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

Award-Winning Bristol Hairdressers Celebrate Milestone

Today marks a big milestone: NOCO Hair turns seven.

Over the years, we’ve poured our energy into creativity.
We’ve continued to grow, evolve, and sharpen our craft.
And we’ve built a salon that’s become a trusted part of the Bristol community.

Before anything else, we want to say a massive thank you.
To our clients, our team (past and present), and every partner who’s backed us — you’re the reason this place exists the way it does.

As we step into year eight, here’s a look at some recent highlights and what this next chapter means for us.

Inside Bristol’s Award-Winning Hair Salon: Our Highlights This Year

Celebrity Projects & Creative Partnerships

The last few weeks have been full of brilliant moments, including working with:

• Alan Carr
• Rachel Riley & Pasha Kovalev
• The BBC Interior Design Masters production team

Collaborations like these sharpen our creativity and put Bristol’s talent right where it deserves to be — on a bigger stage.

BBC Interior Design Masters with Alan Carr here.

National Recognition & Industry Awards

We’re incredibly proud to be an award-winning Bristol hair salon, recognised across the UK for innovation, education, and client experience.

One standout achievement:
Winning Best New Salon in the UK at the British Hairdressing Business Awards.

https://www.hji.co.uk/british-hairdressing-business-awards/

Awards aren’t the reason we do what we do — but they do reaffirm that our systems, standards and approach work.

Meaningful Community Work

Another highlight has been strengthening our connection with Penny Brohn, supporting people living well with cancer.
This work is personal, human, and deeply important to us — and we’re committed to growing it.

Growing Stylists Through Innovation & Mentorship

Behind the scenes, we continue to push forward with advanced training, mentorship and better learning tools:

• AI-assisted education
• The Gameplan Consultation framework
• Clear stylist development paths
• Coaching and problem-solving systems

Our philosophy is simple:
Grow people, and the business grows with them.

What Being an Award-Winning Bristol Hair Salon Means to Us

NOCO Hair has always been rooted in three things:

1. Exceptional hair
2. A genuine, supportive community
3. Improving the industry through better systems

We love what we do — the people, the creativity, the problem-solving, the impact.
Seven years in, that passion is stronger than ever.

Thank You for Being Part of the Journey

Whether you’ve been with us from the start or recently joined the NOCO community, we’re grateful.
Your trust, support and energy have shaped every part of this place.

Here’s to the next chapter — more creativity, more learning, more impact, more great hair days.

FAQs

Is NOCO Hair an award-winning salon?

Yes — NOCO Hair has won multiple national awards, including Best New Salon in the UK at the British Hairdressing Business Awards.

Where is NOCO Hair based?

We’re proudly located in Bristol, serving clients across the city and beyond.

Do you work with celebrities?

We’ve had the privilege of working with Alan Carr, Rachel Riley, Pasha Kovalev, and the BBC Interior Design Masters team.

Do you support community initiatives?

Yes — including our ongoing partnership with Penny Brohn, helping people live well with cancer.

Experience NOCO Hair for yourself.

Book Now

Learn more about our story:

Explore our services:

Can people with two left feet really learn the Samba in under three hours? Let’s just say that almost anything is possible, whether it’s dancing or styling your hair.

That’s exactly what Sarah Austin and I set out to find out — with a little help from Strictly Come Dancing’s Rachel Rileyand Pasha Kovalev.

When we were invited to take part in a challenge to learn salsa (and a bit of samba flair) in just a few hours, we couldn’t say no. It sounded fun, but the real reason behind it was far bigger than just a few dance steps.

Dancing for a Purpose

The event supported the YESS Foundation (Young Entrepreneur Smart Start) — a brilliant organisation offering a free, 13-week business programme that helps young people aged 12–22 gain the mindset, skills, and confidence to start their own business.

YESS exists to show young people that entrepreneurship isn’t just about money; it’s about purpose, identity, and mental wellbeing. Research shows that when young people channel creativity into meaningful work, they’re far less likely to experience mental-health struggles or fall through the cracks.

That’s what this event was all about — using movement, connection, and creativity to raise awareness for something that can literally change lives.

Three Hours. Two Left Feet. One Unforgettable Day.

Learning to dance the Samba in three hours was… ambitious. There were missteps, laughter, and plenty of moments that won’t make the Strictly cut. But by the end of it, we’d learned more than a routine — we’d rediscovered the joy of doing something just for the experience.

Sarah absolutely smashed it and won the challenge, earning high tea with Pasha himself! (And yes, she’s still reminding me about it.)

