The Fine Thin Hair Dilemma Part 2
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Get the best tips from a former hairstylist from the hair loss biz copes with her hair loss in the fine Thin Hair Dilemma part 2! Style techniques to make fine hair fuller. See all of my thin hair posts on my Fine Thin Hair page.
Welcome to my Fine Thin Hair Journey!
This is an update of part one of the post, My Fine Thin Hair Dilemma. In this post, you will get my latest hair routine, updated products, along with more fine hair tips and tricks.
My first fine thin hair post has a lot more tips than this post. Including, how I style my hair, fav products, and even a self-tanning section. You will understand my journey a little bit better if you start from the beginning. So go back and catch up, then come back here and see get more tips!
This is not a sponsored post, but my true feelings on my own personal hair dilemma and product use. Join me for my story. My fine thin hair dilemma.
The Fine Thin Hair Dilemma Part 2
So far my hair has really been behaving since the first post. It looks healthier, and fuller, and even holds curl longer. There are a few products I’ve changed to get these results, but I totally believe the color gloss “My Secret Weapon” is the reason my hair density and texture are so much improved.
These days my favorite shampoo is Head and Shoulders! It seems to remove debris very well, which adds body, and perks up my scalp. My favorite is the Supreme Detox & Hydrate Shampoo and Conditioner. They both work very well and do not dry out your scalp.
The conditioner is nice and creamy and leaves your hair feeling amazing.
On the days when I wear my hair toppers, I use Kristin Ess’s Deep Clean Clarifying Shampoo. It is the best clarifier I have ever used. It removes the build-up from root color spray and hairspray on my front hairline where the topper sits. It is not super drying like other cheaper clarifiers seem to be. I use a conditioner after. I love it!
Hair Color/Highlights Update:
12/2021: I have been very careful when highlighting my hair as to not overlap the bleach at the roots and not to get too close to my front hairline. During the pandemic I have completely stopped all of the bleaching and dying my hair I had been doing every few months. I was doing this to add depth to my color and cover grays. I believe this has been a tremendous help in stopping breakage, especially around my hairline.
NEW UPDATE 12/2021. I am now wearing hair toppers mostly. I have stopped all of the colorings and only use Loreal Root Touch-Up spray to cover my greys. My hair has really thickened up by not bleaching it. I can wear my blonde toppers as long as they have dark roots.
Hair Color I Use:
I carefully highlight only the roots of my hair with Schwarzkopf BlondMe Color Powder Bleach. Then I use Wella Demi hair color to tone out the orange brassy tones. Demi color means semi-permanent hair color. You use lower levels of peroxide with this type of color, so they do the least amount of damage.
If you are totally grey this color will not cover all of the greys. It is not a full-coverage permanent color. Demi colors work best on hair that is 10%-20% gray. With some demi-color brands you can actually sit under a dryer and get better full coverage, so do your homework to find the right one for you.
The Wella Demi brand seems to stay in stores and is reliable to find while other brands seem to come and go.
The color I use to tone my hair is 10NA-10/01 Lightest Ash Blonde, you can also find the whole line of Wella hair color at Sally’s Beauty Supply Store. I apply it all over towel-dried hair immediately after bleaching/highlighting.
Using Biotin Supplements:
DISCLAIMER: Please see a doctor and ask if taking Biotin is right for you, before trying this supplement. Kim Purvis, Made in a Day Blog and The Purvis Group LLC is in no way endorsing you to use this product or responsible for any effects it has on you. I am not a physician. Please consult a medical professional before using any supplement.
I have been taking 10,000mcg a day of Biotin for some years now. My fav is Natrol Biotin. Since I started taking Biotin, I have seen a nice amount of regrowth in my part area, around my hairline, eyelashes, and eyebrows. My results can also be combined with less stress on my hair from my new routine of processing and highlighting.
Either way, I think the Biotin is a great addition to my hair regrowth routine. Some people get amazing regrowth results from taking Biotin.
