Thinning hair got you down? Learn why hair thins as we age, and discover three cuts that can boost volume and confidence.

If a drain snake has become your number one shower accessory, you may be dealing with the onset of thinning hair. “Hair thinning affects about 40 percent of women over the age of 40,” says Dr. Jeff Donovan, a Toronto dermatologist and hair transplant specialist. While a number of factors play into hair loss—thyroid disorders, iron deficiencies, etc.—fluctuating hormone levels are typically the root of the problem.

As estrogen levels decrease, explains Dr. Donovan, so too does the “production of hair oils, which leads to changes in lustre, thickness and shine.” All hair follicles become thinner over time, but only microscopically so. (Luckily for us, only dermatologists ever look that closely.) So while you should definitely speak to a doctor if your hair is suddenly thinning out, a flattering new haircut may be all the help you need.

1. The lob
"The 'lob,' or long bob, is definitely the look of the season," says Kristjan Hayden, creative director of Aveda Canada, and women with thinning hair should have no problem partaking of the trend. The key to achieving the look, explains Hayden, is to ask for a lob that is all one length, cut straight across at the collarbone. “When you layer hair, you are removing fullness,” says Hayden, “but if layers are a must, keep them very long.” To avoid scraggly ends, keep the perimeter of the hair as “solid and blunt” as possible.

 

2. The modern pixie
The pixie is back, baby! And women with thinning hair are perfect candidates for this daring ’do. Blunt cuts are optimal for longer hair, but women who sport shorter styles should maximize volume with layers. “Layers help to create the illusion of fullness because you are seeing a lot of ends and texture,” says Hayden. His rule of thumb for cutting thinning hair: the shorter the chop, the thicker the hair looks.

3. The transitional fringe
It may seem counterintuitive, but a well-cut fringe helps to “camouflage sparse areas along the hairline,” says Hayden. A heavy fringe demands thick locks, he adds, but “a side-swept or transitional bang can make hair look fuller.” A transitional bang is typically parted to the side and covers part of the forehead before transitioning into a sweep. Plus, a flattering fringe is a great way to add visual interest to an otherwise blunt haircut.

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