Thinning hair in women: Key takeaways (TL;DR)
- Thinning hair in women is common and takes many forms, from losing more hair in the shower to seeing patches of your scalp becoming visible.
- Over half of women may experience hair thinning with age.
- The reasons for thinning hair in women can vary, but common causes include hormonal changes, medications/treatments, ageing, genetic predispositions, or rapid weight changes.
- To reduce hair thinning, try to make dietary changes and avoid intense styling, especially with heat, unless you use a defence spray.
- You can also look to treat thinning hair in women using in-salon, bespoke treatments, like Kérastase's Fusio-Dose.
- Discover a range of nourishing and fortifying hair products designed to help weak and thinning hair in women with Kérastase's full Genesis haircare range.
If you consider your crowning glory to be your hair, you're certainly not alone! In fact, studies suggest that by age 50, around 40% of women already show signs of hair loss.
Widely perceived as a symbol of health, youth and vitality, any sign of hair loss in the form of shedding or thinning can be alarming to say the least. Factors such as genetics, post-pregnancy shedding or even lifestyle choices such as a poor diet can all play a part in diminishing your tresses. And if that weren't enough, the winter months and central heating are a perfect recipe for dehydration, making hair more likely to be prone to frizz, breakage and – you've guessed it – taking a turn for the wispy.
If you are concerned about hair thinning, contact your Kérastase stylist to discuss and receive a Specifique Protocole in-salon treatment designed for thinning hair. And follow these few tips at home to fight the good fight against thinning hair in women!
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By Kérastase Team, 27 July 2026
Meet the expert
Ellie is a senior hairstylist and Kérastase Care Coach with over 10 years of experience in the industry. With a L'Oréal Colour Specialist degree under her belt, Ellie loves making every client feel confident – including models she styles backstage at London Fashion Week.
In the salon, Ellie advises clients on hair and scalp health, including thinning hair in women.
SIGNS OF THINNING HAIR IN WOMEN
Thinning hair in women takes many forms, from losing hair in the shower or in your hairbrush to seeing patches of your scalp become visible through your hair. If you think your hair may be thinning, then there are a few signs to look out for, including:
- Increased hair fall or shedding
- Widening parting
- Hair thinning at the temples
- Reduced volume at the crown
- More breakage and brittleness
- Noticeably missing patches of hair or scalp visibility
- Thinner ponytail
WHY IS MY HAIR THINNING? COMMON CAUSES
If you've noticed increased hair fall or a more visible scalp, then you're probably wondering why it's happening. Thinning hair in women is common, but the reasons behind hair thinning in females can vary on an individual basis.
Some of the most common reasons for thinning in women are:
- Hormonal changes: Typically due to menopause or pregnancy, changes and fluctuations in hormone levels can cause hair follicles to shrink and grow thinner.
- Medication: Drugs used for conditions like cancer, high blood pressure, and arthritis can cause hair loss and hair thinning.
- Genetics: People with a family history of ladies' thinning hair will be more likely to experience hair thinning.
- Rapid weight loss: Losing weight very quickly can trigger hair to fall out.
- Underlying conditions: Diseases and deficiencies can both cause hair to become visibly thinner.
- Stress, lifestyle and nutrition: Emotional stress, lack of sleep, or an unbalanced lifestyle can lead to temporary female hair thinning or increased shedding. Diets lacking protein, iron, zinc, or essential fatty acids can lead to thinning hair and slower regrowth.
- Ageing: As we age, hair gradually loses density, elasticity and shine, a natural evolution that can result in female hair thinning.
If you're worried about thinning hair, then it's always best to speak to a doctor to help diagnose the cause.
HOW TO STOP HAIR THINNING IN WOMEN
If you're concerned about hair fall, then don't worry, there are several methods you can learn when it comes to how to stop hair thinning in women. Here are a few of our top tips on how to prevent hair thinning in women:
Use targeted haircare
The first, and arguably most important thing you can do to combat a thinning hairline in women is to switch to targeted, anti-hairfall haircare products. Kérastase's Genesis range uses Aminexil, edelweiss, and ginger root to target hair fall due to breakage.
Swap out your shampoo and conditioner for our Genesis Duo For Anti Hair Fall to nourish and fortify your hair.
Avoid intense styling
Intense hair styling, especially with heat styling tools, is one of the common reasons for thinning hair in females. If you've noticed increased hair fall, try to avoid excessive use of heat tools or harsh chemicals on your hair, or use a fortifying cream, like Genesis Défense Thermique, to protect against heat.
Adjust lifestyle factors
Another way you can try to prevent or stop thinning hair in women is to adjust a few lifestyle factors. Diet, alcohol consumption, and smoking can all affect the health and thickness of your hair. Adjusting your diet to contain less alcohol and more key vitamins and minerals could help to improve the health of your hair.
BEST TREATMENT FOR LADIES' THINNING HAIR
Another way you can try to prevent or stop thinning hair in women is to adjust a few lifestyle factors. Diet, alcohol consumption, and smoking can all affect the health and thickness of your hair. Adjusting your diet to contain less alcohol and more key vitamins and minerals could help to improve the health of your hair.
