Ugh, it pains me to admit that my hair is thinning. For a while I was getting away with a few tricks to hide the obvious thin areas but now I feel like it’s only a matter a time before my hairdresser starts backcombing my hair to create more bulk. Today we’re talking about what to do about thinning hair at midlife – including advice from my dermatologist.
Female hair loss seems like one of those topics no one really talks about until we reach this stage in life. If you didn’t know, as women reach midlife, changes in hair, including thinning and loss, is a common issue. It can be due to a variety of factors, including hormonal changes.
Listen: Megan & Wendy share five things women aren’t talking about
What is Androgenetic Alopecia?
When I talked to my dermatologist about my hair thinning concerns, she called it androgenetic alopecia. This is the medical term for both male and female pattern baldness. Basically, it’s hair loss on the head and it doesn’t grow back without treatment.
As mentioned, several factors cause female pattern baldness. Everything from hormonal changes, vitamin deficiencies, thyroid disease, and more. You can read about those factors here. For me, it’s likely menopause, vitamin B and D deficiencies, and poor diet.
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What to Do About Female Pattern Baldness
According to my dermatologist, 5% minoxidil is the only product that works to stimulate hair growth or to slow balding. Results are slow, anywhere from four months to one year before you see any effect. And, it doesn’t cure baldness. Most new hair will be lost once the product is discontinued.
Minoxidil is sold under brand names like Rogaine ($59) and hers Hair Regrowth Foam ($26). There are generic brands available from Target and Amazon, as well.
The derm also said that there is no shampoo on the market that will grow new hair. I’ve been using Nioxin Hair Care System for years (since growing my hair back post chemotherapy). Sadly, my doctor said Nioxin is simply a caffeine-enriched shampoo that will stimulate the scalp but doesn’t make hair grow back.
Her last bit of advice was a supplement called Nutrafol ($79). She said she has seen a lot of benefit from this product in her patients.
What Can I Use to Hide Thinning Hair?
There are so many products on the market available to conceal thinning hair spots. Here are a few of my favorites:
- L’Oreal Paris Magic Root Cover Up Gray Concealer ($10) – Yes, it’s marketed for root cover up, but this spray is really great at concealing thinning hair and it’s affordable. I will often spray the product onto a firm makeup brush and then apply to my thin areas as it helps with coverage control.
- Madison Reed Root Touch Up Powder ($32) – This is another root cover up product but I’ve used this at my temples and the part line just as a slight cover up on those thinning areas.
- Boldify Hairline Powder ($18) – This has an interesting powder puff applicator but the coverage can last up to 48-hours. It creates a nice shadow making those thin areas less obvious. Boldify also sells Hair Fibers ($23) which claims to completely conceal hair loss. I haven’t used this item but it does have over 26K great reviews.
Hair Products to Add Texture and Volume to Thinning Hair
Adding texture and volume can really help camoflauge thin spots. I mean, this is the reason why my hairdresser backcombs her clients who need more bulk. Here are a few of my personal favorites.
- SexyHair Big Powder Play Volumizing & Texturizing Powder ($19) – I have talked about this product for YEARS on our old YouTube videos and the podcast. It’s a holy-grail, always in my cabinet product.
- Living proof Full Dry Volume & Texture Spray ($36) – Pricey, nice spray and does a great job at giving that extra little volume at the root.
- Oribe Dry Texturizing Spray ($49) – Very pricey but one of those products that is always in my cabinet. This is probably the absolute best volume and texture spray I’ve ever used.
I’d love to hear what products you’ve found and have been successful in either getting some regrowth in your thinning hair or concealing your thin spots. Leave a comment!
We’re Your New Best Friends
Hi, we’re Megan and Wendy your midlife besties! Join us on Patreon every Monday where we’re talking everyday life, pop culture, and more!
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Amy says
I swear by Aveda’s Invati line.