Thicker hair in seconds
I HAVE noticed my hair has been getting thinner — it has lots of flyaways and is hard to style. Are there any products that could help?
Julie, 50, London.
One in three of us suffers thinning hair because as we get older our hair growth slows and the texture becomes coarser. Using the right products is of paramount importance in keeping hair healthy and thick.
I have been hugely impressed with the results from the Swell range — a three-step regime that includes Swell Advanced Volumising Shampoo, Conditioner and the Advanced Root nutrient Complex (from £26, Boots).
These contain 18 active botanicals, including Swiss apple, which possesses anti-ageing qualities.
The hero product is the Root nutrient Complex, which can be used straight after and in between washes. Massage it into the roots and you will see reduced shedding within 28 days and new hair growth within three months.
Our reader, Julie, 50, was delighted with her fuller, thicker hair after using the range. Stylist Andrew Bidwell believes thinning hair can be helped by washing your hair in a particular way. He says start at the back at the nape of the neck and work your way up to the scalp, towards the parting.
‘Apply conditioner only to the ends and mid-lengths, but avoid massaging it into the roots.’ he says. James Galvin, a Kerastase ambassador at Daniel Galvin Salons, says stress levels can affect hair loss.
‘Having your hair coloured is also damaging. Though they won’t make it thinner at the roots, highlights or bleach can be too much for the length of the hair, causing breakages and making hair feel thinner.
‘And be gentle when you style with heated tools.’
Treatment masks are useful. Try award-winning hairdresser Lee Stafford’s Fix It Treatment (£ 11.49, Boots) weekly as a deep conditioner.
Trimming your hair every four to six weeks keeps split ends to a minimum.
The nexxus Youth Renewal range contains elastin proteins that restore the hair’s protein l evels and mend broken hair bonds. It includes a shampoo, conditioner, masque and el i xi r (from £14, Selfridges).
Pantene’s expert Age Defy collection is wellpriced and claims to help hair look up to ten years younger with a unique formulation created to thicken existing individual hairs (from £5.99, Boots).
The Kerastase Densifique range helps to awaken dormant follicles, to add more volume. The star product is Densifique Serum Jeunesse (£49, lookfantastic.com).
Keeping the scalp healthy can also help to stimulate hair growth. Ojon Damage Reverse Thickening Restorative Scalp Treatment (£25, Boots) is rich in oils and vitamins. Or try Trevor Sorbie Rejuvenate Scalp Serum (£9.99, Boots), which uses collagen.
The way you dry your hair also affects the amount of volume. Try a helpful styling drier such as Babyliss Big Hair Spinning Brush (£44.99, Boots).
Finally, supplements can help boost your hair’s health. For thinning hair, Viviscal (£49.95 for one month, Holland & Barrett) is packed with proteins and vitamins.