Latest news with #RejuvenationClinic
Scottish Sun
15-05-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Do you have Mum Face? All the ways motherhood takes its toll on your skin & the solutions you need…
All recommendations within this article are informed by expert editorial opinion. If you click on a link in this story we may earn affiliate revenue. MUM'S THE WORD Do you have Mum Face? All the ways motherhood takes its toll on your skin & the solutions you need… NOTHING sums up motherhood better than: 'The days are long, but the years are short.' One minute you're in the throes of newborn life and the next, your daughter is swiping your serum. As a 41-year-old mum of two - to a six and nine year old - it feels like I blinked and 10 years have passed. And boy do those 10 years show on my face - my eye bags are much more prominent, my skin has lost its glow and the faint frown lines are now ever-present. There are some mornings I put off wearing my glasses, just to enjoy the slightly blurred reflection in the mirror that still feels more familiar to me than the aged version staring back at me. Ageing may be part and parcel of entering your 40s, but it also feels like each fine line and wrinkle tells a story of motherhood – the good, the bad and the ugly. 9 Lauren Ezekiel knows a thing or two about the effects of motherhood Credit: Lauren Ezekiel 'It's completely normal for many of us to notice changes in our appearance after becoming mums,' says Dr Nora, cosmetic and medical dermatology doctor at Rejuvenation Clinic. 'Hormonal shifts, disrupted sleep, stress and the natural ageing process all play a role in the skin looking duller, with more pronounced under-eye bags, sagging in the lower face, and deeper frown lines.' A fan of the natural approach to ageing, I've always steered away from anti-ageing injections, but it feels like it's time to step up my current skincare and invest in some hard-hitting ingredients and devices. So, now that my children are growing up and I have more time on my hands, I've made it my mission to build up my confidence - consulting some of the best experts around for their advice on combating Mum Face. Eye bags and dark circles 'Lack of sleep reduces circulation, leading to dull, tired-looking skin and enhanced shadows under the eyes,' says Dr Tara Francis, dentist and advanced facial aesthetician. And it is not just lifestyle changes that can result in prominent eye bags, hormonal changes also play a factor, whether that's postpartum or if you're entering the perimenopause, like me. 'These changes can thin the skin, making underlying blood vessels more visible,' says Dr Tara, 'the natural loss of volume that comes with tiredness or ageing can deepen hollows under the eyes, making circles appear darker.' The Fix: Start with the basics - hydration, good nutrition, and rest when you can. 'Using a cold compress or chilled eye mask can quickly reduce puffiness, and topical products with caffeine, hyaluronic acid, and peptides can help brighten and plump the area over time,' says Dr Tara. 9 Tackle eye bags in weeks Credit: Skin Rocks Skin Rocks by Caroline Hirons The Eye Cream, £65 Skin Rocks by Caroline Hirons The Eye Cream, £65, is a does-it-all formula that is clinically proven to reduce eye bags in eight weeks. A little goes a long way, and one pump should be sufficient for both eyes - apply with your pinkie finger to prevent pulling on the skin. 9 This is a great budget alternative Credit: THE INKEY LIST The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream, £11 A good budget alternative is The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream, £11, which helps to depuff and reduce dark shadows. 9 Revive tired eyes with eye patches Credit: NIP+FAB Nip+Fab Vitamin C Eye Patches, £15.95 For eye-bag emergencies, pop a pot of Nip+Fab Vitamin C Eye Patches, £15.95, in the fridge then leave on for 15 minutes to help brighten the area. Fine lines and wrinkles 'Frown lines become more prominent from repetitive movement - especially with the mental load of motherhood,' says Dr Nora. 'At home, a consistent skincare routine with antioxidants, peptides and retinoids can help maintain skin health - and daily SPF is a must - even on sleep-deprived mornings.' The Fix: Anti-wrinkle injections like Botox may be the most effective for reducing fine lines and wrinkles, but if you prefer not to go down the injectable route, then retinol is the answer. 