There is a common misconception out there that fine hair and thinning hair are very similar, but the reality is that they aren’t. In today’s blog we’ll look at some of the differences and explain how best to look after your thinning or fine hair.

The first port of call is to establish the main difference between the two hair types.  Put simply, fine hair refers to thin individual hair strands, while thinning hair refers to a lack of a hair density i.e. fewer individual hairs on your head. As everyone’s hair is different, you could have fine hair but a lot of it, or thinning hair that actually has thick strands, or even thinning and fine hair.

One easy test to see if you have fine hair is to roll a single strand between your fingers; if you cannot feel the strand, then your hair is probably fine. Fine hair also has a delicate texture and feels silky to the touch. As people with fine hair have more hair than people with thicker hair, they often find that it doesn't hold curls or volume well and can look flat, limp or thin.

As we mentioned, thin hair is very much a different prospect. Having thin hair is often perfectly natural, but it could also be caused by a person’s lifestyle or a hidden health issue. If you’ve always had thick hair and find that it suddenly begins thinning, then there may be an underlying cause. In this case, seeking a professionally certified trichologist or dermatologist is always the best way to discover the reason behind your thinning hair.

How to look after your thin hair

One of the most important things you can do to protect your hair from becoming thinner is to treat it gently, using natural and nourishing hair products and avoiding products that contain harsh or synthetic ingredients. Remember, our scalp is the same as our skin; it needs to breathe and should get a little bit more love than usual.

There are various tips you can keep in mind if you have thin hair. Firstly, do not wash it with hot water as it may irritate the scalp, instead use lukewarm water. Use reparative formulas that help you to stimulate the scalp and clean without hurting it. Furthermore, having a scalp massage is a great way to stimulate your scalp, and isn’t harmful if done correctly. Finally, don't skip conditioner but make sure that you don't apply it to your scalp, but rather work it into your hair instead. Perfecting your hair care routine will help to keep thin hair looking at its best.

 

Our top seven tips for healthy and shiny thin hair are:

• Keep your scalp healthy by looking after it

• Use hair care products that do not contain harsh chemicals

• Avoid brushing your hair until it is almost dry, or brush before

• Avoid using heat to dry and style your hair

• Follow a gentle hair care routine

• Eat a healthy and balanced diet

• Use a microfibre towel and sleep on a satin pillow

 

Although we can’t offer one definitive haircare routine suitable for everyone with thin hair, we’ve come up with a haircare routine that can be adapted according to your lifestyle and personal hair requirements.

If you’re looking after your hair, and it looks and feels healthy, then we say embrace thin hair and all of its benefits.