How to Spot the Signs of Thinning Hair

How to Spot the Signs of Thinning Hair
09 February 2024
2-minute read

Are you unsure whether your hair is thinning? You’re not alone: thousands of men across the UK struggle to determine whether they’re experiencing hair loss. While spotting the signs of thinning hair can be tricky, identifying them early will drastically improve your chances of achieving regrowth. In short, time is of the essence when it comes to treating hair loss. In this blog, we’ll discuss some of the top ways to spot those early signs. Let’s get started.

 

Take and compare photos over time


Hair thinning doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a gradual process that usually develops over a matter of months or even years before it becomes noticeable. With this in mind, a camera is one of the most helpful tools available when looking for those first signs of hair loss.


We suggest taking photos in the mirror every few days from the same angles and light conditions, including the top of your head and the hairline on your forehead. If your scalp becomes more visible or your hairline is receding when compared to the previous photos, it may be time to get in touch with a professional and take some action.

 

Increased sun sensitivity


Hair plays an essential role in protecting the scalp from UV rays. As hair thinning develops, the scalp becomes more exposed and increases sensitivity to the sun, especially during the summer months. This can be one of the most apparent signs that your hair is thinning. Sunburn on your scalp can be particularly uncomfortable too, so we always recommend wearing a hat to limit the impact of UV rays on your head and apply sunscreen to any exposed areas.

Excessive shedding


Hair shedding is a normal part of the hair’s cyclical routine, with the average person losing around 50 to 100 strands daily. However, when shedding becomes more noticeable, you may be experiencing the early signs of hair thinning. This will occur in various ways, including when shampooing in the shower, drying hair with a towel or finding more hair on your pillow than usual.


Many men struggle to come to terms with hair shedding and thinning, but there are decisive actions that can be taken to treat male pattern hair loss for those who want to, including contacting a medical professional and subscribing to scientifically proven treatments.


A chat with your barber


Guys tend to avoid talking about their hair issues, but barbers are the most likely to notice changes in the health of your hair. If you think you’ve spotted those early signs of thinning, why not ask your barber for their opinion?


With their bird's-eye view, there aren’t many people who’ll better understand your head of hair and identify areas of thinning that would have otherwise gone unnoticed. However, we always suggest talking to a professional once the signs of thinning have been identified to discover what options are available to you. A barber can also provide valuable styling advice on how to make the most of your haircut to minimise the visibility of any hair loss.

 

Find the proper treatment for your hair


There are plenty of decisive actions you can take to tackle your hair thinning. A free online consultation with Sons will put you on the right track by matching you with an independent prescriber tasked with finding the ideal treatment plan for your hair.

All of our blog articles are reviewed by our Medical Director before publication.