Overall thinning

All-over thinning — a wider parting, a thinner ponytail, more scalp showing in bright light — often has more than one cause. In pattern hair loss, hair roots slowly get smaller and grow finer, shorter hairs (miniaturisation). In women it usually shows as a wider parting, not a receding hairline. Food and thyroid problems can add to it. The same look can have different causes. So we look closely at your roots and your history before any plan.

What can cause it

• Pattern hair loss, which often runs in families
• Low iron or other gaps in your diet — best to test, not guess
• Thyroid problems, pregnancy, menopause or other hormone changes
• A long spell of heavy hair fall after illness or stress
• Styling that pulls on the hair or damages it with heat

General information, not a diagnosis. Only a consultation can tell which one is yours.