Community That Keeps Moving

The best part? The positive ripple effect didn’t stop there.

Since the event, we’ve seen an uplift in community engagement — people genuinely connecting with the story and the cause. It’s opened up conversations about how business can be a force for good, and sparked new collaborations, including an exciting upcoming partnership with Puddle Ducks, helping families and young people in Bristol grow in confidence — both in and out of the water.

Why It Matters

At NOCO Hair, we’ve always believed that confidence starts from within — sometimes through a great haircut, sometimes through stepping onto a dance floor and trying something new.

We’re proud to support initiatives like YESS that give young people the tools to build a brighter future for themselves.

Here’s to more rhythm, more laughter, and more moments that remind us why we do what we do. 💃

Watch the video:

At Salon International, I shared my thoughts on the future of AI in hairdressing and why human connection will always sit at the heart of what we do

Earlier this month, I was invited by Hairdressers Journal to speak on the Business Live Stage at Salon International in London — the biggest event in the hairdressing calendar.

The talk was called “Tech That Pays You Back,” and my key message was simple:
we must learn to value human intelligence as much as artificial intelligence.

Right now, we live in a human-led, AI-assisted world — and that’s a good thing.
AI might become more dominant in the future, but for now, humans need other humans. There’s an energy exchange that technology just can’t replicate.

As I looked out at the audience, I thought: every person in this room could have stayed at home and watched this talk on Zoom. But they didn’t. They travelled to London, shared space, and exchanged ideas. That’s where the magic happens — in the room, not on the screen.

Humans First, Tech Second

I was joined on stage by Gavin Hoare, maître d’ at the multi-award-winning Richard Ward Metro-spa Salon in London, and the UK Managing Director of Vagaro Jason Downes, one of the leading high-tech booking platforms in the industry.

(And yes — they gave me the world’s spinniest chair, so staying composed was half the challenge.)

While we each brought different perspectives, the common thread was clear:
AI is already here — whether we realise it or not.
Many people use it daily without even noticing — from Canva to CapCut, even the way your phone automatically enhances your photos before they hit your feed.

The key is understanding how to use it to make life easier — automating everything that doesn’t need a human.
Bookings, flows, and admin? Automate them.
But when it comes to people — the consultation, the welcome, the energy of the experience — that must stay human.

The Power of the Human Touch

I’ve always admired Fred Sirieix from First Dates, who says:

“Smile, look, and acknowledge someone before they’ve even seen you.”

That’s what real connection looks like — and that’s the part of our industry that AI should never replace.

Hairdressing will always be about human-to-human energy.
AI can streamline the background work, but it can’t replicate empathy, instinct, or presence.

What’s Next

Since that talk, we’ve been breaking down our business into a thousand small parts —
and improving each one by 1%.
That’s our philosophy at NOCO Hair: progress through marginal gains and continuous evolution.

You can catch clips from my Salon International talk and behind-the-scenes videos over on Instagram:
👉 @noel_noco.hair

Or check out our NOCO Hair Academy, where we’re helping stylists combine human skill with modern technology — shaping the future of hairdressing, one stylist at a time.

At NOCO Hair, we care deeply about how you feel when you leave the salon. While we always aim for perfection, we also know that hairdressing is both an art and a collaboration—and there are times when the result may not align with the vision you had in your head.

Maybe your hair reacted differently than expected. Maybe the style felt right in the chair, but doesn’t feel quite “you” at home. Or maybe it’s just not what you were hoping for. Whatever the reason, this post is here to guide you through the next steps with clarity and calm.

Step 1: Say Something While You’re Still in the Salon

If something doesn’t feel right during your appointment, please speak up to your stylist. They are trained to handle feedback with professionalism and respect, and they’ll often bring in a colleague to collaborate on a solution. If time allows, we’ll do everything we can right there and then to make it right.

Step 2: Take a Breath and Live With It (Briefly)

Sometimes, it takes a few days to know how you really feel. Your stylist may recommend that you try styling it yourself, wash it once or twice, or view it in different lighting before rushing to judgment. Often, this is all it takes to settle into something new.

Step 3: If It’s Still Not Right, Let Us Know

If after trying it at home, you’re still not happy, get in touch as soon as possible. Contact us within 10 days of your original service so we can bring you back in and work together on a solution.

Contact:
📞 Call: 0117 403 0998
📧 Email: [email protected]

Please include:

• Your name
• The date of your visit
• A brief description of what you were hoping for
• What you don’t like about the result
• What you think the right solution might be

Step 4: We’ll Work With You to Make It Right

If possible, we’ll bring you back into the salon and do everything we can to fix it within reason. Our team will consult, collaborate, and treat it with urgency and care.

