Why Is My Hair So Thin I Can See My Scalp

A career as a hairstylist will have you meeting many clients who will ask

“ why is my hair so thin I can see my scalp?”  I see so many women on Instagram and Youtube with thin hair, modeling hairstyles that boast the many uses of hair gel! Others are promoting products for gluing wigs and eyelashes.  There are braids so long they almost sweep the floor.  I often wonder if they will have hair for hairstylists to do when they reach their 40s?

The first time I saw glue for wigs made for everyday people was at a hair show.  I was intrigued and

skeptical at once.  Yes, the effect was totally natural but I had questions about the hair loss that must come from gluing things to your head constantly. Unfortunately, people do not realize that with knowledge comes responsibility. If you are using social media tutorials to do your own hair, you are required to observe and fix any changes in your hair as a good hairstylist should.  

These may be some of the reasons you are now asking “why is my hair so thin I can see my scalp?”:

• You wear wigs, weaves that are glued on; done in the exact style in the same area of your head for years.  This is called traction alopecia.
• Wearing braids that are done tightly, are extra long and, therefore, heavy for the amount of hair you naturally have.  I have met people that said they kept braids for more than 3 months and don’t understand why they have hair loss.
• There is no time that your scalp gets to breathe between hairstyles.  You should be taking down your regular styles for the summer or waiting a week between braids doing treatments etc.
• Not noticing that your edges in front and the back are leaving, slowly, but definitely leaving.
• Waiting for years before seeing a specialist for the thinning hair.
• Wearing wigs without braiding and caring for your own hair.
• Often there  is a vitamin deficiency such as iron. 

I often question people who say “ why is my hair so thin I can see my scalp” to know when they first saw the issue.  They usually saw the hair thinning out for years and came expecting it could be solved overnight.  When your hair starts thinning, please consider changing your hairstyle and perhaps consulting with a specialist early.

By Paula Barker, Silkie Locks Hair Design

Books:  “Talking Hair”, “Filling My Head”, & “Dreadlocks – A Hairstylist’s Manifest”.