Does This Make My Hair Look Fat?

No matter how fine or thin your mane, with the right products and styling solutions, the answer to that question can be a resounding yes.

- Jill Percia

Botox. Fake tans. Eyelash extensions. In an era in which formerly taboo cosmetic topics have become mainstream, another is finally coming out of the beauty closet – and it’s about time. Hair loss used to be whispered about because many women believed they were alone. But as more people start to discuss it, others are encouraged to do the same and, ultimately, seek treatment. “In South Africa, we do not have accurate statistics. The stats in America estimate that 20 million women have hair loss. That’s about one in every six females. South Africa isn’t very different,” says expert in hair loss and hair growth, Rasheed Patel from Fusion Laboratories. Clearly, it’s not just a problem for middle-aged dudes. Genetics, hormonal changes and even how often you blow dry can cause your hair to peace out. But no matter what’s making you lose it (in more ways than one!), these tests will help you get to the root of your skinny-hair issue. Then follow our advice to fatten up fast.

#1 Your Hair Is So Fine (And Not In A Good Way)

Maybe she’s born with it... Or maybe it’s ageing? Some women have had baby-fine hair since pre-school, while others watch their strands wither over time. (FYI: That’s considered normal – as we age, our hair follicles shrink and produce thinner strands.)

THE TRESS TEST

Pull your hair into a ponytail and look at the size. “If its base diameter is the width of a 20c coin or less, your hair is probably fine,” says hairstylist Tyler Laswell. If your tail has shrunk so much that it could be a participant on Revenge Body, you might have age-related thinning.

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