9 Refresh your complexion Credit: murad Murad Youth Renewal Oil Drops, £71 Murad Youth Renewal Oil Drops, £71, contains a blend of retinol that is not only powerful enough to help reduce lines and wrinkles, but also comes in a soothing oil formula that locks in moisture to the skin so it doesn't dry it out. 9 Address fine lines and wrinkles Credit: Roc Roc Retinol Derm Correxion Fill+Treat Serum, £39.99 Another option is Roc Retinol Derm Correxion Fill+Treat Serum, £39.99, which thanks to its applicator, can be applied directly to problem areas, rather than all over the face. Dull skin 'When we don't get enough sleep, our body doesn't have adequate time to repair itself,' says Dr Liam Piggott, medical director at Grand Aesthetics Clinic. 'This can lead to reduced blood flow, causing our skin to appear dull and lifeless. "Plus, during sleep, our skin regenerates and repairs damage, so without it, we miss out on that vital rejuvenation,' he adds. 9 This rejuvenating mask is well worth the investment Credit: STYLPRO StylPro Wavelength LED Mask, £99.99 The Fix: If you don't have a magic wand that can ensure you regularly get your eight hours of uninterrupted sleep, then it may be worth investing in StylPro Wavelength LED Mask, £99.99. The red LED aids the stimulation of collagen production, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while the near-infrared light helps reduce inflammation. You need to use it every day for 10 minutes - alongside glow-inducing ingredients like vitamin C - to really see an improvement. 9 Firm and illuminate your complexion Credit: MATTER OF FACT Matter Of Fact Brightening & Firming Serum, £85 Matter Of Fact Brightening & Firming Serum, £85, contains 20% fully dissolved, stable L-ascorbic acid, which can boost the overall appearance of the skin. Sagging jowls Prior to having children, I had regular facials and in-salon treatments, which helped boost elasticity and firmness. However, since having children, this additional cost and indulgent treat has slipped down the priority list. 'Adapting to a new routine as a mother also means you have less time to commit to your previous skincare commitments, such as facials,' says Lauren Evans, CACI training and development officer. 'Stress can also trigger cortisol, which can accelerate the breakdown of collagen in our skin causing a loss in skin firmness.' The Fix: Sagging skin can often be hard to improve with products alone, but using a facial tool like a gua sha or jade roller can help, as it stimulates the lymphatic system reducing inflammation and puffiness, or in-salon treatments like CACI Jowl Lift, from £40, can help strengthen the muscle. 9 This K-Beauty buy has recently launched at Boots Credit: MEDICUBE Medicube Night Wrapping Mask, £25.90 Applying a collagen mask like Medicube Night Wrapping Mask, £25.90, can improve elasticity, too - apply all over the skin and allow it to dry fully before going to sleep, then in the morning, peel off the mask to reveal tighter skin.
The Sun
15-05-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Do you have Mum Face? All the ways motherhood takes its toll on your skin & the solutions you need…
NOTHING sums up motherhood better than: 'The days are long, but the years are short.' One minute you're in the throes of newborn life and the next, your daughter is swiping your serum. As a 41-year-old mum of two - to a six and nine year old - it feels like I blinked and 10 years have passed. And boy do those 10 years show on my face - my eye bags are much more prominent, my skin has lost its glow and the faint frown lines are now ever-present. There are some mornings I put off wearing my glasses, just to enjoy the slightly blurred reflection in the mirror that still feels more familiar to me than the aged version staring back at me. Ageing may be part and parcel of entering your 40s, but it also feels like each fine line and wrinkle tells a story of motherhood – the good, the bad and the ugly. 9 'It's completely normal for many of us to notice changes in our appearance after becoming mums,' says Dr Nora, cosmetic and medical dermatology doctor at Rejuvenation Clinic. 