Thin Hair Help
Thin hair and causes
Thinning hair in women
Teenage girls with thinning hair
Thinning hair products
Reversing hair loss / Grow new hair
Tips for thin hair care
Wig Care
Wigs for women in cancer treatment
Thin Hair and Causes
The most common causes for thinning hair or hair loss are:
- Genetic predisposition that comes from a family history of thinning hair.
- Health problems such as hyperthyroid or hypothyroid conditions.
- Medications such as chemotherapy, hormone replacement medications and birth control pills.
- Stress and trauma that can cause constriction of blood supply.
- Damage from incorrect use of chemicals, such as perms, relaxers, hair dyes and bleach.
- Poor vitamin assimilation to the scalp and hair. Or, simply, poor nutrition, including fad diets and high consumption of animal fat and protein.
- Environmental toxins and pollutants, such as chlorine, metals, minerals and water pollution.
Identify the cause of your hair loss, if possible. Please see a medical or health professional if you suspect a medical problem or nutritional deficiency. Be wary of salon stylists who claim they can diagnose the cause of your hair loss. However, a good stylist can help you find a flattering hair style or wig that will make you look your best.
Thinning Hair in Women
Millions of Americans complain of thinning and thin looking hair. According to Nioxin Research Labs, some 70 million Americans have fine or thin-looking hair. As many as one in three women between the ages of 40 and 49 agonize over some degree of hair thinning or loss. By age 65, 48% of all women (75% of men) report they have noticeably thin-looking hair. Research has shown that the problem of thin-looking hair can begin as early as age 17.
Teenage Girls with Thinning Hair
Research has shown that the problem of thin-looking hair can begin as early as age 17. Many teens and young women suffer from thin hair and hair loss conditions as a result of chemical damage, improperly done hair extensions and hair weaves, and improper scalp hygiene. Many young women don't realize temporary or even permanent hair loss can result from too rigorous hair brushing and styling, build-up of hair care and styling products on the scalp and pulling and twisting their hair too tight. See also Thin Hair And Causes.
Thinning Hair Products
Many products promise to reverse hair loss or stimulate new hair growth. However, the majority of products currently on the market only produce temporary results. Once you stop using the product your hair returns to its former state.
The only products we recommend and use at Salon Cecilia are Nutriol® Hair Fitness Treatment and Nioxin® Bionutrient Protective™ and Bionutrient Actives™.
- Nutriol® Hair Fitness Treatment includes a shampoo and a leave-In treatment that work in concert to correct hair with serious damage from chemical treatments. Nutriol does not re-grow hair, but instead works to restore your hair's strength and resiliency. Nioxin® offers a full line of products that improve the appearance of fine or thin looking hair.
- Nioxin® Bionutrient Protectives™ and Bionutrient Actives™ work to improve your scalp so that existing and new hair grow stronger, fuller and healthier-looking. Nioxin has different systems for chemically treated hair and hair that has not been chemically enhanced.
Reversing Hair Loss / Grow New Hair
Many products promise to reverse hair loss or stimulate new hair growth. However, the majority of products currently on the market only produce temporary results. Once you stop using the product your hair returns to its former state. It's best to be skeptical of any guarantee to grow your hair or reverse hair loss permanently.
Tips for Thin Hair Care
Eliminate tension. Don't pull your hair into tight styles, such as ponytails, weaves, or tight braids. Avoid strong chemicals. Perms, relaxers, permanent hair dyes dry out your hair and can damage the hair follicles that are responsible for hair growth. Use a good moisturizer after every shampoo. Occasionally, you may need to get a deep conditioning treatment. Treat your hair and scalp gently when shampooing, drying and styling.
Wig Care
Caring for your wig properly will keep it fresh, attractive and comfortable. At Salon Cecilia, we recommend wigs and hairpieces made from superior fiber processing whether 100% human hair or synthetic. Wigs made from quality fibers and construction retain their original style longer when maintained and cared for correctly.
- Styling - Regular combs and hairbrushes can damage your wig. Use a wire wig brush or pick and comb out gradually from ends to roots. Don't use heat appliances (blow dryers, curling irons, hot curlers, etc.) on synthetic wigs. Heat (not too hot) is fine for human hair wigs. Use hair spray made for wigs or low-alcohol hairspray only. Never brush, pick, comb or curl a wet wig unless you are resetting it.
Before wearing, brush your wig gently but thoroughly from the bottom upwards. Brushing from the bottom upwards helps to protect the fibers and keep them from pulling out of the cap. Place longer styles on a flat surface and brush from the bottom up.
- Storage - Store your wig or hairpiece properly when you are not wearing it. Before storing, use a wire brush or pick to smooth out straight hair or fluff curls. You can use a hair net to keep the fibers from matting and hold the style. Keep your wig on a wig stand or wig head form to maintain its shape. Do not fold a wig or hairpiece when storing, especially for an extended period of time. Long hair styles should be hung or laid flat, for example in a box or drawer. Short and medium styles can be hung or placed on a wig head or wig stand. Avoid leaving your wig near dusty or damp areas or near heat (radiators, windows, vents).
- Washing - Generally, a wig should be washed after every 6-8 wearings in warm climates, less frequently in cooler ones. You may want to wash your wig more often if you are especially active, use hairspray, or are exposed to dusty or hot environments. Ask your professional stylist for the correct products for your wig.
Before washing, smooth out a straight wig or fluff a curly wig gently and completely with a wire brush or pick. Use a small amount of wig shampoo in cool water and immerse the wig gently Soak for 2-3 minutes. Rinse by swishing the wig gently in clean water cold water. For extra shine and softness, a wig conditioner can be applied for about 5 minutes, then rinse thoroughly. Use a towel to gently squeeze out excess water.
Allow synthetic wigs and hairpieces to air dry thoroughly on a dry towel or wire wig head to allow air circulation. Lay longer styles flat so the weight of the wet fiber does not pull out the curl pattern. Never brush while wet, as it may permanently brush out any curl in the fiber. Set and style human hair wigs according to directions provided by your professional stylist.
Wigs for Women in Cancer Treatment
If your doctor prescribes a "cranial prosthesis," most health insurance will cover your wig, but check with your medial insurance carrier to be sure. Some women may be eligible for a wig through the American Cancer Society (1-800-ACS-2345) or Cancer Care (1-800-813-HOPE).
Other resources for women in cancer treatment can be found at the following sites:
