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

The days become longer and brighter, which can only mean one thing: summer is here! Although summer means beach days and holidays, it’s important to know the dangers of those UV rays.  

You wouldn’t step out into the summer sun without lathering up in sun cream, so why forget about those luscious locks?  

Just like your skin, the sun will damage your hair too. Between sun, sea, and sand, your hair goes through a lot in those summer months. Without the correct hair care steps, the damage can really take a toll on your tresses. Read on to learn how to maintain healthy hair in the summer.  

How sun can damage your hair  

Those hot days and UV rays can be very damaging to your hair. It is crucial to understand those effects and the importance of protecting your hair from the sun.  

• Cuticle damage – The cuticle is the outer layer of hair protecting the inside of the hair shaft from damage. The UV rays can break this down, causing your hair to dry out, your hair will then attract humidity and humidity means … FRIZZ!  

• Inner damage – The sun weakens the internal structure of your hair and makes it prone to breakage and split ends. 

• Colour damage – Coloured hair is even more prone to sun damage. Colour treatments can already leave your hair dehydrated, and too much sun can leave it even more vulnerable to damage. Not to mention – the UV rays perform as a bleach which will slowly but surely fade any colour. Some more colour treatment tips to come… 

• Water damage - There is nothing like a dip in the pool or a splash around in the sea during those hot summer months! However, sometimes the things we love hurt us the most…  

While you’re splashing about in the pool, chlorine is stripping natural oils from your hair, making your hair dry and weak. This can lead to breakages.  

Salt water can have very similar effects to chlorine water, minus the chemicals. Salt water strips the hair of moisture, making it dry and more susceptible to breakages and split ends.  

How to know if your hair is sun damaged 

Exposure to sun for a longer period of time will make changes to your hair more noticeable. Signs of damaged hair are: 

Split ends – the heat stripping your hair of moisture will make it more prone to split ends and breakages. 

Texture – being in the sun or the pool will strip your hair of its natural oils, causing it to become much more dryer and brittle. So, say goodbye to your silky-smooth hair. 

Discolouration– UV rays react with the melanin in your hair, causing pigment changes. The chemicals in chlorine can also react with your hair – especially if it’s dyed! – altering the colour.  

Tips and tricks you need to know to keep your hair healthy in that summer heat 

Start with a summer trim  

It is important to give your hair a head start for summer. Visiting your salon and getting rid of those split ends will keep your hair healthy and easy to maintain in those hot summer months.  

Mask the Mane 

One of the obvious and simple answers to protect your hair from the sun is wearing a hat or a scarf. Wearing a hat or a scarf act as a physical barrier to protect from those harsh UV rays!  

UV protection  

The first thing you do if you know you are going to be spending a day in the sun is lather up your sun cream so why not use the same protection for your hair. UV hair protectants come in all shapes and sizes, from gel to powder. Research the best product to protect your locks! 

Hydration  

This is a tip you really shouldn’t ignore. You could be doing everything right to keep your tresses intact but, without correct hydration, your hair will start to show signs of stress. Drinking water will not only provide hydration for your body but to your hair strands too! 

Keep away from heat styling tools 

With the sun already scorching your strands, using straighteners, curling irons or hair dryers will add to the heat damage. Try using more natural methods of styling your hair in the summertime. Air drying and braids will be your best friend. 

Washing your hair  

It is likely that you will be washing your hair more frequently to help combat the dirt and sweat.  

However, beware of the fact that overly washing and shampooing your hair will strip any natural oils, therefore further drying your hair out!  

Try washing your hair 2-3 times a week and switching out your shampoo and conditioner routine for a more moisturising option. This will help with locking in any moisture in these drying months.  

A pro tip from us this summer is to rinse your hair with cold water after you wash your hair for maximum shine. This is because it will close the hair cuticle and allow the hair to reflect more light.  

Treatments  

Hair masks and leave-in conditioners will help you with adding that extra bit of moisture. Using moisturising treatments will add an extra layer of protection from those UV rays, making it harder for the sun to damage your hair.  

This tip is key if you are in and out of the water! Fully saturating your hair before diving into the pool will lock in that moisture it needs after sun exposure. Note that already wet hair won’t absorb as much saltwater or chlorine chemicals. 

Fight the frizz 

In the heat and humidity, frizzy hair will be your worst enemy. Keeping your hair healthy and well maintained will help keep your frizz to a minimum. Keep your eye out for shampoos and conditioners with two ingredients: amino-silicones, and cationic surfactants, these two ingredients will help neutralise your hair and prevent the humidity from winning this round! 

If the frizz is getting the best of you this summer, here at NOCO we offer Phrizzy-o-therapy treatment to help combat the humidity. 

Colour care 

Coloured hair is already tricky to maintain, let alone adding those summer elements into the mix. If you have coloured hair, exposure to the sun can have many negative effects on your tresses.  

Chlorine chemicals can strip out the colour your hair is dyed and often turn the dye brassy or faded. Ensure you are using colour preserving hair care products during the hot summer months.  

Dyed hair is a lot more prone to dryness as the strands are already stripped of natural oils more than undyed hair. Using hydrating products is your only answer at this time of year; don’t let your hair damage ruin your time in the sun.

There you have it … 

Understanding the importance of hair care is vital during these summer months! Stick to our useful haircare tips for summer and help protect your hair. 

Here at NOCO, we are here to help you with any hair care needs, whether you are wanting your start of summer trim or a deep conditioning treatment to help bring back your shine. 

 Contact us today to book this summer! 

💛 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