You were once so proud of your luxurious thick hair and considered it to be your best feature. Now you despair because it has become thin, to the point sometimes where pink scalp is exposed. Thinning hair is perhaps the most depressing sign of age that we experience and it is almost universal – it’s rare to meet a mature woman with “young” hair. I have lots of tricks and have tried lots of products that can help you, so let me share my secrets with you.
Thinning hair begins to occur after menopause, or when we finish HRT and oestrogen levels plummet. It will be more noticeable in our 60s and 70s. There are over-the-counter medications available that may help – I have read that Minoxidil is worth a try, but may only be available online so have a discussion with your pharmacist. Also, mention thinning hair to your GP in case it is a side effect of medication that you are taking. He may want to check you out in case it is a symptom of an underlying condition. However, if you do have to resign yourself to the fact that your thinning hair is a sign of age, be prepared to call “all change” and work on making thin hair look thicker. This might involve going shorter; just above the earlobes is ideal and going shorter can take 10 years off your age too. Also, going curly/wavy may be an option and is feminine and flattering. You may have to dispense with the ultra-short, sticking-up-on-top, electric shock style and create more length and softness to frame the face and take away any hard, severe look which does not really suit an older woman. Drab days are over, it’s time to tackle thinning hair head-on (to coin a phrase) as, out of necessity, a new look is born.
STOP PRESS: Just heard on the grapevine that Schwarzkopf is about to launch a range of products especially for the mature age lady!
Quite a lot of product, with the emphasis on volume is necessary because our aim is to coat each individual hair with product to give an overall appearance of stronger, thicker and more luxurious locks.
TIP: Every time volumiser is used, rub it into the hair with your fingertips – use an action like rubbing butter into flour to “rough up” the hair cuticle and make hair appear even thicker.
I know that this routine may involve some extra time and work; perhaps about 10 minutes on top of your usual routine. Adjust and refine these ideas until you are satisfied. An advantage of being older is knowing what suits us, but don’t be wary of change. Dealing with an unexpected thinning hair conditions requires new thinking, different hair products, a new hairstyle and a bit more work. Be ready to take the comment “I didn’t recognise you” as a compliment.