EXCESSIVE shedding could be caused by making a common mistake when caring for your hair at home, according to an expert.
He shared must-try tips for strengthening tresses and preventing unnecessary damage.
Jonathan Andrew is a Global Brand Ambassador for Fudge Professional, a UK-based haircare brand.
He has worked with stars including Little Mix, Olly Murs, and former English pro soccer player Jamie Redknapp.
Speaking to The U.S. Sun, he shared advice for nurturing thinning hair.
Genetics, underlying health issues, and environmental factors are among the variety of hair loss triggers.
Andrew said consulting with a trichologist will be necessary if shedding is related to a medical issue such as alopecia.
“Temporary and environmental may be short term and you can perhaps look at how and what you’re doing to your hair or what potential stresses in your life or even illness may be affecting your hair loss,” he said.
“Hair has a natural growth cycle and sometimes it can take up to 6 months for the hair loss to start from a previous vitamin deficiency or illness.
“Often after illnesses your hair can suffer as the body has cleverly directed all the nutrients to the area of your body it needs most, hair being the least important element.”
He said improper daily haircare such as drying incorrectly could cause further “damage and friction” to strands.
“Most people step out of the shower after using shampoo and conditioner, which helps to smooth out the cuticles, and then are far too vigorous and aggressive with their towel dry,” he said.
“If you manically rub your hair, it roughs up the hair shafts and can cause friction, so it is not great for hair loss or breakage overall.
“So, my tip is to take more care drying and soaking up excess moisture.
“Squeeze the water out and pat the hair dry.”
Andrew said washing hair correctly and looking after your scalp is the key to improving hair density.
He said product build-up from not regularly washing tresses can clog follicles and contribute to shedding.
He recommended cleansing with Fudge Professional Clean Mint Shampoo to remove dirt and balance oil production.
“Minoxidil is also another ingredient that you may find in non-prescription products and can be used for both male and female hair loss,” he said.
Each evening whilst you’re sitting watching TV, use your fingertips to massage your scalp for 5 or 10 minutes.
Jonathan Andrew
Andrew warned that what you’re putting into your body is just as important as what you apply to your head.
“By leading a better, healthier lifestyle, with less stress, upping your vitamin or omega 3 supplements and a diet rich in nuts and seeds such as walnuts, Brazil nuts, almonds, and chia seeds,” he said.
“Nutrition does play an important role so it’s key to ensure you have a balanced diet with antioxidants, iron, vitamin D, fatty omega 3’s, eggs, leafy greens, and fruit, berries specifically.”
Andrew said thinning locks can appear fuller by opting for the right hairstyle.
He said shorter crops or voluminous quiffs can work “very well” for men.
“Waxes and pastes can also be used to boost texture and volume for further fullness,” he said.
“For women, short bobs with graduation, texture, and invisible layers can be a great solution.
Andrew said in most cases hair will grow back in three to four months.
He recommended consulting with a hairdresser, trichologist, or hair density expert for personalized treatment advice.
“With any new hair growth, it’s all about creating a strong foundation and working with the new texture,” he said.
“Ensure you’re using products formulated for your hair needs – smoothing, thickening, etc. that your hairdresser will recommend.
“When blow-drying, always ensure you’re using a heat protector to ensure that your new vulnerable hair is well protected to reduce breakage.
“My go-to is the Fudge Professional Aqua Blow Dry Primer.
“It has hydrating hyaluronic acid combined with our Weather-Shield technology to create a virtual umbrella for the hair.
“It delivers all-day humidity resistance and frizz control, improved softness, smoothness, and visible shine.”
“Very long hair probably won’t do you any favors, as this will pull the hair flat when what you’re after is a lift at the roots.
“The closer the hair is to the scalp the more it can separate and start to show it through.
“Lifting the hair can soften this and help to disguise any areas that might look thinner.”
He said it’s important to be “gentle” with your hair as it grows.
He recommended stimulating blood circulation with scalp massages.
“Each evening whilst you’re sitting watching TV, use your fingertips to massage your scalp for 5 or 10 minutes,” he said.
“You can just do it as is or you can use an oil such as rosemary, but you’ll need to wash this out so best use the oil prior to planning a wash.”
