Thinning hair after 50? This clever trick makes it less noticeable

You might notice it in a photograph, under bright bathroom lights or when you look in the mirror: your parting seems wider than it used to, and more of your scalp is visible. For many women, thinning hair becomes more noticeable around or after menopause.

It can be tempting to reach for a new shampoo or spend money on products promising thicker hair. But before you do, there's a simple change to your usual routine that may help make thinning less noticeable.

Why changing your parting can help

If you've worn the same centre parting for years, switching it up might feel strange at first. But a small change in where your hair separates can make a difference to how much scalp is visible.

Spanish dermatologist Ana Molina recently shared this advice in Telva: try moving your parting slightly to one side or creating a zigzag instead of a straight line.

The reason is simple. A straight parting creates one clear line where the scalp shows through. A zigzag breaks up that line, while a side parting lets you sweep more hair across certain areas.

The trick won't make your hair grow back, but it may help it look fuller. And you can try it at home without buying anything new.

How to try the trick at home

Next time you style your hair, give these simple steps a go:

• Start with your usual parting. Notice where your scalp is most visible.
• Move the line slightly. Use a comb to create a parting a little to the left or right of your usual one.
• Try a zigzag. Gently move the tip of your comb from side to side as you work along the parting.
• Add a little volume. When drying your hair, gently lift the roots to give them more body.

You don't need to make a dramatic change. Experiment with a few positions and see which one you prefer.

A deeper side parting can also help disguise thinning around the crown, according to this guide from Wimpole Clinic. However, if the hair is particularly thin along the parting itself, a side part may not conceal it as effectively.

Why does hair become thinner after 50?

Hair can naturally become thinner with age, and hormonal changes around menopause may play a role. In women, age-related thinning often appears around the middle of the scalp, making the parting look wider while the front hairline usually remains intact.

According to Thuisarts, the Dutch GP information website, this type of gradual hair loss is common. It can also be a sign of female pattern hair loss, which the American Academy of Dermatology says often begins in midlife.

Be cautious about products promising a quick fix. Shampoos, creams and vitamin supplements generally won't solve typical age-related hair thinning unless there's a specific issue they can address. Some treatments, including minoxidil, may help certain women, so it's worth discussing your options with a healthcare professional.

When should you see a doctor?

Changing your parting can help disguise thinning, but it won't treat the underlying cause. Speak to your GP if you notice significant thinning, more hair falling out than usual, or a change that concerns you.

Sudden hair loss, distinct bald patches, or a scalp that is painful, itchy or inflamed should also be checked.

For now, you could start with the simplest step: try moving your parting a little to one side or creating a zigzag. It takes only a minute, costs nothing and might give your hairstyle a fresh look.