Professional treatments
Wondering how to stop hair thinning in women? Kérastase's Fusio-Dose treatments are professional, in-salon treatments formulated specifically for your unique hair needs. To begin, your hair is diagnosed by your hairdresser before they select a bespoke combination of treatments to target your hair concerns.
Fusio-Dose treatments are ideal for thinning hair in women, with specific boosters and concentrés that work to target specific hair concerns, helping to increase strength and reduce breakage.
AT HOME HAIRCARE ROUTINE FOR THINNING HAIR
If you're struggling with thinning hair, then salon treatments aren't the only option. Our best products for thinning hair in women are the Genesis range, which treats hair fall due to breakage with fortifying and nourishing products.
"For someone experiencing hair fall, I'd recommend the Genesis range. Within the range there are two shampoos, one for finer hair and one for thicker hair. If you're unsure which one to use, your hairdresser can help you diagnose your hair type. Then, there's a conditioner, hair mask, heat protector and the serum. I'd recommend using the whole regime at home as all of these contain the Aminexil, edelweiss and ginger root. All of these together will help stimulate the scalp and the serum helps anchor the hair."
- Ellie O'Donovan, Kérastase Care Coach & Senior Hair Stylist at the Edge Hair Design in Cork
Start with our best shampoos for thinning hair in women
Choosing the best shampoo for thinning hair begins with understanding your scalp, hair type, and the root causes of your thinning.
As Kérastase Care Coach and Stylist, Ellie O'Donovan, explains, "It's one of the most important things because if you're using the wrong product in your hair, or overloading it with too much product, it can have the reverse effect you want."
As with nearly all haircare routines, start by gently rinsing your hair before massaging in a reinforcing, fortifying shampoo. For those with drier hair or thicker hair, use Genesis Bain Nutri-Fortifiant Shampoo, and for thinner and oilier hair, use Genesis Bain Hydra-Fortifiant Shampoo.
Rinse and massage conditioner
After allowing your shampoo to sit for a moment, rinse your hair and remove all shampoo residue.
Next, add a small amount of Kérastase's Genesis Fondant Renforçateur Conditioner to your hair. A nourishing and fortifying conditioner, Genesis Fondant Renforçateur uses Edelweiss Native Cells, Ginger Root, and Aquaxyl to reduce hair fall due to breakage and nourish hair fibres.
Add fortifying serum
After washing the conditioner out of your hair, allow it to naturally dry or use a towel to gently dry it. Once dry, add 3-4 drops of our Genesis Anti Hair-Fall Fortifying Serum for Weakened Hair to your hair, and massage it into your scalp.
Our fortifying serum is one of the best products for thinning hair in women, as it works to prevent breakage and hair fall by fortifying hair and reinforcing the scalp's natural protective barrier.
Styling? Add Genesis Defense Thermique
For some, your haircare routine will end here, but if you're planning on heat styling your hair, then there's one more step you need. Before using your curling tongs, straighteners, or hairdryer, spray your hair with Genesis Defense Thermique, a nourishing and fortifying blow-dry cream.
Genesis Defense Thermique protects hair against heat up to 220°C*, making it ideal for those struggling with thinning, weak hair, but who don't want to give up their styling habits.
*Instrumental test, after application of Defense Thermique.Here's Ellie's advice on how often to use these products:
"Use the serum every day - it doesn't make the hair oily, the scalp absorbs it. It's personal preference how often you wash your hair, but I wouldn't recommend washing it every day. The hair needs natural oils but also we don't want build up on the scalp, so I would recommend two to three times a week."
DISCOVER GENESIS ANTI HAIR-FALL RANGE
Thinning hair in women is common and experienced by people of all ages. If you find yourself experiencing increased hair fall, then Kérastase is here to help. Our Genesis range is designed to nourish and fortify hair, making it ideal for supporting those with thinning hair.
FAQS
Why am I experiencing hair thinning or hair loss?
Female hair thinning is primarily caused by hormonal shifts (such as menopause or postpartum changes), genetics, chronic over-styling, chemical treatments, and certain medications. Hormonal fluctuations shorten the hair growth cycle, while physical stress on the hair shaft leads to breakage. For persistent or sudden hair loss, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist or healthcare professional.
Can thinning hair grow back and regain its thickness?
Yes, hair thinning can often be improved or reversed depending on the underlying cause. Combining targeted professional haircare, gentle styling habits, and proper scalp care helps restore density and overall hair health over time.
How can I fix and thicken female thinning hair?
Effectively treating thinning hair involves a combination of professional in-salon treatments and targeted at-home care. Bespoke options like the Kérastase Fusio-Dose custom ritual address specific hair vulnerabilities in-salon, while specialized at-home lines—such as the Kérastase Genesis collection—help fortify weakened hair fibers and reduce breakage.
What is the best shampoo for women's hair thinning?
The best shampoo depends on your hair texture and scalp type. Kérastase offers tailored solutions within the Genesis range to nourish and strengthen weakened hair:
- For Drier or Thicker Hair: Genesis Bain Nutri-Fortifiant Shampoo provides intense nourishment and fortification.
- For Thinner and Oily Hair: Genesis Bain Hydra-Fortifiant Shampoo gently clarifies the scalp while strengthening the fiber without weighing it down.
