Fighting Hair Loss – Part one of two

Shampoo You! Washing your thinning hair won’t necessarily send more of it down the drain. Some shampoos can even strengthen it. Avoid products with harsh detergents, like sodium lauryl sulfate, which can cause breakage. When you suds up, don’t rub shampoo into the hair itself. Instead, gently massage it into your scalp and let it slide down through your locks.
Try Some Makeup – You use makeup on your face, so why not on your scalp? Try a tinted hair spray or a colored powder made specifically to disguise hair loss. These come with an applicator like the kind you use to apply eye shadow. Choose a shade that matches your roots. Apply the product lightly — tap the excess off the brush and dab it gently onto your scalp.
Take a Powder – Running late? Save time by using a dry shampoo. Made with talc or cornstarch, they can give thinning locks a boost by soaking up excess oil. You’ll find them in powders or sprays — just apply, let sit, then comb through the hair. It’s okay to use them every three or four days, but don’t skip the shampoo entirely.
Color Me Lighter – When dyeing thin hair, choose a shade that’s close to your natural color. The less contrast between your hair and scalp, the better. Avoid bleaching — the dramatic color change requires more chemicals, which can make hair break. If you color at home, don’t; this is the number one cause of thinning hair. If you can afford salon color, a pro who is more skilled at using top of the line color is well worth the cost.
To Extend or Not to Extend?  Regular extensions won’t hurt your hair, but they’re designed to add length, not thickness. And because most are placed on the sides of the head, they can’t add fullness at the top. Some companies and salons offer products designed for thinning hair, but they may be pricey.
Please read the continuation of this article in the October issue of The Magazine of Santa Clarita.
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