With time, you may notice your hair getting thin or more hair fall.
Minor changes are generally secondary to age and other factors. However, if you notice severe thinning in your hair, then it might be a concern.
Hair thinning causes mild to moderate hair loss. Though it does not cause baldness, you may notice thinner spots of hair on your scalp.
Hair thinning is a gradual process, allowing you to figure out the cause for the loss and provide you time to get appropriate treatment.
We have mentioned some common causes for hair thinning and five practical measures to deal with it.
Have a look.
What Causes Hair Thinning
Genetics and lifestyle changes are the two major causes of hair thinning.
Patients with a specific medical condition may also face this issue. The American Academy of Dermatology (ADA) states that it is normal to lose 50 to 100 follicles a day. If you lose more hair, then it may be worrisome.
Some lifestyle changes that cause hair thinning include:
- Over-treating the hair.
- Using hair products in excess.
- Wearing a tight ponytail.
- Deficiency is minerals (like iron and folic acid) and vitamins (like vitamin A) in the diet.
- Excess stress.
Also, the below medical conditions can lead to hair thinning:
- Recent pregnancy.
- Stopping birth control pills.
- Hormonal changes.
- Excessive weight loss in a short time.
- Treatment for autoimmune diseases.
- Skin infection or disorder.
If you’re diagnosed with the above medical condition, we’d advise consulting with your doctor to find a way out.
Treatment and Prevention for Hair Thinning
In many cases, hair thinning can be prevented at home. However, you need to visit a specialist if your issues with hair thinning are severe.
Other than that, here is what you can do to deal with hair thinning:
1. Scalp Massage
Doing a good scalp massage is the cheapest method to get thicker hair. Moreover, it does not have any side effects.
Gently apply pressure on your scalp with your fingertips while washing your hair to promote blood flow.
You can also try using a handheld scalp massager. It also helps in removing the dead skin cells.
2. Anti-thinning Shampoo
There are two ways in which anti-thinning shampoos work.
Firstly, they will provide volume to your hair, which will make your hair look thicker. If you have naturally thin hair, then you should try using these anti-thinning shampoos.
These shampoos contain amino acids and vitamins. They will help in making your scalp healthier and promote hair growth. We’d advise using these products to get the best results.
If needed, you can inquire about getting a prescription-strength shampoo from your doctor.
You also need to know when is the best time to cut hair for growth, a right-time haircut can boost hair growth.
3. Folic Acid Supplements
Folic acid (an element of vitamin B) is essential for new cell generation.
In people with hair thinning, folic acid helps the hair follicles to generate new hair in the bald areas. However, sufficient evidence is not available to guarantee that folic acid helps in increasing hair thickness.
4. Finasteride
Finasteride (Propecia) is a medication prescribed for hair loss. Unlike other topical treatments, Finasteride should be taken daily by men to help with hair loss.
Women are advised to avoid taking this medication owing to its severe side effects.
5. Corticosteroids
If you have any underlying inflammatory disease, corticosteroids can be the way to go.
In some cases, hair loss can be caused secondary to an inflammatory condition, leading to corticosteroids requirement.
Final Word
The good news is – hair thinning is a slow process. So, it can be prevented and treated successfully. Yay!
However, you should consider visiting a specialist if your hair thinning problem persists. You can also try laser hair growth treatment. It is done through a laser helmet that sits on your head while you do your daily work. Simple, convenient and effective!
