My hair has always been baby fine, poker straight, and very thin. Add menopause and thyroid issues to the mix and you have the perfect storm for hair loss. It’s always a struggle to find a hairstylist who knows how to cut fine hair so I’m thrilled to have discovered one near me. I’ve recently updated my hairstyle so today I’m updating this post to share my unusual haircut and the products I use for my thinning hair.
Midlife hair loss is not unusual for women but I also have thyroid issues that can cause my hair to shed with no warning. My endocrinologist monitors my thyroid levels carefully but it still goes out of whack for no reason. I’ve discovered that the way my hair is cut, the products I use, and the way I blowdry it, are my best hope to camouflage hair loss.
My new haircut is a short, blunt bob with no stacking in the back. It’s the same length in front as it is in the back. Then she cuts a blunt layer around the top of my head which allows me to get some lift. I use a round brush, mousse or gel, dry shampoo, and hairspray. I use a lot of products yet when I’m done, it doesn’t look like helmet hair.
I’ve made a little video to deconstruct my haircut, the products I use, and the process I go through to style it.
Do you struggle with thinning hair?
Thanks for reading ladies and remember to wear what makes you feel confident.
Jennifer,
Any chance you can share what you do for your eyebrows? They look great and would appreciate any suggestions for my thinning/vanishing brows!
Author
Yes! I started using this Brow Conditioner and they filled back in! I’ve gotten twice as long out of the tube as the directions say too. They grew in silvery colored so I brush this tinted brow gel on each morning to add color and hold them in place.
Jennifer, Thanks so much for helping us thin haired women. I’m going to try the gel, I love the Living Proof dry shampoo. My problem is getting a hairdresser to cut my hair in layers at the crown to give it lift. May need to cut some off myself. Yikes!!
Great tips!! Thank you!!
Author
Go easy with the scissors. It’s a fine line between lift and limp. Too much and you’ll be unhappy. Go slow. You can always cut more
Jennifer, in the early 90’s, a friend told me about her Caruso steamer roller set. I’ve been using one since that time. I wash my hair at night, use gel, bend over and blow dry on low. Comb the front opposite direction I want for the next day and spray. Every morning, I use the steam rollers, then do makeup. Like you, I don’t brush all the way thru. I spray and use my pick for lift at the crown. (I’ve used the word “brush”, but I use a big wide tooth comb and a plastic pick for lift.) Then spray and go. I’m 66 and have gone from every other day wash, to every 4/5 days. My cut is blunt, with layers near the top for lift. I’ve never thought of dry shampoo, that’s a good option to add some extra volume. But that Caruso hair setter has kept me going for 30 years (I’ve had to replace it once). Some of the ladies might want to check it out. Thank you for your column. I enjoy your bright smile and encouraging words !
Author
I will check they set out, thanks! I’m a big believer in rollers of all kinds! 🙂
If I had to go through the regimen that you go through I’d shave my head! You must be a very patient person!
Author
lol, I must be either patient of persistent
Dear Jennifer, Thanks for being so open with a sensitive subject. I have the same hair as you! When worse came to worse, I ordered a bunch of faux hair from Paula Young…..you can try and then return what you don’t want. But……I found a few faux hair things from PY……..and just love them! And never looked prettier! So, ladies, don’t be too afraid……it happens to the best of us. The world of faux hair is fun! There are so many really cute styles and soon you can find the right color and style. It’s all good. XOX
Author
Those sound so fun, Thanks for sharing, Marie
Better late than never and am so glad that you posted this link (today/June 18th) since did search your blog to no avail as was wondering what brand you used as a dry shampoo. Oddly enough, during the past two months noticed a lot of hair in my brush after washing (am not sure if it is breakage or loss) and with our hairdressing salons still closed, thought I would try it. Have also read up on the subject and considering my age perhaps it is normal but feel it is worth a try. Thanks so much Jennifer as always appreciate much that you share. -Brenda-
Author
Hair loss is so disturbing. I’m sorry you’re dealing with it too Brenda.
I just watched you video! Thank you so much. I too have thin, fine hair. Mine has a little wiggle in it, but not much. I’ve let it get long through the pandemic and most days keep it in a pony tail or loose french braid. Now thinking seriously about cutting it to a bob which is how I have worn it many times. You are an inspiration.
