How to Tell if Your Hair is Really Thinning

Ever try and pull your hair in to a ponytail and feel that your once thick mane of hair has turned stringy and thin? Chances are, your hair has taken a turn and has started to thin out.

Whether the cause of a change in the density and texture of your hair is from aging, hormonal changes, a nutrient-deficient diet, damage, an unhealthy scalp, or genetics, the effects of thinning hair on your self-esteem can be reason enough to do something about it. “Women want full, thick hair, which is a sign of beauty and healthy. Most hair loss isn’t recognized until 50 percent of the hair is lost,” says Beverly Hills, CA, hair transplant surgeon Dr. Craig Ziering.

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Thinning hair isn’t limited just to women who’ve hit the 50 year old mark. It can happen at any age. Thinning hair can be either temporary or permanent and it’s not uncommon for your hair to start to thin out after pregnancy, due to a shift in hormones, or a stressful situation.

If your hair has noticeably changed, it’s best to see your dermatologist for a full evaluation to determine if you’re starting to experience the first signs of hair loss and what the underlying factors for it are. That way, your doctor can prescribe the right treatment for you, which can include something like Rogaine, hair growth supplements or even a change to your diet.

To protect the integrity of your hair, make sure you only comb it—don’t brush it—when it’s wet, don’t shampoo it with strong water pressure and steer clear of wearing your hair too long, which will only make it look thinner.