While some people consider thinning hair as a health condition, some people consider it an inheritable condition or even as a result of old age. However in most cases thinning hair has been linked with diet, nutrient deficiencies, or hereditary hair loss. Though, thinning hair is highly unwanted as if affects self-esteem and mental health but it is in no way attributed or linked to a general health condition. Thinning hair can arise due to various reasons, however you can try several treatments and home remedies to boost your hair health, thickness, and strength.
Causes of Thinning hair
Age
Sometimes hair loss can be deemed as normal. As one gets older, hair may naturally start to lose volume and also strength. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) has it that people lose about 50–100 hairs each day and then new hair regrows from the same hair follicles. However, as time goes on, some follicles stop producing new hair, and thus the hair shafts become softer. At this point, the hair also starts to lose its color.
Diet
The body requires adequate nutrients to produce new hair strands and maintain healthy hair follicles. Protein is an essential component of hair in in form of keratin. Micronutrients, which include vitamins and minerals also play a vital role in the hair follicle growth process. Malnutrition and vitamin deficiencies can lead to hair loss.
Stress
After a long period of stress actions, people you may notice that your hair feels thinner than usual. When stress causes thinning hair, people usually notice their hair returning to its normal volume once the stressful situation begins to pass. Healthcare professionals can help people manage significant times of stress. Talking and behavioral therapies can help. People can also try natural remedies for dealing with stress and anxiety.
Pregnancy
People may notice hair loss during or after pregnancy. Typically, the hair grows back without any treatment.
Treatments of thinning hair
Domestic ways of treatment include:
Eat hair-healthy foods
Diet plays an important role in the strength and health of a person’s hair. Proteins, fats, and certain vitamins and minerals are especially important for hair health.
People may notice improvements in hair growth when they increase the amount of certain foods in their diet.
Foods that may boost hair growth include: Egg, fatty-fish, Brazil nuts, Walnuts
Eating a healthy, varied diet can help promote the continued growth of strong, healthy hair.
Eating a nutritious diet can also prevent the following signs of damaged hair:
- brittle hair shafts
- a dull appearance
- dryness
- dandruff
Some people use essential oils to boost hair growth
There has been little research into how effective these oils can be, but they are unlikely to be harmful.
When using essential oils, people should always dilute them in a carrier oil such as coconut oil or jojoba oil to avoid irritation. Learn more about carrier oils here.
Rosemary oil, Peppermint oil, thyme oil.
- garlic gel, due to its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties
- onion juice, which may stimulate hair follicles
- procyanidin, a class of flavonoid antioxidants present in apples, cinnamon, and grapes
- caffeine, which may promote cell proliferation and hair growth
Medical methods of treating thinning hair
Minoxidil
Minoxidil comes in 2% and 5% treatments. People apply the product directly to the areas of thinning hair. This is a safe and effective treatment for androgenetic alopecia.
It takes 6–12 months for hair growth to improve. However, people taking minoxidil will have to keep taking it permanently, or hair loss will reoccur.
Finasteride
Finasteride (Propecia) is an oral medication. People experiencing hair loss take 1 milligram daily. This is a prescription drug for men who have already tried minoxidil without success.
In most cases, thinning hair is not linked with overall health problems. If a person is concerned about hair loss, or if it affects their mental well-being, they can see a doctor.
However, if you lose a lot of hair and the reason is unknown to you, consult a doctor. This is important if you have made dietary changes or you embark on using supplements.
Then the doctor may give you advice and possible solutions which may be in the form of a recommendation. You can also consult a skin specialist, or dermatologist, in order to determine the best ways to treat thinning hair.