Hair thinning has many causes, with genetic hair loss being the most well-known. As both women and men age, they often experience a gradual decrease in hair density. While hair loss manifests differently in men and women, the underlying causes remain consistent: age, genetics, and hormonal fluctuations. In women it becomes noticeable as the center part widens. In men, it typically begins with a receding hair line and/or crown loss.
What causes hair thinning?
The onset of puberty can bring changes to the cycle causing the frontal scalp hair to become thinner and finer over time, with some frontal hairs no longer producing. In women, rarely is the scalp completely denuded of hair, but these changes can also be noticeable with the density of their ponytail becoming smaller.
Another common condition causing thinning hair is telogen effluvium, a recoverable type of diffused hair loss that occurs across the entire scalp. The causes vary but following an acute episode of illness, such as flu, high stress and postpartum can cause an interruption in the hair growth cycle two to four months after the incident. Since hair is non-essential, the body prioritizes vital organs, redirecting nutrients away from hair follicles. This shift causes hair to enter the telogen (resting) phase, leading to shedding. If this shedding persists for over six months, it may indicate a nutritional deficiency. Consulting a doctor for blood tests can help identify underlying issues like iron deficiency or thyroid hormone imbalances.
What Helps Hair Thinning
1. Make Lifestyle and Dietary Changes
The promotion of hair regrowth is substantially fueled by dietary and lifestyle choices. Any of these changes are likely to impact on the hair growth cycle. Sufficient protein intake is essential for healthy hair growth, and a deficiency can lead to adverse effects. This is especially important for individuals adhering to vegetarian or vegan diets, who must ensure they consume enough protein to support optimal hair growth and prevent potential problems. A carefully balanced dietary regimen, rich in essential vitamins and minerals, supplies critical building blocks necessary for our hair follicles. Deficiencies in key micronutrients such as iron and zinc can precipitate hair loss; hence, ensuring an adequate intake of these vital elements becomes paramount.
Sudden or large amounts of weight loss may also impact hair growth. Furthermore, moderating stress by ensuring we have regular exercise and relaxation techniques promotes a positive influence on the hair growth cycle, a process often disrupted by psychological stress.
2. Focus on Scalp Health
For optimal hair growth, a healthy scalp environment is essential, highlighting the importance of scalp health. Alterations in the scalp's microbiome can disrupt this delicate balance, potentially impacting hair growth. Research indicates that disruption of this delicate balance can precipitate various dermatological issues, encompassing inflammation, persistent dandruff, and potentially, hair thinning. An unhealthy scalp environment may indeed hinder hair growth, emphasizing the need for maintaining a balanced scalp microbiome through proper hygiene and targeted treatments to support optimal hair follicle function and promote healthy hair development.
3. Choose Medical and Professional Treatments
Beyond mere adjustments to diet and lifestyle, various targeted treatments and specialized therapies are available to further optimize hair regrowth. Readily accessible, over-the-counter formulations, such as topical minoxidil, encourage growth through increasing blood flow to the follicles. Prescription-strength medications, including finasteride, can serve to slow down the hormonal pathways that cause hair loss. There is also now an array of in-clinic treatments to promote hair growth. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy involves extracting a patient's blood, separating it via centrifuge, and injecting the growth factor-rich plasma into the scalp to encourage hair follicle stimulation.
Another popular treatment is photo biomodulation (PBM), commonly known as red light therapy, represents a therapeutic approach influencing red and near-infrared light to invigorate cellular activity. This technique entails exposing the body to controlled doses of red or near-infrared light, generally delivered via LED devices or lasers. Certain light waves are easily taken in by cell parts called mitochondria. This absorption leads to the creation of Adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is like a cell's energy source. The boost in ATP production then triggers a series of positive effects, like reduced inflammation and stimulation of the hair follicle.
