Apr 20, 2026

What I Recommend When a Client Comes to Me With Hair Thinning and Hair Fall

by Natasha Bhagat

Hair thinning can feel incredibly unsettling. For many people, it starts quietly — a slightly wider part, less volume in the ponytail, more scalp visibility, or more hair left behind in the shower. And then one day you realise you’ve been thinking about your hair every single day.

Recently, I had a one-on-one consultation with a client experiencing hair thinning and increased hair fall. What I want to share here is the exact framework I used during that call, because it’s the same process I recommend to anyone who feels like their hair is changing and they don’t know why.

The goal is always the same: identify what might be driving the thinning, support the scalp properly, and set realistic expectations so you don’t waste time chasing false promises. In this client's case we were able to rule out telogen effluvium (shock hair loss) and traction alopecia.

Step One: Don’t Guess — Get Blood Work Done

One of the most important things I told this client is that hair thinning should never be approached with assumptions. Before you jump into supplements or new products, you need data.

The first recommendation I made was a comprehensive hormonal panel blood test. The good news is that most of the important markers can be checked in a single blood draw.

Key areas to check include:

Vitamin D
Ferritin
Iron levels
Hormonal balance

Once the results are available, the next step is to review them with a GP or medical professional who can interpret what they mean in the context of your overall health.

This matters because sometimes hair thinning is not caused by your routine at all — it can be caused by internal deficiencies or hormonal imbalance.

If Your Blood Work Comes Back Normal, Aging May Be the Cause

One thing I always share honestly (because not enough people talk about it) is that hair thinning can sometimes be part of the natural aging process.

If your blood work looks normal, it may mean your body is simply shifting its priorities. The body will always prioritise vital organs first, and hair is not considered essential to survival. That’s why hair is often one of the first places you notice changes when something is slightly off — and also why hair density can reduce with age even when you're healthy.

This doesn’t mean you can’t improve your hair. It just means the goal is usually management and support rather than a dramatic reversal.

If you want a deeper realistic breakdown of what hair loss can and cannot be reversed, this article is a great next read: The Truth About Reversing Your Hair Loss

Step Two: The Real Strategy Is Scalp Stimulation

After internal factors are addressed, the next major focus is scalp stimulation. This is where many people miss the mark.

Scalp stimulation isn’t just one thing. It’s a combination of:

keeping the scalp clean and balanced
massaging consistently
using topical treatments strategically
supporting nutrition and lifestyle habits that affect hair growth

Hair growth is not a “one product” situation. It’s an ecosystem. And the scalp is the foundation.

The Client’s Routine: Coconut Oil and Castor Oil

The client shared that she was currently using a coconut oil and castor oil combination.

This is a very common routine, and to be clear: it’s not “bad.” These oils can be moisturizing and can help reduce dryness and friction.

But the limitation is that coconut oil and castor oil alone often lack the broader scalp-support benefits that matter for thinning hair, such as:

antimicrobial support
anti-inflammatory support
ingredients that enhance penetration
oils that are lightweight enough for consistent scalp use

Castor oil, in particular, is thick and can easily create buildup if applied frequently without a strong scalp cleansing routine.

This is why I recommended shifting her approach.

If you’ve ever wondered whether you should trust viral hair trends and ingredient claims, this article may resonate: 6 Misleading Hair Claims You Should Be Wary Of

What I Recommended Instead: A Two-Part Routine

When someone is dealing with hair thinning, I almost always recommend a combination of two types of products:

A pre-shampoo scalp oil treatment
A lightweight leave-in scalp treatment for daily use

This gives you both intensive nourishment and consistent daily support without suffocating the scalp.

Product Recommendation #1: Scalp Elixir (Pre-Shampoo Treatment)

The first product I recommended was our Scalp Elixir, used as a pre-shampoo treatment.

This is not a basic oil blend. It’s formulated with 11 different oils, including essential oils such as thyme and rosemary that support penetration and scalp stimulation.

How I recommended she use it:

Apply 2–3 times per week
Cover the entire scalp (top and underneath areas too)
Leave on for at least 1 hour, or overnight if preferred
Shampoo thoroughly afterwards

Pre-shampoo oiling is one of the best methods for scalp nourishment because it gives the oils time to work, without leaving heavy residue sitting on the scalp for days.

If you want to understand why scalp care matters even when you’re losing hair, this article is a helpful companion: 5 Things You Need to Start Doing Immediately If You Notice Hair Loss

If you’re experiencing hair thinning, the most effective approach is a consistent scalp routine that supports stimulation, balance, and long-term follicle health.

Explore the two products I recommend most often in thinning hair routines:

→ Shop Scalp Elixir

→ Shop Leave-in Scalp Spray

Product Recommendation #2: Leave-in Scalp Spray (Daily Use)

The second product I recommended was our Leave-in Scalp Spray.

Many people who experience thinning hair assume they need heavy oils all the time, but the truth is that an oily scalp is not always a healthy scalp. Over-oiling can lead to buildup, itching, and imbalance.

This spray is hydrosol-based and non-oily, which makes it ideal for daily scalp use.

How I recommended she use it:

Apply daily between wash days
Use it especially on itchy or sensitive areas
Focus on keeping the scalp balanced rather than greasy

This product supports the scalp environment without weighing down the hair, which is especially important when hair is already thinning.

We also discuss scalp tools and stimulation techniques (including massage) in this article: Hair Tools That Can Support Scalp Health and Hair Growth

The Most Important Part: Timeline Expectations

One of the most honest parts of the call was discussing the timeline.

Hair growth does not happen quickly. The hair growth cycle requires time, and follicles typically need at least 3 months before visible improvement can begin.

This is why I told her to expect results around the 3–6 month mark.

Some people notice improvement sooner, some later, and results vary significantly depending on what’s causing the hair loss. But in general, if you are not giving your routine at least 3 months, you are likely stopping too early.

If you’re currently struggling with thinning hair, the best thing you can do is commit to consistency before deciding something “isn’t working.”

Next Steps I Recommended

Before ending the consultation, I gave her a simple action plan:

Get the hormonal blood work done
Review results with her GP
Begin the scalp routine immediately while waiting
Stay consistent for at least 3 months
Reassess hair fall and density over time

This approach prevents the common mistake of waiting months before taking action.

The Bottom Line

If you’re dealing with hair thinning or hair fall, the most important step is understanding that you need both internal and external support.

Start with blood work to rule out deficiencies and hormonal imbalances. Then build a scalp routine that supports stimulation, cleanliness, and balance. And most importantly, commit long enough to let the hair growth cycle respond.

Hair thinning can feel overwhelming, but with the right strategy, it can often be managed effectively.