Once you hit 30, your hair can start to suffer from stress and environmental factors which may affect its density.
And even the best blow dry in the world can't always disguise it. Thinning hair can happen for a number of reasons: ageing, changes in diet, pregnancy, stress, heat styling, UV damage, chlorine…
What can you do? The best shampoos will boost volume and at the same time encourage hair growth and improve the circulation on the scalp. First port of call is a trichologist to get a correct diagnosis of what's going on with your hair. Two common issues with hair loss are androgenetic alopecia and dandruff.
According to dermatologist Dr Francesca Fusco, "The DHT hormone [dihydrotestosterone] can contribute to thinning in women who are genetically predisposed to female pattern thinning."
To help treat this she advises a prescription shampoo: ketoconazole two per cent, as it has anti-androgenic properties. "Ketoconazole has been proposed to disrupt the pathway of DHT leading to thinning of follicles."
Chronic dandruff can also lead to hair shedding so it needs to be treated. A dandruff shampoo and conditioner with zinc pyrithione can be used every day to help control dandruff, reduce inflammation, and diminish shedding.
Try to steer clear of products that contain dyes and preservatives like parabens and synthetic fragrances. Look out for hair thickening ingredients like amino acids (for building new strands of hair), biotin (helps metabolise amino acids), ginseng root (helps reduce free radicals from sun and overprocessing), and botanicals to help stimulate blood flow and promote hair growth.
Here we round up some non-prescription shampoos to help with thinning hair.
Nioxin Cleanser contains amino acids, antioxidants, and peppermint oil.
Living Proof Full Shampoo helps strengthen your hair and add volume.
Dove DermaCare Scalp Pure Daily Care Anti-Dandruff Shampoo This shampoo contains one per cent zinc pyrithione that gently fights dandruff without irritating the scalp.