02 Sep Hair Loss, Hair Thinning, and Fun Solutions with Ensemble Hair Founder Jessica Hallock
Are you staring in the mirror wondering when your forehead became a “five-head”? You’re not imagining it – and you’re definitely not alone. If you’ve noticed your hair getting thinner, your part getting wider, or your ponytail feeling significantly smaller, you’re experiencing one of the most common (and frustrating) changes that happen to women as we age.
I recently had an eye-opening conversation with hair expert Jessica Hallock, founder of Ensemble Hair and Jessica Salon in Arizona, about why this happens and what we can actually do about it. As someone who’s been dealing with extensions for 20 years and recently started noticing my own hairline changes, I was fascinated to learn about the real causes behind midlife hair loss – and the game-changing solutions that don’t require a Ferrari-priced commitment.
The Real Reason Your Hair Is Disappearing (It’s Not Just Age)
Here’s what surprised me most: hair loss isn’t just happening at 50 anymore. Jessica sees this issue in women as young as 35, and the primary culprit isn’t aging – it’s inflammation.
The traditional thinking was that hair loss was purely about getting older or genetic alopecia. But increasingly, what we’re seeing is an inflammatory response in the body that affects hair growth. This can be triggered by:
- Hormonal imbalances (especially during perimenopause and menopause)
- Chronic stress
- Poor nutrition or malabsorption
- Autoimmune responses
- Even rapid weight loss from medications like GLP-1s
As Jessica put it during our conversation, “If you sneeze, you lose hair right now.” The good news? When we understand the root cause, we can address it more effectively.
What Your Hair Loss Pattern Actually Means
Not all hair loss looks the same, and understanding your specific pattern can help determine the best approach:
All-Over Thinning: This is the most common complaint Jessica hears. Women notice they literally have half the hair they did the year before, but it’s not concentrated in one area.
Receding Hairline: Your forehead gradually becomes larger (that “five-head” phenomenon), though this happens so slowly you might not notice until you compare old photos.
Widening Part: The part in your hair becomes more visible and prominent, especially noticeable in photos or under certain lighting.
Side Thinning: Hair becomes noticeably thinner on one or both sides of your head, often in the temple area.
The Inside-Out Approach: What Actually Works for Hair Growth
Before we dive into styling solutions, let’s talk about what can actually stimulate new hair growth from the inside out.
Addressing Inflammation First
Since inflammation is often the root cause, targeting it should be your first step:
- Fish oil supplements: Help reduce systemic inflammation
- Vitamin D: Many women are deficient, and low levels can contribute to hair loss
- Iron levels: Get yours tested – iron deficiency is a huge component in hair loss
- Quality protein: Your hair needs adequate protein to grow
- Methylated vitamins: If you’re not processing regular vitamins well, switching to methylated forms can make a significant difference
Topical Treatments That Actually Work
When it comes to what you put directly on your scalp, here’s what’s worth trying:
Serums for Retention: These work better for stimulating existing hair and preventing further loss rather than generating completely new growth. Look for ingredients like rosemary oil or more advanced peptide serums.
Rogaine: Effective but aggressive, and you’ll need to commit to using it consistently. Be prepared for potential hair growth in other areas of your body.
Nutrafol or Similar Supplements: These systemic approaches can work well, but remember that any hair growth from supplements may appear anywhere on your body, not just your head.
The key is not to try everything at once. Pick one or two approaches so you can actually track what’s working.
The Styling Mistakes That Are Making It Worse
If you’re like me and have been “beating your hair into submission” with heat tools, you might be compounding the problem. Here’s what’s actually damaging your hair:
Heat Styling Gone Wrong
The biggest mistake? Going from wet hair to rough drying, then applying multiple hot tools. This creates a cycle of damage that makes thinning hair look even worse.
The Better Approach: Wet-to-dry styling with a blow dryer and boar bristle brush. This method:
- Smooths the hair cuticle naturally
- Lasts longer (4-5 days instead of 1-2)
- Creates less damage than multiple hot tools
- Gives you better results with less effort
About Those Hot Tools: If you must use them, look for ceramic-coated irons with a matte finish rather than shiny ones. The shiny tools offer no protection and are much less forgiving.
