Haircare Products I Use For My Over 50 Thinning Hair
My hair has always been baby-fine, poker-straight, and very thin. Add menopause and thyroid issues to the mix, and you have the perfect storm for hair loss. It’s always a struggle to find a hairstylist who knows how to cut my fine hair, so I’m thrilled to have discovered one near me. I’ve learned from experience how tough this all is and how no one ever talks about it. For that reason, I’m sharing how I’ve been updating my haircut and the products I use for my over 50 thinning hair. I hope this post helps you feel less alone if you’re also suffering from thinning hair, and this gives you hope in discovering new products.
Hair Loss in Women
Let me start by saying…midlife hair loss is not unusual for women. In fact, it is way more common than you think. While it’s talked about in men all of the time, it seems to be rarely talked about in women. I’m here to tell you that you are not alone. I know firsthand how it can impact your confidence and cause you to feel embarrassed. Sometimes even to the point of wanting to avoid your hairdresser.
I’ve discovered that the way my hair is cut, the products I use, and how I blow dry it are my best hope to camouflage hair loss and make it look thicker and fuller.
My Over 50 Haircut
As your hair changes and thins, you will likely need to change up your typical haircut and possibly go even shorter. This is why finding a stylist you trust is so important. Having someone knowledgeable about what will look best is crucial.
My old haircut shown in the video is a short, blunt bob with no stacking in the back. It’s the same length in front as it is in the back. Then she cut a blunt layer around the top of my head which allows me to get some lift.
But recently, my hair has gotten so thin that my stylist and I agreed it was time to grow out my layers and go a bit shorter. The result looks dangerously like a bob. I say dangerously because bobs feel so expected on a woman with fine, thin hair, and I’d prefer a more unique style. It’s the best haircut for my current hair, so I’m getting creative with products and experimenting with new ways to style it. Below, you’ll find a picture of my new haircut.
I’ve made a little video you can watch here to help deconstruct my haircut, the products I use, and the process I go through to style it.
I use a round brush, mousse or gel, dry shampoo, and hairspray. I use a lot of products, yet when I’m done, it doesn’t look like helmet hair.
Best Treatment for Thinning Hair in Females
Products to Use for Regrowth
My physician suggested I try 5% Rogaine for men to slow the thinning and encourage regrowth. It’s something that I truly can’t live without. I’ve found the best pricing on Amazon and order 3 bottles every 3 months. If you stop using Rogaine, the new hair will fall out, so I continue to use it daily.
You can see how I apply it to my hair in this blog post.
I’ve dabbled with other shampoos and conditioners but never found one that I preferred in every way until I switched to Olaplex. Every product in their line is paraben, sulfate, phthalate, gluten, and cruelty-free, so I feel as good about using them as they feel on my hair. It’s highly moisturizing and leaves my hair feeling healthier and looking shinier. The No.5 Maintenance conditioner helps hydrate my hair without weighing it down.
Once a week, I spray the No.0 Bond Building on dry hair and let it saturate for 10 minutes.
I am a big fan of this Kevin Murphy Anti-Gravity Oil-free Gel. It adds volume but isn’t greasy, no matter how much I apply.
Any dry shampoo helps make your hair look like it has more volume, but this Perfect Hair Day is my very favorite.
I recently tied this Color Wow On Steroids styling spray, and it’s amazing. It doesn’t have the dry shampoo feel, yet it adds tons of body.
I spotted this hair foam with the same BioPeptin Complex as the brow serum and decided to give it a shot. This is not a budget item, but it makes a big difference in my hair which feels thicker all over. I still use my Rogaine, and then I add a tiny dollop of the foam directly on the spots around my hairline that are receding the most and comb through. I only use it once daily in the front, so 1 bottle lasts me close to 6 months. Reviewers say they’re going through the bottle way too fast to be cost-effective, so I assume they’re using much more than I am.
I love this round brush for helping to add extra body too. I have several sizes based on how long my hair is.
