YOUR INHERITANCE

THINNING HAIR

Long, luscious hair is a marker of youth, and when we hit menopause it can start to thin with hormonal changes, but for some women the change is more pronounced. ‘If your mother found it especially hard to grow her hair longer around menopause, she’s likely to have a sensitivity to androgens (male hormones) that she could have passed on,’ says trichologist Anabel Kingsley. ‘Androgens can shorten hair’s growth phase, causing strands to become finer with each growth cycle. The hair follicle may eventually become so small that it stops producing a hair all together.’ Changes to the growth cycle are very gradual and could be happening 10 years before you see a change. Brows can be affected, too.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

AT HOME Daily anti-androgenic scalp drops, such as Philip Kingsley Tricho 7, £50, can help ward off or minimise age-related hair changes, and caffeine shampoo has also been shown to mitigate the effects of androgens. In a trial, 57% of women who used Plantur 39 Phyto-caffeine Shampoo, £9.75, noticed a reduction in hair loss and/or hair thinning after three months.

Keeping your scalp in good shape helps optimise hair growth, says Anabel Kingsley. ‘I recommend shampooing frequently and using a weekly exfoliating scalp mask.’

Supplements will not prevent or rectify genetic hair loss, but they can support the hair you have by counteracting any nutritional deficiencies. ‘If you are a vegetarian/vegan, you may find a vitamin B12 and iron supplement most beneficial. If you spend little time outdoors, you’re likely to need a vitamin D3 supplement. I’m a huge fan of Biotin – a B vitamin that helps the body break down proteins, fats and carbohydrates to feed the hair.’ Try Viviscal, from £49.95, and Good Hair by Kansha Alchemy, £32.99. ‘If you’re on HRT, check with your doctor,’ recommends Anabel. PAY A PRO As for brows, microblading, a semipermanent tattooing of the eyebrow with fine hair-like strokes, can restore a very natural shape and colour. If you’re worried about blocky eyebrows, Suman Jalaf’s technique of ombre brows, which are lighter at the inner corners, is designed to look more natural on older faces.