'Hormonal shifts, disrupted sleep, stress and the natural ageing process all play a role in the skin looking duller, with more pronounced under-eye bags, sagging in the lower face, and deeper frown lines.' A fan of the natural approach to ageing, I've always steered away from anti-ageing injections, but it feels like it's time to step up my current skincare and invest in some hard-hitting ingredients and devices. So, now that my children are growing up and I have more time on my hands, I've made it my mission to build up my confidence - consulting some of the best experts around for their advice on combating Mum Face. Eye bags and dark circles 'Lack of sleep reduces circulation, leading to dull, tired-looking skin and enhanced shadows under the eyes,' says Dr Tara Francis, dentist and advanced facial aesthetician. And it is not just lifestyle changes that can result in prominent eye bags, hormonal changes also play a factor, whether that's postpartum or if you're entering the perimenopause, like me. 'These changes can thin the skin, making underlying blood vessels more visible,' says Dr Tara, 'the natural loss of volume that comes with tiredness or ageing can deepen hollows under the eyes, making circles appear darker.' The Fix: Start with the basics - hydration, good nutrition, and rest when you can. 'Using a cold compress or chilled eye mask can quickly reduce puffiness, and topical products with caffeine, hyaluronic acid, and peptides can help brighten and plump the area over time,' says Dr Tara. BUY HERE Skin Rocks by Caroline Hirons The Eye Cream, £65, is a does-it-all formula that is clinically proven to reduce eye bags in eight weeks. A little goes a long way, and one pump should be sufficient for both eyes - apply with your pinkie finger to prevent pulling on the skin. The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream, £11 A good budget alternative is The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream, £11, which helps to depuff and reduce dark shadows. Nip+Fab Vitamin C Eye Patches, £15.95 For eye-bag emergencies, pop a pot of Nip+Fab Vitamin C Eye Patches, £15.95, in the fridge then leave on for 15 minutes to help brighten the area. Fine lines and wrinkles 'Frown lines become more prominent from repetitive movement - especially with the mental load of motherhood,' says Dr Nora. 'At home, a consistent skincare routine with antioxidants, peptides and retinoids can help maintain skin health - and daily SPF is a must - even on sleep-deprived mornings.' The Fix: Anti-wrinkle injections like Botox may be the most effective for reducing fine lines and wrinkles, but if you prefer not to go down the injectable route, then retinol is the answer. Murad Youth Renewal Oil Drops, £71 Murad Youth Renewal Oil Drops, £71, contains a blend of retinol that is not only powerful enough to help reduce lines and wrinkles, but also comes in a soothing oil formula that locks in moisture to the skin so it doesn't dry it out. Another option is Roc Retinol Derm Correxion Fill+Treat Serum, £39.99, which thanks to its applicator, can be applied directly to problem areas, rather than all over the face. Dull skin 'When we don't get enough sleep, our body doesn't have adequate time to repair itself,' says Dr Liam Piggott, medical director at Grand Aesthetics Clinic. 'This can lead to reduced blood flow, causing our skin to appear dull and lifeless. "Plus, during sleep, our skin regenerates and repairs damage, so without it, we miss out on that vital rejuvenation,' he adds. StylPro Wavelength LED Mask, £99.99 The Fix: If you don't have a magic wand that can ensure you regularly get your eight hours of uninterrupted sleep, then it may be worth investing in StylPro Wavelength LED Mask, £99.99. The red LED aids the stimulation of collagen production, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while the near-infrared light helps reduce inflammation. You need to use it every day for 10 minutes - alongside glow-inducing ingredients like vitamin C - to really see an improvement. Matter Of Fact Brightening & Firming Serum, £85 BUY HERE Matter Of Fact Brightening & Firming Serum, £85, contains 20% fully dissolved, stable L-ascorbic acid, which can boost the overall appearance of the skin. Sagging jowls Prior to having children, I had regular facials and in-salon treatments, which helped boost elasticity and firmness. However, since having children, this additional cost and indulgent treat has slipped down the priority list. 'Adapting to a new routine as a mother also means you have less time to commit to your previous skincare commitments, such as facials,' says Lauren Evans, CACI training and development officer. 'Stress can also trigger cortisol, which can accelerate the breakdown of collagen in our skin causing a loss in skin firmness.' The Fix: Sagging skin can often be hard to improve with products alone, but using a facial tool like a gua sha or jade roller can help, as it stimulates the lymphatic system reducing inflammation and puffiness, or in-salon treatments like CACI Jowl Lift, from £40, can help strengthen the muscle. 9 Medicube Night Wrapping Mask, £25.90 Applying a collagen mask like Medicube Night Wrapping Mask, £25.90, can improve elasticity, too - apply all over the skin and allow it to dry fully before going to sleep, then in the morning, peel off the mask to reveal tighter skin. IF your purse is feeling tighter than ever before and you're looking to save cash on your make-up routine, have you ever thought of trying out beauty dupes? Here are five of the best recommended beauty buys that are almost identical to the posh versions, but at a fraction of the price. FACE BASE If you can't afford Charlotte Tilbury 's £52 Magic Cream, why not try a dupe that costs just £5.49 from Superdrug? TONE IT UP If Drunk Elephant's £62 Protini Cream is out of your price range, you'll need to check out the new dupe in Home Bargains. TINTING IT With Fenty's game-changer skin tint costing £29, a popular supermarket's affordable alternative might just be the thing for you. GET COVERED At £29 for a Tarte concealer, the new Primark dupe is much more affordable at just £3.50. SPRAY YAY For those wanting to smell fresh without the price tag, Aldi's new Prada and Chloe perfume dupes cost a fraction of the price.
RTÉ News
12-05-2025
- Health
- RTÉ News
How to get your skin 'wedding ready'
As wedding season is well and truly underway, now may be the perfect time to start thinking about your skin preparation. So, we hear from dermatologists and skin experts on how to get your skin 'wedding ready' this season. The non-negotiables "There is only one non-negotiable – and that is to start your prep early," says Germaine de Capuccini's skincare expert Gina Baker. "Ideally, give yourself six to 12 months. Book a consultation with a qualified facialist. Many now use skin scanners to analyse your skin thoroughly and create a tailored plan." However, if you're looking at more of a two or three-month lead-up to the big day, one non-negotiable is to prioritise the basics. "Start with the basics. SPF daily is essential to protect against sun damage and ageing," says laser and skin therapist Kayleigh Hawkins at Thérapie Clinic. "Cleanser morning and night keeps pores clear, and serums can target specific concerns. Vitamin C is great for brightening, hyaluronic acid for hydration, and retinol for overall skin renewal." A simple routine won't mess up your skin: "Hydration, sun protection and consistency," notes Dr Nora, dermatologist at the Rejuvenation Clinic, "stick with products your skin already likes. This isn't the time to experiment." Ultrasun SPF50 Photo Age Control Fluid, €31.50 Facetheory Glow-C Vitamin C 30% Serum, €41 The dos and don'ts of professional treatments You may be tempted by the array of professional treatments on offer that promise clear, glowing, bouncy skin – but it's important to be particular. "Peels are a fantastic prep for a wedding, but getting the right one is essential," says Baker. "Avoid harsh peels. A lactobionic acid peel at 10% strength is a good option – even for sensitive skin." Hawkins recommends starting any professional treatment three to six months before the big day. "Potenza [radiofrequency microneedling] is amazing for firming and tightening the skin while targeting lines and wrinkles," she says. "[A] laser facial is also great for enlarged pores and pigmentation." For those new to treatments, Dr Nora advises to "start a course of micro-needling, laser or combination skin-tightening procedures three to six months before. "Try hydrafacials or LED light therapy four to six weeks out, and avoid anything new within two weeks to prevent irritation or breakouts." Mistakes to avoid Giving yourself plenty of time to start skin prep is so you can avoid any skin mishaps close to the day, but there are a few other things to bear in mind. "Trying new products too close to the wedding day," says Hawkins, "especially actives like retinol, can cause irritation or purging." "Over-exfoliating or using too many active ingredients at once is also a common mistake," explains Dr Nora. "This is the time to keep things calm, not overhaul your routine." One crucial product that's cheap and cheerful and should be a skincare staple all-year-round is SPF. "Without it, you can end up with patchy pigmentation or sunburn," says Baker. "Look for a 'dry touch' product that absorbs quickly and works well under make-up." It's not just your products that could interfere with your skin – lifestyle is also a big culprit in the lead-up to a wedding, "Neglecting sleep and hydration [can affect your skin]," says Hawkins. "Stress, lack of sleep and dehydration show up as dullness, puffiness or breakouts." What to do with last-minute breakouts If a breakout does appear close to the wedding, don't panic – or pick. "This will only lead to swelling, inflammation, and scarring," says Hawkins. Instead, "apply salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide at night to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation." Alternatively, "dab on a mild cortisone cream or apply a cold compress," suggests Dr Nora. "For hydration and calm, use a soothing sheet mask or barrier-repairing cream." Practical habits matter too. "Keep your make-up brushes and sponges clean, and change your pillowcases more frequently," says Baker. "It's surprising how much sweat, dust and bacteria can build up overtime. "Sleeping with your hair loosely tied up can also help prevent skin irritation and blemishes caused by hair products." Acnecide Face Gel, €17.99, Boots Kitsch Satin Sleep Scrunchies, €8.99 What you should do on the morning of your big day It's important to remember that less is more – as well as being timeless. "Just begin with a gentle cleanse, tone and [collagen peptide]," says Baker. "A sheet mask with vitamin C will boost luminosity in just 15 minutes." It's recommended you keep your routine simple and classic, as Hawkins notes, "Use your regular cleanser, serum, and SPF. Choose non-greasy, fast-absorbing formulas that won't pill under make-up – invisible or tinted options help avoid a white cast in photos." Dr Nora agrees: "Think soothing and hydrating," she says. "A gentle cleanse, hydrating mist or serum, light moisturiser and SPF. "Skip actives and use a jade roller to de-puff if needed – but don't overdo it." Beauty Bay The Jade Facial Roller, €5.95 (was €12) Germaine de Capuccini Timexpert Radiance C+ Glow Force Face Mask, €13 How to tweak your routine if you're heading abroad Sunshine is what most people cross their fingers for on the day of a wedding – but with it brings a host of skincare challenges. "Heat and humidity stimulate increased oil production, and certain makeup products can trap heat or slide off," says Hawkins. "Avoid heavy moisturisers or SPF and use lightweight, oil-free options." Using light products is crucial for long, hot days, which might mean swapping out your regular products. "Switch to lighter, gel-based moisturisers," says Dr Nora. "Use sweat-resistant SPF and keep skin cool post-sun with aloe-based gels or thermal water sprays. Humidity changes everything – so simplify and hydrate." But don't worry if you don't want to switch up your products. "Many brands now offer the same moisturiser in different textures," says Baker, "which is perfect for swapping without confusion – and always, always wear SPF 30 or 50 on your face, particularly if arriving a few days early." Beauty of Joseon Red Bean Water Gel, €18.45, Look Fantastic
The Independent
05-03-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Here's why your hair is thinning – and what you can do about it
Is your hair thinning? Spotting the subtle signs early can be key to restoring fullness and volume. While genetics play a major role, lifestyle factors like stress, diet, and hormonal changes can also contribute, says Johan Hellström, stylist to the Swedish royals and Björn Axén CEO. ' Hair loss can also be linked to the health of the scalp since an imbalanced scalp can prevent hair growth.' Thankfully, identifying the root cause of hair thinning might be easier than you think. Experts offer insights into the less obvious indicators of hair thinning and how to address them. Causes of hair loss and thinning 'The most common types of hair loss we tend to see are due to hair shedding and breakage,' explains trichologist and owner of Philip Kingsley, Anabel Kingsley. 'Telogen effluvium – known as hair shedding – is usually triggered by an internal disturbance to the body such as, but not limited to, illness, stress, postpartum or nutritional changes or deficiencies. 'The shedding occurs usually six to 12 weeks after the event that triggered it, so it is always important to look back to pinpoint the reason,' Ms Kingsley says. Breakage is another cause of hair thinning. 'This often occurs from dryness or damaged hair, causing hair to become weak and brittle, and breaks due to moisture depletion,' she adds. While hair care plays a factor, other reasons for sudden hair thinning can be down to 'hormonal changes, medications, excessive styling or simply due to ageing ', Rainbow Room's director Wil Fleeson says. The first sign of hair thinning You may now be looking at your hair brush and starting to panic, but it's normal to shed up to 100 strands a day. 'But if you see a fluctuation where you are shedding too much hair or many more hairs than what you consider to be your 'normal', then this will usually indicate some internal disturbance or imbalance,' Ms Kingsley says. Some of the first signs of hair thinning include 'a noticeable widening of the hair parting, a receding hairline – which is more common in men but can also occur in women, a weaker hair texture – so hair that feels finer and lacks volume – and slower hair growth', explains Dr Nora, medical dermatology doctor at Rejuvenation Clinic. 'Your hair is a clear barometer of how you feel,' explains Mr Hellström. 'It's the first thing to deteriorate when you have a mineral deficiency, for example, so diet is key.' Like most issues, prevention is easier than cure. 'Take a look at what you're putting into your body, not just applying to your head,' notes celebrity stylist and Fudge Professional global ambassador Jonathan Andrew. 'Upping your vitamin and omega 3 supplements, and adding nuts and seeds such as walnuts, Brazil nuts, almonds, chia seeds can play a key role in hair growth.' For active hair thinning, Ms Kingsley recommends addressing hormonal sensitivity with 'hair follicle stimulants such as methyl nicotinate', along with anti-androgenic medications, stress management and prescription scalp drops. Minoxidil is another ingredient to look out for that is known to support hair growth. 'This can be used for both male and female hair loss,' Mr Andrew says. Scandinavian Biolabs Bio-Pilixin Activation Serum, £49 Björn Axén Scalp Detox Scrub, £23 Habits that can contribute to hair thinning 'Pulling your hair back too tightly can cause breakage, and in severe cases, traction alopecia,' Ms Kingsley warns. 'If a style is giving you a headache, it's too tight.' She also advises against using a boar bristle brush, as 'it can scratch both the hair and scalp, causing substantial accumulative damage'. Instead, you should use a brush with long, flexible plastic prongs. Of course, like most issues when it comes to our hair, heat can be a big culprit. 'Overuse of heated styling tools is one of the worst contributors,' Mr Fleeson says. 'Not only does heat flatten the follicle, but if already damaged, this can weaken it further and damage the hair shaft, resulting in breakage and excess thinning.' Philip Kingsley Vented Paddle Brush, £27 The best hairstyles for thinning hair There are some hairstyles that are naturally more flattering for thinning hair. 'For guys, if the hair is thinning at the front or on top, a shorter crop can work very well,' says Mr Andrew. 'Waxes and pastes can also be used to boost texture and volume. 'For women, short bobs with graduation, texture and invisible layers can be a great solution,' he says. 'Very long hair probably won't do you any favours, as this will pull the hair flat.' For those looking for a quick fix, master stylist at Josh Wood Colour Katherine De Rozario suggests the 'root smudge' technique. This creates a root shadow by dabbing a slightly lighter hair colour to your roots, resulting in fully covered roots and a seamless blend from root to highlight. 'It creates the appearance of a fuller hairline while also covering greys,' says Ms De Rozario. L'Oreal Paris Magic Retouch Brown Root Touch Up, £9.99, Boots Fudge Professional Clean Mint Shampoo, £14, Look Fantastic
The Independent
28-02-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Why your hair is thinning and how to fix it, according to the experts
