It’s Been Hair Raising
I’ve struggled with thin hair forever. It’s never been my crowning glory because it’s fine, poker straight and I don’t have much of it. That may be one of the reasons I love hats so much.
Several years ago, my hair began falling out, which I’ve shared about here and here. My thyroid is fine now but my hair has begun falling out again. Ugh. That molting stage is so hard on a woman’s confidence.
All I can do is wait this stage out and do what I can to make my hair appear thicker. I’ve started using some new products which do help. I always use things that give my hair body, but during times like these, I need the big guns.
I start with a dime-size dollop of 
This Living Proof dry shampoo goes on right after I dry my hair. Yes, I use it on clean hair because it coats and makes it feel like I have more hair. Next, I spray on this Dry Texture Spray which takes all the silkiness out of my hair. Then I brush my hair lightly and finish with this Volume Spray, while I fluff sections of my hair.
It’s a lot of “stuff” and I can feel it on my hair, but it works very well.
We’ve let some of the layers from this cut grow out so the bottom isn’t so see-through. My cut looks more like a bob now which actually feels nice for a change.
Have you struggled with hair loss?
I have genetic hair thinning and has used Rogaine for about 10 years. If I didn’t, my hair would be much thinner. My sister used Rogaine and stopped, so hair thinned out. Yes, you have to keep using or it reverses the hair growth. So far am avoiding the sheds which usually happens this time of year. Only can attribute it to Rogaine use.
Best
Once again, I really appreciate how fearless and open about the things we really struggle with. I will see what this procedure does for me. If I could ask, how often do u need to wash your hair when you use the steps you outlined?
I really appreciate your bringing this issue up, Jennifer; and especially all the added possibilities your readers offer here. After a lifetime of beautiful curly hair; now being in my 80’s, my hair is straight, fine & thinning on the crown and front.
So will add one more suggestion for this post: A year or two ago, I forgot to rinse out the conditioner (Trader Joe’s $2.99) product; with no time to remove it, I went ahead with my regular routine: curlers to set, then dried with hair dryer…what a surprise to find my hair had FAR more volume & texture with the styling remaining far longer
From that day forward, I have used it; not just when I do it myself, but when I visit my longtime hairdresser who saw the difference it made…now it’s a part of each and every days usage. (Using about a quarter size dollop on my short hair styling…wet or dry hair.) Much appreciation to all that shared on this very important topic.
I feel your pain. I have always had thick hair, but once I hit 60 I developed small quarter-sized patches of alopecia. Luckily my dermatologist was able to stimulate some re-growth in the bald patches with cortisone injections. I also started taking biotin supplements and that had a dramatic effect. I had fresh hair growing all over my scalp almost immediately. It really helped to thicken things up again.
I so appreciate all the tips! I have fine, thin hair and wondering whether I’ll lose more as I wean off HRT. If so I will consider going back on. In the meantime I will be trying these suggestions.
Your hair always looks great, so it’s working. I have taken two friends to buy wigs, they were surprised and pleased at the difference it made, one lady bought three!
Dry shampoo is also a secret styling tool for those of us with thick hair, who want to add texture.
Yes, I have fine hair but used to have a lot more of it. Since menopause hit and I didn’t want to go on hormones, I have steadily lost more and more hair. I now have to keep it pretty short in a layered bob. Losing hair is very depressing. There are so many ads regarding hair loss in women, so it must be quite a common problem. I always think your hair looks great so I’m going to try the products you’re using. I jump at anything that I think might help. Thank you for sharing.
Jennifer, one word, Monat! I’ve been using it for nearly two yrs and it has definitely helped and maintained my hair growth. I’m a young 71, but have battled thinning/falling hair for many years. I took prescription strength Viviscal for over a year, and it helped. But I’ve switched to Nutrafol. But the Monat haircare is something I’ll never stop using. I think someone mentioned Monat a couple yrs ago answering one of your posts on hair. I highly recommend it.
Thanks for sharing these products. Have you tried any scalp treatments to see if that might stimulate hair growth? Just a thought. . .
Other than gentle massage, I have not
A cute bob loves my fine limp hair. Highlights help also. Traveling full-time like we are, it’s terrifying to think of a hairstylist. Since it’s really grown out and no bangs, I don’t wash my hair every day now, Living Proof prime style extender is very good at making my blow dry efforts last.
I’m making a list of your products and going to Ulta ASAP. I have been using dry shampoo on clean hair for some body and fluff. Soon, I will have to gird my loins and get a haircut, it’s been since February and my few layers have the left the building!!
Your hair always looks great, whatever you are doing is working very well.
