Contents
Hair remains on the comb, fades, splits and seems to lose volume and quantity? Find out right now what to do if your hair is thin and sparse. The Vichy medical expert, cosmetologist-dermatologist Altana Bazyleva helped us figure out the problem.
Why hair can be sparse: 7 reasons
It is not easy to remain calm if a solid tuft of hair remains on the comb. But losing some of them every day is a natural process.
Each hair goes through a life cycle, during which the phase of active growth is replaced by phases of stabilization and loss. Losing 50-100 hairs daily is considered normal. Anxiety should be caused by the fact that their number is increasing.
There are many reasons for increased hair loss:
genetic predisposition;
avitaminosis;
stress;
hormonal disorders;
diseases of the internal organs;
improper care;
chemical abuse.
If we are talking about loss, then special tools will help to cope with the problem. But not always thinning hair is due to hair loss. The fact is that the hair follicle between two cycles of vital activity can enter a state of rest – this means that it does not function and does not produce a new hair to replace the fallen one. When there are many dormant follicles, the hair thins out. And sometimes so much that the scalp becomes visible and even bald patches appear.
If the hair has become sparse, there may be several reasons for this process, and basically they repeat those already listed:
lack of vitamins;
hormonal changes;
prolonged stress;
genetic predisposition;
long-term use of certain medications;
intoxication;
circulatory disorders due to problems in the cervical spine;
some infectious diseases.
How to find out what is bothering you – hair loss or thinning hair? These are complex processes, it is not easy to differentiate them independently. It is better to entrust this task to a specialist. For self-diagnosis, the hint is as follows. If your hair is thinning overall, grows slower, splits more, and generally looks sparse and weak (even if you don’t notice a bald patch), it’s probably thinning. If the hair remains on the comb or on the pillow, but in general their condition suits you, it is probably a loss.
What to do at home if the hair is thin and sparse
According to our expert, it is possible to increase hair density and stimulate hair growth at home. However, the effect largely depends on the initial genetic potential and lifestyle. What to do if the hair is thin and sparse by nature, how to deal with this problem? The good news: you can increase their density, but within the limits of physiological possibilities (it will not be possible to change the number of initially laid hair follicles). The process is long and takes more than one month – such is the physiology of the hair follicle.
Many products designed to stimulate hair growth are aimed at improving the functioning of the hair follicle. The mechanisms of such improvement used in special cosmetics are different.
Aminexyl molecule prevents the hardening of collagen around the mouth of the hair follicle, thus ensuring its normal blood supply.
Caffeine – an excellent natural antioxidant, protects hair from the effects of free radicals.
Stemoxidin molecule creates favorable conditions for active division of stem cells and the transition of the follicle from the resting phase to the anagen (growth) phase.
Funds with peptides also activate hair follicle stem cells and compensate for the lack of growth factors and other signaling molecules necessary to activate the hair growth phase.
That is why with liquid and sparse hair it is very important to choose the right shampoo. And it is quite possible to carry out at home.
What kind of shampoo you need, you can try to find out from our test.
What to wash
Special shampoos are needed. We offer this selection.
Sealing shampoo Dercos Densi-Solutions, Vichy
This thickening shampoo increases hair mass, strengthens and thickens the hair fiber with each use, giving it extra volume and a healthy look. The active substances in it are:
rhamnose – a plant polysaccharide that improves the condition of the scalp for the growth of a denser, more elastic hair fiber;
Filoxan is an effective molecule that can penetrate the hair cuticle and is known for its ability to influence fiber density and diameter.
Fructis Triple Recovery Strengthening Shampoo, Garnier
Fibrology thickening shampoo for fine hair Elseve, L’Oréal Paris
Even if the hair has become sparse and thin, this shampoo will definitely help restore the feeling of density. The active substance filoxan, which is part of it, penetrates into the hair fiber and thickens it, accumulating with each application. Due to the light texture, the product does not weigh down the hair, the strands become noticeably thicker and lush for a long time.
Shampoo for hair “Lavender. Essence of moisturizing» Botanicals Fresh Care, L’Oréal Paris
Enriched with lavender essential oil, coconut and soy oils, gently cleanses hair and scalp. Designed for sensitive scalp and fine hair.
Special care for thinning or hair loss
If the goal is to increase the density of the hair, to make the strands more voluminous not only on the crown, but also on the sides, in front and generally throughout the head, one shampoo is not enough. Auxiliaries are needed.
Moisturizing Serum to add volume Elseve “Hyaluron filler”, L’Oréal Paris
The entire line of Elseve “Hyaluron filler” (it includes shampoo, balm, mask and serum) was created specifically for thin, dehydrated hair without volume. Its main action is intensive hydration, due to which the strands feel better and look noticeably denser and more elastic. Highly concentrated Hyaluronic Acid Care System Serum adds volume to hair by saturating each hair with moisture – it physically becomes 9% thicker. What is extremely important for thin hair, such rich hydration does not weigh down the hair at all.
Firming conditioner Fructis “Triple Recovery”, Garnier
Softens, gives curls smoothness and silkiness thanks to valuable oils: avocado, shea butter and olive. They nourish and restore damaged hair, restoring their flexibility and shine. Works great in tandem with shampoo from the same series, complementing the regenerating effect.
