It’s common to lose 50 to 100 hairs per day. Any more than this could mean you’re shedding more than you should, which could contribute to overall thinning hair.
Unlike widespread hair loss, thinning hair doesn’t necessarily cause baldness. It does, however, give the appearance of sparser spots of hair on your head.
Thinning hair typically happens gradually, which means you have time to pinpoint the causes and figure out the best treatment measures.
What causes thinning hair?
Thinning hair may be caused by lifestyle habits, genetics, or both. Certain medical conditions may also lead to thinning hair.
Lifestyle habits may include:
· Over treating your hair: This includes colour treatments, perms, and relaxers.
· Using harsh hair products: These hair products include extreme-hold hair sprays and gels.
· Wearing tight hairstyles: Whether you’re wearing an updo or pulling your hair up in a ponytail while working out, this can tug on your hair and break it from the follicles, causing thin spots over time.
· Not getting enough of certain nutrients in your diet: Iron, folic acid, and other minerals all help follicles produce hair naturally.
· Experiencing chronic stress: Stress is related to an uptick in hormones like cortisol. Too many stress hormones can trigger a condition like telogen effluvium, in which your hair can fall out, and the hair follicles enter a long “resting” phase where new hair doesn’t grow.
Thinning hair may also be hereditary or from underlying medical conditions. You might have thinning hair if you:
· Recently had a baby
· Recently stopped taking birth control pills
· Are going through hormonal changes
· Lost a significant amount of weight in a short amount of time
· Are receiving treatment for an autoimmune disease
· Have immune system deficiencies
· Have a skin disorder or infection
· Have a vitamin D deficiency
· Are deficient in other vitamins and minerals like riboflavin, selenium, and zinc
Less commonly, thinning hair may be caused by:
· Pulling at your own hair
· Eating disorders
· A high fever
· Hair thinning treatments and home remedies
Some cases of thinning hair may be treatable at home. Consider the following 12 options, but be sure to speak with a doctor first.
1. Scalp massage
Perhaps the cheapest method of trying to get thicker hair is scalp massage. It doesn’t cost anything, and if done correctly, it isn’t harmful.
When you wash your hair, gently apply pressure with your fingertips around your scalp to encourage blood flow. For even more benefits, you can try massage with an oil like Root Engerizer Scalp Oil which increases the blood flow in the scalp.
2. Essential oils
Some people with pattern baldness have found success using lavender oil. Some people combine lavender with other oils, such as those made from rosemary and thyme. If you do decide to try this treatment, make sure you dilute the essential oil in a carrier oil like coconut oil or jojoba.
3. Multivitamins
Healthy hair is dependent on your overall good health. In cases of malnourishment or with certain eating disorders, a person’s follicles may fail to generate new hair. A blood test can help determine if you have a nutrient deficiency.
If you’re low in several key areas, a doctor might recommend a daily multivitamin. Healthy hair needs iron, folic acid, and zinc to keep growing thick and strong. Look for daily supplements for males and females that meet these criteria.
4. Folic acid supplements
Folic acid is a type of vitamin B that’s important for new cell generation. A few studies have suggested that folate deficiency may be associated with some types of hair loss.
5. Biotin
If you eat a balanced diet, it’s unlikely that you’re low in biotin. However, supplemental forms of biotin have been on the rise in recent years, thanks in part to marketers promising more energy and better hair growth with such products.
6. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are called essential fatty acids. This is because the human body can’t make them.
Omega-3 helps your body fight inflammation, an underlying cause of numerous conditions. There may be a link between premature hair loss and inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids are present in fish and some seeds. Omega-6 is important for overall skin health, which might benefit the scalp. Plant-based oils are primary sources of omega-6.
7. Minoxidil Alternative
Best known by its brand name, Rogaine, minoxidil is an over-the-counter hair loss treatment approved by the FDA. But minoxidil comes with a lot of side effects. So we recommend using minoxidil Alternative which are made with all natural ingredients and scientifically tested. Grow It Long Scalp Serum and Root Engerizer Oil are two such products which with increase the blood flow to your scalp and nourished your hair to prevent hair loss.
What can I do to slow or reverse thinning hair?
If you have an underlying medical condition like alopecia areata, getting the correct treatments from your doctor may help with hair loss.
But, if a doctor doesn’t believe your hair loss is related to a medical cause, there may be steps you can take to help prevent future hair loss. Consider the following:
1. Try to eat a balanced diet
There may be an association between hair loss and a lack of micronutrients like iron or macronutrients like protein. If you need help with meal planning, consider speaking with a doctor or dietitian.
2. Quitting smoking
While you may have heard of the negative effects of smoking throughout the entire body (including your skin), smoking also has a connection to hair loss. Overall, smoking may worsen hair loss because of its inflammatory effects in the body. Researchers from a 2021 review also believe that smoking can disrupt the growth cycle of your hair and even lead to color loss.
3. Try to reduce stress
While stress is a natural part of life, long-term stress can damage your health, including your hair. Researchers believe that cortisol, a stress hormone released by your adrenal glands, may disrupt your hair growth cycle.
4. Take care of your hair
While you may focus on reversing thinning hair, it’s also important to try to practice good hair care techniques.
Consider gentle hair products when available. Try to comb and brush your hair only when needed. You can also place less stress on your hair by limiting the use of heated styling tools as well as tight hairstyles.
Conclusion
Thinning hair can be a distressing experience, but understanding the causes and taking proactive steps can help manage and even reverse the condition. Whether it’s improving your diet, reducing stress, or using natural treatments like scalp massage and essential oils, there are plenty of options to support healthier hair growth. For those looking for an alternative to chemical treatments, products like Grow It Long Scalp Serum and Root Energizer Oil offer natural solutions backed by science.
If your hair thinning is due to an underlying medical condition, consulting a doctor is essential for proper diagnosis and treatment. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle and using gentle hair care practices, you can work towards stronger, fuller hair over time. Remember, patience and consistency are key! Visit us at www.root2tip.com for variety of hair care products.