I would say my results were mild or just ok. But I do know when I do not take them regularly my hair suffers and my eyebrows thin. I have had friends who have had dramatic results from biotin. Unfortunately, I am not one of them.
My Fav Hair Products for Fine Hair:
I am now using L’Oreal’s LeColor Gloss to add shine and a just from the salon feel to my bio hair and my hair toppers.
This gloss makes human hair toppers feel brand new!
I use the clear version but they also have shades you can choose from.
When you have fine hair you almost always need a product like a mousse to make your styles have staying power. The Big Sexy Root Pump Thickening Spray is my favorite go-to root spray. L’Oréal Boost It Volume Injecting Mousse comes in a close second and is a less expensive alternative to Big Sexy. These are pre-blow dry mousse/spray, just spray the Big Sexy on the roots and a little on the ends and comb through.
This is one of the better ones I have found for making fine thin hair hold while styling. The L’Oréal Boost is a traditional mousse. Just squirt some into your hands and run it through before blow-drying
One of my latest fun finds to add some thickness to your hair is Glamsquads Volumizing Texture Spray. It is a dead ringer for Living Proof Body Builder at a quarter of the price. I use this when wearing my hair topper to thicken up my hair so the clips stay tight. It adds that next day hair feel clean hair.
One of my most used and favorite ways to conceal thin areas, thicken a hairline, and add a little texture to my hair is L’Oréal Magic Root Cover Up. I use it right behind my hairline, on the temples and sides of my hair where my hair topper clips clip into my bio hair.
This spray works wonders for wearing a topper. It hides the hairline where it blends with your bio-hair. You spray it on the edge of a wig or topper to hide an obvious edge. You can even use it to add rooting to a a synthetic wig or topper.
So not only does it cover greys. It can be used for so much more. Definitely recommend!
There is a new Root Touchup spray by Tresseme that I really like. It seems to cover a little better than the L’Oreal version.
If you can find it, buy it!
I also love Pantene Mist Behaving Conditioner Spray. It is a light conditioner that acts similarly to a spray-on powder shampoo. I use it in between wears on my human hair Highline Topper to comb it out before wearing. Ii refreshes and adds a bit of conditioner to your hair. I love it!
These were recalled at one time but I am seeing them showing up in stores again.
This spray does have a floral perfume smell so for those of you who are sensitive to perfumes, this product may not be for you. Maybe try it in the store before buying it.
If you are in the later stages of thinning or have some thin areas on the top of the head, part area, or need to touch up your roots. A good way to fill them is with hair fiber products.
The most popular one most of the ladies in my hair group use is Toppíks Hair Building Fibers. you sprinkle or spray them on with an applicator and it fills in the thin areas. It claims to resist wind, rain, and perspiration and easily washes out with shampoo.
My favorite hair/head powder concealer is Boldify. It comes in powder form and has a sponge applicator. I use it with a foundation brush to fill in my hairline in front of my hair topper.
There are lots of colors to choose with this one, including auburn, light blonde, and white.
Faux Salon Blow-Out Trick for Fine Hair
I’m going to let you in on another one of my favorite fine hair tricks that I have been doing for years. It looks rather silly but totally works to get fuller volume for fine thin hair. It is also one of the best ways to curl fine hair without too much damage.
You will need small Goody Ouchless Ponytail Holders, They are tiny terry cloth bands, you will find in the children’s hair section of most stores.
NOTE: Do not use regular pony bands they will leave depression marks on your hair when you are finished styling. You need soft terry cloth bands for fine hair.
Add Volume to Fine Hair:
METHOD #1
- Wash and dry your hair with a blow dryer.
- Section off the crown of your head like you would curl it with a curling iron or rollers in 1-2 inch sections.
- Put a terry band on each small section, making small ponytails. Tighten the band close to your scalp. Do this all over the crown on the top and sides of your hair.
4. After you separate the hair into small ponytails, take your curling iron and curl each pony section in the direction you would normally style your hair.
5. Add velcro rollers to each to hold the shape of the curl while it cools off. So curl a pony and quickly add the roller.