Author
Thank you, Marsha. I always wished I could wear a pony tail but mine is much too thin these days. For me, just below my ears seems to be the sweet spot for looking fuller.
I have had thin hair all my life. Now that I’m in my 70s, it is so thin I’m considering a wig. A good stylist really helps, but I have trouble finding one. Any suggestions?
Author
I think the best way is to ask around. If you see a lady with hair like yours that looks good, ask who her stylist is.
Would love to know why you use a dry shampoo like Living Proof instead of their texturizing spray to give your hair a boost. I haven’t found LP dry shampoo to give me any extra body, maybe I’m doing it wrong?
Author
Dry shampoo coats the hair and gives mine tons of body. I’m not looking for texture, just bulk.
Aha! Thank you!
Try Monat hair products they really work great for tons of people. It helps thicken and grow hair
I just saw someone thanking a friend for introducing them to Monat. The teenage daughter had hair loss related to an illness and those products helped her.
Great video! Have you ever tried Big Sexy Hair (I know, ridiculous name) powder for volume? I have trouble tolerating breathing all the aerosols. I’ve also found a scalp darkening product called Hair Veil that really helps hide the little bald patches. Thanks for sharing!
Author
I have not. Thanks for the suggestion. Aerosols are really unhealthy to breathe.
Hi Jennifer, are you still using minoxidil?
Author
Yes, 5% liquid twice a day. My hair needs all the help I can give it
From an earlier post about your hair care, I bought the Minoxdil, used it a couple of times and then had to stop using it because it is not for people with heart issues. I have already had 2 heart surgeries this year, so everyone please be aware to not use Minoxidil if you have any such issues. Good luck all.
Author
I was not aware of that! Thank you so much for letting us know!
I have the same problems like you incl. Thyroid but I was told that as much I do as worst my hair will be.
Isn’t it too much what you put on your hair which is not good for the scalp and latter is the A and O for healthy hair. Anyway you are lucky to find at least a good hair dresser and the cut is really helpful for thin hair. Suits you well and I also like the unstyled one (1st pic in the video before your dried the hair)…very modern and chic
Thank you for this post. I enjoy your blog very much, but have never posted before. However, I know how much our hair defines us and how much I want my hair to look good every day! I loved your tips and appreciated the video. My hair has always been extra fine and now is thinning with age and the effects of chemo. My hairdresser uses two products I’d like to recommend. First is Catwalk Root Boost by TIGI. It’s about $10 for a fairly large spray can (available in hair salons, drug stores and by Amazon) and lasts a long time. Spray this liberally on the roots of your wet hair and blow dry with your round brush and Jennifer’s techniques. It gives gorgeous lift to my hair and isn’t a “heavy” product that weighs down my fine hair. The other product is Dry Texturizer by Davines. This is expensive, but worth it. After blowing my hair, I spray with this (like Jennifer sprayed with dry shampoo) and then use a pick (or my fingers) to smooth slightly and make the “pieces” go where I want them. The good thing about this product is that you can make your hair look full-bodied and tousled without weighing it down. I follow with a light coating of hair spray. So, no helmet hair, but the lift lasts. And, last but not least, a great haircut is what makes it all work. I have found that working with the way my hair grows and not trying to force it to be something it isn’t (full, curly, thick) makes it behave better. I get lots of compliments on my new, messier hair.
Author
Thanks for sharing your products! I agree, tousled is a much fuller look for me too:)
Thank you for the video. You did an awesome job. Thank you for addressing an issue that is very emotional for a lot of older women, including myself.
Not only have I experienced hair loss from menopause and hypothyroidism, but now as a long term side effect from Covid. It’s very concerning and stressful and your blog/ video was just what I needed right now.
Author
I’m so sorry you’re struggling. Hang in there Donna xx
Jennifer as usual you are the best. I don’t have
thin hair- my hairdresser says I have alot but it is
flat!! Better when she does it but not great. I
think some of your tips and products may
work as well, for a flat hair like me!
Author
They will! Especially the direction you let the hair cool and the dry shampoo! Let me know how it goes.
Thank you for the video. I have a thyroid issue and my hair was falling out. I discovered a product called Neocell. They sell it on Amazon. My hair doesn’t fall out when I wash it. My nails are also stronger. I buy it on Amazon. Matter of fact, I get it monthly. I also use Raw Calcium. My friend told me about it. She had a bad bone density a couple years ago. Now her bone density is normal.
