How to Tell the Difference Between a Normal Hair Part vs. Thinning

Hair can take various forms, with a normal hair part being a style choice of many individuals. This style – which refers to a partition or line division between two sections of hair – can look appealing and fashionable. When the normal hair part begins to look slightly different and the line division widens, that is when you might worry about your hair and its growth.

But what is it called when the line division appears to be growing, or you have a wider hair part? The technical term is “thinning”, which – according to Health Harvard, is a type of hair loss. And you’ll need to know the difference between this and a normal hair part if you are worried about your locks and looks. 

In this article, we’ll explore the main differences and the actions you can take to handle thinning hair.

What is a Normal Hair Part?

A normal hair part – a division or split between two sections of hair – takes the form of a clean, defined line on the scalp. Even hair distribution on each side and only a minimal amount of visible scalp are two characteristics of a normal hair part, as is adequate hair coverage or sufficient hair density.

What Does a Normal Hair Part Look Like?

Symmetry is a key element of a normal hair part, though each person might place a hair parting in different places, such as to the side of the head or down the middle of the scalp. 

In terms of a middle parting, if you were to draw an imaginary straight line from the front of the forehead down to the back of your neck, each side would look symmetrical. The natural pattern shows that the parting is normal in this case.

Evenness and the narrowness of the line are also important – it should be even on both sides, with one side mirroring the other, and only a narrow amount of scalp should be visible. 

What is Thinning?

Thinning is one type of hair loss that, according to a study published by Dove Medical Press Limited, is often easily seen in cases of female pattern hair loss. It’s noticeable when the hair is parted in the midline, and the parting isn’t symmetrical. 

It’s referred to as diffuse thinning. A study published in the Indian Dermatology Online Journal suggests this can be caused by stress, anemia, hypothyroidism, hormone levels like a decrease in estrogen, and telogen effluvium.

Thinning can happen in male pattern hair loss, too. It affects between 30 and 50% of men by age 50. But it may look slightly different in each case.

What Does Thinning Look Like?

An exposed scalp in the shape of a Christmas tree is one element of thinning hair seen in female pattern hair loss. Small branches may be extending from the central parting, and if large amounts of scalp are visible, this could be thinning. A bald spot over the crown or a receding hairline, however, are typical signs of male pattern hair loss.

Normal Hair Part vs Thinning

Signs of a normal hair part – such as a symmetrical parting – are different from signs of thinning hair. We’ve included an in-depth description, below, of the signs of each to help individuals know which category their hair falls under.

Normal Hair Part Signs

From a linear, straight line to good scalp coverage, here are the signs you should be aware of when identifying a normal hair part:

• Linear Straight Line – A normal hair parting will typically be the same width, more or less, from the start to the end of the part. 
• Does Not Change Over Time – The parting does not change in its size or shape. The midline part remains the same during a six-month period.
• Good Scalp Coverage – The hair covers the scalp, and you cannot see the scalp through the hair strands near your midline parting.

Male Pattern Hair Loss or Thinning Signs

Look out for these signs to determine if your hair is thinning. These could indicate male pattern hair loss or thinning in different parts of the scalp:

• Increasing Number of Patches – There are signs of patches in the hair that are slowly increasing in quantity or size.
• Hair Loss – Hairs may fall out when you wash or style the hair.
• Limited Hair Growth – You may notice slow or no hair growth in the centre or other parts of the scalp.
• Gradual Thinning on the Top of the Head – Sparseness may appear on the top of the head as you age.

Female Pattern Hair Loss or Thinning Signs

We’ve included a list of signs of female pattern hair loss and thinning. Check the signs listed below for more details:

• Increasingly Wider Hair Parting – You notice a hair part that is slowly increasing in size or that takes the form of a Christmas tree.
  
• Hair Parting Size More than 1cm – Some hair experts suggest that if the parting size is greater than one centimetre, this is classed as patterned hair loss.
• Hair Aligns with the Latter Images on the Savin Scale – The Savin Scale’s “Advanced” or “Frontal” images indicate severe thinning; hair that aligns with these images may be experiencing significant thinning.
• Visible Patches through the Strands – Patches of the scalp are visible through the strands, particularly near the middle parting.
• Significant Hair Shedding – You shed more than 100 hairs each day (50 – 100 hairs is the average hair fall amount for most people).
• Smaller Ponytail: The volume of your ponytail is smaller, and your hair looks limp.

How to Treat Thinning Hair

Luckily, thinning hair can be treated. And for a permanent solution, a hair transplant clinic might be able to help. But in many cases, non-surgical solutions may work well. Some treatments for thinning hair are described below.

Hair Transplant Treatment

Surgery that involves repositioning hair follicles, or hair transplant treatments, could potentially restore hair growth to the areas that may be thinning. 

This method – used frequently to treat male pattern baldness – is a more permanent solution, yet complications can sometimes happen, such as allergic reactions or nerve damage. It could also potentially lead to loss of sensation.

Stress Reduction and Vitamins

Reducing stress is one way to replenish your healthy hair and stop hair thinning in its tracks. It may help to minimise the effects of telogen effluvium, allowing it to potentially regrow within three to six months.

Combining this with some vitamins and supplements might encourage hair growth. Vitamins A, C, and B7, are just some of the supplements individuals use. While vitamin A boosts sebum levels, which minimises breakage, vitamin C may prevent issues like corkscrew hairs, with the hairs returning to a normal appearance within one month of supplement treatment. 

Deficiencies in vitamin B7 (biotin) could cause hair loss, so restoring these might be beneficial for hair growth. According to a study published by the University of Santiago de Compostela one study, the alopecia of three patients disappeared after the oral administration of 10mg each day for three months. Yet, with insufficient evidence supporting their effectiveness, some vitamins might not be enough to prevent hair thinning.

Oral Medication

By targeting the hormone DHT, oral medication such as options offered by Hairy Hair can contribute toward the minimisation of hair follicle shrinkage. It can also potentially boost blood circulation to the scalp and, as a result of widened blood vessels, could enhance the amount of nutrients your hair follicles receive and enhance scalp health.

The Hairy Hair difference is seen in the convenience of private, affordable treatment that doesn’t take place in a clinic. Patients can receive the medication without paying for delivery costs; express delivery is provided, and you also gain frequent access to certified general practitioners when you are treated.

Thinning vs Hair Normal Parting: What to Keep in Mind

A stylish element to a hairstyle, a normal parting shouldn’t be mistaken for thinning. This latter issue might cause you reason to panic, but once you notice that thinning is occurring, you have options to treat it and promote hair regrowth.

With knowledge of the difference between thinning and a normal hair parting, you can now decide which actions to take, and Hairy Hair could potentially help you with this issue. Worry less about thinning hair. Contact Hairy Hair or visit our website for more information about our treatment.