6. Spray them with hairspray and let them cool down.
I usually apply my makeup and finish getting ready and get dressed while they are cooling off. When you remove the hair velcro rollers and terry bands your hair will be lifted off your scalp like a professional blowout but without the stress or pulling on your already fragile hair with a brush.
I then rub my hands through my hair and scalp to remove any separations from the bands and fingerstyle my hair. No brushing! I get big hair every time! Try it you will be amazed at the amount of lift you will get with this simple trick.
METHOD #2:
Another way to do this technique for the lazy hair girls out there is to blow dry then take all of the hair on the top and the crown of your head and put it in a ponytail straight up on your head with a large terry band or silk/soft scrunchie. Spray with hairspray, let it dry then take it down when you are finished getting ready.
This adds fullness, just like a blowout. I prefer the first method for my hair, the styles stay longer for me when my hair is in smaller sections. Both methods get great results. This is my update for now. Things are going as well as they can with my hair. It has really grown out and seems healthier than the previous year.
I really think lessening my coloring and bleaching routine and taking the Biotin has made the biggest difference in my hair. The fewer chemicals the better. Let me know if you have tried anything new or have your own techniques for fuller hair! I’d love to hear them!
Where I Am Now
As of today, I am on a new journey, I accepted the fact that my bio hair will not be like it was 2015 and no Dr. is going to give me a magic pill that will grow my hair back to what it once was. I have faced that fact and it is time to move on to getting what I want. Awesome hair.
I started wearing Hair toppers in late 2018 and it has been a learning experience even for me. If wearing helper is something you would consider do not miss part 3 in this series! Check out the Fine Thin Hair Dilemma: Halos, Toppers & Wigs.
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I have been wanting big hair since the 80s! Thanks for all these tips! I will definitely have to give them a try!
I love the styling tips. I am 65 years old, and recently noticed my hair thinning. My endocrinologist said my thyroid level was low, and contributed to my hair thinning. He increased my thyroid level. I can see some hair thickening. But my hair seems rather limp. I don’t use many special products. My hair has always been thick and full.
this is actually the best post i’ve read on ‘fine/thin hair’…you offer up some great tips and products that i can’t wait to try. kudos!
So sweet to say Margaret! Glad you liked the post I will be doing another one in a few months to update. Thanks for reading!
Kim
Just found this info. There are products out there that help with those of us who are aging and experiencing hair loss/thinning – I use Infinity Keratin fibers (on Amazon) and they work pretty good for thickness and volume but don’t shake in too much of it or it will clump. A really good product is Signature Club A Thinning Hair Fill which you brush on/in with the supplied brush. These two things have helped me keep from having to wear a wig. I also use Fructis Sky-High Volume and their Full and Plus Shampoo. These have helped tremendously, but I am going to try some of the products you use to see if they do a better job! I’m 73 and have had to keep my hair short to have any lift at all, natural color with little gray, but WAY thin all over the crown.
Did Thyroid testing, showed nothing, but I brought a five-page thing of symptoms to dr. re thyroid deficiency (the tests don’t always show that you are lacking!) and finally got put on some thyroid despite the (normal range) tests and this has helped a lot. Have regrown some hair around the front and sides, but not the crown.
I don’t recommend any hair fibers but Infinity, and the Signature Club A stuff is great too – I use both to thicken my hair.
Hope this helps others.
Thanks for the recommendations linda! I tried a fiber product and for my medium length hair they do not work very well. I do have a friend that loves it for short hair. I’ll check your products out! Thanks for commenting!
Kim
Several years ago my hairdresser noticed patches of hair lost. Went to get blood test to check thyroid, iron. All ok so I went to a dermatologist. Still was losing hair so I asked her to do a biopsy to see if it showed anything. Yep, it came back with possibly of having lupus. Was sent off to a rheumatologist who ran a huge panel of autoimmune conditions. It showed my ANA was elevated but didn’t scream lupus. Doctor said I had something percolating. Now isn’t that comforting? He put me on hydroxychloroquin hoping to prevent it from going into full fledge lupus or any other autoimmune.