Low-level light therapy (LLLT) is emerging as a popular, non-invasive avenue for addressing hair loss and diminishing hair density. LLLT employs specific light wavelengths to stimulate cellular function of the follicles. This process, is also known as photo biomodulation, stimulates hair production by increasing scalp perfusion, mitigating inflammation, and fostering cell regeneration. Low-level laser therapy uses a focused laser for deep tissue work, while red light therapy uses LED light for broader areas. Both therapies use light to boost cell activity, help healing, and lower swelling. Lasers are more exact for deeper issues, and red light is better for larger, surface areas.
For a more lasting solution to hair loss, surgical options like follicular transplantation can be considered. This involves taking healthy hair follicles from areas of the scalp where hair is plentiful, known as donor sites, and carefully moving them to areas where the hair is thinning or balding. Because the transplanted follicles are naturally resistant to hair loss, they continue to grow in their new location, offering a permanent improvement in hair density and coverage.
4. Use Products for Hair Thinning
Using products that are specifically formulated for thinning is important when looking to restore your hair’s health.
Nioxin’s range of shampoos, conditioners and treatments are created to support hair growth by targeting the scalp, root and the strands. Here’s what you should add to your care routine:
- Nioxin System Kits: this 3-step professional system includes a shampoo, a conditioner and a scalp treatment, specifically formulated to address your hair’s condition and your level of thinning. We recommend using the complete system at least 3 times a week for visible results in 30 days.
- A topical leave-in hair serum: healthy hair comes from a healthy scalp, so include a leave-in treatment that will benefit the your scalp and your follicles. If you are struggling with hair fall, the Hair Fall Defense Serum is formulated with ingredients that improve hair anchorage with visible results in just 8 weeks*. Night Density Rescue Serum is serum that’s works whilst you sleep. The serum is formulated with a blend of antioxidants that help boost hair density and promote the appearance of thicker hair in just 2 months**.
- Thickening styling products: aid the appearance of your hair with the right styling products, like the Volumizing + Thickening Mousse that makes the hair more manageable. The Hair Thickening Gel, is also great at creating the appearance of thicker, fuller hair giving you plenty of styling possibilities.
When to Seek Expert Advice
In certain instances, consulting with a trichologist or dermatologist may be necessary to exclude underlying medical conditions or hormonal imbalances that may be contributing to hair loss. These specialists can advise on specific treatments, such as topical pharmaceuticals or nutritional supplements to target the core cause and stimulate hair regeneration.
Top Tips for Aiding Thinning Hair
- Lifestyle Adjustments: Eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals. Reduce stress and avoid harsh hair treatments. Beyond dedicated hair care routines, incorporate a well-rounded diet with essential vitamins and minerals, including iron and zinc for healthy hair growth. Mitigating stress through relaxation methods such as yoga or meditation may also aid in reducing hair shedding.
- Hair Care Products: Use volumizing shampoos and conditioners. Avoid heavy products that weigh hair down. Avoid harsh shampoos and conditioners that strip the hair's natural oils. Instead, select gentle, volumizing products specifically formulated for fine or thinning hair. Exercise caution when brushing or combing, as excessive pulling may lead to breakage, further exacerbating the issue. Furthermore, limit heat styling; prolonged exposure to high temperatures can damage the hair shaft and weaken it over time.
- Styling Techniques: To add volume to thinning hair, consider layered haircuts and texturizing products like sprays and root lifters. While factors such as genetics, age, and hormones can contribute to hair thinning, harsh styling can cause irreversible follicle damage, many solutions are available to improve hair density. These include camouflage products like hair fibers, sprays, hairpieces and wigs which aid in creating a visually thicker head of hair.
Hair thinning, while often a source of considerable distress, does offer the possibility of reversal, dependent largely on the underlying cause of hair loss. Factors such as stress, poor diet, hormonal imbalances, and certain medical conditions can contribute to hair thinning. Identifying and treating these root causes is crucial for promoting hair regrowth. This may involve lifestyle changes, medical treatments, or a combination of both. With proper care and attention to the underlying issues, the chances of hair regrowth are significantly improved, leading to fuller and healthier hair over time.
*Via improved hair anchorage; average results in 8 weeks, in a double-blind clinical study with 120 panelists.
References
https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/hair-loss/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3944668/
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4265291/