My hair was so thin you could see my scalp – a £20 purchase from Amazon made it thicker

THROUGHOUT my twenties and thirties, my thick, shiny hair was my crowning glory – a source of pride and self-confidence.

Friends and even strangers commented on how shiny and full it was.

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But as my 50th birthday approached, my once radiant locks began to thin.

Strands that were once springy and bouncy were now limp and dull.

It was disturbing and disheartening.

I noticed more hair on the shower floor and my ponytail felt noticeably thinner.

Suddenly all those ego-stroking compliments were replaced by unwelcome sneers at my petite frame.

Even one of my best friends said, “Are you suffering from a receding hairline?”

“Thank you,” I thought. “Is it that clear?”

I had looked at photos of fifty-somethings like Jennifer Aniston and Salma Hayek, whose roots were still beautifully full.

What was their secret?

Having a child at 48 didn’t help my hair loss. Then I entered perimenopause.

When estrogen levels become disrupted and eventually decline, the hair growth cycle is disrupted, leading to increased hair loss and thinning.

“Excellent,” I thought. “My body is against me.”

But new research gave me hope.

Two groups of women with hair loss were treated. One group received red light therapy and the other group received a placebo.

The group that received red light therapy had 37 percent more hair growth than the placebo group.

It is not the first study of its kind.

Another American study from 2014 produced similar results: people who used red light therapy noticed a significant increase in hair density.

Research has shown that it can also increase hair count by an average of nine to ten hairs per square centimeter.

Then I came across tons of rave reviews online about a red light therapy device designed to combat thinning hair.

Women of all ages praised Kimairay’s electric scalp massage brush (£19.99, Amazon) for restoring their youthful locks.

‘I TRY EVERYTHING’

Apparently it stimulates blood circulation near the scalp surface, thereby encouraging hair growth.

Anabel Kingsley, trichologist and brand director at Philip Kingsley Hair Loss Clinics, claims it’s the vibrations of this handy device that deliver results.

She says: “When we go through menopause, our estrogen levels drop, which causes hair loss.

“Our scalp loses elasticity and produces less oil, making the hair drier.

“Most women notice that their hair becomes finer, less thick and less shiny.

“It is thought that this device works by increasing the energy supply to the hair follicles, thereby increasing the thickness of the hair.”

Desperate, I decided to give it a try.

I excitedly tore open the box. With its nine metal prongs, it hardly looks like a sleek beauty purchase, but hey — I’ll try anything.

After charging the device for an hour, I open the applicator bottle in the device and pour in some of my own argan oil. Argan oil is non-greasy and is known for its nourishing properties.

Then I turn the device on, place it on my scalp and gently move it in circular motions.

It feels surprisingly relaxing. I press the button to let the hair oil flow evenly through the pins.

I’m glad it doesn’t feel sticky or heavy on my scalp.

Week one: first observations

To start with, I use it for 20 minutes, three times a week.

I pull it out in the car while I’m waiting for the kids to finish school, and I even fill it up in the bathroom when I’m having a cup of coffee with a friend.

It is lightweight, comfortable to hold and fits in my handbag, ideal for busy days when I am running errands.

Initially my locks look a bit messy after using it, they need a light brushing to smooth them out.

By the end of the first week, I hadn’t noticed any major changes in the thickness or volume of my hair, but it’s now become a little self-care ritual.

Week Two: Subtle Changes

AS I enter the second week I start to see subtle differences.

I usually use the device in the evening, for about ten minutes, before going to bed or after dinner.

My scalp feels less dry and my hair seems to have more shine.

I normally wash my hair three times a week, but I add a fourth time to ensure excess oil from my scalp massages is removed.

It’s not a drastic change, but the texture and feel of my hair has definitely improved.

I also started using the device in more relaxed situations, such as when watching TV or waiting for dinner to be ready.

Week three: visible improvement

I’m starting to see less hair on my pillow or shower tray. Old hair, is that you?

My locks look fuller and there is more volume at the roots. I am so happy.

Maybe this strange device will work after all.

During a girls’ dinner, my friends rave about my shiny, healthier-looking hair and I even turn some heads at the bar.

Finally I look and feel like my old self again.

The relaxing feeling of the massage has motivated me and I am looking forward to my new evening routine.

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Week four: a month of transformation

ONE month in and the transformation is undeniable. My hair is visibly thicker, shinier and healthier looking.

It appears fuller overall, especially around the crown and temples, where it normally looks flat.

Even my partner, Perry Joseph, 63, a production manager, has noticed. He says my locks look like they used to.

The clock turns back and my confidence grows.

I feel confident when I go out for lunch at the pub with friends and they admire my new, improved locks.

I’m not used to receiving so many compliments, but they are very welcome.

Compared to the expensive salon treatments I have tried, the device seems to offer better value for money.

It’s a one time purchase and I find the results are more consistent.

After a month of regular use, I can say with confidence that the red light therapy has made a huge difference in the appearance of my hair.

It has brought back the fullness and shine that I thought was lost forever.

Perimenopause doesn’t have to mean the end of your gorgeous locks.

With the right tools, you can revive and restore them without it costing you a lot of money.

I’m definitely not passing up this new look.

I have already recommended it to my girlfriends and since it is safe to use long-term, I plan to continue using the device as part of my normal hair care routine, at least a few times a week.

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