I’ve also discovered that just being gentler with my hair has made a big difference. I now squeeze the water out of my hair with my towel rather than rubbing it vigorously. I comb it with this wide toothcomb before I add any products.
I swear by these velcro rollers. My ultra-fine, thinning hair needs all the help it can get, and a few moments in these rollers while I shower gives it some nice lift.
I use these hot rollers on my freshly washed and dry hair for tons of volume.
I also upgraded my drugstore hairdryer to this Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer last year. It’s got a cult following that I now understand. My hair dries in half the time it used to take just using medium speed and heat which is much gentler on my hair.
More Products to Help with Thinning Hair
While I haven’t used these products before, I have heard good things from others about each of them and wanted to share.
Do you struggle with thinning hair?
What products do you use? I’d love to hear what has worked for you!
Second time that I’ve posted here about”Boldify” — it is a powder you shake on and then brush to get the lift your want. I have been using for a year and when my hair growth decides to rest, usually —In the fall, it is the perfect solution to thinning hair and also covers grey at parts and cowlicks. They recommend using a shade or two darker than your hair color and I couldn’t agree more. I have med blond hair and now use the light brown shade, which gives some depth to the color, covering any silver roots! I hope you will give it a try. These kinds of powders are popular here in Japan where people maintain very dark hair color shades. Unfortunately, no brands here offer a color that works for me, so I turn to Amazon. I think you will find this works better than a dry shampoo with the benefit of color for roots. I have no financial interest in this product— but it truly rescues me on a bad hair day!
Thank you so much for the videos on your hair. I think yours looks awesome! I struggle with the same hair and more importantly a good haircutter. It really gets me down occasionally, but I try to focus on the positive – health, family, etc. Sometimes I think haircutters don’t want the challenge of cutting fine thin hair. I live 2.5 hours away from NYC, but believe or not thinking of exploring cutters in that area. Anyway – I really appreciate your blog. Keep the content coming 🙂
I hear you. I would drive a long distance for a great haircut so I totally understand.
Yep, Rogaine. I use it too, except I buy the Costco Brand Minoxidil. Same thing. This has been a lifesaver for my hair but you do have to make a commitment to it. We have the same hair, baby fine, thin & straight. I have been going a bit shorter and my cut is almost like yours, a bob but not a bob. I like it but it now seems to accentuate my crepey neck. Got any suggestions for neck cream or somehow camouflaging the neck area – my one hate!.
I actually just let my hair get a few inches longer again and prefer it. I slather moisturizer on and am diligent about sunscreen. I also use the fermented essence on my neck and chest. It’s very hydrating.
I really appreciate this post and I think your new hairstyle is super flattering. I use Nioxin shampoo, Kevin Murphy anti-gravity spray, and Revlon one step hair dryer brush. I used dry shampoo in between washes. I used to lighten my hair (professionally) but it became too thin and broke in the front, so now I used a gloss in the shower to help turn the gray to light blonde, but I wish I could pull off a blonde look. Going to try some of the products you suggest, thanks.
I love Kevin Murphy products
Your new hair cut looks amazing.
I will be trying some of the products you mentioned. Thank you for all the information you gave us and being so honest.
I recently tried a new shampoo and conditioner called Routine and so far it is helping me with thinness with my hair. You look wonderful thank you.
Thank you. I haven’t heard of that brand, I’ll have to check it out!
I can identify with all the childhood bangs disasters, lol. Currently, I am loving the Kevin Murphy products, especially the anti gravity lotion and mousse!!
Thank you so much for this post. When I asked my dermatologist about hair loss, HE said I had two choices: hair transplant or a wig. (Time to get a new dermatologist?) I so appreciate your video and sharing your favorite products, and I have enjoyed seeing what others are using. Obviously we are all stressed to a degree about our thinning hair. I am bombarded by ads for dietary supplements that will improve hair growth from within, and I’m surprised that I haven’t seen any comments addressing that — the aforementioned dermatologist said none of them work, but I’ve been hopeful that some of them do work. I’m suspect of all the hype and don’t trust the comments, so I’ve not tried any of them. Like others, my stylist moved away after being my go-to friend for 20 years. My foray into finding a new stylist has been frustrating — the highly recommended salon has bounced me from one stylist to another to another in three visits — each time, these young women don’t seem to understand that I need lift and fullness in my bob, and I’ve left looking like the Little Dutch Boy. I’m on the hunt for a stylist who understands my kind of hair, and I think that means a more mature, experienced stylist. Wish me luck, please. And thanks again for taking us on your journey — you are an inspiration in so many ways. PS — I’ll be 80 in February, and I’m determined to improve my hair!!
