Hair Thinning in Midlife. All Is Not Lost! With Jane Davies, Expert Trichologist.

This is one of the most fascinating and eye opening conversations I’ve had on the podcast. Because let’s be honest. It’s not a topic we openly talk about, not even with our besties. Jane is one of Australia’s leading Trichologists who looks at scalps and hair all day long. What she doesn’t know about our thinning hair quite frankly, is not worth knowing. In this brilliant chat Jane and I talk about not only the physical aspects of hair loss - how it happens and why but the psychological and emotional impacts it has too. We Explore:» What even is a Trichologist? What is their role in hair and scalp care? Why we should consider having them as part of our health team. {Side Note: for the word nerds among us, the word “trichologist” comes from the Greek “thríx” (or “trichos”), meaning “hair”}.» What Jane sees in Clinic - Jane’s helped 1000’s of women over the years and talks about the most common hair and scalp concerns and conditions she sees.» What a visit to a Trichologist might involve. It’s not your 15 minute in and out. Jane takes us through what a consult with her looks like. Where she takes time and asks a lot of questions to understand: * when you were last happy with your hair* what’s been happening since* medical history* lifestyle * blood test results - Jane will ask for these to be done prior to or part of the consultation process to assess Vitamin D levels (super important (85-90% of her patients have insufficient Vit D for optimal scalp and hair health), iron, fasting insulin, folate, zinc, liver and thyroid status at a minimum* follicle health - magnified under a microscope» The 3 different hair and scalp health team members and the roles they play. Hair dressers (in the front line, picking up changes first). Trichologists focus on hair and scalp concerns. Dermatologists are medical doctors with a broader scope (skin, hair, nails) who consult on complex conditions, prescribe medications and perform procedures. Trichologists and Dermatologists often work side-by-side.Hair Thinning:Is not the same as hair loss.Problems and concerns don’t just pop up overnight, they take years to build before they emerge in our scalp and hair. Because the scalp is part of the body! Our body doesn’t prioritise hair, meaning, if there is an underlying health issue, the body will prioritise directing assistance to other areas where it’s needed more. That’s why hair thinning shows up many years later. Mindset Shift: Don’t just think hair. Think scalp too.About Our Hair:» Hair Physiology 101 - we spoke about our hair follicles and the hair growing cycle; long hair, strong hair, dense hair. Hormonal changes in midlife and how these present in our hair and scalp. Other co-existing conditions like poor nutrition because there is rarely one isolated cause.The healthier the follicle, the better the outcome for optimal hair and scalp health.» Hair Mineral Analysis - absolutely fascinating! Hair record a history of what has been going on in our body broadly, from a biochemical perspective. Rather like rings of a tree. Hair segments preserve a snapshot of hormones, metals, drugs, and stress serving as a barometer of sorts to give clues about how the body is using nutrients essential for hair growth.» Grey Hair - What it is and isn’t. (Hint…it’s not actually grey!). The common deficiencies that can cause this change earlier than expected. And why our hair chooses to do this.» Scalp Health - Our scalps age too! And scalp health is vitally important when it comes to hair thinning and hair health. Jane talks about Oxidative Stress, Inflammation and the impacts on scalp health. Treatments:» What’s in a Trichologist’s Treatment Tool Kit - for when we need help:* Getting the foundations right first - lifestyle influences that contribute to optimal hair and scalp health. Without these in place, all other treatment options will not realise maximum effect.* Topical Minoxidil (in brands such as Regaine and Rogaine) - applied onto the scalp* Laser Therapy - compliments Minoxidil (because they act differently)* PRP (platelet‑rich plasma) - injections of blood‑derived growth factors to stimulate weakened hair follicles* Exosome Treatments - loaded with growth factors and signaling molecules to stimulate hair follicles“It’s not just about making hair. It’s about consistently growing it.” To give our body what it needs to do this - getting those foundations right.Myths Busted:» Hair loss is an older woman’s problem. Jane is increasingly seeing women in their 20’s presenting in clinic. She sees a broad age spectrum of clients. » Hair loss happens overnight - nuh-uh. It’s a long game with underlying causes occurring years before we notice. Sound familiar? Bone health is the same.» Treatments are a quick fix - nope. Hair grows in cycles of about 7 years in duration. Just as the loss takes ages to notice, the repair does too. It’s a long game ladies.» Wash your hair less to preserve scalp health - the opposite it true. A clean, dry scalp is an important way to prevent the impacts of oxidative stress and other antagonists. Your follicles will love you for it.The Silent Conversations We Don’t Have:Hair thinning (and loss) is a common problem and yet, one that we talk about the least. Trichologists go there too, offering vital support along the hair re-growth journey. Not just with physical treatments, but with equally important moral support too. Because the two are inextricably linked and emotional stress is the enemy of hair regrowth and thinning.Final Word - Tips From Jane* Make sure you’re shampooing as often as you can to reduce oxidative stress on the scalp. Clean and dry.* Consider reaching out to a certified Trichologist particularly if you’re noticing your hair thinning. Do it as a preventative too - just like going to the Dentist.* Look after your metabolic health - it underpins hair and scalp health.* Know your Vitamin D number - get it up to 90-130 nmol/L.Where to find a certified Trichologist near you:There is a global network of Trichologists. Institute of Trichologists (IOT) - is a non-profit corporation founded in California in 1974 to promote the study, research and legitimate practice in all aspects of the treatment and care of the human hair and scalp in health and disease. Search its global online register of trichologists to confirm whether a practitioner is certified and upholds the IOT’s standards of training and clinical practice.Association of Professional Trichologists - has an online registry too.Where To Find Jane Davies - The Hair PhysioJane is based in Perth, Australia so you can see her in clinic there. Head to her website to book an appointment. https://www.thehairphysio.com.auJane does online consults as well if you need a chat. She also has an active presence on Instagram where she shares information and tips. Look for The Hair Physio.Where To From Here?If you found this podcast episode helpful, please share it on. This is a conversation we absolutely need to have. To bust some myths, share the insights, get the right help and dissolve the shame associated with hair thinning and loss.Send us a message if you’d like more conversations about this topic or topics related to it. Like Scalp Health and Hair Loss. Oxidative Stress and Endocrine Disruptors. We’d love to know! Thanks Jane! Thanks everyone! See you next week. Anita xx This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit midlifeunfiltered.substack.com