Say hello to thicker hair

Ways to get healthier, gorgeous tresses

Hair thinning is an incredibly common problem, with more than 40% of women experiencing hair loss, thinning or slow growth at some point in our lives. It can be caused by medical treatment, pregnancy, stress, or genetics, and can be worse as we hit our middle years and beyond. Heat styling, even when using quality hair products, can trigger it.

If you want fuller, thicker hair, there are some dos and don’ts when it comes to lifestyle. Obvious factors such as regular exercise, eating a healthy, balanced diet, and quitting smoking, will all help improve the normal function of the body’s cells, boosting hair growth and preventing shedding.

Being aware of overusing hair accessories and hats is also important as constant use may contribute to hair loss. ‘Avoid wearing caps all the time and, if you have longer hair, avoid tight banding of hair to avoid traction alopecia,’ says trichologist Dr Nick Fisherman of Wyndham Private Specialist Clinic.

Traction alopecia is a hair loss condition where if the hair is repeatedly pulled on, whether that’s through hair ties, clips or braids, you are left with bald patches. It can be reversed with care and attention but, in severe cases, it can be permanent.

But sometimes there is no physical reason as to why you might be experiencing hair loss. Your hair follicles might be perfectly functional, but intense feelings of stress and inward emotions can trigger this outward symptom too. It might be easier said than done, but try to reduce or avoid highly stressful situations in your life.

There are many different ways of coping with stress, but meditation techniques, regular exercise and seeking professional help are all options that you can explore to help you cope during stressful times.

EASY TWEAKS FOR HEALTHIER HAIR

TRY MASSAGE

Every hair starts in the hair follicle, where the bulb of the hair sits, and a good blood supply is essential for healthy hair growth. According to the experts, scalp massage brings more blood flow to the area and the stimulation stretches out the cells of hair follicles, which causes them to produce thicker hair strands. ‘It’s really about creating a healthy environment for hair to grow,’ says hair expert Zoë Irwin. ‘If you can just manipulate your scalp every day, through the crown, I promise in time, you will see much better quality hair come through.’

4 WAYS TO A GREAT SCALP MASSAGE

✢ USE YOUR FINGERTIPS ‘Boost blood and circulation to the follicles by gently massaging and moving your scalp with your finger pads or, for a more in-depth massage, use a brush to help increase hair health and shine,’ says Zoë. But there are other benefits of this process too – if you massage your scalp gently before bed it can induce relaxation, while massaging your scalp during the day is also a quick pick-me-up.

✢ TRY A BRUSH For an effective scalp massage that won’t damage your hair, a flexible brush – such as a Manta (below) – works wonders. Place the brush on the head, so it sits flat on the scalp at the base of your skull. Then start to scrape in an upwards motion towards the crown of your head.

✢ A GENTLE PRESS Zoë suggests that ‘pressing’ your scalp brush into the hair produces an acupuncture-like effect. ‘When you go to India, you lie on something called Shakti (acupressure) mats, which stimulate your body; I use my brush in the same way.’ Move the brush through the hair, pausing at intervals to press gently into the scalp. MAKE SMALL CIRCLES

✢

Whether you’re using your fingers or a brush, gently move around the head using small circular motions to release tension and manipulate the skin. The goal is to bring blood to the area, and circles will focus your energies.