Oil-elixir “Transformation” Fructis, Garnier
Absorbs quickly and makes combing easier. The formula includes triglyceride, oils and a valuable plant extract, has an enveloping texture, intensely nourishes and improves hair elasticity. Use Elixir Oil after shampooing, throughout the day for deep nourishment, or before styling for easy detangling. Squeeze the required amount of oil into the palm of your hand, depending on your hair type. Apply to dry or damp hair. Don’t rinse.
Balm “Fibrology” for hair devoid of density, Elseve, L’Oréal Paris
Philoxan acts on the hair fibers from the inside, filling and thickening them. The result is visible immediately: the hair gains volume, becomes noticeably thicker.
A special express conditioner for thin hair lacking thickness, containing the Fill-Style complex and the Nourishing Shine-Care Serum for a double action.
Penetrating into the cuticle, the product saturates each hair with useful substances and makes its fiber thicker from the inside.
The spray gives hair a smooth texture and shimmering shine, greatly facilitates combing and provides protection from external factors, including heat styling.
Oil before shampooing Botanicals “Lavender. Hydrating Essence, L’Oréal Paris
Relieves discomfort, soothes the scalp, provides moisture. Apply before shampooing and rinse off with shampoo. The vegan formula contains no animal ingredients or derivatives.
Sealing regenerating balm Dercos Densi-Solutions, Vichy
Anti-hair loss remedy for women Dercos Aminexil Intensive 5, Vichy
The complex remedy acts on the hair roots, scalp and hair fiber, helping to effectively fight hair loss. Apply evenly in partings to clean, dry or damp hair in the morning or evening. With the help of a convenient massage applicator, the product is easily distributed over the entire scalp. For maximum effectiveness, it is important to use 1 whole monodose in one application.
How to comb
It is impossible to injure thin and sparse hair in any case. Don’t comb them when they are wet. For such hair, combs made of natural materials are best suited: wooden or with natural bristles. They facilitate combing and remove static electricity.
What salon procedures are suitable for women with sparse hair
It is clear that sparse hair needs additional restoration. Home care may not be enough for them. Among the most effective methods are vitamin injections, mesotherapy. During the procedure, solutions with the most effective vitamins are injected into the scalp. As a result, hair follicles receive additional nutrition and a powerful impetus to renewal. Effective procedures are also:
plasma therapy – an invasive medical procedure in which injections of a person’s own plasma are injected into the scalp, it is obtained from blood passed through a centrifuge.
cryotherapy – the scalp is exposed to low temperatures, which improves blood circulation and promotes saturation of cells with oxygen.
How to add volume to thin hair with hair and styling
To create volume on thin and sparse hair, especially long hair, is another quest. All sorts of tricks are used, including hairstyles.
Since sparse strands often noticeably suffer due to exposure to high temperatures, it is better for owners of thin hair to minimize the use of a hair dryer and other thermal devices.
Choose your combs carefully – metal and plastic products can cause increased hair breakage.
To make your hair less electrified and less tangled after sleep, it is recommended to replace a cotton pillowcase with a silk one.
A haircut will help add volume to your hair. For example, cascading, stepped or any other multilayer options. A good option is a very short haircut, when the entire volume is concentrated on the crown.
Visually gives the hair volume the right coloring. Usually stylists mix several shades of the same color. Partial lightening usually visually adds volume.
What else you need to know about sparse hair and how to care for it
Are there any special movements that need to be washed with sparse hair?
To begin with, it is worth properly distributing the shampoo over the scalp. It is better to distribute the composition between the palms and hold them under the hair, at the very roots in the forehead and parting, nape and temples. So the washing base will better mix with the hair, cleaning them evenly. You need to lather the shampoo with your fingertips or the whole palm, making light circular movements over the entire surface of the scalp. Try not to forget the neck area, behind the ears and above the forehead. You can gently squeeze your head with your palms at the temples and slightly move the scalp to stimulate blood circulation. If the shampoo does not lather, you do not need to add it. Most likely, the scalp was heavily contaminated. It is better to wash off the first portion and apply the composition again: the main part of the sebum will go away, and the washing base will more easily turn into foam.
How to understand that the hair is thinning?
If you understand that there is less hair on your head, it is best to contact a trichologist. He will examine the scalp with a trichoscope, assess its condition and give appropriate recommendations. In some cases, it is recommended to conduct a more complex study – a phototrichogram. And you may need an additional blood test or consultation with other specialists.
How to make new hair grow on your head?
Massage of the scalp helps to stimulate the growth of new hairs. Do it every evening. On a wooden comb, apply 2-3 drops of mint, lemon balm or sage essential oil, and calmly comb your hair in different directions for 10-15 minutes.
How to understand that new hair is growing on the head?
We advise you to look at their ends: if they are sharp, you don’t have to worry, these are new healthy hairs, and if they are even and, as it were, cut off, they are most likely broken off.
Why can hair grow badly on the head of women?
It is possible that the reason is a lack of vitamins, or rather, B vitamins. Another common cause for women is iron deficiency. It is these substances that help the hairs grow actively and be resistant to external adverse factors.