The Protein vs. Moisture Balance
As we age, our hair loses moisture just like our skin does. But many hair products focus on protein (biotin, keratin) which can actually make aging hair more brittle.
What to Look For Instead: Products with oils, butters, and hydrating ingredients. If you’re choosing between a “strengthening” product and a “hydrating” one, go with hydration every time.
The Extension Evolution: From High-Maintenance to Game-Changing
Let’s be honest – most women over 40 with long, thick, shiny hair are getting some help. But the extension world has evolved dramatically from the high-maintenance, expensive options that used to be our only choice.
The Problem with Traditional Extensions
Traditional sewn-in extensions (like what I’ve been using for 20 years) require:
- Movement every 4-6 weeks
- Complete replacement every 6 months
- Significant time and money investment
- Professional maintenance
While they work, they’re essentially a luxury car payment for your head.
The Game-Changer: DIY Solutions That Actually Work
This is where my conversation with Jessica opened my eyes to options I didn’t know existed.
Halo Extensions: These use a clear fishing line that sits around your head like a halo, with hair attached. They:
- Require no clips or attachment points
- Can be put on in seconds
- Add both length and volume
- Cause zero damage to your natural hair
- Only need washing every 12-16 weeks
Toppers: Think of these as partial wigs that work with your existing hair. They can:
- Cover receding hairlines instantly
- Add volume and shine to the top of your head
- Include highlights without damaging your natural hair
- Be placed exactly where you need coverage most
The Mental Game of Hair Enhancement
One thing that struck me about my conversation with Jessica was how many women struggle with giving themselves permission to enhance their hair. We’ve been conditioned to think that wanting longer, fuller hair somehow isn’t okay.
But here’s the reality: feeling confident about how you look affects everything else. When you feel good about your hair, you show up differently in life. You don’t avoid photos, you don’t decline social invitations, and you don’t spend mental energy worrying about how you look.
Practical Solutions for Real Life
If You Want to Grow Your Hair Back
Start with the inside-out approach while protecting what you have:
- Address inflammation through diet and supplements
- Switch to gentler styling methods (wet-to-dry with boar brush)
- Focus on hydrating products over protein-heavy ones
- Consider a protective style or extensions to reduce manipulation
If You Want an Immediate Solution
Consider DIY extensions that give you flexibility:
- Halo extensions for length and volume without commitment
- Toppers for coverage of problem areas
- Clip-ins for occasional enhancement
The beauty of these options is that they’re reversible, affordable, and give you the confidence boost while you work on underlying issues.
If You’re Ready for Professional Help
Work with someone who can customize solutions for your specific needs. This might mean:
- Custom-colored pieces that blend perfectly
- Professional consultation about which method suits your lifestyle
- Ongoing support for adjustments and styling
The Bottom Line on Midlife Hair
Hair changes as we age – that’s just biology. But feeling defeated by those changes? That’s optional.
Whether you choose to embrace your natural hair journey, explore growth treatments, or enhance what you have with extensions, the key is making an informed decision that feels right for you. There’s no wrong way to age, and there’s definitely no shame in wanting to look and feel your best.
The most important thing I learned from talking with Jessica is that we have more options than ever before. You don’t have to choose between accepting hair loss or committing to expensive, high-maintenance solutions. The middle ground is filled with practical, effective options that can help you feel confident and beautiful at any age.
Remember: the goal isn’t to look 25 forever. It’s to look like the healthiest, most vibrant version of yourself at whatever age you are right now. And if that includes a little help from modern hair technology? There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that.
Want to explore extension options mentioned in this post? Jessica Hallock offers free consultations through Ensemble Hair. Visit ensemblehair.com or text “HALO” or “TOPPER” to 480-581-8242 to get started.
The contents of the Midlife Conversations podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider. Some episodes of Midlife Conversations may be sponsored by products or services discussed during the show. The host may receive compensation for such advertisements or if you purchase products through affiliate links mentioned on this podcast.
