the most important factors affecting hair health and volume, as well as solutions that can actually make a difference. Here, we cover everything you need to know about thin hair in women.

Why is my hair thin?

There can be many reasons why your hair is becoming thin. It can also be types of thin hair, if you have had thin hair your entire life or if you suddenly experience that your hair has become much thinner. Therefore, it is important to identify whether it is a gradual process or a sudden change, as this can indicate which treatment is necessary. This can often be the first step towards finding out why your hair is thin.

Besides genetics playing an incredibly significant role, the other primary cause is inappropriate hair care. This means, for example, using the wrong products or excessively wearing down the hair over a prolonged period. Some of these habits can include excessive use of hot styling tools, hair coloring, or the use of products with harmful chemicals like sulfates and silicones. It can also be caused by an unhealthy lifestyle, stress, or hormonal disturbances such as pregnancy, puberty, and menopause. For instance, stress can lead to conditions like telogen effluvium, where a large portion of the hair goes into the resting phase and falls out. If you are experiencing actual hair loss, there might be other things you should keep in mind. you can read our blog post about hair loss in women here for more details on how hair loss and thin hair are related.

Thin hair woman

What are the first symptoms of thin hair?

The first symptoms of thin hair can vary from person to person, but some of the most common signs include:

  1. Increased hair loss when brushing or washing: One of the early symptoms of thin hair is when you notice more hair strands than usual falling out during brushing or washing. It can be a sign that the hair has become weaker.
  1. Visible changes in the hairline: A receding hairline is often an early symptom. This can be most noticeable at the temples or the forehead.
  1. Fewer new hairs: The hair growth cycle can be disrupted, and fewer new hair follicles may emerge, leading to overall thinning, especially at the top of the head.
  1. Thinner texture: you may notice that your hair feels finer or thinner, even if you do not experience hair loss. This can be a sign that the hair strands are becoming thinner.
  1. Increased visibility of the scalp: If your scalp starts becoming more visible, especially in areas like the crown or part line, it could be a sign of thin hair.

What is the difference between hair breakage and actual hair loss?

Hair breakage and hair loss are two different phenomena, although both can result in hair thinning:

Hair breakage: Hair breakage occurs when hair strands break due to weakening, often as a result of overuse of hot styling tools, chemical treatments, or a lack of moisture. Broken hair strands lead to shorter lengths and split ends, but the hair follicles are still active and producing new hair. you can recognize hair breakage by seeing broken hair strands of different lengths along the follicles.

Hair loss: Hair loss refers to hair strands falling out from the root, often due to hormonal changes, genetics, stress, or conditions like alopecia. Here, hair follicles are inactive or weakened, meaning fewer new hair strands are produced. With hair loss, you will see entire hair strands with the root intact, and the hair loss can occur evenly or in patches.

Causes of thinning hair in women

There can thus be many reasons for thin hair in women, often it can also be combinations of different reasons that make the difference. We have tried to collect some of the most important reasons why women's hair is thinning.

Genetics and hormonal changes

If one or both of your parents have very thin hair, there is also a chance that you are or will become thin-haired. This is because your genetics, that is, hereditary traits, significantly determine your hair type. Therefore, it can sound utterly hopeless to do anything about it if it is genetically determined. But don't worry, there are plenty of things you can do to reduce thin hair, which we will elaborate on later in the blog post.

During one's life, the body will go through a series of phases which can create hormonal disturbances, which can cause thinning hair, e.g. pregnancy, puberty and menopause. As a starting point, it is unfortunately not something that can be avoided. It is a question of the body's well-being and balance, and therefore it can be a very good idea as a prevention to ensure that the body is in vitamin and mineral balance. We recommend our hair vitamins, which are a dietary supplement that, among other things, contains biotin, which contributes to maintaining normal hair.


Unhealthy hair care routine

Thin hair in women often has to do with our hair care routines. We spend a fortune on products, but might not be entirely sure if they are healthy and good for the hair. We have gathered our best recommendations of products that can treat thin hair under the best products for thin hair.
Another mistake we can be prone to make is styling our hair with hot tools or harmful hairstyles. Overuse of blow dryers, straightening irons, or curling irons can make thin hair more susceptible to damage. The heat dries out the hair, making it more prone to breakage. If you have thin hair, it can be especially detrimental to style it with hot tools, as the hair is likely to become thinner the more it is exposed to heat. So if you want to avoid very thin hair, be careful with the straightener!

you should particularly avoid over-styling your hair too often. Sometimes, simple hairstyles can be the best, and there are plenty of hairstyles that are gentle on the hair. Try also to find styling methods where you avoid using heat, such as heatless curlers if you want waves in your hair.

