Although typically associated with men, hair loss is extremely common among women, affecting around eight million individuals in the UK.
The leading cause of hair loss is androgenic alopecia (also known as pattern hair loss or hereditary hair loss), although other factors include age, childbirth, hormonal imbalance, illness, medication and poor hair care.
No matter what is causing your hair loss, whether it’s temporary shedding or more gradual thinning, it can be incredibly disheartening, greatly impacting a person’s confidence.
It’s easy to see why sufferers look to quick-fix solutions to mask the issue. But according to one expert, a popular approach is actually making your hair loss appear worse, not to mention ageing you prematurely.
Melik Yağmur, a hair loss specialist from transplant clinic Now Hair Time, explained that many women are “tempted” by deeply-toned box dyes when their strands are looking lacklustre, believing it will give them “thickness and depth”.
However, this little-known mistake can instantly make fine hair appear even thinner than it already is.
Urging women to avoid the “colour trap”, the expert explained: “A strong contrast between hair and scalp can make fine areas look even more sparse – especially around the parting – ageing you by decades.”
Not only does a darker colour accentuate hair loss, but jet black and even dark brown hues can highlight thinning, paling skin.
‘A strong contrast between hair and scalp can make fine areas look even more sparse’
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While these rich, deep hues can certainly be chic and dynamic in your younger years, as time goes by, dark colours may accentuate the signs of ageing we’d really rather hide.
Now, this doesn’t mean steering clear of hair dye intervention altogether. In fact, choosing the right shade and avoiding too much contrast is “one of the simplest, most effective tricks for managing the appearance of thinning hair”, the expert revealed.
Mr Yağmur recommended going for slightly lighter or warmer tones that soften the contrast between the hair and scalp, as this “creates the illusion of fuller, healthier hair”.
Opting for slightly lighter or warmer tones ‘creates the illusion of fuller, healthier hair’
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“Multi-tonal colour, lowlights and gentle highlights can make an enormous difference without dramatically changing your overall look,” he concluded.
Here, the hair loss specialist shared exactly what to ask for at the hair salon when you’re noticing thinning.
Hair loss: what to ask for at the salon
“Ask your hairdresser to lighten by half a shade to one whole shade, as this will soften harsh lines at the scalp.
“Next, add warm, blended tones that reflect light and create movement. Use multi-dimensional colour rather than block colour for natural-looking fullness – think, a combination of highlights, lowlights or balayage.
“Avoid dense, opaque dye jobs; a single colour approach can make the hair look flat and stringy. This is especially problematic with box dye.
“Have your colourist place highlights strategically around the face to draw attention away from any sparse areas on top.” Et voilà: bouncy, voluminous, dimensional hair that expertly conceals signs of thinning.
While an appointment with the professionals can work wonders, it’s important to note that a new cut, colour or style will only improve the appearance of hair loss – not reverse it.
To make genuine improvements, reconsider your hair-washing routine, avoid damaging hairdos, or go back to basics and revamp your diet for optimal hair growth.
Equally, there are dedicated products out there specifically designed to give you “crazy” growth after hair loss, recommended by industry experts. With the right tricks, it’s not too late to save thinning hair.