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If your hair is thinning, you know the feeling of panic that sometimes comes over you when you notice even more hair on your brush or on the bathroom floor. It can feel like the hair shedding process will never stop. But the truth is it’s natural to experience hair thinning with age. Factors like hormonal changes, new medicines, stress, and changes to your diet can all play a role in shedding hair (as can genetics). The way you choose to style your hair and the products you use can even can an impact on hair density.
“Thinning hair refers to minor to moderate hair loss,” Dr. Ailynne Marie Vergara-Wijangco, a clinical dermatologist and researcher with ThankYourskin.com, tells SHEFinds.com. “Unlike widespread hair loss, thinning hair doesn’t necessarily cause baldness. It does, however, give the appearance of thinner spots of hair on your head. Thinning hair happens gradually, which means you have time to pinpoint the causes and figure out the best treatment measures.”
Dr. Vergara-Wijangco confirms that, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), it’s normal to lose 50 to 100 hairs per day. Any more than this means you could be shedding more than you should. Knowing some of the biggest mistakes you could be making with your hair can help. This is the worst mistake you can make if you have thinning hair, according to Dr. Vergara-Wijangco.
Stress, Diet & Styling Mistakes
Because there isn’t just one cause of hair thinning, it’s hard to pinpoint just one culprit to focus on. Dr. Vergara-Wijangco says there are five lifestyle habits that are a key contribute to thinning hair. They include:
Over-treating your hair. This includes color treatments, perms, relaxers, and more.
Using harsh hair products, such as extreme-hold hair sprays and gels. Temporary color can also be harsh for your hair.
Wearing your hair up too tightly. Whether you’re wearing an up-do or pulling your hair up in a ponytail for working out, this can tug on your hair and break it from the follicles, causing thin spots over time.
Not getting enough iron, folic acid, and other minerals in your diet. These all help follicles produce hair naturally.
Experiencing uncontrolled stress. Stress is related to an uptick in hormones like cortisol. Too many stress hormones may kill off new hairs that are trying to grow from the hair follicles.
“Thinning hair may also be hereditary,” Dr. Vergara-Wijangco. “Underlying medical considerations can also lead to this condition. You might have thinning hair if you:
*recently had a baby
*stop taking birth control pills
*are going through hormonal changes
*have lost more than 20 pounds in a short amount of time
*are being treated for an autoimmune disease
*have immune system deficiencies
*have a skin disorder or infection
Less commonly, thinning hair may be caused by:
*pulling at your own hair
*eating disorders
*a high fever
The really good news is that most cases of thinning hair are treatable at home, Dr. Vergara-Wijangco says. You can consider the following options, but remember to talk to your doctor before taking any supplements.
1. Anti-thinning shampoo
“Anti-thinning shampoo works in two ways. First, such products provide volume for your hair, so it looks thicker,” Dr. Vergara-Wijangco says. “This can be helpful for people who have thinning or naturally fine hair. Shampoos for thinning hair or hair loss also contain vitamins and amino acids that promise a healthier scalp to generate more hair over time. To get the best results, use products every day. You can also ask your healthcare provider about a prescription-strength version of the shampoo.”
2. Multivitamins
“Healthy hair is dependent on your overall good health,” Dr. Vergara-Wijangco says. “In cases of malnourishment, or with certain eating disorders, new hair may fail to generate from follicles. A blood test from your healthcare provider can help determine if you’re deficient in any nutrients.
If you are low in several key areas, your healthcare provider might recommend a daily multivitamin. Healthy hair needs iron, folic acid, and zinc to keep growing thick and strong.
However, the Mayo Clinic advises against taking any extra vitamins if you’re already getting the nutrients you need. This is because there isn’t any evidence that doing so will reverse thinning hair. Furthermore, getting too much of certain nutrients may actually do more harm than good.”
3. Corticosteroids
“Corticosteroids are prescription treatments used for conditions linked to underlying inflammation,” Dr. Vergara-Wijangco says. “Sometimes, inflammatory conditions can cause a variety of symptoms, including hair loss.”
4. At-home laser therapy
“Laser therapy is typically used by dermatologists and other skin specialists,” Dr. Vergara-Wijangco says. “Now, the FDA has cleared the way for some products to be used at home. At-home laser therapy for hair is intended to help regrow your hair while also making it thicker. The results can take several months to take effect.
The biggest drawback of at-home laser therapy is the cost. Some machines are sold for hundreds of dollars, and they may not work. Talk to your healthcare provider before making such a large investment.”
Before you start any new hair treatment, it’s a really good idea to consult with a dermatologist who can help you figure out the root causes of your hair thinning so that your treatment plan is more effective. Don’t panic — but also, don’t sit on the problem. It’s very likely you can address it before it causes you even more stress.