Usunde hårplejerutiner

Problems or infection in the scalp

One cause that is often predominant is scalp problems, which can manifest in various degrees. It can be anything from a dry scalp to actual dandruff or scalp infection. Scalp health is crucial for the production of healthy hair strands, and an unbalanced scalp can result in thin hair. Therefore, if you have thin hair and scalp problems, you should first focus on getting your scalp in balance. If you want to read more about dry scalp, we have written a blog post about it right here

Unhealthy lifestyle and stress

Do you eat healthy and varied? Are you getting the recommended amount of exercise? Do you have mental peace? It is probably not all of us who can answer yes to all three questions and that is also perfectly okay. But if you have thin hair, you should consider whether you can optimize one or more factors that affect your lifestyle. It is not rocket science to work out that if one's body does not thrive optimally, then there will be some things that do not work as well as possible, e.g. Your hair. It is therefore important to be in balance both physically and mentally, as both can have a negative effect on your hair if they are out of balance.

Usund livsstil kan være en årsag til tyndt hår

Pregnancy

When a woman is pregnant, her body undergoes an enormous number of changes, one of which can be thin hair. This can be due to a variety of factors specific to pregnancy, including increased levels of hormones like estrogen and progesterone, which can disrupt the normal growth cycle of hair follicles. During pregnancy, some women may experience a condition called telogen effluvium, where more hairs are in the resting phase than normal. This can result in thin hair, often from the 12th to 16th week of pregnancy. When more of your hair is in the dormant phase, it means it will fall out as soon as this phase is completed. Therefore, many women experience hair loss after pregnancy.

Menopause

Menopause is a natural process in life that women experience, typically between the ages of 45-55. During this period, their bodies go through many changes caused by a decrease in estrogen production, which affects the entire body, including their hair. The lack of estrogen can cause many women to experience thin hair during menopause, as the hair follicles shrink, and the hair growth cycle shortens. This is why women can experience thin hair during menopause.

Menopausal hair loss can begin anywhere between two and four years before menopause begins and can continue for up to four years after it ends. It generally starts with thinning at the crown or temples. In addition, due to hormonal changes during menopause, more hair loss than usual can occur, leading to further thinning of the hair strands.


Thinning hair in men

Hair loss and thin hair will affect most men sooner or later, as it is a natural process. As a man, you can often mirror your father's hair and see what hair density you can expect. This is often due to a genetic disposition, where men gradually lose hair from the temples and crown. When the hair begins to thin, and where it sets in, will vary from person to person. It is very common for the hairline to start receding, causing high temples, or for the hair to thin more and more on the top of the crown. Therefore, shaving bald or cutting the hair very short is often the solution for many thin-haired men.

Tyndt hår hos mænd

What you do about thinning hair as a man

Thinning hair in men can almost never be avoided unless you are willing to have a hair transplant. Otherwise, there are unfortunately only things you can do to postpone hair loss. Among other things, it can be very effective to massage the scalp to increase the blood supply. Here you can e.g. use a Deep Scalp Brush, which is incredibly comfortable and can be used on both wet and dry hair. In addition, it is particularly suitable for cleaning the scalp of sweat, bacteria and dandruff when you are in the shower. There are also a number of growth-promoting products, e.g. Grow and Glow Shampoo for thin hair. In addition, there are also our hair vitamins, which e.g. contains biotin, which contributes to maintaining normal hair.


You must do this if you have thin hair as a woman

It can be a jungle to find your way around how to best manage your thin hair. We've collected some of our best advice here:

Establish a good and healthy hair care routine

Start by investigating which products are particularly suitable for thin hair and do not contain harmful chemicals. We recommend our Grow & Glow series, which is growth-promoting and free of sulfate and silicone. Therefore, we also advise you to consider products such as hair masks, hair oils, or serums. These products help not only to protect the hair from further damage but also to provide intense moisture and nourishment, which are necessary to restore elasticity in thin hair. Products like hair serums and oils can also seal in the hair’s moisture, reduce split ends, and improve overall hair health.

Avoid heaters

If you style your hair every day or every other day with either a straightener or curling iron, you should minimize your usage. Frequent use of hot tools can further weaken thin hair, as the heat breaks down the protective layer of the hair strand, making it more susceptible to damage and breakage. If you must style your hair with a hot tool, always remember to use heat protection! Heat protection forms a barrier between the hair and the high temperature, helping to reduce heat damage. This is particularly important for thin hair, which is inherently fragile and more susceptible to damage. Consider alternative hairstyles that are suitable for thin hair, for example, braiding your hair so that it gets natural waves without being harmed—you can get inspiration here.

