IDENTIFY YOUR PROBLEM

Read the signs and know the differences between thinning, g, breakage, balding and more. By LIEU WEI NING

Is yours hair thinning, breakage, hair fall or balding?

HAIR THINNING

While your hair may not be falling out, strands become ner with age. The result: the perception of less overall volume. When you tie your hair, the ponytail is thinner. Or, your parting appears wider and you see more of your scalp.

CAUSES: “Just like your skin, hair ages and thins over the years,” says s Leonica Kei, director and senior trichologist at Philip Kingsley Trichological Centre. Hair thinning is progressive, starting in your mid-30s and becoming more obvious in your 40s. But Leonica says that premature thinning can be caused by stress, crash diets and a lack of sleep.

WHAT TO DO: Leonica says you should use the right shampoo and conditioner for your hair and scalp type. For instance, start applying haircare with strengthening benets even before thinning begins. Also, eating more protein-rich food like beef can keep strands strong and healthy for longer.

TRY THIS: Philip Kingsley Scalp Stimulation Treatment ($380 for 90min; not including consultation) Said to increase hair density, this uses infrared heat and massage techniques – along with a cream and a tonic – to stimulate blood circulation in the scalp.

HAIR BREAKAGE

Your strands snap easily, especially at the ends, and even when you don't tug at them.

CAUSES: This tends to happen to hair weakened by constant heat styling and chemical processes like perms, rebonding and colouring, says Peggy Goh, a t trichologist at The DRx Medispa.

“Your hair can also snap if you overb brush it or expose it to the sun a lot. P Ponytails and braids can also cause b breakage, especially if your style is pulled t tightly” says Raynell Zhang, resident t trichologist at TK Trichokare.

W WHAT TO DO: Raynell suggests doing a scalp treatment every one to four weeks, p plus a trim every six to 10 weeks to keep s strands healthy. If you're often out in the s sun for long periods of time, wear a hat. D Dr Eileen Tan, dermatologist and founder of E Eileen Tan Skin, Laser and Hair Transplant C Clinic, recommends letting your scalp rest a at least four to six weeks in between dye jobs and at least ve months when it comes to rebonding.

TRY THIS: TK Trichokare Ultimate Hair Care Treatment ($219 for 60min) It uses a concentrated herbal formula that is said to leave tresses softer and stronger.

Dove Damage ge Solutions ns Intense Repair air All Day Repair air Cream, $7.05. 5.

Living Proof Restore Mask Treatment, $57.

NioxNioxin Scalp RenRenew DenDensity ProtProtection, $98.98.44.

Shiseido Professional The Hair Care Adenovital Scalp Essence, $108.