Noticing a few extra hairs in your brush or circling the drain can be a worrying moment. It’s a common concern, and often, the changes are so gradual you might question if you’re imagining things. The good news is that there are clear, observable signs that can help you determine if your hair is genuinely thinning, allowing you to take proactive steps.
Early Signs You Might Notice
Before you see a noticeable difference in volume, your hair might send you smaller signals. Pay attention to your part. Is it looking wider than it used to? Another common early sign is a change in your ponytail. If your ponytail feels thinner or you need to wrap the hair tie more times than before, it could indicate a reduction in overall hair density. You might also feel like your hair is just lighter than it once was.
Changes in Your Hairline and Scalp
Your hairline is another key area to watch. For many, a receding hairline starts with a subtle change at the temples. Take a look at old photos to compare. It’s also helpful to check your scalp under bright light. If you’re starting to see more of your scalp, especially at the crown or top of your head when your hair is parted, this is a strong indicator of thinning hair.
What to Look for in the Shower and Brush
While it’s normal to shed between 50 and 100 hairs a day, a consistent and noticeable increase is worth paying attention to. If you’re finding large clumps of hair every time you wash or brush, it’s a sign that your shedding phase might be longer than usual. Keep an eye on the hairs you lose, too. If they are mostly short, new-growth hairs, it could mean your hair isn’t progressing through its growth cycle properly.
Simple Tests You Can Try at Home
There are a couple of gentle, at-home tests that can offer some insight. The pull test involves gently taking a small section of about 50-60 hairs between your fingers and sliding your fingers down the shaft with a slight tug. If more than six hairs come out easily, it may suggest active shedding. You can also try the part test. Create a clean part and observe the density of hair on either side. Compare this to a part in a different section of your head.
Recognizing these signs is the first step toward addressing hair thinning. If you’ve noticed several of these changes, it can be reassuring to know that you’re not just imagining it, and many effective options are available to help manage and improve the health of your hair.