I was lucky enough to find and experienced stylist with thin hair, so she understands. Look for ladies with thin hair that is styled nicely and ask who cuts it for them.
Yes, I have fine hair too although my stylist always said I had a lot of it. However, at 65 I know I’ve lost hair! The cut is so important. I think your new haircut looks wonderful and plan to show it to my stylist. I know what you mean by not wanting your cut to look boring. It can be a hard thing to achieve at our age.
I think it’s harder to avoid boring because of our age.
Jennifer-thanks for video. I too, have the same hair. I have already used most of the products you use from reading your blog for a while. The Olaplex seemed to make my hair more flat. I quit using it but will try it again. I have not tried Rograine but I will. i needed this post! Thanks!
The Rogaine made the biggest difference in regrowth for me, so it’s worth a try.
I swear by viviscal and Theradome, a red light laser cap. I too have hypothyroidism and thinning hair and this has been a lifesaver for me. I want to maintain what I have and these work well.
I’ve not heard of the Theradome cap. How long have you been using it?
Thank you for this post, Jennifer. It is reassuring knowing that I’m not the only woman dealing with this issue. I appreciate your honesty and am grateful for your sharing your journey with thinning hair. I’ve gained some good tips – You are the best! 😊
Best of luck, Mary. It’s not fun to deal with
Thanks for your video and tips for managing fine, thin hair. My oddball question…have you found a great way when traveling to continue use of all, or some, of these hair care products? Also, do you schedule regular haircuts to maintain the cut?
I take most of them with me in travel sizes. I get a cut every 6-8 weeks
Whoa! Absolutely gorgeous! You look like a professional model in your finished photo above. You may use a lot of product but it sure does the trick. You go girl!
Thank you
I thought I was so ahead of the game letting my nice thick hair go naturally gray. Enter menopause, thyroid issues, and then stupid Covid! Now my hair is much thinner, and my stylist got out of the business and moved across the country. And! I have scalp issues which require a routine of various shampoos. Such a big deal to take care of hair. Fortunately I still have hair. You can see why hats were popular for so long in years gone by. If anyone out there is feeling totally defeated by hair loss, please invest the time and money to see a dermatologist. There are things that can be done. Want to try some of these products. Thank you!
I love my hats 🙂
Thanks for sharing your info on thinning hair; it was very informative. I have just a couple of oddball questions for you. How often do you schedule your hair appointments to keep it looking your best? Also, with all of our hair care products have you found an easier way to travel with products to keep our hair looking good? I’d like to travel light but, find it difficult with all of my hair care products. Any suggestions?
I use travel sizes or decant my products. I see my stylist ever 6-8 weeks when possible.
Jennifer, thanks for sharing this information. My mother’s hair got very thin as she aged and I have definitely seen a reduction in my follicle count from a stressful job (now retired), menopause, multiple foot surgeries and genetics.
I have used a lot of things over the last 10 years to treat it as well as hair products. Here are a few from my line-up. I use a Hairmax laser band several times per week, Minoxidil (5%) added a few months ago, Actiiv Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner, Olaplex products.
For styling I use 30/40 styling brush that is infused with Keratin and Argan Oil, Davine’s Ol All in One Milk Spray (protectant and detangler), Kenra Texture Spray (new addition and it helps hold curl and gives body) and N.4 High Performance Hair Care Mighty Hair Spray.
I have been so curious about the hair band but worry I wouldn’t be compliant with usage. I bought one, then returned it so I guess I should give it a shot. Thanks so much for sharing, Pam.