Author
Thanks for sharing your products. I’ve never heard of raw calcium. Off to google it now!
Which Neocell product do you use, there are so many to choose from. I ordered the Garden of Life Vitamin Code Raw Calcium, hope that’s the right one. Thanks. Deb
Hi Jennifer. So I just watched your video – thank you for that. I also have the exact same hair as you. And I also use the Kevin Murphy anti-gravity. I just love that stuff. But I’m having a hard time finding it. Amazon only has one left. Do you have a particular place you purchase yours at?
Author
My stylist now carries it as well. Google which salons in your area carry it.
My hair is fine and my hairline is receding in the same place yours is. So far, I’m able to style it to cover the situation and color gives it more body. I do LOVE that Aveda Air Control spray and have been using it for quite a while. Light but holds just enough. Great video!
This was very helpful! Thank you. My hair is thinner than yours, but I do have wave and some body. I have to use hair fibers to fill in thin spots in the front. I’m going to look into the dry shampoo. I’m afraid most days I have helmet hair😔
Author
Helmet hair is just fine in my book 🙂
I also have baby fine, poker straight hair. Do you wash and dry your hair every day? If not, how does it look the next day?
Author
I try to wash it every other day. The second day, I add more dry shampoo but it is flatter.
Thank you for this tutorial. I also have fine hair, thyroid issues also. At age 74 I guess I shouldn’t be surprised at the hair that is coming out. You gave some great tips, I appreciate you taking the time.
Happy and Blessed Easter
Author
Happy Easter!
Beautiful and helpful video, and a beautiful person. Thank you for these tips and the time you take to inform us. So appreciated.
Author
Thanks so much XX
Thank you for sharing your styling techniques through the video. I have the opposite problems with my hair in that it is big and course. However, I certainly appreciate knowing that I am not alone in using many products and spending more time than I ever imagined I would at my over-65 age on my hair. Your video was very well done.
If you are feeling adventuresome, you might consider platelet rich plasma or fibrin injections with Acell for hair growth where you are thinning at the front.
Hi Jennifer,
I’m brand new to your blog today! And, I’m thrilled to see this post as my first one! I too, have very baby fine hair, but a lot of it, so I’ve been told by many stylists. But now mine is thinning too. I loved your video and your list of products. I am usually too lazy to use any products, even though I have a ton in my cabinet. I do really need to do more with my hair and your video has inspired me! Thank you.
I’m curious; why do you use dry shampoo everyday? I’ve used it many times before, but only when I don’t want to wash my hair for a few more days.
Author
Welcome! The dry shampoo adds body and bulk to the roots and hair so it gives lift.
Oh, okay! Thank you. I’ll have to try that.
I also have fine thin hair, a body wave helps, but I like it straight with the body wave to thicken it, color also helps. Two products I always use after shampoo are MARK ANTHONY INSTANT THICK VOLUME CREAM IN A TUBE, I work it through wet hair on top and sides, then comb out, after that I put on make up and then use PAUL MITCHELL’S INVISIBLE VOLUME WHIP FOAM, a GREAT HAIR THICKENER a salon stylist told me about, it really does thicken
your wet hair before the blow dry. Sometimes I use hairspray but not much after the volume whip.
That volume whip is a miracle worker!
Jennifer,
Do you think the Kevin Murphy volumizer is only good for fine, thin hair? My thinning hair is rather coarse with some natural curl and I don’t know if this would work for me. Thanks!
Thanks for sharing these! I’ve always struggled with very fine, thin hair and I’m always on the hunt for new products!
Author
I hope you like these. Dry shampoo is a real game-changer for me.
I love your hairstyling video!! I don’t have your same problem, but I certainly have problems of another nature with my hair. Thanks for sharing. I would love to see other instructional videos from you….
Author
I’m going to try making more, and smile next time 🙂
Thank you so much Jennifer for the excellent post. I have very fine thinning hair and l am seeing a dermatologist and trying the products he recommended for three months. He said it was very common for women in my age group 57 to experience hair loss. But treatment is expensive so l might be looking at wigs too soon:) What is useful to pass on check your vitamin levels when you get your blood work checked as they do make a difference to hair growth and health. Happy day !