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

If you’ve got curly hair, then you already know that looking after it can seem like a full-time job. There’s a fine line between having a good hair day with soft, defined curls and a bad hair day filled with frizz and fly-aways.

In this blog, we’re going to look at 5 tried and tested tips for maintaining curly hair so every day can be a dream hair day.  However, it’s important to note that all curls behave a little differently and may respond in different ways to hair care techniques.
 

Get into a washing routine 

How often should you wash your hair? Natural oils (also known as sebum) get a bad reputation as they can make the hair look greasy and are often the leading cause of people over-washing their hair. However, they’re essential for keeping your hair healthy and hydrated.

Straight and wavy hair is easier to coat in sebum than curly and textured hair, which is why straight-haired people can wash their hair more often without drying out their hair. Curly and textured hair makes it harder for the oils to cover the hair (due to the shape) which is why washing them out can strip your locks of much-needed hydration. 

That’s why it’s recommended for the curly population to wash their hair as little as possible – every week or even less if you can. During washes, they should only shampoo the scalp instead of the entire length as this will dry out the ends even more (don’t worry, the ends will get washed when you rinse out the shampoo).

Of course, if you have a physically demanding job, an intense workout routine, or get physically dirty, you will need to wash your hair more often and risk that dreaded frizz. Which leads us to your next tip… 
 

Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise

No matter what type of curly hair you have (wavy, loose, tight, coiling, or artificially permed hair), curled hair is naturally prone to dryness, frizz, and breakages.

Curly hair craves moisture, so introducing a moisturising routine (with the right products – more on that later) can make all the difference. 

Leave in conditioners, moisturising oils, serums, and protein-enhancing products are your best friends. As we’ve covered, shampooing your hair too often will damage it and leave it thirsty. Instead, a moisturising routine is your best bet.

Applying a leave-in conditioner once to twice a week to wet hair will give it a moisture-boost and keep those curls in place. Moisturising oils and mousses will keep those frizzy ends at bay (remember to apply oils to dry hair, otherwise they won’t soak in), and protein hair treatments will help keep curls defined and hydrated. You can also get protein and other nutrients through your diet.
 

How do you choose curly hair products? 

There are so many assorted products out there which promise beautiful curls. A quick online search and you’re overwhelmed with the amount of choice. Not to mention budget restrictions, hair type options, and different brands. 

To make it simple, here are some rule-of-thumb options to look out for when trying out different products until you find the right one:  

• Try to go natural if you can. Harsh chemicals used to clean your scalp will simultaneously dry out your bouncy curls and leave you with dry, brittle hair that might lose its bounce. The biggest culprit of this are sulphates and silicones, so when you’re choosing your next product, look out for the marker: ‘sulphate and silicone free’. It’ll be there on the bottle. 
   
• Read reviews. The curly population all know the struggle of product buying, so the reviews tend to be honest and can suss out a suspicious serum or help you find an underrated gem. 
   
• Check out the description; is this product for your hair type? There are lots of different types of curly hair, so before buying you need to find out what type of curl you have and if this product is right for you. 
   
• Light-weight products for the win. Curled hair needs a lot of attention with various products for different needs. That’s why it’s best to go as light-weight as possible so they don’t weigh down your curls or make them seem greasy, leading to an early wash. 

Style like you mean it 

One fast way to ruin a good curl day is to style it wrong. Luckily, there are a few ways to prevent this scenario: 

• When brushing your curls, no matter if they’re coiled, wavy or loose – do this when it’s wet, from the bottom up and with a wide toothed comb. Brushing dry curly hair ensures you’re in for a frizzy day and there is no amount of product that can help. 
   
• When you’re styling your curls after a wash, try to get the products in as soon as possible to get those curls defined and separated. Once your hair starts drying, the products can sit on top of the hair rather than soaking in causing your hair to go “crunchy”. 
   
