Are you tired of dealing with hair loss? You’re not alone. It can be distressing to notice thinning hair or visible gaps in your scalp.
Given that experiencing hair loss usually doesn’t hurt, realizing that the hair on your head is thinning can be upsetting, particularly if you can see spaces between your hair and areas where your scalp is showing. Thankfully, there are several approaches to treating receding hair and preventing further damage.
Why is your hair thinning?
The most common causes of age-related hair loss are two common conditions.
Male- or female-pattern hair loss, commonly known as androgenetic alopecia, is the most prevalent type. The first symptom is thinning hair. The finer the hair strands, the smaller the hair follicles get. Sometimes hair follicles stop generating hair completely, according to Dr. Kathie Huang, an assistant professor of dermatology at Harvard Medical School and co-director of the Hair Loss Clinic at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, which is affiliated with Harvard.
Changes in hormones associated with aging or heredity may be the reason for this kind of hair loss. It happens gradually and according to patterns unique to men and women. Men may have thinning at their temples or on the top of the head, or their front hairline may recede. According to Dr. Huang, it can affect most of the hairline in women or only specific regions like the center section, the temples, and the frontal scalp area. “But in androgenetic alopecia, women do not develop balding.
The term “telogen effluvium” refers to another prevalent kind of hair loss. This kind of thinning happens quickly and is frequently brought on by emotional or physical strain. It may occur following surgery, an infection of the bladder, or a raised temperature. Shedding may also happen in response to a new medicine or an underlying medical issue, according to Dr. Huang.
In addition, several medical disorders, dietary deficits, stress, and family history can cause hair loss. Medications, dietary modifications, and other interventions may be used to treat thinning hair, depending on what is causing it.
Factors that can contribute to additional hair loss include:
- genetic or hereditary factors, which health experts call androgenetic alopecia
- older age, due to slower hair growth
- alopecia areata, which is an autoimmune condition
- scarring alopecia, where inflammation destroys hair follicles
- cancer treatment and some other medications
- stress
- childbirth
- hair treatments, such as perms, dyes, and hair relaxants
- pulling or tugging the hair, for example, when styling or to relieve stress
- hormonal changes, possibly due to a thyroid condition or menopause
- a health condition, such as scalp psoriasis or an infection
- nutritional deficiencies, for example, a lack of biotin, zinc, iron, or protein
- poisoning with arsenic, thallium, mercury, or lithium
- taking a high dose of vitamin A or selenium supplements
Genetic and hormonal factors cause androgenetic alopecia, often known as male-pattern and female-pattern baldness in medical circles.
In the US, it affects about 30 million women and 50 million men. It will affect about half of all people at some point, according to reliable sources. While the illness can strike anyone at any age, it is more prevalent in: men 50 years of age or older, women going through menopause, and those with close family members with androgenetic alopecia.
Diet – One should follow to prevent Thinning of Hairs
The body needs nutrients Trusted source 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:
- protein
- iron
- zinc
- vitamin B3, or niacin
- fatty acids
- selenium
- vitamin D
- biotin
A dietary deficiency may also cause:
- brittle hair shafts
- a dull appearance to hair
- skin and scalp dryness
- sparse, light-colored hair in children
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.
Stress
Telogen 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:
- an acute febrile illness
- a severe infection
- surgery
- a traumatic injury
- a fall in estrogen levels after giving birth
- crash dieting
- low levels of protein or iron
- the use of some medications
- emotional stress, for example, due to a loss of a loved one, divorce, or big move
In acute cases, the hair usually regrows. In chronic cases, shedding may continue, but a person will usually retain a reasonable head of hair.
Sudden vs. gradual hair loss
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:
- cancer treatment
- alopecia areata
- infections
- some medications
- stress
- hormonal changes, such as after giving birth or due to a thyroid problem
- inflammatory alopecias, such as central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia, commonly occur at the crown of the head in Black females and males
If a person has unexpected and rapid hair loss, they should seek medical advice. They may need treatment for an underlying condition.
Treatment one Can follow for Hair Thinning Prevention
Treatment for thinning hair will depend on the cause.
Minoxidil and finasteride have Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval to treat androgenetic alopecia.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil 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:
- contact dermatitis
- skin irritation
- excessive hair growth on the face and other areas of the body
Finasteride
Finasteride (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:
- erectile dysfunction
- decreased libido
- gynecomastia
Home Remedies
- While not all home remedies have been scientifically shown to increase hair growth, there are a few that may.
- Before utilizing a home cure for hair loss, including herbal therapies, a person should see a doctor.
- Consume meals that are good for your hair.
- For healthy hair, proteins, lipids, and specific vitamins and minerals are crucial.
- Foods high in nutrients that promote healthy hair include:
- Brazil nuts, which are rich in selenium, walnuts, another excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, eggs, which are high in protein and biotin, and dairy products, which can raise vitamin D levels
Massaging of the Scalp:
Enhancing circulation can also be achieved by massaging the scalp. This promotes hair growth. Applying essential oils to the scalp and massaging it gently may offer further advantages.
Additional natural cures
A 2019 assessment of alopecia alternative treatments found that the following substances might encourage hair growth:
Procyanidins, a class of flavonoid antioxidants found in apples, cinnamon, and grapes; capsaicin, a compound found in red chili peppers; ginseng, an herb used traditionally as a treatment for hair loss; garlic gel, because of its antimicrobial agents and anti-inflammatory properties; onion juice, which may stimulate hair follicles; and caffeine, which may encourage cell proliferation and hair growth.
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