Normal Hair Part vs Thinning Hair Part

A normal hair part vs a thinning hair part — it’s something you might not think about until it starts affecting you. If you feel like your part is getting wider or hair is thinning, it can be hard to think of anything else. 

Whether you like to rock a side part or prefer a middle part, a change in your normal hair part width is something to pay attention to. A widening hair part might signal early hair loss in women. 

Not sure if you should be concerned? Below, we dive into what a widening hair part looks like, its potential causes, and most importantly, how to treat it.

Noticing a widening part in your hair? You might be experiencing hair loss. Since hair loss can be gradual, it can be tricky to notice when your hair part is widening — especially if you’ve never paid much attention to your part.

Here’s what to watch for: 

• In pictures, your hair part looks wider and you’re seeing more scalp. What does a normal hair part look like? There is no “typical-looking” hair part. Instead, compare old photos to recent ones to get a sense of what a normal part looks like for you. If your part looks wider and you see more scalp, it could be thinning.  

• Your hair part is forming a Christmas tree pattern. In men, pattern hair loss usually looks like a receding hairline or a bald spot over the crown of the head. But female pattern hair loss can be harder to spot early on. The hair loss involves diffuse thinning, mostly over the top of the scalp. Over time, a widening part can develop into a “Christmas tree” pattern, with a wide front part that narrows as it moves towards the back of your scalp, creating a triangular shape of hair loss.  

• You’re losing more hair than normal. Some hair fall is normal. Most people lose about 50 to 100 hairs a day. If you’re losing more than that, you may be dealing with hair loss. Want to learn more? Our guide on hair shedding vs hair loss may be a helpful read. 

• Your ponytail is smaller. A thinner ponytail could be a sign of excess shedding and volume loss. Your hair might look thin and limp.

Still unsure if your hair part is widening? Consider consulting a healthcare professional. They can help assess the issue and recommend a treatment plan if appropriate. 

So, you think your hair part is widening. But why?

Understanding the root cause of your hair loss can help you find the right treatment, so let’s get to the bottom of it. 

Here are some common causes of hair loss in women that can lead to a widening part:

• Female pattern hair loss (AKA androgenic alopecia). This is by far the most common cause of a widening part. It’s also the most common cause of hair loss in women. This type of hair loss is linked to an excessive response to androgens and has some genetic component as well, although the exact underlying mechanism isn’t clearly understood yet. Unfortunately, this type of hair loss progresses over time without treatment. But effective treatments are available!

• Telogen effluvium.  This type of hair loss strikes suddenly, triggered by intense physical or emotional stress — think surgery, rapid weight loss, or childbirth. You typically won’t see a widening par with this form of hair loss but, it can happen. Telogen effluvium-related hair shedding usually starts about 2-3 months after the triggering event. The good news? It usually resolves on its own after a few months.

• Traction alopecia. This form of hair loss stems from excessive strain on your hair follicles due to hairstyles that put a lot of tension on the hair. Tight styles like super tight ponytails or braids can cause traction alopecia. Although traction alopecia could potentially lead to widening of the hair part if the tension is concentrated in that area, it’s not a common cause. Read more in our guide to ponytail hair loss.

If you’re experiencing hair loss, the best way to determine the cause is to speak with a healthcare provider, like a GP or dermatologist. 

We want to emphasize the importance of speaking with an expert here. Sometimes, hair loss is your body’s way of sending out an SOS — it could be a symptom of a deeper underlying medical condition, like a thyroid condition, which might need treatment.

Hopefully you’ve now figured out whether you have a normal hair part vs. a thinning hair part. Let’s explore what you can do about it. The great news? There are a few hair loss treatment options to help promote hair growth. 

Minoxidil

Think of minoxidil as the queen bee of hair loss treatments. Topical minoxidil, also known by the brand name Rogaine®, is FDA-approved for hair loss treatment in women. And it’s backed by solid science.

