You run your fingers through your hair and notice something feels different. Maybe there’s more hair in your brush than usual, or your ponytail feels a little thinner. Thinning hair can be a subtle process, and it often starts so gradually that you might question if you’re imagining it. Recognizing the early signs is the first step toward addressing it, and you’re not alone in this experience.
Early Signs You Might Notice
One of the most common first clues is a wider part. The line that divides your hair might start to look broader and more pronounced. You might also notice that your scalp becomes more visible in certain lights, especially when your hair is pulled back. Another telltale sign is seeing more strands than usual on your pillowcase, in the shower drain, or wrapped around your hairbrush. This isn’t just about shedding; it’s about the hair that grows back being finer and shorter than before.
Changes in Your Hair’s Texture and Volume
Thinning hair doesn’t just look different; it often feels different, too. You might find that your hair lacks its usual body and feels limp or flat. The texture can change, becoming finer and more fragile, almost like baby hair.
For many, the area around the crown of the head is where thinning is most noticeable. When you look in the mirror, you might see less density overall, making your scalp easier to see through the hair.
Subtle Clues in Your Styling Routine
Your daily routine can reveal a lot. That ponytail you’ve been making for years might suddenly require an extra loop on the hair tie to feel secure. Similarly, hair clips and barrettes may not hold as well as they used to because there’s simply less hair for them to grip. If you find that your hair doesn’t hold a style the way it once did or feels lighter in your hands, these are practical, everyday indicators of thinning.
Noticing these changes can be unsettling, but recognizing them is a positive and proactive step. Thinning hair presents in many ways, from a widening part to a feeling of lightness. If you see these signs, it can be helpful to speak with a healthcare provider or a dermatologist who can help you identify potential causes and discuss options that are right for you.