Is My Hair Thinning? How to Tell, Why It Happens, and What You Can Do About It

By Noel Halligan, Founder of NOCO Hair, Stylist and Educator

Hair thinning can feel worrying and confusing, especially when you are not sure whether it is genuinely happening or if you are simply noticing your hair more than usual. Early thinning is extremely common, and when you catch it early, you have far more options to slow it down, strengthen your hair and improve overall density.

As a stylist, I see clients every week who are convinced they are losing their hair, when in reality they are dealing with a mix of breakage, shedding or changes in texture. This is why understanding the signs properly matters.

This guide breaks down what to look for, why thinning happens and what you can do next.

Signs That Your Hair May Be Thinning

You can usually spot thinning by noticing a combination of visual changes and differences in how your hair behaves day to day.

1. Your parting looks wider than usual

A widening parting, especially when more scalp is visible in bright light, is often one of the earliest signs of thinning.

2. More scalp showing at the crown

The crown area may start to look flatter or sparser if density is changing.

3. Your ponytail feels smaller

If your ponytail feels noticeably thinner than it used to, that can indicate reduced volume or breakage.

4. Increased shedding

It is normal to shed around 50 to 100 hairs a day. If you suddenly see a lot more hair in the shower, on your brush or on your clothes, it may indicate stress-related shedding.

5. Changes in texture

Thinning hair often feels different: flyaway, fluffier, drier or less anchored. Texture changes can easily be mistaken for more hair coming out.

6. You notice your scalp more in photos

If photos or videos suddenly highlight areas that look a little thinner, that is often a reliable early warning sign.

Why Is My Hair Thinning?

There are several common reasons people experience thinning. Understanding the cause helps you take the right next step.

1. Stress or shock to the body

Emotional stress, burnout, illness, crash dieting or major life changes can trigger temporary shedding known as telogen effluvium.

2. Hormonal changes

Postpartum hair loss, perimenopause and menopause are major contributors to thinning and density changes.

3. Breakage (not actual loss)

Highlighting, bleaching, heat tools and tight ponytails can cause breakage that looks like thinning. This is fixable with the right cut and conditioning plan.

In the salon, I often see clients who think they are losing hair when their hair has actually snapped due to heat or colour damage. This is where a more supportive routine can make a big difference.

4. Scalp health

If the scalp is dry, irritated or has product build-up, hair can appear thinner and weaker.

5. Natural ageing

Hair naturally becomes finer with age. Supporting the condition and structure keeps it looking fuller for longer.

6. Genetics

Female pattern thinning often starts around the parting or crown. Early support can help slow the progression.

Is My Hair Thinning or Am I Overthinking It?

Many people confuse thinning with breakage, seasonal shedding, postpartum regrowth, new baby hairs or dryness and frizz.

Two quick ways to tell:

A. Look at the pattern

Thinning follows a pattern such as a wider parting or a weaker crown. Breakage is more random.

B. Look at the root

If shed hairs have a bulb at the top, that is natural shedding. If hairs are all different lengths with no bulb, it is breakage.

A professional can usually tell the difference in seconds.

Can Thinning Hair Grow Back?

Often, yes, depending on the cause.

Stress-related thinning is usually temporary.
Postpartum thinning almost always recovers.
Breakage is fully fixable with condition and the right haircut.
Hormonal or genetic thinning is manageable, but results vary.

Hair responds best to consistency, not drastic changes. Gentle products, reduced heat, scalp care and regular trims all help.

What Actually Helps With Thinning?

There is a lot of misinformation online. Here are the changes that genuinely make a difference:

1. A haircut designed for finer hair

The right shape adds fullness, lift and movement. At NOCO, cuts like the Vitality Cut or Clifton Cut are designed to maximise volume on finer hair.

2. Strength-focused conditioning

Conditioner strengthens the hair fibre so it breaks less. The right formula will not weigh your hair down.

3. Avoiding tight hairstyles

High-tension ponytails and buns can contribute to hairline thinning.

4. Gentle styling

Lower heat, better brushes and slower brushing preserve density.

5. Scalp health

A healthy scalp produces stronger, thicker-feeling hair.

6. A simple, consistent routine

You do not need ten products. You need the right three or four used regularly.

When Should I Get It Checked?

If you are unsure whether your hair is thinning, speaking to a professional is the quickest way to get clarity. A stylist can identify whether it is thinning, breakage or temporary shedding and help you build a realistic plan.

Final Thought

Not all thinning is permanent. Not all thinning means you are losing your hair. And not all thinning needs to feel overwhelming.

When you understand what is happening, you feel in control again. If you would like clarity or a personalised plan, book a consultation and we can talk it through together.

About the Author

Noel Halligan is the founder of NOCO Hair in Bristol. He specialises in premium cutting, confidence-led consultations and education for stylists. Noel writes about hair care, condition and modern techniques to help clients understand their hair better and feel confident in their choices./ima