If we still can’t get you to a place where you feel confident and happy, we will offer a refund for the part of the service you’re unhappy with. For example:

• If the haircut is fine, but you’re unhappy with the colour → you’ll receive a full refund for the colour portion (excluding any treatments).

Your Guarantee

To honour our Client Care Guarantee, you must contact us within 10 days of the original service. After that period, we’re no longer able to offer corrections or refunds.

One Final Note

We believe the best hair starts with a great consultation. If at any point before the service begins you feel we’re not fully aligned, we’d far rather pause, clarify, or reschedule than go ahead with uncertainty. Trust and communication are key—and we’re on your team.

At NOCO Hair, we believe loyalty should feel like more than just a thank you—it should feel like a reward. That’s why we created NOCO Rewards: our own points system that gives back every time you visit.

Just like collecting airmiles, you’ll earn points from day one that you can use towards selected retail and homeware products in the salon.

How it works:

• Every visit earns you points (the amount may vary depending on current offers or promotions).
• Points can be redeemed in-salon on retail and lifestyle products only.
• You can check your balance anytime in salon or by using the NOCO Hair app—available on the App Store and Google Play.

Whether it’s a new shampoo you’ve fallen in love with or a candle that gives your bathroom salon vibes, your points are our way of saying:
“Thanks for being part of the NOCO family.”

Why Do I Need a Patch Test?

At NOCO Hair, your safety and comfort are just as important to us as the end result. That’s why we require a patch test for all colour services—no exceptions.

👉 If you’re planning to have colour with us and haven’t had a patch test or colour service at NOCO in the last 6 months, you’ll need one at least 48 hours before your appointment.

Even if you’ve coloured your hair for years with no issues, reactions can still happen—especially when switching brands or salons. Reactions can include:

• Skin irritation or rashes
• Swelling or discomfort
• In rare cases, more serious allergic responses

We use L’Oréal Professionnel colour and follow their strict guidelines to make sure every service is as safe as it is stunning.

How does it work?

It’s quick and easy:
We apply a tiny amount of colour to the inside of your arm, and you’re free to go straight after. The test takes less than 5 minutes.

Once done, you’re covered for 6 months unless your health changes or you switch your colour service significantly.

We recommend adding your patch test to a consultation—it’s the perfect time to talk through your colour goals and make a plan with your stylist.

Patch Test FAQs

I’ve had my hair coloured at another salon. Do I still need a patch test?
Yes. Every salon uses different colour lines, mixing methods, and products. We use L’Oréal Professionnel, and we need to test you with our system to be safe.

I’ve been colouring my hair for years and never had a problem. Why now?
Allergic reactions can develop over time, even if you’ve never had one before. Patch testing is simply a precaution to protect you—it’s about safety, not assumptions.

Can I sign a disclaimer to skip the patch test?
No, we’re afraid not. Disclaimers aren’t valid in place of testing. We’re committed to safety and legally required to follow manufacturer and industry guidelines.

I want to book colour soon—how quickly can I get tested?
Pop in anytime—we don’t need to book a full appointment just for a patch test. As long as it’s done 48 hours before your colour service, you’re good to go.

Where do you apply the patch test?
We place it on the inside of your arm, not behind the ear anymore. It’s subtle, quick, and you can carry on with your day as normal.

How long is my patch test valid for?
Your test is valid for 6 months, unless your health changes (e.g., pregnancy, illness, medication changes) or you switch to a new type of colour.

At NOCO Hair, your safety and comfort are just as important to us as the end result. That’s why, before any colour appointment, we require a patch test—a small but essential step in ensuring your visit is smooth, safe, and worry-free.

A patch test checks whether you might have a reaction or sensitivity to hair colour. Even if you’ve coloured your hair before, your body can change over time—and reactions, while rare, can be serious.

These reactions can include:

• Skin irritation or rashes
• Swelling or discomfort
• In very rare cases, more severe allergic responses

That’s why we follow strict safety guidelines and always test before colour services, especially when using our professional range, L’Oréal Professionnel.

What happens during a patch test?

It’s quick and simple:
We apply a tiny amount of colour on the inside of your arm, and that’s it. No need to wait in the salon—just leave it on and monitor it over the next 45 minutes before wiping/rinsing off.

Once completed, your patch test is valid for up to 6 months, as long as there are no changes in your health or hair routine.

Many guests choose to book their patch test alongside a consultation, which is a great way to meet your stylist, talk through your goals, and get everything set up in one visit.

