At 44, I’ve tried everything to stop my hair from thinning – £1 a day product FINALLY worked, see before and after pics

MY birthday month is almost over, and turning 44 hasn’t been half as bad as I expected after losing my husband John. It’s amazing what good mates and a cheeky hol can do for the soul. I also had my hairdresser Hadley Yates put in extra extensions for summer – Leos should have a swishy mane, right? Lorna Luxe reveals the incredible products that have been helping stop her hair from thinning Credit: Mark Hayman Lorna shows off the incredible results of products she has used to combat her alopecia Credit: Supplied Lorna was diagnosed with androgenic alopecia, which is caused by hormones Credit: Supplied Lorna also opens up about how her late husband John is still finding amazing ways to surprise her Credit: Instagram And I don’t know about you, but I’m more confident when my hair is big and bouncy. I’ve got androgenic alopecia, which is caused by hormones and leads to thinning around the temples. Loads of folk have it – I even know celebs who do, and either they don’t realise it or prefer not to talk about it. It’s a personal choice, but a story I feel really comfortable sharing. I’ve battled alopecia since my early-20s, but didn’t treat it until I was 38. I thought it was just something that happened to everyone as they aged. It was during lockdown that I realised it was getting worse. I was filming myself and kept getting distracted by my hairline. I coloured it in with L’Oréal Paris Magic Retouch, until it bothered me enough to look at what could be done. Trichologist Anabel Kingsley was the first person I reached out to – I sent a fairly blunt email begging for help. As it was lockdown, she had to diagnose me over Zoom after I sent her photos of my scalp and had blood tests. I was prescribed minoxidil, a topical scalp lotion, plus I used masks. I also started taking multivitamins and tweaked my diet, all to give my mane a fighting chance. Within three months, I saw a massive improvement. I stuck to it for a while, but when John got very poorly I couldn’t get my prescription as I had to have my bloods checked each time. So, I decided to explore other options. Lorna says she’s achieving similar results with Chãmpo Pitta Growth Serum as minoxidil Credit: Champo Lorna also swears by Kératase Genesis Serum, an anti-shedding scalp lotion Credit: Kérastase Now, I use Chãmpo Pitta Growth Serum, (which costs £46 for 6-8 weeks) recommended by Hadley. After a year and a half, I’m achieving a similar density around my hairline to what I did with minoxidil. Plus, no prescription! I also swear by Kératase Genesis Serum (£23.50), an anti-shedding scalp lotion. Shedding happens seasonally for me – usually February and September – or when I’m really stressed, and this nips it in the bud. Most people see hair thinning as something you have to deal with as you get older, but in my experience it’s been treatable. My advice is to get blood tests, rule out anything sinister, then look at your diet, genetics and stress levels. No.98 Beauty’s Hydra Bond Hydrating Masque was the first product Lorna developed for the brand Credit: no98beauty.com THIS WEEK I'M... Eating at. . . Isabel Mayfair The new menu here is incredible! The mini wagyu toasties are just mouthfuls of pure joy. Buying. . . silk bonnets Don’t laugh, but apparently they stop your hair going frizzy and breaking while you sleep. Dreamy. Reading. . . Lights Out My friend gave me this spicy Nevessa Allen book for my birthday, and I’ve been hooked. I always say, though, if I didn’t have crap hair I’d never have started No.98 Beauty. Our Hydra Bond Hydrating Masque was the first product I developed – a pre-shampoo mask that strengthens, gives elasticity and makes hair ultra-shiny. It smells so great, and it’s even been in Vogue. I’m so proud. Also, credit to Hadley for giving me a mane that looks so natural. He uses a mix of microbonds and tapes for my extensions, and as my hair gets stronger, he’s giving me longer locks. I’m thrilled! Like my house, my hair is a work in progress, but I’m willing to throw some welly at it now I know how good it can look. Talking of Ghost House, she’s still not ready, but I’ve got a special pink marble bathroom reveal coming – all designed by John. He’s still finding ways to surprise me. Follow Lorna on Instagram @Lorna.