While its mechanism of action isn’t fully understood, minoxidil is believed to promote hair regrowth by extending the duration of the anagen phase (the growth phase of the hair cycle), allowing hair to grow longer and thicker. It’s also believed to boost blood flow to the scalp, enhancing the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to your follicles.

While healthcare professionals typically recommend minoxidil for female pattern hair loss, it may also be helpful in treating telogen effluvium.

You have a few options on how to use it:

• Minoxidil drops: These easy-to-apply 2% drops can target your part line or other areas where you’re experiencing thinning. Minoxidil is also available in a foam formula.

• Oral minoxidil: This once-daily pill can be an option if you don’t want to deal with applying a topical medication. It’s important to note that doctors prescribe oral minoxidil off-label for hair loss, meaning it’s not FDA-approved for hair loss.

• Topical finasteride and minoxidil spray: Healthcare professionals primarily prescribe this spray-on combination of hair loss treatments to postmenopausal women who are experiencing female pattern hair loss.

The key to topical minoxidil is consistency. Use it regularly — every day, if possible — on the parts of your scalp where you notice thinning hair.

Want to learn more? Read our guide to minoxidil for female hair loss.

Spironolactone 

Healthcare professionals commonly prescribe this once-daily pill off-label for its antiandrogenic effects — especially for hormonal hair loss.​​ 

Spironolactone helps decrease testosterone levels in the blood and reduces the hormone’s effect in certain areas of the body, including the hair follicle, suggesting it may help with hormonal hair loss, such as female pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) in women. 

SAFETY TIP: Antiandrogens like spironolactone may cause fetal abnormalities, so the FDA advises against using them during pregnancy. If prescribed spironolactone, make sure to use a reliable form of birth control. 

Cover Your Hair Part

Want fuller-looking hair in a flash? Here’s a trick straight from the pros: Apply hair powder on a wide part to fake fullness. 

These powders usually contain pigment and fibers to help fill in visible  scalp and hide thinning spots. 

Another option? Ditch the straight part for a zigzag or soft part. This simple change can make thinning way less obvious. 

Healthy Hair Habits

Sure, genes and hormones play a part in healthy-looking hair, but so does your hair care routine. 

• Support your scalp. Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. Practice proper scalp care by washing your hair when it gets oily instead of relying on dry shampoo. Excess sebum can create scalp issues like dermatitis, affecting hair follicle health. Also important? Address dandruff or dry scalp concerns sooner rather than later.

• Eat the rainbow. A nutritious, balanced diet packed with whole foods is key for healthy hair growth. Nutritional deficiencies can lead to hair loss, so make sure you’re getting essential nutrients. Read more about foods to eat for healthy hair.

• Consider hair growth supplements. Struggling to get all your nutrients from food alone? Consider adding a dietary supplement like our biotin gummies to your routine.

• Use quality hair products. Our hair loss shampoo and conditioner contain hair-friendly ingredients. If you have fine hair, our volumizing shampoo and conditioner might be just what you need for some extra oomph. 

• Be gentle. Avoid tight hairstyles, excessive heat styling, and harsh chemicals that can cause damage and breakage.

Want to learn more? Take a look at our guides on how to get thick hair and how to stop hair shedding. 

A hair part might seem like a small detail in the grand scheme of hair health, but it can have a big impact on your confidence. 

If you’re worried about thinning, keep this in mind:

• A widening hair part could be an early sign of hair loss. It indicates that your hair is thinning. Other signs to watch for include excessive hair fall, a “Christmas tree” pattern at your part, or a smaller ponytail.

• There are many causes of hair loss. Stress, nutritional deficiencies, genetics, and hormones can all play a role in hair loss.

• Hair loss is treatable. When it comes to hair loss treatments, you’ve got options. It’s important to first understand the root cause of your hair loss in order to get appropriate treatment. But since hair loss can get worse over time, you’ll want to address it ASAP.

 Concerned about your hair part or thinning hair? We can help you schedule a consultation with a healthcare professional today.