In theory, signs of hair loss should be obvious. However, the early signs that hair might be thinning are subtle. And spotting the small window to opportunity to restore your hair's fullness and volume is key. ' Genetics play a major role in hair thinning; however lifestyle factors such as stress, diet and hormonal changes can also lead to hair loss,' explains stylist to the Swedish royals and Björn Axén CEO, Johan Hellström. ' Hair loss can also be linked to the health of the scalp since an imbalanced scalp can prevent hair growth.' Thankfully, getting to the root cause of hair thinning is actually easier than you might think. Stylists to the stars breakdown some of the less-than-obvious signs your hair is thinning and how to treat it. Causes of hair loss and thinning 'The most common types of hair loss we tend to see are due to hair shedding and breakage,' explains trichologist and owner of Philip Kingsley, Anabel Kingsley. 'Telogen Effluvium – known as hair shedding – is usually triggered by an internal disturbance to the body such as, but not limited to, illness, stress, postpartum or nutritional changes or deficiencies. 'The shedding occurs usually six to 12 weeks after the event that triggered it, so it is always important to look back to pinpoint the reason,' Kingsley says. Breakage is another cause of hair thinning. 'This often occurs from dryness or damaged hair, causing hair to become weak and brittle, and breaks due to moisture depletion,' she adds. While hair care plays a factor, other reasons for sudden hair thinning can be down to 'hormonal changes, medications, excessive styling or simply due to ageing,' Rainbow Room 's director Wil Fleeson. You may now be looking at your hair brush and starting to panic, but it's normal to shed strands of up to 100 a day. 'But if you see a fluctuation where you are shedding too much hair or many more hairs than what you consider to be your 'normal', then this will usually indicate some internal disturbance or imbalance,' explains Kingsley. Some of the first signs of hair thinning include, 'a noticeable widening of the hair parting, a receding hairline – which is more common in men but can also occur in women, a weaker hair texture – so hair that feels finer and lacks volume – and slower hair growth,' explains Dr Nora, medical dermatology doctor at Rejuvenation Clinic. 'Your hair is a clear barometer of how you feel,' explains Hellström, 'it's the first thing to deteriorate when you have a mineral deficiency, for example, so diet is key.' Like most issues, prevention is easier than the cure. 'Take a look at what you're putting into your body, not just applying to your head,' notes celebrity stylist and Fudge Professional global ambassador Jonathan Andrew, 'Upping your vitamin and omega 3 supplements, and adding nuts and seeds such as walnuts, Brazil nuts, almonds, chia seeds can play a key role in hair growth.' For active hair thinning, Kingsley recommends addressing hormonal sensitivity with 'hair follicle stimulants such as methyl nicotinate,' along with anti-androgenic medications, stress management and prescription scalp drops. Minoxidil is another ingredient to look out for that is known to support hair growth. 'This can be used for both male and female hair loss,' notes Andrew. Scandinavian Biolabs Bio-Pilixin Activation Serum, £49 Björn Axén Scalp Detox Scrub, £23 Habits that can contribute to hair thinning 'Pulling your hair back too tightly can cause breakage, and in severe cases, traction alopecia,' Kingsley warns. 'If a style is giving you a headache, it's too tight.' She also advises against using a boar bristle brush, as 'it can scratch both the hair and scalp, causing substantial accumulative damage. Use a brush with long, flexible plastic prongs.' Of course, like most issues when it comes to our hair, heat can be a big culprit. 'Overuse of heated styling tools is one of the worst contributors,' says Fleeson. 'Not only does heat flatten the follicle, but if already damaged, this can weaken it further and damage the hair shaft, resulting in breakage and excess thinning.' Philip Kingsley Vented Paddle Brush, £27 The best hairstyle for thinning hair There are some hairstyles that are naturally more flattering for thinning hair. 'For guys, if the hair is thinning at the front or on top, a shorter crop can work very well,' says Andrew 'waxes and pastes can also be used to boost texture and volume.' 'For women, short bobs with graduation, texture and invisible layers can be a great solution,' he says. 'Very long hair probably won't do you any favours, as this will pull the hair flat.' For those looking for a quick fix, master stylist at Josh Wood Colour Katherine De Rozario suggests 'the root smudge technique.' The creates a root shadow by dabbing a slightly lighter hair colour to your roots, resulting in fully covered roots and a seamless blend from root to highlight. 'It creates the appearance of a fuller hairline while also covering greys,' says De Rozario. L'Oreal Paris Magic Retouch Brown Root Touch Up, £9.99, Boots Fudge Professional Clean Mint Shampoo, £14, Look Fantastic
