Hair thinning is a common experience for many women and can develop gradually or feel like it happens all at once. You might notice less volume, a widening part, or more hair shedding than usual when brushing or washing.
While some changes are a natural part of ageing, hair thinning is often influenced by a mix of factors such as hormonal changes, nutrition, stress, and genetics.
Hair thinning refers to a decrease in hair number and density or strand thickness, rather than complete hair loss. Depending on the cause, it typically appears evenly across the scalp, rather than in patches.
Common signs include:
Reduced overall volume
A widening part line
Finer or more fragile strands
Increased daily shedding
Hair grows in a natural cycle made up of four phases:
Anagen (growth phase): where hair actively grows
Catagen (transition phase): a short period where growth slows
Telogen (resting phase): when hair sheds and new growth begins
Exogen (shedding phase): the old hair is released from the follicle, and the next cycle begins
At any time, most healthy hair is in the growth phase. When this balance shifts—such as more hairs entering the resting phase—thinning can become more noticeable.
These changes are often linked to hormonal shifts, nutrient intake, or periods of stress.
Hormones play an important role in the hair growth cycle. Changes in oestrogen and progesterone, particularly during pregnancy, perimenopause and postmenopause, can affect hair density and growth patterns.
Some women may also experience increased sensitivity to androgens, which can influence how hair grows over time.
Hair follicles require a steady supply of nutrients to support normal growth. When intake is low, hair may become weaker or shed more easily.
Key nutrients involved in hair health include:
Iron: supports oxygen delivery to hair follicles
Biotin: contributes to hair structure
Zinc: supports normal cell function
Vitamin D: plays a role in the hair follicle cycle
Protein: provides the building blocks of hair
Periods of physical or emotional stress can shift more hairs into the resting phase, leading to increased shedding. This is often referred to as telogen effluvium.
Shedding may become noticeable several weeks to up to 3 months after a stressful event. While often temporary, ongoing stress can continue to affect the hair cycle.
Genetics can influence how hair follicles respond over time. Some women may notice gradual thinning through the crown(central or upper scalp) or a widening part.
This pattern is linked to progressive changes in the follicle, where hair may grow back finer and shorter with each cycle. While it tends to progress slowly, supportive strategies can help maintain hair health.
As part of the natural ageing process:
Hair may grow more slowly
Strands may become finer
Overall density may decrease
These gradual changes can contribute to the appearance of thinner hair over time. The extent of these changes varies between individuals and becomes more common with increasing age.
Everyday habits and external factors can also contribute to hair loss, shedding and breakage, including:
Frequent heat styling or chemical treatments
Tight hairstyles that place tension on the roots
Scalp health and environmental factors
Certain medications or medical conditions
Hormonal changes after pregnancy
Hair thinning can be either temporary or longer-term, depending on the cause.
Temporary thinning may be linked to:
Significant physical and emotional stress
Nutritional gaps
Illness or hormonal fluctuations
In these cases of acute telogen effluvium, hair often returns to its usual growth pattern over time once the underlying trigger has resolved and may take several months.
Ongoing or persistent thinning is more commonly associated with:
Genetic factors
Age-related changes
Long-term hormonal shifts
Understanding what may be contributing to your hair thinning can help guide your next steps.
Consider:
Pattern: overall thinning or specific areas
Timing: sudden shedding or gradual change
Lifestyle: stress, diet, sleep habits, haircare and treatments
Other changes: energy levels, skin, or hormonal symptoms
If needed, a healthcare professional may recommend tests to assess factors such as iron levels or thyroid function.
A balanced, nutrient-rich diet supports overall hair health. Including foods like lean proteins, leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and whole grains can help provide essential nutrients for normal hair growth.
Gentle hair care can help minimise additional stress on the hair. Reducing heat styling, avoiding tight hairstyles, and choosing mild products can help maintain hair strength and condition.
During certain life stages, nutritional needs may increase. Targeted supplementation can help support hair health by providing nutrients involved in growth, strength, and structure.
Formulations designed for women’s hair health often include nutrients such as biotin and zinc to help maintain healthy hair, as part of a balanced diet.
Whether hair thinning improves depends on the underlying cause.
When linked to temporary factors, such as stress or low nutrient intake, hair may return to its usual growth cycle over time once these factors are addressed.
For longer-term changes related to ageing or genetics, the focus may shift to supporting hair strength, maintaining thickness, and promoting ongoing hair health.
Sudden thinning is often linked to changes such as stress, illness, hormonal fluctuations, or dietary factors that can affect the hair growth cycle.
Low iron levels are a common contributor, along with inadequate intake of nutrients like zinc, biotin, vitamin D, and protein—all of which play a role in maintaining healthy hair.
In many cases, yes. Particularly when the underlying cause is temporary and addressed early. Hair growth occurs in cycles, so improvement may take time.
Progressive forms of hair loss should be assessed by a healthcare professional for an early diagnosis and condition-specific treatment.
Focusing on balanced nutrition, gentle hair care, stress management, and appropriate nutritional support can help maintain hair strength and support overall hair health.
