TURN UP THE VOLUME
Thin, flat hair – aagh, what a nightmare! We asked the experts what we could do to avoid having a bad hair day ever again…
HEALTHY DIET, HEALTHY HAIR
NutrientsNu can have an impact on hair growth according to AnabelAn Kingsley, trichologist at PHILIPKINGSLEY.CO.UK. “As hair is nonessential es tissue, it is the last to receive nutrients you take in andan the first to be withheld from. Hair loss and hair thinning canca be exacerbated by nutritional deficiencies – particularly lacklac of protein, vitamin B12 and ferritin (stored iron). Hair is madema of protein – at least 120g of protein at breakfast and lunchl is needed to support optimal production of hair cells. Good options are eggs, oily fish, lean meat and poultry.”
WHERE’S MY HAIR?
Hair sometimes loses volume as we age and this can be down to a number of reasons, including diet, health and hormonal changes associated with the menopause. “A shift in hormones can lead to collagen building up around the hair follicles, resulting in a reduction in hair growth,” explains celebrity hair stylist Matthew Curtis, who also lists stress and iron deficiency as possible factors contributing to hair loss. oss. If you you’re worried about thinning hair, do consult your doctor, who can test for medical factors such as iron deficiency, hormonee imb imbalance and thyroid conditions. Trichologist Sally-Ann nn Tra Traver also recommends asking your GP to check for Vitamin tamin D deficiency, which can slow hair growth.
COLOUR UP
“Hair colour has the unique ability to create an optical ptical illusion that will make the hair appear thicker,” says ys Ian Michael Black, global artistic director for hairair colour fo for Aveda. “It also has the added benefit of rougheningughening upu the cuticle, which will enhance the hair’s fullness.” Your colourist could add “thickening shadows” by using darker shades underneath the hair, with lighter shades on top, or “thickening highlights”, using shades which vary in tone to add subtle dimension. A word of caution: avoid going too dark, as this can cause the scalp to show through and make hair appear even thinner.
BOTOX FOR HAIR
“No matterm what your age, looking after your hair will keepk it feeling thicker, stronger and shinier,” advisesadvis stylist to the stars Mark Hill. “Always use a conditionercon and massage it into your scalp. This will notn only help replace moisture, it will stimulate blood supplys to the scalp. For fuller-looking hair, thickeningthicken products are amazing. These plump up the sizes of each hair strand, giving the effecte of hair being thicker. Try my XL Volume Serum (£6.99, Boots) – it’s like Botox for your hair!”
MINDFUL BREATHING
Your hair reflects your general health and if you’re ou’re feelin feeling stressed and anxious, it will affect your hair’s s vit vitality. Aveda expert Marc Zollicoffer recommends “mindful breathing” to help relieve stress. “Simply take ke deep, slo slow, mindful breaths through your nose while thinking of f noth nothing but the act of breathing. Within minutes you should find you’ve regained composure, perspective and d a sense of calm,” he advises.
CUTTING EDGE
Some haircuts can increase body and the appearance of fullnessss in th thinning hair; ask your stylist for advice about layered ered or shortersh cuts that will give the illusion of thicker hair.air. RicardoRi Dinis, hair expert for Aveda, says, “Longer styles tyles can weighw down your hair. To make the most of thinning hinning hair, considerc a shorter, or more layered style. “A A pixi pixie cut ut will create volume and movement, which can be lacking,”acking adds Ricardo. “Cutting thinning hair into a shorter, rounded,ounde graduatedgradu bob is a good option because it eliminates minates we weight, which can drag the hair down. It gives hair a chancecha to grow back without stress from over-styling and makes hair appear thicker.”
SCALP BOOSTER
Award-winning hairdresser Richard Ward recommends scalp massage for healthy hair growth. “A scalp massage helps relieve stress and tension, boosts circulation to the head and stimulates the roots to encourage healthy hair growth. A perfect opportunity is just after applying your conditioner. Place your thumbs lightly on your temples, letting fingers rest on the top of your head. Imagine a line running from the centrecent of your forehead back towards the nape of the neck; massagemas your fingers backwards along this line in a circular motion.mot Then place your thumbs lightly behind the ears and keepkee massaging along this line in a circular motion towards the neck. Carry on down to relieve any aches and pains.”
ADDED OOMPH!
“Before drying, apply Root Lift or r mou mousse e through your hair, adding more too the roots ots where hair needs support,” advises ses Mark Hi Hill. “Blow dry with as much volume as possible. I use a large, round brush and angle gle theth section ection I’m drying in the opposite directiontion fr from where I want it to fall for maximum um volume at the roots. When hair is dry, pop Velcro lcro rolle rollers around the top section and use hairspray for staying power. This also works for refreshing your style between shampoos.”
TO WASH, OR NOT TO WASH
“Try to avoid over-washing hing hair – ie more than two or three times per week,” advises dvises celebr celebrity stylist Matthew Curtis. “Over-washing can stimu stimulate e the sebum glands, leading the hair to becoming weighedeighe downown w with oil and looking finer, and even lank. Avoid d using shamp shampoos and conditioners that are too rich or heavy eavy as thes these will weigh hair down more. Instead, spritz roots betwe between washes with dry shampoo which not only refreshes,efresh but can add some much-needed volume.” e.”