Thanks so much for this article! I have baby fine hair. It looked and felt thicker when I colored it. However, I’m happy that I stopped coloring it and love my shiny silvery white hair color. Soon after I was fully transitioned, one of my friends said she would stop coloring her own hair but she didn’t want anyone to see her scalp the way you could see mine. Oh my gosh! When I got home that night I examined my entire head and yes you could see too much scalp along my part. Well, I cried and cried. I hadn’t noticed it before and wonder if I ever would have if it hadn’t been pointed out to me. I talked about this with my hairdresser who hugged and hugged me. Then we changed my hairstyle to a shorter, “piecey” style that better disguises my part. I’ve finally stopped obsessing over it—well, for the most part I have but I do have my moments. Anyhow, I think my hairstyle is cute, it looks good right after I do it and I try to be satisfied with that. My hair is great in low humidity weather, humidity weighs it down. I use Paul Mitchell The One shampoo, just a touch of the matching conditioner, Redken Hardwear styling gel, and Paul Mitchell Soft Style Super Clean Hairspray. Every 2 to 3 weeks I use Redken Hair Clarifying Shampoo. Again, thanks for a great article!!!
Thank you for sharing your story; I know it’s a painful one. I’m glad you’ve found a style that sounds very cute. Your stylist sounds like a gem! Piecey is often better on me too.
Terry – I have the same problem. Funny, but I just noticed it this morning! I have white hair now and over the last year have grown it from very short to about chin length and now that it is longer, my part line shows my pink scalp too much for my liking. I spent the morning researching and just ordered a powder root product that you apply along the part line and it covers the pinkness of the scalp. The photos shown look promising. I will update this when I receive it and share the product name. Fingers crossed that it works.
Please do share when you try it, Yvonne
The product I found is “Fill In Powder by Joan Rivers Beauty” (who knew Joan Rivers did hair products!?). I bought it on Amazon.ca and it was the only powder that came in white that I could find available in Canada. It’s also available in a number of other colours. It’s a pressed powder in a compact and comes with a brush for application. I just dabbed it (think stipple) on the part line and then rubbed it in a bit. It takes a bit of trial and error to figure out the right amount, but it definitely made my pink scalp less noticeable. I only used it on a small area where the scalp was quite obvious, so not sure how effective it would be for larger areas. The included brush is of poor quality and shed a lot of fibres, so I switched to one of my own flat brushes and that worked fine. It’s supposed to last till you wash your hair and as I only shampoo every 3 days, I was impressed with the staying power. I dampen my hair to style it on the in between days, and only had to do a light application on the 3rd day. Overall I was happy with the results.
Thank you for sharing, Yvonne. I had no idea Joan Rivers made anything like that!!
I have naturally curly hair. Once upon a time it was also thick and I could literally just lean over and scrunch it while wet and then allow it to air dry. Now that it has thinned and the curly look is just reminiscent of my grandma with her short, thin, permed hair. I like to blow it dry because it looks thicker that way. The thinning is mostly on the top and I have considered using Rogaine. But, I really don’t want to wash and blow dry it on a daily basis. I don’t think all that extra heat will be good for my hair as well. I usually wash every third day and do a quick touch-up with the hair dryer or curling iron in between. Are you washing your hair daily. If not, how does the Rogaine affect your styling?
You don’t have to wash your hair every day when using Rogaine. I wash mine every three days. The liquid doesn’t effect the strands because you just apply to the scalp. The liquid does not make my hair oily at all!
Same here….years ago I found a Mother’s Day Card that said “To the best mother ever – and on the inside – even if you did cut my bangs to short!” I found one of those photos with my super short bangs and pasted it inside! She always said my hair grew that way….which I guess was true because I still have very fine, straight hair. I have a short pixie cut with spikes on top….works great for my hair, dries with my hands in under a minute, and finish with a little wax and spray.
I love that card!!! My bangs were so short and crooked it was hilarious. Not at the time, but now I can find it funny.
I personally like bobs. I think it is a classic style for any age.