Seeing your scalp through your hair can be a worrying, anxiety-inducing experience; and once you’ve noticed it, you can’t un-notice it. All any of us really want is a full, voluminous head of hair, so trying to avoid this thinning phenomenon is completely understandable!
Fortunately, there are several things you can do if you start seeing your scalp through your hair, which we’ll look at in this blog post, today. First, though, why exactly does your scalp become so visible?
Key Notes
A visible scalp through your hair can be a sign that it’s thinning (but not always).
The factors that contribute to thinning hair (and thus a visible scalp) include stress, diet, vitamin deficiency and ageing.
Thinning hair is often reversible, and can be tackled by massaging the scalp to stimulate blood flow, reducing stress in your life where possible, increasing protein and iron intake, and considering using a hair oil or supplement.
I Can See My Scalp Through My Hair (Male)
Thinning hair doesn’t discriminate, and both men and women are prone to thinning hair and the looming spectre of a visible scalp. The same caveats apply for male hair regarding lighter hair/naturally less dense hair.
Unfortunately, however, male hair thinning (particularly on the crown) can also be a sign of encroaching male pattern baldness. Male pattern baldness isn’t able to be reversed, however there are ways to slow the rate of hair loss, including the use of medical treatments like finasteride.
Why Is My Hair So Thin I Can See My Scalp? (Female)
A visible scalp is usually the first sign of thinning hair or balding. Hair naturally tends to get thinner the older we get, but certain other variables can help slow down (or conversely, speed up) this process, including our diet, stress and a deficiency in certain vitamins. Let’s look at each of these in more detail:
Diet
As our hair falls out (which, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, occurs at a rate of 50-100 hairs per day) new ones grow, and they do so from the same hair follicles that have just lost their hair.
As we get older, some follicles lose their capacity to produce new hairs, causing hair thinning to occur. Diet can also play a big part in this process; protein is crucial in the production of new hairs, and in the maintenance of healthy hair follicles.
A varied, balanced diet can therefore help mitigate, or at least slow down, the thinning process. Conversely, a nutrient-poor diet is more likely to lead to thinner, drier hair. That’s also why you see protein shampoos and other protein-focused hair products (e.g. the Babassu oil hair masque), to help boost your hair’s level of protein to keep it looking fuller for longer.
Stress
Telogen hair, or ‘resting’ hair, comprises around 15% of the hair on a person’s scalp. Periods of elevated stress can lead to this hair being temporarily lost, contributing to a visibly thinner scalp and hairline.
Fortunately, this shedding (also known as telogen effluvium) is reversible, and your hair should restore to its former state once stress levels have subsided, again.
Vitamin Deficiency
When people think of vitamin D deficiency, they tend to think of conditions like rickets and more brittle bones. A lack of vitamin D can also lead to thinning hair and hair loss, however. Vitamin D helps stimulate hair follicles, in turn leading to greater hair growth. A lack of it, therefore, leads to a lack of hair growth and therefore visibly thinning hair.
How Do I Stop My Scalp Showing Through My Hair?
If thinning hair is the cause of your scalp showing through your hair, then the solution is to stop (and, if possible, reverse) that thinning process. Fortunately, this is something that can be done - by both men and women, alike. A lot of people ask us whether what causes thinning in male hair is the same as with women, and consequently, whether the solution is the same?
Well, we’ve already established that both men and women can suffer hair loss as a result of genetics, diet, stress or vitamin deficiencies, and therefore both men and women can apply the same techniques to try and halt the process. Bearing in mind, the exception to this is if the thinning is, as referenced previously, a result of male pattern baldness, it’s a question of stemming the thinning rather than stopping or reversing it.
With that said, here are some of the steps you can follow to try and stop your scalp showing through your hair, and to help regrow your hair where it’s started to thin:
Firstly, double check you’re actually thinning! This might seem obvious, but many of us are so worried about the thought of thinning hair that we look for signs of it where actually there are none!
Give yourself (or pamper yourself by getting someone else to give you) a scalp massage. Whilst a scalp massage isn’t going to cure hair loss, there’s evidence to suggest that it stimulates follicle growth, as well as reducing levels of stress hormones, as well as aiding blood pressure.
Use products containing natural oils; whether you use coconut oil, andiroba oil (like that found within this hair strengthening kit), avocado oil or any other oils which improve blood circulation in the scalp, natural oils are a crucial tool in helping tackle thinning hair.
Work on reducing stress in your life. Stress is one of the leading causes of hair loss, and so as broad as it may sound, working to lead a more stress-free life will do your follicles a world of good! Been meaning to book that holiday? Well, your hair will thank you for it…
Improve your daily protein and iron intake; we’ve already established that protein is crucial in the process of hair growth, so getting adequate amounts of daily protein is crucial in that regard. Likewise, a deficiency in iron can lead to anemia which, in turn, can lead to (reversible) problems like hair shedding. If you struggle to get enough protein or iron into your diet (perhaps if you follow a particular diet like veganism, for instance) then you can easily get supplements at your local drug store or pharmacist.
Consider a hair oil elixir; Using an elixir or serum typically offers similar benefits to other hair oil products, only intensified. Take our black seed oil elixir, for instance. It’s packed with an incredible 33 all-natural ingredients (including oils, actives and herbs) to help not only promote hair growth, but overall healthier-looking hair, too!
If the hair thinning has progressed to full-on bald patches - which is particularly prominent with men - then you might want to consider a hair transplant, though these should be seen as a last resort given how expensive they are. Even after a hair transplant, there’s no guarantee that the thinning process won’t then start again.
What Oils Are Good For Hair Growth?
Not all oils are created equal when it comes to promoting hair growth, with some definitely better than others. Below, you'll find a list of oils which are beneficial to hair growth, as well as why:
- Avocado oil: containing monounsaturated fats, this is one of the best oils you can use to help tackle thinning hair, as well as for preventing breakage.
- Babassu oil: high in vitamin E, babassu oil promotes circulation in the scalp, in turn encouraging hair growth.
- Coconut oil: thought to reduce protein loss in the hair, thus stemming the rate of the hair loss process.
- Andiroba oil: see benefits of babassu oil.
Promoting Hair Growth For Afro Hair
Whilst similar products can be used for all hair types when it comes to tackling thinning hair, there are certain afro hair growth products which are specially-formulated with afro hair, and its features, in mind.
For this hair type, the best results arise from utilising a combination of different hair products, namely a deep treatment hair masque, leave-in conditioner and hair serum. When used in conjunction with one another, these products not only tackle thinning hair, but also create a more luxurious, bouncy ‘fro at the same time!
Final Thoughts…
So, if you’ve previously worried about the fact you can see your scalp through your hair, then fear no more. Thinning hair is usually - if not entirely reversible - then at least partially tackle able, especially when you use the right combination of products, and give your hair the love, care and attention it deserves! For more information about all of our all-natural, vegan hair care products, visit our shop!