• If you’re drying your hair, use a diffuser or a diffuser add-on to your hairdryer which will space out the hot air and prevent drying out your hair and causing frizz. Also, tip your head upside down when drying as this will prevent fly aways and keep your tresses from getting distressed. 
   
• If you’re drying, adding in products, or styling your hair – scrunch, don’t rub. Rubbing your hair will separate the curls and cause unnecessary damages, breakages and disrupt the curl pattern. Scrunching your hair will keep the curls together, add in extra bounce, and won’t damage your hair. 

Protect your curls 

Finally, protect your curls where you can. As much as curls can be beautiful, they are temperamental, and there are a few household staples that might be doing more harm than good: 

• If you haven’t already, swap out your cotton sheets for silk ones. Cotton pillows not only soak up your hairs natural oils making it dry and brittle, but they cause friction and static on the sheets which leads to frizz and excessive bedhead. 
   
• If silk sheets really aren’t your thing, you can try ‘the pineapple trick’. Just gather up your hair at the highest point of your head and tie up. This will keep your curls defined overnight and avoid frizzy friction in the morning. 
   
• Cotton towels are another culprit. Again, the cotton soaks up your hair’s sebum – as well as weighing down your curls and ruining the definition. Microfibre towels, or even t-shirts, are a good alternative to wrapping up your hair when it’s wet. 
   
• Hairbands can cause damage to your hair and ruin the curl definition. ‘No-crease’ hair bands (the spiralled alternative) or scrunchies are much softer on your curly hair. 

At NOCO we’re well versed in styling and cutting all types of curly hair. So, if you’re in need of a fresh new haircut, some styling tips or anything else, contact us today and we’ll get you booked in. 

💛 It’s more than just hair — it’s the care.

NOCO Hair Launches ‘Care with Hair’ Campaign to Support the Bristol Community

This winter, we’re proud to announce our latest Care with Hair initiative — 100 free haircuts for people in need across Bristol.
Between 1 January and 28 February 2026, our team will open the doors of NOCO Hair, Whiteladies Road, to provide complimentary haircuts to local people through our network of ten Bristol charities.

Each of these charities will receive ten vouchers to use however they wish — whether that’s gifting them to someone they support, raffling them to raise funds, or recognising an outstanding volunteer.

It’s our way of giving back to the city that’s supported us since day one.

What Is Care with Hair?

At NOCO Hair, we believe hairdressing is about more than just how you look — it’s about how you feel.
The Care with Hair campaign exists to help people feel confident, cared for, and seen — especially during difficult times.

From someone going through illness or hardship, to a volunteer who’s always putting others first — we want every recipient to walk out of the salon feeling lighter, brighter, and valued.

💬 “It’s more than just hair, it’s the care,” says NOCO Co-Founder, Noel Halligan. “A haircut has the power to change how someone feels. This campaign is about bringing that feeling to people who might not otherwise experience it.”

Why It Matters

The idea for Care with Hair came from a deeply personal experience.
Years ago, NOCO Co-Founder Noel Halligan was invited to give a final haircut to his client, Megan, in hospice care.
That moment changed everything — revealing how powerful touch, connection, and care can be for someone facing hardship.

What began as one act of compassion has grown into a movement, inspiring the team to give back to their community every year.
So far, Care with Hair has raised over £15,000 for Bristol-based charities, given 300+ free haircuts, and supported people going through cancer treatment, hair loss, and recovery.

“When times are hard, it’s easy to focus on numbers and profit,” says Halligan. “But we’ve learned that when you focus on people first, everything else follows.”

About NOCO Hair

Based on Whiteladies Road in Clifton, NOCO Hair is an award-winning salon and top L’Oréal Partner, co-founded by Noel Halligan and Corey Taylor.
The team is known for blending creativity with care — combining expert hairdressing with education, mentorship, and meaningful community projects like Care with Hair.

Want to Support or Partner With Us?

If you’re a local charity or organisation interested in taking part in future Care with Hair campaigns, we’d love to hear from you.

📧 contact@[email protected]
🌐 www.carewithhair.com
📱 @nocohair