How to Treat Thinning Hair

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Thinning hair can be caused by a variety of factors, including stress or hormonal issues. If your hair is thinning, do not fret. There are a number of things you can do to treat thinning hair, such as changing your hairstyle, using gentle hair products, and eating more protein and omega-3s.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Boosting Hair Growth

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  1. When you notice your hair is thinning, making the switch to all-natural, gentle hair products is a good idea. Many shampoos, conditioners, hair sprays and other products contain chemicals that are hard on the scalp and hair and can speed up hair loss and damage the hair that's left.
    • Use shampoo that doesn't contain sulfates or any type of alcohol. These ingredients are very drying and damaging to hair.
    • Look for conditioner that doesn't contain silicones. These weigh down the hair and require sulfate shampoos to rinse out.
    • Look in health food stores for hair styling products made with natural ingredients.
  2. Brushing your hair tends to pull more of it out, especially when you brush your hair while it's wet. The gentlest way to get the tangles out is by using a wide-tooth comb. Start near the tips of your hair, combing out the tangles at the bottom first, and work your way up to the roots. [1]
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  3. To keep from pulling out too much hair after your shower, pat it gently with a soft towel - don't wring it out or towel it roughly. Let it air dry instead of using a hair dryer, since the heat from a hair dryer can cause hair to dry out and break. Letting your hair air dry as often as possible will help promote new hair growth. [2]
  4. Along the same lines, avoid using curling irons, straightening irons, or any other type of hot styling tool to style your hair. Try embracing your natural hair texture and leaving it alone whenever possible. When you do use heat styling tools, use the lowest, coolest setting you can. [3]
    • There are plenty of ways to style your hair without heat - experiment with different ways to curl or straighten your hair and find out what method works for you.
  5. Tight braids, weaves, and other pulled-back hairstyles can cause hair to pull out more easily. [4] Try wearing your hair down or pulled back loosely. Avoid hair elastics and barrettes that might tug on your hair.
  6. Massaging your scalp can stimulate hair growth by increasing circulation around your hair follicles. [5] Place the pads of your fingers on your scalp and rub your scalp in a circular motion. Start near your forehead and make your way along the sides and back of your head, concentrating on areas that are thinning.
    • You can try egg oil , almond oil, mustard oil, coconut oil, or jojoba oil.
  7. The most popular hair growth treatment is minoxidil, which comes in the form of a cream or foam that is applied to the scalp twice a day. Many people experience some regrowth with minoxidil, but it can take up to 12 weeks to start working. You should be aware of the health risks associated with minoxidil, which are outlined by USFDA. [6] Other options include the following:
    • Hair transplants. Hairs are transplanted from an area of your scalp with thick growth to the areas that are thinning.
    • Scalp surgery. Bald spots are surgically removed, and the incision is closed up with hair-covered scalp on either side.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

Finding the Underlying Cause

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  1. The most common cause of thinning hair for both men and women is a hereditary condition in which sex hormones cause hair to fall out in a particular pattern. While male or female pattern baldness is permanent, there are certainly measures you can take to slow it down and treat it. [7]
    • Sometimes hormonal fluctuations lead to impermanent hair loss. Women who are pregnant, have discontinued birth control, or are going through menopause may experience temporary hair thinning.
    • Handling the hair gently and changing your hairstyle can help slow the progression of hormone-related thinning. [8]
  2. Certain medical conditions can cause hair loss. Treating these conditions can help slow or halt hair loss. If you are concerned you may have one of the following conditions, talk to your doctor about starting a treatment program so your hair will start growing back in. Conditions that cause hair thinning include: [9]
    • Thyroid issues -- when your thyroid isn't working properly, you might notice more hair falling out than usual.
    • Scalp infections and skin disorders -- hair loss might result from a skin condition like ringworm. Treating the issue can help the hair grow back.
    • Alopecia areata -- this is a disorder in which the body's immune system actually attacks hair follicles.
  3. Certain medications lead to hair loss. [10] If you're on a medication that lists hair loss as a side effect, you can discuss other options with your doctor. It may not be possible to switch to another medication, but it's worth looking into. Drugs used to treat the following conditions commonly lead to hair thinning:
    • Cancer
    • Depression
    • Heart problems
    • Arthritis
    • High blood pressure
  4. Hair loss can result from physical or mental shock as well as ongoing stress . Any type of shock to the system is going to have a physical effect, and hair loss is a common occurrence when these conditions are at play.
    • If you're chronically stressed, dealing the causes of your stress is an important way to keep yourself in good physical condition.
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Making Lifestyle Changes

