How do I stop my hair from falling out and thinning?“Identifying the underlying cause is the first step towards effective treatment,” reveals Bordignon. This is because, she elaborates, “hair shedding and hair thinning are not always the same thing.”She explains that thinning tends to develop gradually as part of genetic pattern hair loss, while increased shedding can be triggered by stress, illness, nutritional deficiencies or hormonal changes. Because “there is no one-size-fits-all solution,” Bordignon recommends “maintaining a balanced diet with adequate protein, staying physically active, keeping the scalp clean and seeking professional advice early if you notice persistent shedding or thinning.”What vitamin am I lacking if my hair is falling out?“Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies we see in people experiencing increased hair shedding,” says Bordignon, though she stresses it's "far from the only explanation."She explains that “low vitamin D, vitamin B12 and zinc levels can also play a role,” while “thyroid disorders are another common cause that can affect the hair growth cycle.” Before reaching for supplements, Bordignon advises that “it's always best to consult a professional and identify the underlying cause through a clinical assessment, so that treatment can be tailored to target the root cause driving hair loss.”How do I stop my hair from falling out when I shampoo it?According to Bordignon, “many people worry that washing their hair is causing it to fall out, but this is actually a common misconception.” She explains that “shampooing doesn't make your hair shed more, it simply washes away hairs that have already reached the shedding phase of the normal hair growth cycle.”If you notice more hair coming out on wash day, Bordignon says this may simply be because “you wash your hair less frequently,” rather than because you're losing more hair overall. Instead, “illness, significant stress, nutritional deficiencies and hormonal changes can temporarily push more hairs into the resting (telogen) phase, leading to increased shedding.” Her advice is to “wash your hair as often as your scalp needs it,” because “keeping the scalp clean helps maintain a healthy scalp environment, which supports healthy hair growth.”What are the ‘big three’ for thinning hair?Bordignon's ‘big three’ for managing thinning hair are “minoxidil, DHT blockers and the right shampoo.”She explains that “minoxidil [a topical hair loss medication] helps prolong the hair growth cycle, while DHT blockers [a hormone blocker medication] target one of the underlying causes of pattern hair loss.” As for shampoo, she says it should “support a healthy scalp environment." While "shampoos do not treat hair loss on their own”, they “help control excess oil, support a balanced scalp microbiome and reduce inflammation where present, creating the ideal environment for healthy hair growth.”What can a salon do for thinning hair?While a salon can't diagnose or treat hair loss, Bordignon says hairdressers “are often among the first to notice subtle changes in hair density or scalp condition because they see their clients regularly.”Although salons “can't diagnose or treat the underlying cause of hair loss,” they “play an important role in maintaining the condition of the hair fibre.” She explains that “appropriate hair care, gentle colouring techniques and treatments that minimise breakage can help improve the hair's overall appearance and resilience while any underlying cause is being investigated and, where necessary, treated.”Can hair grow back after thinning?Whether hair grows back after thinning “depends entirely on the underlying cause of the thinning,” explains Bordignon.She says female pattern hair loss “is a progressive condition” and, while “it cannot currently be cured, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can significantly slow its progression and, in many cases, improve hair density.” If follicles are no longer active, “regrowth is unlikely, and hair transplantation may be the only restorative option.” It's why, Bordignon says, “early assessment is so important” because, as she tells her patients, “Time is hair.”Read more: Best hair masks for every budget, tested