Here's the truth: You can't change the size of your hair follicles. If you were born with fine hair, it's genetics, and no product will completely alter that. Of course, there are ways to maintain your hair health, add volume, and keep it from getting any thinner.
Thankfully, technology has advanced so that you can actually grow your own hair back with a minimally-invasive, more heavy-duty treatment. With a follicular unit extraction (FUE) treatment, surgeons can transplant viable hair follicles and implant them in bald spots.
The good news is that even fine-textured hair can become thick and voluminous with the right approach to hair health and hair growth. There really is a way to stop hair thinning and promote hair growth.
Suddenly thinning hair could be caused by a variety of reasons, such as a period of extreme stress, pregnancy, discontinuing birth control pill use, hormonal changes, a high fever, or pulling at your hair.
Telogen hair, or 'resting' hair, comprises around 15% of the hair on a person's scalp. Periods of elevated stress can lead to this hair being temporarily lost, contributing to a visibly thinner scalp and hairline.
"Using a volumizing shampoo can help plump up the roots and add nutrients back to depleted strands," says Nunzio Saviano, a hairstylist in New York City. "Work in a clarifying shampoo about once a week to get rid of additional buildup, leaving hair appearing fuller and denser."
Unfortunately, male and female pattern baldness is not reversible without surgical intervention. However, if detected early enough, certain medications, such as minoxidil, finasteride, and Dutasteride can help halt the progression of thinning hair.
Few people expect hair loss to happen as early as their 20s or 30s. When it does happen, it is usually caused by a specific trigger that can be reversed. The three most common triggers for hair loss in young women are stress, dieting, and hormonal changes.
Just like our skin and metabolism, you're either genetically blessed or cursed with good or bad hair genes. Genetic hair loss means your hair will gradually become thinner over the course of your life. Genetic hair loss is usually caused by a sensitivity to certain hormones, specifically androgen (the male hormone).
Bobs, pixies, layers, and bangs — these haircuts are strategically designed to help fine hair full-fill its potential. The look of thin hair can change dramatically with the power of the humble scissor — and the right cutting hand.
As people get older, their hair often starts losing volume and thickness. However, hair loss can also result from a health condition, nutrient deficiencies, stress, and other factors. Treatment can often help manage hair loss that occurs with aging by boosting hair health, thickness, and strength.
Wearing your hair too long will make it look thinner
"Ironically, with thinning hair it's important to make sure you get your hair cut regularly," says Julie Hensman, from Hensmans in Northampton. "Thinning hair can get out of shape more quickly, making it look more obvious".
Certain styles—like bobs and blunt cuts—can actually create the illusion that your hair is thicker than it is. "Short hairstyles are best for thinning hair, because too much length can drag the hair down and create an unflattering, stringy appearance," says Alabama stylist Hope Russo.
Telogen effluvium hair loss — the type of hair loss linked to stress — typically affects your scalp and may appear as patchy hair loss. However, it can also cause you to shed more body hair or notice less hair on your body than you normally would.
"If you have fine or thin hair, the haircut you choose is super important," explains celebrity hairstylist Ted Gibson. "In general, blunter lines are always better, and if you do opt for layers, keep them minimal.
Long bobs, considered to be the ideal haircut for thin hair, are always an eyeful. Regardless of your face shape and features, a long bob always fits the bill when it comes to a haircut that never fails. Add some side-swept bangs to the look to create the illusion of thicker hair and fuller hair.
In straight type, thin hair was judged most attractive, whereas in wavy type, hair with mean diameter received the highest attractiveness judgments. In conclusion, there was considerable variation in age, health and attractiveness perception of hair with regard to effects of hair diameter, type, and color.
If you are experiencing thinning or balding, our Bosley experts recommend washing no more than three times a week.
Hair loss can start as early as your teenage years or might not occur until you're well past retirement. Generally, people begin noticing signs of hair loss in their 30s and 40s. More significant hair loss often happens when people reach their 60s and beyond.
By the time you turn 30, you have a 25% chance of displaying some balding. By age 50, 50% of men have at least some noticeable hair loss. By age 60, about two-thirds are either bald or have a balding pattern. While hair loss is more common as you get older, it doesn't necessarily make it any easier to accept.
Although we usually associate hair loss with middle age, it's quite common to begin to lose hair before the age of 25. In fact, research shows that approximately 16 percent of men between 18 and 29 years of age are affected by moderate to extensive hair loss.