Thanks for this post. I was happy to read about your routine. I always had thick hair but it got thinner with age AND due to perm after perm when I was a young woman and then over 40 years of color. Once I stopped the dye 2 years ago, I stopped losing as much hair. To get rid of the dye fast, I had my hair ut super short and kind of spiky. It was not my best look but wasn’t awful. After 6 months the color was gone and I started growing it into a bob, which is now approaching chin length. I love it and I’m so lucky to have natural silver hair. It is fine and a bit thin in places but the color is fabulous. I’ve always been a little product-phobic in that I’ve always been afraid to use too much. I’m gradually adjusting to what my hair needs and I love the idea of spraying the dry shampoo after drying a wet shampoo. I had some dry shampoo I’d never used. I also had an Oribe dry texturizing spray and had no idea what to do with it. This morning I, shampooed, used the volume mousse I currently have in rotation, dried and then used the dry shampoo followed by the dry texturizer and then holding spray. My hair felt so much better.
By the way, the Kenra products are available on amazon.
Good luck finding a hairstylist. That’s as hard as finding a good doctor
I also, feel your pain. I have struggled for years with age-related thinning hair. I have used mynoxidil (Rogaine) for years and initially it did help but the literature says after 48 months it loses effectiveness and I found that to be true. I tried putting colagen powder in my coffee for months and months and my hairdresser told me I was wasting my money. I do use the Kenra products and they work well to give the appearance of more volume with staying power. Topix is a product recommended by my dermatologist and hairdresser to help with the appearance of thinning hair. It is tiny colored fibers sprinkled on the thin places and fluffed in. I do take a B-complex vitamin everyday, also. I need to consider hats more. I love your blog, your fashion sense and travel adventures!
Hats solve the problem easily but many women just can’t get used to the attention it gets. Do it, they are great
Yes. Use a combination of Nioxin products, biotin, It Works hair, skin and nails. My niece had similar issues and also used an application of virgin organic coconut oil once a week or so. She is only in her 40s, and hers grew back. She wore wigs while it grew. Mine grew back and was caused by an allergy to a shampoo my dermatologist had me use for excema, but my hair had thinned after every stressful event in my last few years.
Mine thins when I am under stress too!
I am sure you have tried Biotin Have been uisng it for several months and think it is helping.
I do take it every day.
Yes! I have lost hair in the front and some in crown. I have a topper and also wear hats, scarfs, anything to cover it up. My mom lost hers in the same area. It is very disheartening, but it is what it is, unfortunately! My hair was always my best feature. I have tried so many things and nothing helped. I don’t lose much hair, but what naturally comes out does not regrow now.?
Your new hairstyle is cute! I also suffer from thinning hair so appreciate the product tips.
I feel for you. My hair is now thick again but lost a lot if it three months after a horrific infection (kidney stone and sepsis) ravaged me, and almost killed me. Two months in hospitals (9 weeks) intensive care, managed care, one step down then Rehab to walk again etc followed by a blood clot in my lung. I was a mess but the doctors and nurses and rehab people got me back! Three months home feeling so well, and there went my hair! I went on a three month vitamin therapy, capsules with breakfast. Lambdaphil (?). My hair loss stopped then back it grew. These capsules included B vitamins, zinc and biotin. Had to take them daily fir 3 whole months but it was worth it! I wonder if you could ask your doctor is they might be right for you.
Oh my gosh Paulette, How very scary!! I’ve sure glad you’re ok now
My hair is just like yours. I’m really not losing any but have very fine, thin, flat, straight and color treated hair. I enjoy your posts on how you style it. Thanks so much.
Jennifer, our hair stories sound the same! I haven’t had thyroid problems, but since menopause my hair has become thinner. Much thinner! I also look better with a bit of length, but there is a very fine line between just right and too long. I’ve used Kenra, Paul Mitchell, Big Sexy, Redken, and a plethora of cheaper brands all promising volume and body. I’ve had the most success with Kenra and Paul Mitchell so far. Finding the right stylist really is key (I’ve been with mine for 25 years), and I don’t blame you for driving 2 hours each way to see your stylist. Those bad haircuts can take a long time to correct! I made the mistake of going to someone a friend raved about. That’s a mistake I’ll never make again! Thank you for sharing your hair experiences!
Thank you, Jane!
YES! I got so tired of all the time and effort I had to put into my hair because of the thinning.
So…I started wearing wigs! I can now get dressed in 5 minutes! It may not be for everyone but it works for me.
Hi Jennifer,
I have thyroid issues too and have faced the dreaded thinning of hair. I did some research and started using a laser cap 20 mins a day 3-4 times a week. I’ve been doing this for over 3 years and it has maintained and improved my hair. I also take Viviscal daily. Finally, I am able to grow it past my shoulders. I use Armour Thyroid.
Would you mind sharing the laser cap you use? I have been seriously considering but they are costly