In my younger years, many moons ago, I had thick jet-black hair. I got a lot of compliments from others, and it was nice to know I just had to give it a brief brush or comb out, and I was good to go.
I notice now when I go to get my hair cut or colored, that I am much more tender-headed than I used to be. The blow dryer feels too hot, and when I comb it out, it can be very painful.
According to the Arthritis Foundation, “hair loss is a common side effect of some arthritis medications. It may be a temptation to stop taking them, but check with your doctor first.”
Yes, I have lost some hair, but I did some research and found some natural tips that I want to try. If you notice that your hair is getting thinner, these tips may help:
Let Your Hair Dry Naturally
I like to use a blow dryer or curling iron to give my hair more body. However, when you expose your crown to high or low heat, a protectant is key to combating breakage, dryness, dullness, and brittleness that all stem from heat styling.
Wash your hair at a time when you can let it dry naturally. It may not take as long as you think, depending on your hair length.
Give Yourself a Scalp Massage
I wash my hair in the shower, and giving myself a scalp massage is so relaxing. Massaging your scalp can stimulate hair growth by improving circulation.
As a bonus, regular scalp massage can help remove dead skin cells and product build-up, improving oil control and reducing dandruff.
Whether you use shampoo, conditioner, or both, use your fingertips to make circular movements around your entire head. You want your scalp to be extra clean and in prime condition for new hair growth.
Use a Deep Conditioner
Before you buy a deep conditioner, you need to determine how much protein it contains. If you have healthy, dry hair that is rarely bleached and you use hair dryers or curling irons sparingly, start with a protein-free deep conditioner (use it weekly) and/or a low-protein deep conditioner (use it bi-weekly).
If your hair is damaged, purchase a high- or medium-protein deep conditioner and use it once a month. I like the sound of that.
Why just once a month? There is enough protein in the shampoos, gels, and conditioners that you are already using to make up the difference.
You can also opt for a leave-in treatment that penetrates your roots over a longer period. If you are worried about conditioner making your hair look too flat, you can opt for a volumizing conditioner formulated specifically for thin hair.
Don’t Use a Brush on Wet Hair
Once I wash my hair, I am eager to style it, and that means using a hairbrush. However, I now use the comb first, and it is gentler to your hair. Resist the urge to pull your hair into a ponytail while it is wet. Remember, wet hair is weaker, fragile, and more susceptible to breakage.
It seems contradictory that you need to stimulate your hair follicles by brushing. Yet, if you brush too much, you lose more hair. Once hair is dry, two brushing sessions with a few strokes are all you need to keep hair healthy and well-maintained.
Explore Alternative Dye Options
If you use a coloring dye, and who doesn’t these days, you are more likely to experience thinning hair. Consult with your color stylist about gentle options for thinning hair.
Ask about vegetable-based dyes, cellophanes, and hennas, all of which are gentle options for thinning hair. You can get wild and crazy with your hair by using one of these vegetable-based colors, such as orange, plum, violet, henna, or red.
The vegetable-based dyes don’t last as long, so use them for touch-ups or to color your gray hairs. It’s all about looking good and still protecting your hair.
Products that are ammonia and peroxide-free are also good options for coloring your hair.
Final Thoughts
Thinning hair is a fact of life, but you have enough options to try, so be selective about what kind of hair treatments will work best for your situation. Remember to consult your doctor if you are taking arthritis medications.
