I’m 52 and my hair was very thinning – a cheap Lidl purchase made all the difference
The last thing anyone wants is to lose their hair, especially if it is unexpected and unwelcome.
Unfortunately, hair loss can occur for a variety of reasons, with aging being a major factor.
Despite our best efforts to maintain a full head of hair, the effects of time often have other plans.
This was the case for a 52-year-old woman who decided to share her hair journey anonymously on the website online forum Mumsnet.
Luckily, she discovered a budget-friendly solution from Lidl that she claims has made a difference, and now she wants to help others in the same situation.
She wrote: “I’m 52, and over the past year my hair has been thinning a lot.
“About three months ago I started taking multivitamins and iron (cheap at Lidl), cod liver oil oiland a daily collagen supplement.
“I got the collagen from Home Bargains, which was also very affordable.
“I also started taking Minoxidil (cheaper on eBay) twice a day.”
Minoxidil, applied to the scalp, is used to stimulate hair growth in adult men and women with certain types of baldness.
She continued: “I can’t tell you the difference – my hair has stopped falling out and is growing back in the front.
I have frizzy baby hairs growing. It looks so much better already.
I got desperate and seriously considered hair toppers, etc. I’m sticking with this regimen.
I think it’s probably a permanent commitment, but hey ho, it works.
I also use a caffeine shampoo (again, just a cheap one from Home Bargains).”
Her recommendation came after another woman raised concerns about her hair loss as she approached her 50s.
Another user suggested she see a doctor to check her iron and vitamin B, C, D and E levels.
They said: “A good GP will take hair loss seriously; if yours doesn’t, don’t be afraid to see another one.
The Mumsnet user also recommended using a “decent thickening spray,” noting that John Frieda’s was “good.”
They added: “While not the cheapest, it is often offered on a 2-for-1 offer in supermarkets or Boots.”
Hair loss 101
HER pro Samantha Cusick has revealed everything you need to know about hair loss.
Why does hair loss happen?
Hair loss can be affected by so many factors, from genetics and hormone changes to lifestyle choices.
Stress, diet and even hair care habits can all affect hair strength.
It’s completely normal to lose some hair every day, but sometimes the body can lose more hair than normal in response to things like hormonal shifts or even life stressors.
Why it happens more often this time of year
Have you ever noticed that your hair seems to fall out more in the fall? That’s a season’s loss!
During summer, we retain extra hair to protect our scalp from the sun.
As the weather cools, it’s as if our bodies are recalibrating and letting go of those extra strands.
Dry, cooler air can also make hair more brittle, making it easier to lose some extra volume during these months.
Hacks and Affordable Buys to Treat Hair Loss
The great news? You don’t have to spend a fortune on expensive treatments to support your hair.
Try daily scalp massages. They are so simple, but really help stimulate blood flow to the follicles.
Castor oil is another fantastic, budget-friendly option that is rich in nutrients to strengthen your strands.
Adding some more protein to your diet and a biotin supplement can also do wonders for overall hair health.
Products to avoid
Stay away from products with high alcohol, sulfates and parabens; these can dry out and damage the hair over time.
Heat styling and chemical treatments can also cause breakage, so try to use them sparingly.
Instead, look for gentle, moisturizing formulas to support your scalp and keep hair healthier throughout the seasons.