Thinning Hair 101: What Women Need to Know

When it comes to women's hair, the typical topics are colors and cuts. Yet hair loss, a problem people associate most with men, affects 40 percent of women aged 50 and older, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. And since full, lustrous hair (whether it's real or not!) is seen as a hallmark of attractiveness, having a thinning mane can do a number on your self esteem.

Concerns about your hair and scalp health are reason enough to see a doctor, but in the meantime, check out the following expert tips for overall hair health, plus our favorite products designed for thinning hair. >>

"Thinning" describes a reduction in the diameter of each hair, which makes your head of hair appear less dense overall.

"This cycle continues for years and is a very slow and gradual process, so the changes are occurring but we do not notice them immediately, " says Elizabeth Cunnane Philips, a trichologist (hair and scalp specialist) at the Philip Kingsley Clinic in New York City. "In fact, we can lose over 20% of our hair before we notice it."

Aveda's new line is designed for those experiencing signs of hair and scalp aging such as thinning, loss of volume, lack of density, or a tighter or drier scalp: Aveda Invati Exfoliating Shampoo, $24, Aveda Invati Thickening Conditioner, $24, and Aveda Invati Scalp Revitalizer, $60, available at available at Aveda.com.

Most of us lose anywhere from 50 to 100 strands of hair each day (excluding hair-washing), but if you think you may be losing more than that, "don't put off that physical any longer!" says Cunnane Phillips. "I always advise women  to prioritize themselves the way they do everyone else in the family." She recommends telling your doctor about any recent changes to your menstrual cycle and asking him or her to check for thyroid or other endocrine disturbances.

For women experiencing intrinsic hair aging, Pantene's AgeDefy line works together to thicken existing hair to make hair act up to 10 years younger: Pantene Expert AgeDefy Advanced Thickening Treatment, $18.99, available at drugstores and Pantene.com

A healthy lifestyle can be great for your hair, as well as your body. For optimal hair strength, make sure to include lean protein at breakfast and lunch (which is very important) and to get regular exercise, says Cunnane Phillips.

To improve the health of the scalp, try the follicle treatment by John Masters, which promotes nutrient absorption, stimulates circulation, and balances sebum production: John Masters Organics Deep Scalp Follicle Treatment & Volumizer, $21, available at JohnMastersOrganics.com

Dietary deficiencies can have a huge effect on hair health. If you follow a vegetarian diet, be mindful of low B-12, iron, and zinc levels, and supplement accordingly, says Cunnane Phillips. "An all-purpose multi-vitamin is always a good choice, as are amino acid supplements," she says.

Davines products include caffeine, which stimulates the scalp’s cellular metabolism and invigorates the scalp: Davines Energizing Lotion, $45 and Energizing Gel, $30, available at Davines.com

"Elevated stress levels are very unhelpful to hair tissue," says Cunnane Phillips. For many people, a healthy diet and exercise promote a greater sense of calm and wellbeing.

For thinning, lifeless, or damaged hair due to over-processing, hormonal changes, stress, and more, try: Peter Thomas Roth Hair To Die For, $58, available at Sephora.com and PeterThomasRoth.com

Since we often notice hair loss in the shower, a common misconception is that washing is the problem. It's not, says Cunnane Phillips. "Be sure to wash regularly, which for many means daily," she says. "Also, when styling, be gentle and mindful of the heat of the dryer or flat iron. Keep the temperature on low heat."

Formulated for thinning, lifeless hair or as a complement to hair loss treatments, Klorane products include quinine and B vitamins, which strengthens keratin—the protein that makes up the hair fibers— and helps to improve hair growth: Klorane shampoo with quinine and B vitamins, $13, and Klorane conditioner with quinine and B vitamins, $14, available at Klorane.com

"Products should always be chosen based on hair type, so get to know yours (fine, medium, coarse)," says Cunnane Phillips. "They're most effective when you're using the right product (i.e. body building for finer hair, moisture balancing for medium textured, and re-moisturizing for coarser textures)."

Caviar Clinical is a 3-part daily regimen designed to promote fuller, thicker, stronger hair that looks and feels denser from the inside out: Alterna Caviar Clinical Starter Kit, $98, available at BeautyBar.com

Note: Caviar Clinical products do not contain Minoxidil, a drug commonly associated with hair regrowth.

"Topical treatments containing minoxidil can be a useful tool for some women, but consult your doctor first," says Cunnane Phillips. To apply these products correctly, wet your hands well and apply product (gel, froth, or maximizers) throughout the hair, making sure it’s evenly distributed.

Rogaine contains 2% minoxidil, the FDA-approved ingredient, and the formula is designed to penetrate into the scalp and revitalize hair follicles that have become dormant and stimulate hair growth: Women’s ROGAINE® Topical Solution, $29.99, available at Rogaine.com

Although it’s an added step to your regime, a weekly scalp treatment can increase circulation and stimulate the scalp, which helps keep hair in optimal condition, says Cunnane Phillips, who recommends a stimulating treatment, like Philip Kingsley scalp masks.

Philip Kingsley scalp mask can exfoliate the scalp, thus removing dead skins cells and improving circulation and hair texture: Philip Kingsley Exfoliating Scalp Mask, $8, and Philip Kingsley Stimulating Scalp Mask, available at PhilipKingsley.com

"I always say that it's important to feel as good about your hair as possible," says Cunnane Phillips. "Be smart with the styling, perhaps adding layers to help create volume, and consider getting your hair colored — it can make hair appear a little thicker!" she says.

Made of keratin proteins that are similar in composition to the hair, these fibers blend with natural hair to help add density to areas that are fine or thinning, creating fuller-looking hair. They can be used daily while natural hair grows, and are great for cover-ups in between color treatments. Bosley Hair Thickening Fibers, $30, available at salons and bosley.com

With more than 22 years of experience, Elizabeth Cunnane Philips, a trichologist at the Philip Kingsley Clinic in New York City, believes the foundation of healthy hair begins at the scalp.

Cunnane Phillips, who's also known as "The Mane Expert," consults an average of 50 clients per week, including Hollywood's own Kate Winslet, Renee Zellweger, Cate Blanchett, John Travolta, and Sigourney Weaver.