When you start seeing a lot of hair on the bathroom wall and a little bit on your head, your first instinct is probably to pull out your phone, fire up Google, and frantically ask, “how to get thick hair” or “why is my hair falling out,” a list of scary medical articles. Many of us have been there. -80 million in the U.S. alone, to be exact. Check out one of these not-so-scary articles.
Hair loss is stressful, yes, but it’s also informative. It’s your body’s way of telling you something isn’t right. From genetics to your environment, the most common causes of hair loss are up front. And while it’s totally okay to cringe for a second, keep in mind that hair loss can provide the impetus to dive deeper with the help of a medical provider.
Why does hair become thin?
Genetics
You can give your mom a perfect smile and thank dad for your weird legs, but they did Really Should the hair loss gene be passed on? “Patients often have a family history of hyperpigmentation and recognize thinning down to the facial hairline,” says board-certified dermatologist Heather Woolley-Lloyd. He said. “Part enlargement is one of the first things female patients notice.”
Stress
“A major stressful event such as a car accident, hospitalization, sudden death of a loved one, surgery, or childbirth can disrupt the hair growth cycle and lead to temporary shedding, also known as telogen effluvium,” says Dr. Woolley-Lloyd. (She notes that stress is rarely the cause of hair loss.) But if you’ve had regular blood work and your cortisol levels are consistently high, it may be worth implementing lifestyle changes to reduce your stress levels as much as possible.
Hormonal imbalance
“Hormonal changes such as menopause, perimenopause or postpartum can cause hair loss due to decreased estrogen levels,” says board-certified trichologist Helen Revey. This can also occur in conditions such as PCOS, which often results in high levels of testosterone. When your hormones are out of balance, it can be accompanied by other symptoms, such as mood and skin changes. If you think something might be up, tell your primary care provider or dermatologist, and they can help you get blood work done to get a reading on your hormone levels.
Old age
While there are many things to look forward to as you age (wisdom! Smile lines! Retirement!), thinning hair is probably not one of them, but it’s totally normal. “As we age, hair growth naturally slows down,” says Dr. Woolery-Lloyd. She says this leads to thicker, smoother hair and a reduction in overall hair volume.
Medical conditions
“Thyroid conditions and autoimmune diseases such as alopecia areata and lupus can contribute to hair loss,” says Dr Woolley-Lloyd. If you have these conditions, work with your specialist to develop a care plan. If you suspect you have a chronic health problem, make an appointment with your primary care provider, who can refer you to a specialist.
Inadequate nutrition
A lack of protein and certain vitamins, minerals and amino acids can play a role in hair loss, says Revy. Let your doctor know your concerns and they may order a full blood work panel to check your levels. Learning what you’re missing out on before you reach for extra food can save you a lot of time and money.
Styling
Hair loss can occur if you frequently wear your hair in messy back styles, high ponytails, and protective styles. What’s more, Revey says that excessive heat styling, coloring and chemical processing can make hair weaker and finer over time.
Understanding the actual results
The results depend on the cause of the hair loss. “Postpartum hair loss tends to go away within a year without treatment,” Dr. Woolery-Lloyd says. Revey explains that stress-related hair loss—and any type of telogen effluvium—usually resolves on its own, but stress-related inflammation can be alleviated with lifestyle changes such as meditation, good sleep, and regular exercise.
It’s important to understand that what works for one person’s hair may not work for you. (Yes, when a thousand influencers tell you that colostrum gave them mermaid tresses.) That’s why the first step is to know the root of your hair fall, so you can get a realistic perspective on solutions and results.
Short term solutions for immediate results
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Thickening and thickening hair care products
Celebrity hairstylist Jeanette Walker-Rogers says: “Many people focus on regrowing hair for more density and forget to take care of the hair that is still there. “For instant gratification on thin hair, make your hair feel and look rich with special hair care ingredients.” She suggests looking for formulas that include protein to strengthen the hair, a lightweight moisturizer to add strength to the strands, and some type of starch that provides texture and makes the strands look thicker.