Take care of your hair when it is wet

If you have thin hair, you need to be extra careful when it’s wet, as that’s when the hair is most sensitive. Wet hair tends to be more susceptible to damage, especially if it is thin hair that is already more fragile. You should, for instance, only wash your hair 2-3 times a week, let it air dry, or use a microfiber towel for the hair (find it here), as this material is more gentle on thin hair and can help reduce frizz and damage. Brush your hair with a gentle hairbrush (we recommend the Curved Paddle Brush), which helps avoid unnecessary pulling and breaking of the hair. You should also use some kind of serum or leave-in conditioner that increases the hair's elasticity when combed (see, for example, Repair & Shine Hair Serum), as these products strengthen thin hair and make it more resistant to damage.

Pas på dit hår når det er vådt

Get a hairstyle that emphasizes volume

Your hairstyle can significantly affect whether your hair appears thin or not. Although you might think that long hair would make your hair look thicker because there’s more of it, that’s wrong! Longer hair can often weigh thin hair down, making it look even thinner because it loses volume at the roots. Instead, you should get a bob cut, which will frame the face and lighten the hair so it can better hold volume. This hairstyle helps create a feeling of fullness and is perfect for individuals with thin hair. If you have thin hair, it can be difficult to maintain volume if it gets longer than shoulder length. We have gathered a lot of good hairstyles for thin hair here.

Protect hair against the seasons

It can be hard on the hair when the seasons change. Therefore, it is important to adapt your hair care to the season you are in. For example, it is essential to ensure that the hair gets optimal care and nourishment during the cold winter months and plenty of moisture and protection during the drying summer heat. By adjusting your routine, you can protect thin hair from both drying out and damage from the sun's UV rays. You can compare it to your skin – it needs different products for different seasons.

Thinning hair treatment for women:

Treating thinning hair in women requires an understanding of both medical and natural methods that are scientifically backed. Here is an in-depth look at the most effective treatments:

Medical Treatments

Minoxidil: Minoxidil is an FDA-approved treatment for hair loss that has been shown to promote hair growth by increasing blood flow to hair follicles. Studies have shown that 2% and 5% minoxidil solutions are effective in treating androgenetic alopecia in women.
Finasteride: Finasteride is most commonly used for men, but some studies suggest that it may also be effective for women with hormonal hair loss. Finasteride works by inhibiting 5-alpha-reductase, an enzyme that converts testosterone into DHT, which is harmful to hair follicles
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Treatment: PRP treatment involves injecting platelet-rich plasma into the scalp, which can stimulate hair growth and improve hair follicle health. Clinical studies have shown that PRP can increase hair density and thickness in patients with hair loss (International Journal of Women's Dermatology).

Natural Methods

Essential Oils: Essential oils like rosemary and lavender oil have anti-inflammatory and circulation-enhancing properties that can stimulate hair growth. One study showed that rosemary oil is as effective as minoxidil in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (Skinmed Dermatology).
Capilia Longa:
Capilia Longa is an ingredient made by Spanish biotech company Vytrus Biotech. The ingredient won the Hair Care Ingredient Category at the European Region of the Beauty Industry Awards in 2017. The ingredient consists of Curcuma Longa or turmeric. It has been shown in a study to reduce hair loss and hair density after 150 days of use.

Capilia Longa hair products
Diet and Vitamins: A diet rich in vitamins such as biotin, vitamin D, iron and zinc is important for hair health. Biotin (vitamin B7) in particular is known to strengthen hair, and deficiency of this vitamin is associated with hair loss (Journal of Dermatological Treatment).
Aloe Vera: Aloe vera contains enzymes that promote healthy hair growth by cleansing hair follicles and reducing inflammation. Research shows that aloe vera can improve hair health and promote growth with regular use (International Journal of Trichology).
Ginseng: Ginseng is known to improve blood circulation and stimulate hair growth. Studies show that ginsenosides, the active components of ginseng, can promote hair growth by stimulating hair follicles and protecting them from damage (Journal of Ginseng Research).

Practical tips

Scalp massage is one of the best methods to stimulate hair growth if you have thin hair. Regular scalp massage increases blood circulation, which can stimulate the hair follicles and improve growth. This is especially beneficial for people with thin hair, as it helps activate dormant hair follicles. Use your fingers or a special scalp massager to massage your scalp daily for a few minutes (Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research).

Green tea can also be an effective remedy for thin hair. It contains antioxidants that can promote hair growth. Use green tea as a rinse after shampooing or drink it daily to improve hair health from within.

Coconut oil is an excellent natural treatment for thin hair because it is rich in fatty acids that penetrate deep into the hair follicles and moisturize the hair. Massage coconut oil into your scalp and leave it on overnight for deep conditioning. Research shows that coconut oil can reduce protein loss in hair and strengthen hair strands (Journal of Cosmetic Science).

Coconut oil

Diet for thin hair

A healthy diet also contributes to maintaining normal hair growth. First and foremost, protein is important because hair mainly consists of keratin, which gives hair its strength and structure. Foods like eggs, chicken, and nuts can therefore help maintain normal hair.

