Hair Shedding, Thinning, and Loss: What Helped Me Strengthen My Hair Naturally

Have you noticed more hair in your brush or your ponytail feeling thinner than it used to?

Maybe you are spotting more strands on the floor, in the sink, or collecting near the shower drain. Unfortunately, you are not imagining it, and you are definitely not alone. As we age, hair naturally changes in thickness, texture, and growth rate.

When I began noticing those same signs myself, I realized I needed to take a closer look at the products I was using. Switching to cleaner, sulfate-free formulas and adding targeted treatments made a real difference in how my hair looked and felt. Little by little, my hair started to feel stronger, healthier, and more resilient again.

Why Hair Changes Over Time

Hormone levels, especially estrogen and progesterone, begin to decline long before menopause officially starts. For some women, subtle changes can begin as early as the late 30s.

When these hormones drop, the growth cycle shortens and more strands move into the shedding phase. That is why you might notice a wider part, more hair in your brush, or finer texture near the crown or temples. It is normal, but it can feel frustrating. The good news is that with gentle care and consistency, hair can absolutely become stronger and healthier again.

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Hair Oil I Swear By

A good scalp oil can make all the difference for promoting growth and reducing shedding. I like to think of this step as nourishment for the roots. It is something simple I can do that truly supports healthier hair over time.

Mielle Organics Rosemary & Mint Hair Oil
How it helps: Rosemary oil can help stimulate scalp circulation and promote growth, while mint refreshes and soothes.
How I use: I apply it to the top of my head the night before I wash my hair. It nourishes my scalp and leaves no residue after rinsing. And, it smells good too!

Nutrition and Supplements For Hair Growth

Healthy hair begins on the inside. The nutrients we give our bodies, especially protein, vitamins, and minerals, play a key role in growth and strength. I focus on nourishing from within through consistent supplement use and balanced nutrition to support healthy hair from the inside out. Two that have supported my hair the most are pumpkin seed oil and collagen peptides.

NOW Supplements Pumpkin Seed Oil
How it helps: Pumpkin seed oil supports healthy hair follicles and can help reduce shedding.
How I use: I take two soft gels daily after my first meal.

Live Conscious Beyond Collagen Peptides Powder
How it helps: This collagen blend contains biotin and 9 grams of protein per serving, helping strengthen hair and nails while supporting daily protein intake.
How I use: I mix it into my decaf coffee, made using the Swiss Water process, or sometimes into tea. It gives me a small protein boost first thing in the morning and helps me start my day feeling focused and steady.

For a detailed look at the supplements I take and how they support overall wellness, check out my post Rebuilding My Bones Naturally: My Daily Supplement Routine.

Shampoos and Conditioners that Support Hair Strength

Healthy hair starts with a clean scalp and the right formulas. I focus on sulfate-free products that strengthen my hair without stripping natural oils.

Ever wonder if washing too often might be part of the problem? Sometimes it is not what we are doing, but how often, and with what.

Step 1: Targeted Treatment

Nizoral Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
How it helps: Contains ketoconazole, which can help reduce scalp inflammation and support thicker-looking hair in thinning areas.
How I use: Once per week, I apply this only to the thinning areas of my crown. I leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing, then follow with my Pureology shampoo for the rest of my hair.

Step 2: Sulfate-Free Shampoo and Conditioner

After using Nizoral on targeted areas, I wash the rest of my hair with the Pureology Strength Cure system, which has been my go-to for maintaining strength, softness, and manageability. Both the shampoo and conditioner are sulfate-free and safe for color-treated hair. I use the Pureology Strength Cure line, and over time it has helped my hair feel healthier, and easier to manage.

Pureology Strength Cure Shampoo
Pureology Strength Cure Conditioner
Pureology Strength Cure Shampoo & Conditioner Set

How it helps: Strength Cure helps rebuild damaged strands, reduce breakage, and keep hair feeling strong and resilient. It is ideal for hair that has been colored or feels weakened from heat styling.
How I use: I apply a small amount of shampoo, gently lather, and rinse. Then, follow with conditioner, focusing on mid-lengths to ends, and leave on for two to three minutes before rinsing.

If your hair is fine or tends to get weighed down easily, I recommend trying Pureology Hydrate Sheer. It offers the same sulfate-free benefits in a lighter formula that keeps hair soft and hydrated without flattening volume.

Pureology Hydrate Sheer Shampoo
Pureology Hydrate Sheer Conditioner
Pureology Hydrate Sheer Shampoo & Conditioner Set

How it helps: Designed for fine or dry hair that needs moisture without weight. It smooths frizz, adds shine, and maintains volume.
How I use: Two to three times per week, I massage the shampoo into my scalp, rinse thoroughly, then follow with conditioner for light hydration and a smooth finish.

Universal Pumps for Shampoo Conditioner Lotion Body Wash
These fit the 1-liter bottles perfectly and make it much easier to dispense product, especially in the shower.

Repair and Hydration Favorite

If your hair feels dry or brittle, adding a treatment once or twice a week can make a big difference. This is the one that helped bring my hair back to life.

Joico K-PAK Color Therapy Luster Lock Instant Shine & Repair Treatment
How it helps: Restores shine and strengthens damaged strands.
How I use: I apply a small amount to dry spots after conditioning, let it sit for about ten minutes, then rinse. It is just enough time to finish the rest of my shower routine.

Other Recommendations For Healthier Hair

Healthy hair is not only about what you use, it is also about how you treat it day to day. How often do you toss your hair into a tight ponytail or forget to swap your pillowcase? Those small habits add up.

• Massage your scalp regularly. Gentle scalp massage increases circulation, bringing oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles, which supports new growth and can help reduce shedding over time.

• Avoid tight ponytails, braids, or buns that pull on the scalp.

• Limit wearing snug hats for long periods.

• Wash your hats regularly. Hats collect oil, sweat, and product residue that can transfer back to your scalp and clog hair follicles. Keeping them clean helps prevent irritation and reduces the risk of breakage along the hairline. Aim to wash them every week or two, especially if you wear them often or during workouts.

• Use a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce friction and prevent frizz. Silk is naturally cooler in warm weather and helps regulate temperature throughout the night, which makes it a great choice if you tend to sleep warm. Silk and satin are wonderful options for many people, but I found they held too much warmth for me at night. I switched to a cooling pillowcase that stays comfortable even during night sweats, and it has become one of my favorite finds. Learn more in my Must Haves for Restful Sleep post.

• Wash your pillowcases regularly. Clean pillowcases help keep your scalp and hair healthy by removing oil, product buildup, and bacteria. Aim to wash them at least once a week, or twice a week if you use hair oils or tend to have a naturally oily scalp.

• Avoid washing your hair every day. I wash my hair two to three times per week, depending on my activity level, to preserve natural oils.

A Note on Minoxidil

I did consider topical Minoxidil, but I was not comfortable with the long-term commitment because you lose results if you stop. I prefer to stay consistent with natural, sustainable approaches that fit my lifestyle.

Minoxidil is widely available, but I am only comfortable recommending products that I personally use or have researched in depth. If you are taking Minoxidil and it has been helping you, I would love for you to share your experience on our Facebook page so others can learn from you.

Thinning or shedding hair can happen at any stage of life, and it is not just menopause. The key is staying gentle, patient, and consistent. I have learned that nurturing your scalp, choosing sulfate-free formulas, feeding your body protein, and using targeted treatments can truly transform the health of your hair over time.

So if you have been noticing more strands on your pillow or in your shower drain, do not panic. With a little care, patience, and the right mix of products, your hair can feel fuller, shinier, and more vibrant again.

🌿What simple changes have made the biggest difference in your hair health?

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