I Started Losing My Hair at 25 - These Are the Products I Use to Hide It

So, I know TV would have you think hair loss is something only middle-aged former cricketers go through. But I can tell you from personal experience, it ain’t the case.

I started noticing my hair getting thinner when I was 25.

At the time, I wasn't worried. I thought it was just stress and that it'd eventually grow back, because... who ever heard of a 25-year-old woman losing hair? No one.

I'd always had relatively good hair. It was never super THICK, but I had volume and I had flow, see?

But as time went on, my hair never really grew back. And I think I just got better at ignoring it.

Fast-forward three years and I was lying in my partner’s lap as we’re watching TV one night when he said, “Babe, maybe you should go see someone about your hair.”

I ran to the bathroom to look at the back of my head and there it was. My crowning scalp. In that moment, I felt so hideous.

I know hair isn’t everything, but to a woman, losing your hair can feel like a pretty big deal. I’m not going to sit here and say losing my hair didn’t matter to me, because it did. I felt awful.

In your 20s, you’re supposed to be feeling fine as hell, and I was feeling more like George Costanza.

My hair went from the thing I'd always loved about myself to something that brought me pain. But I think the biggest blow of all was that I felt SO alone.

There were no ex-sportswomen on TV talking about their hair loss and no one in my friendship circle seemed to be going through the same thing. It almost seemed like I was an exception, when in fact, female hair loss is actually really common and most women will experience it at some point in their lives.

It’s just not really talked about. So, I’m talking about it. 

For me, the first step was going to see a specialist. I was diagnosed with female patterned baldness. And yes, it’s as un-sexy as it sounds.

Female patterned baldness is a genetic condition I inherited, and in my case, it was triggered early. Since being diagnosed, I’ve been on a medicinal treatment plan which has done wonders for me.

Second to that, finding the right haircare products has been game-changing. I've learnt how to fake volume and care for the hair I do have with different products and practices.

Side note: I talk all about my experiences with Female Pattern Baldness and the products that help in the YouTube video below...

Whether your hair loss is a genetic condition like mine, or a temporary condition due to a bunch of different factors (including hormone changes, pregnancy or vitamin deficiencies), here are the products and tips I use to make my thin hair look thicker.

*Everyone's different and this is what works for me - always speak to your medical professional about your individual needs.

Best Products for Volumising Thinning Hair.

1. Kérastase Densifique Bain Densité Shampoo.

Anyone with thin hair will know some shampoos leave your hair feeling heavy and greasy.

Kérastase Densifique Bain Densité Shampoodoes total opposite. It cleans without stripping your scalp, and leaves hair feeling soft and fluffy like a cloud.

2. A Wide Tooth Comb.

If you're noticing thinning hair, get yourself a wide tooth comb. Thin hair tangles easily, but brushing it aggressively can lead to further breakage.

The evo fabuloso detangling comb makes brushing your hair so much easier, without pulling or breaking.

3. Aveda Brilliant Damage Control.

Heat protection is EVERYTHING.

I blow dry my hair often, so the Aveda Brilliant Damage Control spray protects my strands to avoid damage.

I also love Aveda’s environmental philosophy and their ingredients are really kind on the scalp and hair.

4. Dry Shampoo.

Dunno about you, but my hair gets greasy 0.05 seconds after washing it. That’s when dry shampoo is a life-saver.

R+Co Death Valley Dry Shampoo and Sachajuan Volume Powder are my faves. They're easy to apply, soak up the grease and leave your hair feeling light and fresh. 

5. Christophe Robin Cleansing Volumising Paste.

OH MY GOD. This product is everything.

For those experiencing hair shedding, your scalp might be the issue because it needs TLC just like the rest of your skin.

Christophe Robin Cleansing Volumising Paste exfoliates your scalp to get rid of impurities and makes your hair feel clean and full.

6. Skip Hair Extensions and Clip-In Ponytails.

I cannot be more blunt about this. Stop using extensions or clip-in hair products.

I know it’s tempting to clip in some extra hair. I had a clip-in ponytail for ages. But your hair is brittle and fragile, and clip-ins and extensions can put extra strain on your scalp.

7. Kérastase 8hr Magic Night Serum.

Kérastase Nutritive 8hr Magic Night Serumis legit magic. I love everything about this serum.

It smells incredible and makes my ends feel super soft. I use it around three times a week and it’s really helped prevent split ends.

Finally, everyone’s hair loss journey is different: some journeys are short and others are forever. And while it might feel lonely, you are definitely not alone.

Talking about my hair has helped me come to terms with my journey, but it's also helped me take back control in a weird way.

I can’t change my genetics, but I can decide how hair loss affects me mentally.

So, I'll keep talking about hair loss to normalise it. And hopefully, somewhere along the line, it can help someone else feel less alone. 

Want more haircare product recommendations? Check out these stories from our Adore Beauty team below!

• My Hair's the Thickest and Healthiest It's Ever Been - Here's What I'm Using

• 4 At-Home Hair Hacks We've Learnt to Embrace (and Love) During the Pandemic

• 'Mushroom Beauty' Is a Thing in 2020, but Should You Wash Your Hair With... Truffles?

• Literally Every Single Question You've Ever Had About Your Scalp, Answered