Patch Test FAQs

I’ve had my hair coloured at another salon—do I still need a patch test with NOCO?
Yes. Every salon uses different products and processes. We use L’Oréal Professionnel colour, and are required to carry out our own test before your first service with us.

I’ve been colouring my hair for years with no problems. Why do I need this now?
Allergies can develop over time—even with familiar products. This is a safety-first approach for your well-being, not just a salon policy. It’s a small step that makes a big difference.

Can I sign a disclaimer instead? I promise I won’t make a claim.
We totally understand the intent, but no, sorry—we don’t accept disclaimers in place of patch testing. Our duty of care and our professional standards mean we must follow safe practice for every guest.

I need colour urgently—can I still get in?
If it’s your first colour visit with us, just pop in for a patch test at least 48 hours in advance. It only takes a minute and doesn’t require a full appointment. Once that’s done, you’re good to go.

At NOCO, it’s never just about the service—it’s about the relationship.
Patch testing is part of the care, connection, and professionalism that defines how we do things. Thank you for being part of a salon experience that puts people first.

At NOCO, we’re all about creating a smooth, respectful, and reliable experience for everyone. That means making sure your appointment runs on time, your stylist is ready, and the vibe in the salon is calm and stress-free.

But behind the scenes, every appointment involves a lot of moving parts—salon space, team members, stock, and schedules. When someone doesn’t show up or cancels last minute, it impacts not just our team, but other guests who would’ve loved that slot.

That’s why we’ve introduced a deposit system—simple, fair, and designed to keep things running smoothly for everyone.

Here’s how it works:

• To book your appointment, a 50% deposit is required (this excludes extras like treatments or toners).
• Your deposit is fully redeemable against your final bill when you come in.
• If you cancel or reschedule more than 48 hours before your appointment, we’ll refund your deposit in full.
• If you cancel or reschedule within 48 hours, or arrive too late for us to complete your service, your deposit will be retained—simply to cover the costs that the business still incurs.

It’s not about penalties—it’s about fairness and keeping the show on the road.

How to pay:

• You can pay your deposit online at the time of booking, or over the phone if you’re booking directly with our team.
• Many of our regular guests choose to keep a deposit on their account and roll it over between visits—it’s quick and convenient.

Need a refund?

No problem. Just email [email protected] with the subject line Refund Request, and include your full name and appointment details.
We’ll process your refund on our end within 3 working days.

We like to think of this a bit like booking a seat on a flight—you’re securing your space with us, and we’re preparing everything to make your experience the best it can be. Thanks for understanding, and for helping us keep NOCO running beautifully for everyone.

As the saying goes, “birds of a feather flock together”—and we believe great people know great people. If you’ve visited NOCO and loved your experience, why not share it with your friends, family, or colleagues?

Here’s how it works:

• Give your friend your name and referral code.
• When they visit us, they’ll receive 25% off the most expensive part of their service—either the cut or colour.
• Once they’ve been in, you’ll get 25% off your next cut or colour too.

There’s no limit to how many people you can refer—so keep spreading the love. Just remember, only one offer can be used at a time.

Referrals aren’t just about discounts—they build trust, community, and connection. By helping us grow the NOCO family, you’re helping create a more beautiful (and happier) world.

Please note: The refer a friend offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer

At NOCO Hair, we’re in the business of relationships—not just results. That means we care about how your hair feels not just on the day of your appointment, but every day after.

We know that getting the perfect result can sometimes take a little fine-tuning. Maybe your new fringe needs time to settle. Maybe a toner turned out slightly ashier than you imagined. Or perhaps the style felt great in the salon, but you usually wear it curly and need to see how it works at home.

That’s why we offer the NOCO Client Care Guarantee—a safety net to make sure you’re 100% happy:

• A complimentary wash & blow-dry within 2 weeks of your first visit.
• 20% off your second cut or colour if you return within 7 weeks—perfect for ongoing maintenance or a second session.
• And if you’ve followed the process and still don’t love it? We’ll refund the part of the service you’re not happy with. No fuss, no awkwardness.

Please note: When booking with Noel, the Client Care Guarantee is only available if you’ve had a Gameplan Consultation beforehand.

This isn’t just a nice add-on. It’s our promise to you.
Because we believe the bond between client and hairdresser is one of the most special relationships in the world—and we’re committed to getting it right, together.

Please note: Care blow-dries must be booked in-salon or over the phone (not online). Skin testing, deposits, and other standard policies still apply. Terms & conditions available on request.