Minerals such as iron and zinc, can also help you maintain normal hair and hair growth.

Including protein as well as these minerals in your diet can therefore be beneficial for anyone looking to maintain normal hair growth, especially for those struggling with thinning hair.

Read more

If you would like to read more about how to get thicker hair, you can read one of our other blog posts about how to get thicker hair here.

FAQ about Thin Hair in Women

How can I make my thin hair look thicker?

You can make your thin hair look thicker by using volumising shampoos and conditioners, trying styling products like mousse and dry shampoo, and choosing hairstyles that add volume, such as layered cuts or waves.

Are there vitamins that help with thinning hair?

Yes, vitamins like biotin and minerals like zinc can help maintain normal hair. Supplements specifically formulated for hair health can also be beneficial.

How do hormonal changes affect thinning hair in women?

Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during pregnancy, menopause or due to birth control pills, can affect the hair growth cycle and lead to thinning hair. Consulting with a doctor can help identify and treat hormonal causes of hair loss.

Can stress really cause thinning hair?

Yes, stress can contribute to hair loss by disrupting the hair growth cycle. Chronic stress can lead to conditions such as telogen effluvium, where a large portion of hair goes into the resting phase and falls out. Stress reduction techniques can help improve hair health.

What are the best hairstyles to hide thin hair?

Hairstyles like layered cuts, waves and curls can give the impression of thicker hair. Avoiding heavy, straight cuts and instead going for more texture can also help hide thinning hair.

Best products for thin hair

We want to help women and men who are upset about their thin hair, because every day should feel like a good hair day! That is why we have developed a number of products that promote growth and help with thinning hair. The series is called Grow & Glow and consists of a shampoo, conditioner, serum and hair mask. The products ingredients have shown up to 89% reduction in hair loss and 52% increase in hair density after 150 days of use. If you want to read more about the ingredient Capilia Longa and its results, read here.

Grow & Glow Shampoo

The best shampoo for thin hair is Grow & Glow Shampoo! Not only does it boost hair growth and density, but it also gives your hair instant volume. The formula contains Capilia Longa, an active ingredient that has been shown in studies to reduce hair loss by up to 89% and increase hair density by 52% after 150 days of use. Additionally, it provides a mild exfoliation for the scalp, removing dead skin cells and excess oil, ensuring your scalp remains healthy and balanced. It's also free from sulfates and silicones, meaning your hair won't be weighed down or exposed to harmful chemicals. You can read more about Grow & Glow Shampoo and how to use it here.

Grow & Glow Conditioner

Never forget to use conditioner after washing your hair! Conditioner seals the hair and provides it with care and moisture. Our Grow & Glow Conditioner is specially formulated to promote hair growth while strengthening and protecting your hair. For those with thin hair, using conditioner can be a challenge as it can make the hair feel greasy or weigh it down. However, like the rest of the series, this conditioner neither greases nor weighs down your hair! The conditioner contains Capilia Longa, which helps reduce hair loss and improve hair density, while leaving your hair soft and healthy. It’s enriched with moisturizing ingredients that provide intense hydration without negatively affecting hair volume. For the best results, it’s recommended to use the conditioner alongside the Grow & Glow Shampoo, as the two products complement each other and enhance the effect of Capilia Longa. You can read more about the conditioner here.

Grow and Glow hair products

Grow & Glow Serum

For an extra boost to your hair growth, you can use Grow & Glow Serum. It contains the same growth-promoting ingredients as the rest of the series and is easily sprayed onto the scalp, then gently massaged in. This allows you to target specific areas where you want results, such as thinning parts in your parting or receding hairlines. The serum actively works to strengthen hair follicles and improve scalp health, helping you achieve thicker, healthier hair. For the best results, it’s recommended to combine the serum with Grow & Glow Shampoo and Conditioner. You can read more about the serum here.

Grow & Glow Hair Mask

The newest addition to the series is the Grow & Glow Hair Mask. Since the primary purpose of the series’ shampoo, conditioner, and serum is not to provide moisture, we’ve developed this hair mask to do just that while also promoting hair growth. Use it 1-2 times a week, depending on how often you wash your hair. After use, your hair will feel stronger, softer, and shinier, while also supporting healthy hair growth. You can read more about its fantastic properties here.

Hair vitamins

In addition to external hair care, we must not forget internal care. If you have thin hair and want to ensure that your body has the nutrients it needs to produce healthy hair, it’s a good idea to be mindful of whether you're getting enough vitamins and minerals through your diet. Our Hair Vitamins are a dietary supplement that contains biotin, which helps maintain normal hair. They have a delicious strawberry flavor, making them hard to forget. Regular use of these hair vitamins can support normal hair growth from within, which is important if you have thin hair. You can read more about our hair vitamins here.

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