Been taking the hydroxychloroquin. Might have slowed it slightly but my hair will never grow back because the follicles are dead.
Suggest getting a blood test to see if you have an elevated ANA indicating an autoimmune condition.
These two posts on hair loss are great, Kim – love your personal tips and recommendations!
I, too, have had a minor (major?) nightmare of late. To my horror, my thick hair has been falling out in handfuls for the past 4 – 5 years. Four years later, I’m in my mid-50’s and can see bald patches! My ponytail is half what it was – even less. I, too, am not willing to take HRT due to the risks of estrogen.
Last week, I recalled my mom telling me years ago that, as a teenager, the same thing happened to my sister. Stress was apparently the cause in that instance. Here’s the thing: my Mom started giving my sister a protein shake in the morning and at night … and her previously fine hair grew back, thick! It has remained thick to this day. However, she has never dyed or permed her hair.
I decided to begin the same routine – and have started reading Dr Sears’ book, The Zone , wherein he explains how most North Americans are protein malnourished and shows how to calculate your protein requirements for each day, unique to each person.
I’ll see if it makes any difference ….
Thanks so much Deb,
In the last few years, I find the only diet that will work for me to lose belly fat is the Atkins diet. High protein! When I eat more protein my hair looks so much better. So I agree with the protein theory, most definitely. Have you tried the biotin for the patches? One of my close friends is a nurse and had the very same thing. Her hair was coming out in quarter size patches. Her Dr. told her it was stress and put her on the biotin and they are now filled in and haven’t come back. I do think some people respond to biotin better than others. Thanks so much for reading and reaching out! Please let me know your results with the smoothies! I’d love to try it if it works.
Best,
Kim
Finally, Someone, I can relate to. My hair is fine and thin thanks to genetics. I love your tips and ideas. I’ve been trying to add Biotin to my diet as well as increasing my protein.
Thank you for the tips, you are a doll. I hate having hypothyroidism. No more eye brows, eye lashes and my beautiful hair gone by 39%.
Thanks again.
I agree with you! Losing my thyroid has been an uphill battle with weight and my hair has truly suffered. Going to get a topper.
Losing my thyroid ruined my hair. I just recently cut it off short because I was losing handfuls at a time. I’m going to try these products and suggestions. Hopefully things will get better.
Great post! I have always had fine, thin hair, but after taking antibiotics for an upper respiratory infection, I really noticed hair loss. Whether the meds or just being sick caused the hair fall, I don’t know. However, I have found Nioxin Recharging Complex tablets which are loaded with Biotin, Zinc, vitamins & minerals. I, too quit coloring. I’m also using JustNutritive’s hair fall line of products which includes a vinegar rinse to periodically clean all the goop buildup. I’ve loved Velcro rollers for years! They really do add volume. Lastly, I just splurged for the Hairmax Laserband. I don’t know which, if any, will work. I’ll be trying some of your suggested products to see if I can add even more volume.
Kim, I really appreciate your candid info. Just started noticing my hair loss and breakage, was using a hot curling round brush quite often and I’m it sure had a lot to do with the breakage and loss. So happy since I switched to velcro curlers and happy to hear they were the best for thinning hair. Will try the Terry hair held ponytails for bigger hair. Thank you for h the help. Pat
Love your post and sharing of your journey and product testing! Can’t wait to try the goody bands and rollers! Thank you again and you look great!
Thank you, Katharine! glad you like my site!
Kim
Thank you for sharing your journey. My hair is only thinning in the front so most of the products out there don’t really help. Any suggestions?
Hi Dee,
You could use a small clip in topper. I know Jon Renau has some small toppers that are narrow and sit right in the front, on the part line or the top of the head. There is a Jon Renau EasiFringe which sits like bangs in the front. Then the EasiPart which is narrow and sites on the part line and then EasiCrown which sits on the top of the head. These are all small starter pieces. You can find them here at my favorite online shop Wigstudio1.