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  1. Since being stressed out can cause hair loss, taking measures to decrease your stress level might help to slow it down. If you lead a high-stress life, try the following measures to calm down on a daily basis:
    • Get more sleep. Lack of sleep causes your body to produce the stress hormone cortisol.
    • Exercise frequently.
    • Try meditating or yoga.
  2. It's one of the building blocks of your hair, and if you aren't getting enough, hair loss can occur. [11] Thinning hair is common among vegetarians and vegans who aren't taking in enough protein. Try eating more of the following foods:
    • Fish, chicken, beef, and pork
    • Black beans, chickpeas, and other legumes
    • Tofu
    • Dairy products
  3. The body needs omega-3 fatty acids to create new hair. Getting plenty of omega-3s is essential for hair growth, so try stepping up your intake of the following foods:
    • Salmon
    • Sardines
    • Walnuts
    • Avocados
  4. Biotin is a B vitamin found in animal products that leads to healthy hair, skin and nails. Biotin supplements are often marketed as hair-growth supplements for this reason. Take biotin supplements as recommended or increase your intake of foods containing biotin, like liver and other meat products as well as walnuts and leafy greens.
    Jen Atkin, Celebrity Hairstylist

    Supplements can be transformative for hair. "Supplements not only address hair loss but dry hair and oily scalp. When taken regularly, dramatic improvements to hair are seen, allowing hair to withstand heat styling and processing so much more effectively."

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  • Question
    Can stress make my hair thin?
    Courtney Foster
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Courtney Foster is a Licensed Cosmetologist, Certified Hair Loss Practitioner, and Cosmetology Educator based out of New York City. Courtney runs Courtney Foster Beauty, LLC and her work has been featured on The Wendy Williams Show, Good Morning America, The Today Show, The Late Show with David Letterman, and in East/West Magazine. She received her Cosmetology License from the State of New York after training at the Empire Beauty School - Manhattan.
    Courtney Foster
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Sometimes, stress and trauma can lead to hair loss, so it might be the culprit if you notice your hair is thinner.
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  • Question
    How can I stop my hair from getting thinner?
    Courtney Foster
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Courtney Foster is a Licensed Cosmetologist, Certified Hair Loss Practitioner, and Cosmetology Educator based out of New York City. Courtney runs Courtney Foster Beauty, LLC and her work has been featured on The Wendy Williams Show, Good Morning America, The Today Show, The Late Show with David Letterman, and in East/West Magazine. She received her Cosmetology License from the State of New York after training at the Empire Beauty School - Manhattan.
    Courtney Foster
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Tight hairstyles, such as braids and ponytails could pull your hair out. Try wearing your hair down or in looser styles instead.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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  • Question
    How can I hide my thinning hair?
    Courtney Foster
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Courtney Foster is a Licensed Cosmetologist, Certified Hair Loss Practitioner, and Cosmetology Educator based out of New York City. Courtney runs Courtney Foster Beauty, LLC and her work has been featured on The Wendy Williams Show, Good Morning America, The Today Show, The Late Show with David Letterman, and in East/West Magazine. She received her Cosmetology License from the State of New York after training at the Empire Beauty School - Manhattan.
    Courtney Foster
    Licensed Cosmetologist
    Expert Answer
    Try putting your hair up in a loose bun or ponytail that sits on top of your head so it looks like you have more volume.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
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      Tips

      • Avoid blow drying your hair and rubbing it with a rough towel. Instead, let it naturally dry out.
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      • Use castor oil on scalp and hair and leave it all night, you will see the difference in 1 week.
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      • It is best to treat thinning hair early, as soon as you notice you are losing more hair than is normal for you. This will help prevent continued hair loss.
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      Warnings

      • Do not skip medications that are prescribed to help treat thinning hair. You will need to take them regularly and as prescribed in order to achieve the best results in hair regrowth.
        Thanks
        Helpful 99 Not Helpful 85
      • Certain medications that are prescribed for male hair loss should not be taken by women because of potential health risks. Do not take any medications if they are not prescribed specifically for you by your doctor.
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        Helpful 78 Not Helpful 74
      • If your medications are causing your thinning hair, do not stop taking them. Instead, discuss alternative medications with your doctor.
        Thanks
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      • When figuring out the best way to treat thinning hair, do not become discouraged if the methods you try fail. Instead, talk to your doctor about other options such as a hair transplant or laser hair treatments. You can also ask your stylist about hair pieces and wigs.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/insider/stop-damage
      2. ↑ https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/insider/stop-damage
      3. ↑ https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/media/releases/safe_hair_care_spares_hair_johns_hopkins_dermatologists_report
      4. ↑ Courtney Foster. Licensed Cosmetologist. Expert Interview. 9 December 2019.
      5. ↑ https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26904154/
      6. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/minoxidil-topical-route/description/drg-20068750
      7. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hair-loss/basics/causes/con-20027666
      8. ↑ https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16921-hair-loss-in-women
      9. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hair-loss/basics/causes/con-20027666
      1. ↑ Courtney Foster. Licensed Cosmetologist. Expert Interview. 9 December 2019.
      2. ↑ Courtney Foster. Licensed Cosmetologist. Expert Interview. 9 December 2019.

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If your hair is thinning, make sure you are getting plenty of protein and omega-3s in your diet so your body can create new hair. If your hair loss is due to stress, try getting more sleep and daily meditation to calm yourself down. Hormone-related hair loss can sometimes be treated with a cream like minoxidil, which is available as an over-the-counter cream or foam. If all else fails, ask your doctor about hair transplants or scalp surgery to cover any bald spots. Keep reading for tips for styling your hair to reduce hair loss.

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