Revay recommends using a toning dry shampoo on non-wash days. “Apply to the roots and wait 30 seconds, then massage your scalp in circular motions to distribute the formula through the hair, lifting from the roots to create volume,” she says.
To add more volume and texture to your hair while giving you a thicker, fuller look, “Joico Rise Powder Spray It’s great for growing hair from root to tip,” says Walker-Rogers of Joyco.
Styling techniques
To prevent chafing while you sleep, keep your eyes peeled for a silk pillowcase, as it prevents chafing (and chafing). Revay recommends blow-drying your hair or using this. Easy brush hack While they are drying. Applying a thick layer to dry hair, thickening it, and then blow-drying it will result in long-lasting volume, as heat can “activate” your styling products. Using hair extensions, for example Luxe Hair New Scalp Hair Fill-Ins It hides the growing part (without track) and also helps you feel confident in your hair when deciding on long-term solutions.
Long term solutions
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Medicines and supplements
Depending on the root cause of your hair loss, the dermatologist has several clinically proven prescription options. “Topical minoxidil 5 percent is effective but must be continued to maintain results, and low-dose oral minoxidil is another effective treatment for hair loss,” says Dr. Woolley-Lloyd. But Minixil is not recommended if you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant It has been shown to cause birth defects. One alternative is rosemary oil, which has been shown to be effective with 2% minoxidil for hair growth. In a small experimentDr Woolley-Lloyd explains. She also showed clinical improvement in Ketoconazole shampoo in androgenetic alopecia.
Certain hair vitamins, such as Nutrafol, have been shown in clinical studies to improve hair thickness, but avoid supplements containing too many vitamins and minerals (such as iron, selenium, etc.) unless recommended by a medical practitioner. Vitamin A) can do more harm than good.
“It’s important to note that patience is key with these treatments,” she says. “It is best to wait at least six months before deciding whether the hair loss treatment is effective because it may take time to see the results.”
PRP and hair transplantation
PRP, or platelet-rich plasma, has been used for some time to heal tendons, ligaments, and muscles—but in recent years, it’s been shown to have great results in regeneration. Basically, the procedure uses plasma taken from your blood and injected into the skull. Nutrient-dense plasma in some cases regenerates follicles. “PRP is a good option, but we need more research to better understand the longevity of this procedure,” said Dr. Woolley-Lloyd. Not to mention, it is very expensive and not covered by insurance because it is considered a cosmetic procedure. “If done consistently, PRP can be successful for some people, but if done incorrectly, it can cause permanent damage to scar tissue,” Revay says. So if you opt for PRP, be sure to get treatments from a licensed dermatologist or nurse practitioner.
Dr. Woolery-Lloyd also mentions that hair transplantation is a proven long-term solution. This surgical intervention involves taking small pieces of skin from the scalp with healthy, thick hair (usually on the back and sides of the scalp) and transplanting it to the bald or thinning area of the scalp.
Proper skin care
“I recommend incorporating a peptide-enriched daily scalp treatment into your routine. Act+Acre 3% Stem Cell Peptide TreatmentRevi, the founder of Act+Acre, not only supports hair thinning and hair loss, but also instantly increases hair volume. Walker-Rogers also suggests using a hair mask or deep conditioning treatment once a week to keep your hair — and scalp — moisturized and strong. Revay recommends a gentle scalp exfoliator or rinse to make sure you’re removing product buildup, oil, and other gunk from your scalp to keep the follicles clear.
Try giving yourself a weekly (or even daily) scalp massage. “Massage is known to increase blood flow to the scalp, aid the natural growth cycle, and improve hair follicle health. Not to mention, they’re incredibly relaxing,” says Revy.
Schedule a visit with a dermatologist who can guide you through your hair growth journey and help you find a solution that fits your individual needs.