Beauty and haircare experts reveal how to boost your locks with the latest products and treatments
Words: Alison Hardinge | Images: Shutterstock and various brands
Hair thinning is something that is talked about frequently for men but not as often when it comes to women. However, it’s much more common than you may realise. According to the NHS, more than 8 million women in the UK are affected by some type of hair loss or thinning, and 50 per cent of women over the age of 65 experience female-pattern baldness. These changes can be down to many factors, such as stress, anxiety, genetics, hormones, diet, lifestyle factors and the menopause. But we’ve created a fool-proof guide to growing thicker, stronger hair, with the best advice, tips and products recommended by the experts. From nutritional tips to scalp-care secrets, here’s how to naturally boost your hair’s volume and vitality.
Dr Shirin Lakhani, menopause and women’s health expert
Hair loss as men age is quite a frequently talked about topic. However, what is less talked about is hair loss for women going through the menopause. Hair loss or thinning during the menopause is quite common for many women, and it is the result of the hormonal imbalance that occurs, more specifically in relation to the decreased production of oestrogen and progesterone, which are essential for hair growth and health.
Testosterone and DHT (dihydrotestosterone), an androgen made from testosterone, can cause a change in the hair follicles on the scalp, so that they become smaller in diameter, shorter in length and lighter in colour until they eventually shed, which can cause the look of thinner hair. During perimenopause and menopause, some women experience an androgen excess, which contributes to the thinning. Hair loss during menopause can really impact a woman’s self-esteem and confidence, and at a time when you’re already experiencing huge changes physically and mentally, the impact of hair loss should not be underestimated.
I recommend you get your bloods checked to make sure there isn’t an underlying medical cause such as iron deficiency or hypothyroidism. Also, ensure that you have a balanced diet rich in micronutrients like biotin and vitamin D, and try to keep your stress under control.
Nadia Hussain, founder of Hair Loving
Hair loss and thinning can be deeply distressing, especially when it feels sudden or out of your control. This is something I have experienced first-hand. The key to managing it effectively is understanding the root causes. For many women, hair changes are driven by hormonal fluctuations. During menopause, declining oestrogen means the hair cycle shortens and hair sheds more easily. Menopausal hair changes require a more targeted approach because the change isn’t only physical: it can affect confidence and our sense of identity as women, too.
Choosing products that focus on scalp stimulation, strengthening the follicle and reducing inflammation can be a game-changer.
Maintaining a healthy scalp is also key, as this is the foundation of stronger growth. Try to regularly massage your scalp to stimulate circulation and remove product build-up. Also try to minimise styling your hair with heat too often, as this can weaken already vulnerable hair. It’s also important to maintain a healthy, balanced diet, as good nutrition can make a significant difference to the quality of your hair and the rate at which it grows.
Phil Day, superintendent pharmacist at Pharmacy2U
Phil offers these suggestions for preventing thinning hair:
- VITAMIN D: This plays a crucial role in supporting hair follicle health and growth. During the winter months, people typically spend less time outdoors, leading to lower levels of vitamin D in their bodies. This deficiency can weaken hair follicles and contribute to hair shedding. To mitigate this, consider incorporating vitamin D-rich foods into your diet, or speak to a healthcare professional about supplements that can help maintain optimal levels during the colder months. The NHS recommends that adults take 10 micrograms (400 IU) of vitamin D daily, especially in the winter, to support overall health, but more may be required.
- COLD WEATHER: Cold temperatures can reduce blood circulation to the scalp, which may slow down the delivery of vital nutrients to hair follicles. Wearing a hat in cold weather can protect your scalp from these temperature drops, and gentle scalp massages can help stimulate blood flow, promoting healthier hair growth. Always make sure to never wear headwear that is too tight though as this in itself can cause traction alopecia.
- DRY INDOOR HEAT: Dry heat from central heating systems can strip moisture from the scalp and hair. This can lead to scalp irritation and contribute to hair shedding. To mitigate this, use a humidifier to add moisture back into the air, and consider hydrating haircare products that nourish both the scalp and hair.
Hannah Samano, founder and CEO of Unfabled
Women experience a natural decline in collagen from their mid-20s, alongside falling oestrogen levels. One of the first places this can show up is in our hair.
Studies have suggested that as collagen levels drop, hair may become more brittle, resulting in breakage and loss. Taking collagen is therefore really important, along with eating things that will support your body’s own collagen production – for example the amino acids that make up collagen as well a vitamin C, which is another important co-factor.
Pupinder Ghatora, pharmacist and co-founder of INGENIOUS
As we age, collagen production dips, weakening our skin and shrinking follicles, which alongside menopause and lifestyle factors, can make hair grow thinner. Collagen helps form keratin and supports the strength and elasticity of the dermis (where your hair roots live). Keeping collagen levels topped up with something like INGENIOUS Collagen+ can help maintain healthy follicles, prevent hair thinning and support ongoing hair growth.
5 to try
There are the top treatments and products as recommended from our experts:
Anti-Hair Loss & Redensifying Lotion
Top Sante verdict
This is a clinically backed, multi-step programme to support the early stages of hair thinning and scalp ageing, designed to work in synergy with treatments like PRP (platelet-rich plasma)- Range features an Anti-Hair Loss & Redensifying Lotion, Exfoliating Shampoo and Oral Hair Capsules
- Addresses internal and external factors, from scalp conditions to oxidative stress
Hairburst Advanced+ Leave-In Treatment Mask
Top Sante verdict
As central heating and harsh weather wreak havoc on hair, this leave-in mask rebuilds internal hair bonds, reduces breakage by up to 51 per cent and split ends by 69 per cent- Rebuilds broken bonds and reinforces the hair fibre structure
- Helps reduce hair fall caused by damage and styling stress
- Delivers 230°C thermal protection for everyday styling
- Leaves hair soft, manageable, and full of shine
- Formulated without sulphates, silicones and parabens
INGENIOUS Collagen+
Top Sante verdict
This was the first collagen supplement in the UK tested to pharmaceutical standards and backed by the UK’s most robust independent clinical trial. It reduces fine lines and boosts hydration by 80%- 627mg of low-molecular weight hydrolysed collagen peptide, hyaluronic acid and natural astaxanthin
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles up tp 85%
- Replenishes skin hydration up to 80%
- Improves skin elasticity up to 83%
Hair Loving Silk Renewal Shampoo & Conditioner Set
Top Sante verdict
Your all-in-one solution for tackling thinning hair, boosting growth and restoring silky smoothness, this infusion of biotin, rosemary, turmeric and pomegranate cleanses the scalp- Stimulates follicles and deeply nourishes every strand
- Contains biotin, rosemary, argan oil and turmeric for supporting hair density and resilience
- Strengthens the follicles, reducing inflammation and encouraging healthier, thicker regrowth
Unfabled Collagen Gummies
Top Sante verdict
These orange-flavoured gummies help support your skin, bones and joint health, as each one contains 1,000mg of hydrolysed collagen, plus a beauty boost of biotin and selenium- Contains 120 per cent of your NRV of vitamin C to support natural collagen formation
- Provides key building blocks for healthy, more resilient hair growth
These orange-flavoured gummies help support your skin, bones and joint health, as each one contains 1,000mg of hydrolysed collagen, plus a beauty boost of biotin and selenium, as well as 120 per cent of your NRV of vitamin C to support natural collagen formation. Together, these nutrients provide key building blocks for healthy,
more resilient hair growth.
