TIPS FOR THINNING HAIR

As my friend Lyn tells it she was crouched on the floor of the shower stall, naked save for reading glasses, and counting her hairs that were caught in the drain. Normal hair loss is anywhere from 50 to 100 strands per day and in the United States more than 30 million women experience some accelerated hair loss as they age.
According to Marcy Holmes,a Nurse Practitioner and certified menopause technician, hair loss in women is caused by a multitude of factors from stress, genetics and hormone imbalance to drugs, thyroid system disorder and nutritional deficiencies(especially iron or vitamin A). Hair loss caused by medical conditions or stress is often treatable and reversible. The bad news for the rest of us is that hair loss is a normal part of the aging process and heredity.
Hair is an intrinsic part of our feminine identity and it's departure, even in women who are not vain, can be traumatic. However there are a multitude of ways to cope with thinning hair aside from wigs, extensions and Rogaine.
1. Go Shorter I've been a fan of long hair ever since reading Rapunzel and for years, with just a few unhappy detours, I kept it somewhere between chin and shoulder even when that was no longer my most flattering length. However recently and reluctantly I've gone a bit shorter but not so short that I can't pull it back for ballet.
With thinning hair a short(chin length or above) cut works best but you don't want to go too short and risk looking scalped. Also very short hair tends to put more focus on your face which may not be what you want to do. Bangs either straight down or side swept can help soften the look while disguising a receding hairline
2. Layer it Short or long layers can cover a multitude of sins, but if the the hairdresser brandishes a razor, run. You want blunt cut layers that will give the illusion of thickness. And remember a good haircut is worth what ever it costs
3. Color it I know that many women are nurturing their gray locks but permanent or semi permanent color thickens the hair shaft and adds body.
4. Forget the daily shampoo. Go easy on the washing. According to WedMD, fine hair gets dirty faster and people with fine textured hair need to shampoo more frequently, even though fine hair breaks more easily. Avoid this catch 22 by using dry shampoo in between washings. The powder will also add a bit of thickness and body.
5. Use a volumizing shampoo, conditioner, and mousse.
6. Avoid putting high heat directly onto hair. Blow drying should not be a problem but flat irons and curling irons can cause damage and breakage. Also avoid volume building products containing paraffin, which is beeswax. It can build up and result in hair breakage
7. Tease - just a little. Don't think beehive or Dynasty or any of the other big hair horrors. Just gently back comb the underneath hair along the part and then smooth over with the top hair and spray very lightly. This method which I learned from my hairdresser, gives the appearance of volume and a flattering lift.
8. Flip your head upside down, give it a shake, brush it, spray lightly, let it dry for a minute and then flip it back.
9. My instant look thicker trick- Tuck your hair behind your ears and secure with a bobby pin on either side,hidden underneath. Add bold earrings and your good to go.
Cheers,
Barb