There’s a lot our bodies and our overall health can tell us about our hair’s health. Something as simple as being deficient in vitamins could cause hair loss. That’s why taking a hair, skin, and nail vitamin, like biotin, could prove effective in preventing further hair loss. As well, stress and poor diet are some of the biggest culprits of hair loss, and Marder tell us that Show “Making a couple of lifestyle changes can really help to prevent hair loss. First, get a good night’s sleep. Take a multivitamin. Make sure to drink plenty of water, and get some exercise… Finally, eat a healthy diet and manage your stress levels.” Related read: How to Pick the Right Supplements for Your Beauty Concerns Keeping your hair and scalp healthy is all about learning to listen to your body and what it’s telling you. There is comfort in knowing that small changes in your everyday choices could potentially help with hair loss. However, suppose you’re still wondering about other concerns or solutions not discussed in this article. In that case, it’s always a good idea to contact a dermatologist as they might be able to tell you about any underlying medical condition. As people get older, their hair often starts losing volume and thickness. However, hair loss can also result from a health condition, nutrient deficiencies, stress, and other factors. Treatment can often help manage hair loss that occurs with aging by boosting hair health, thickness, and strength. Hair that falls out due to a health condition often regrows in time. In this article, we look at why hair thins. We also discuss some of the treatments and home remedies available. Share on PinterestMaria Fuchs/Getty Images According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, most people lose 50–100 hairs each day, as old hair falls out, and new hair regrows from the same hair follicles. Sometimes, however, hair loss can happen at a faster rate. Factors that can contribute to additional hair loss include:
The following sections give more details about some of the causes of thinning hair. Male or female pattern hair lossAndrogenetic alopecia, which health experts also refer to it as male pattern and female pattern baldness, results from genetic and hormonal factors. It affects around 50 million males and 30 million females in the United States. Approximately half of all people will experience it at some point. The condition can occur at any age but is more common among:
In males, hair thinning tends to occur from the hairline to the back of the head and resembles an “M” shape. In females, it tends to affect the crown of the head. Early treatment can often slow or stop hair loss. Alopecia areataAlopecia areata causes hair loss in round patches on the scalp. It can also affect the eyebrows, beard, and other hair, as well as the nails. Around 2% of people will experience it at some time in their lives. The risk of the condition increases with age, but alopecia areata appears on average in people aged 25–36 years. Genetic factors may play a role, and there are links with other autoimmune conditions, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, or lupus. Alopecia areata is a non-scarring type of hair loss, and the hair follicles remain alive, which means the hair can regrow. Doctors may treat alopecia areata with an injection into the scalp every 4–6 weeks for up to 6 months. DietThe body needs nutrients to create new hair strands and maintain healthy hair follicles. Malnutrition, low protein levels, and vitamin deficiencies can increase the risk of hair loss. Scientists have found low levels of the following nutrients in people with hair loss and other hair changes:
A dietary deficiency may also cause:
A balanced diet may help promote strong, healthy hair. In some cases, a doctor may prescribe supplements. Learn about vitamin D deficiency and hair loss here. StressTelogen effluvium is a non-scarring type of hair loss. It is often acute, which means it occurs suddenly and for a limited time, but it can also be chronic, or long-term. It can happen several months after a stressful experience. Telogen effluvium can stem from physical or emotional stress, such as:
In acute cases, the hair usually regrows. In chronic cases, shedding may continue, but a person will usually retain a reasonable head of hair. Hair loss due to aging tends to happen gradually, with changes occurring over several years. However, hair loss can sometimes occur more rapidly, over months or even weeks. This can happen with:
If a person has unexpected and rapid hair loss, they should seek medical advice. They may need treatment for an underlying condition. Treatment for thinning hair will depend on the cause. Minoxidil and finasteride have Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval to treat androgenetic alopecia. MinoxidilMinoxidil comes in strengths of 2% or 5%. People apply the product directly to the areas of thinning hair. Hair growth may take 6–12 months to improve, but if a person stops using the treatment, hair loss will recur. Possible side effects include:
FinasterideFinasteride (Propecia) is an oral medication. A person will take 1 milligram daily. Doctors prescribe this drug for males and females between puberty and menopause who have not seen an improvement after using minoxidil. Possible side effects include: A number of home remedies may improve hair growth, although not all of them have scientific backing. A person should consult a doctor before using a home remedy, including herbal remedies, for hair loss. Eat hair-healthy foodsProteins, fats, and certain vitamins and minerals are important for hair health. Foods that contain hair-healthy nutrients include:
Here, learn more about foods that may boost hair growth. Try essential oilsSome people use essential oils to boost hair growth. However, research into their effectiveness is lacking. A person should always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil, such as jojoba or coconut oil. They should never apply an essential oil without diluting it first, and they should never take an essential oil by mouth. Some oils that may boost hair growth are: Rosemary oilSome studies suggest that rosemary oil could improve scalp health by increasing blood flow. A healthy scalp is important for hair growth. A 2015 trial compared rosemary oil with minoxidil 2%. After 6 months, both the participants applying rosemary oil and those applying topical minoxidil experienced significant hair growth. Learn more about rosemary oil and hair growth here. Peppermint oilPeppermint oil can stimulate circulation and may help treat thinning hair. In a 2014 animal study, peppermint led to more hair growth over 4 weeks than saltwater, jojoba oil, or minoxidil 3%. The researchers measured hair growth by assessing hair thickness and follicle number and depth. Other oilsAccording to older research from 2011, other oils that people use for hair growth include:
How can lavender benefit the skin? Although research suggests that essential oils may have some health benefits, it is important to remember that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not monitor or regulate the purity or quality of these. A person should talk with a healthcare professional before using essential oils, and they should be sure to research the quality of a brand’s products. A person should always do a patch test before trying a new essential oil. Scalp massageMassaging the scalp may also help promote blood flow. This in turn may encourage hair to grow. Performing a gentle scalp massage using essential oils could provide extra benefits. Other natural remediesAccording to a 2019 review of alternative treatments for alopecia, the following ingredients may promote hair growth:
Stress reductionThe authors of a 2019 review suggest the following practices to help reduce stress and anxiety:
Here, learn which natural remedies can help manage stress and anxiety. Doctors can often diagnose the cause of thinning hair by looking at the pattern of hair loss. They may ask a person about:
The doctor may send hair or scalp samples to a laboratory for further testing. They may also order blood tests to rule out an underlying condition. In most cases, thinning hair does not result from overall health issues. If a person is concerned about hair loss or if it affects their mental well-being, they may wish to consult a doctor. Individuals should also seek guidance from a healthcare professional if they notice:
A person may need treatment for an underlying condition. A dermatologist can also help find a suitable treatment option. Here are some questions people often ask about thinning hair. Can thinning hair grow back?It depends on the reason for hair thinning. Hair that falls out due to cancer treatment, for example, usually starts growing back 3–6 months after treatment. Hair that falls out after childbirth usually returns 6–9 months later. If hair loss occurs with aging, some medical treatments may help restore growth. Why is my hair suddenly thinning?Sudden hair loss can happen for various reasons, including stress, an underlying condition, and some medical treatments. Anyone who notices sudden, unexpected hair loss should seek medical advice. What shampoo is best for thinning hair?Shampoos cannot prevent hair loss or bring hair back, but a moisturizing shampoo can help the hair retain moisture, making it look thicker and fuller. It may also help slow thinning by reducing the risk of breakage. What are some of the best shampoos for hair loss? As a person gets older, it is natural for their hair to lose strength and volume. Sometimes, hair loss can also result from stress or an underlying health condition. In this case, the hair often regrows over time. Some treatments and home remedies can help improve the hair’s strength and overall health. It may help boost growth or slow hair loss. Anyone with concerns about hair loss or who has sudden, unexpected hair loss should consult a healthcare professional. Last medically reviewed on May 2, 2022 Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.
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