Hair Loss Alopecia: Causes, Symptoms, and Regrowth Options

what causes thinning hair

In a 2014 animal study, peppermint led to more hair growth over 4 weeks than saltwater, jojoba oil, or minoxidil 3%. Consider gentle hair products when available, and comb and brush hair only when needed. You can also place less stress on your hair by limiting the use of heated styling tools as well as tight hairstyles. While you may be focused on reversing thinning hair, it’s also important to try to practice good hair care techniques. To help manage stress, it’s important to take some time for yourself, whether it’s a meditation session or a relaxing hobby you enjoy. You may also consider talking with a therapist if you’re having a difficult time with chronic stress.

what causes thinning hair

Symptoms Of Hair Loss In Women

A Sneaky Vitamin Deficiency May Be the Cause of Your Thinning Hair, Dermatologists Say - Yahoo Life

A Sneaky Vitamin Deficiency May Be the Cause of Your Thinning Hair, Dermatologists Say.

Posted: Wed, 17 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

If you lose significant hair, it’s important to protect your scalp. Wear a hat, scarf or other head covering when you’re in the sun, and apply sunscreen daily. Research indicates that this method may serve as a safe and efficient treatment for hair loss.

Medical Professionals

what causes thinning hair

Anemia (iron deficiency), a condition common among women, can contribute to hair loss. Furthermore, researchers have linked insufficient selenium, zinc, vitamin B12, riboflavin, and vitamin D to alopecia. When you see a doctor to see what's causing your hair loss, they’ll probably start with a physical exam and ask about your diet, family history, and medical history. They may ask whether any of your relatives have hair loss. Because hair is constantly falling out and growing, hair loss often goes unnoticed. You're more likely to notice it when a lot of hair enters the resting phase at the same time or if hair roots become damaged during the growth process.

Clinical trials

The Food and Drug Administration has approved a low-level laser device as a treatment for hereditary hair loss in men and women. A few small studies have shown that it improves hair density. Stopping hair loss indefinitely depends upon the underlying cause.

At some point, hair follicles stop growing hair, which causes the hair on our scalp to thin. Depending on what’s causing your hair loss, it may be temporary or permanent. Treatments can help people with certain types of hair loss. For conditions like alopecia areata that may affect children as well as adults, groups can provide emotional support and even help you buy wigs or find other ways to cope. That’s because factors like genetics, your nutrition, stress and anxiety, and changes in your hormones, metabolism, or medications can all contribute to thinning hair.

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"Different hair loss warrants different treatments, so it is important to determine the root cause." 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. A person should talk with a healthcare professional before using essential oils and research the quality of a particular brand’s products. It is also important to always do a patch test before trying a new essential oil. After 6 months, both the participants applying rosemary oil and those applying topical minoxidil experienced significant hair growth.

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Understanding the cause of thinning hair is crucial for effective treatment because different causes require different approaches. Always consult with a healthcare provider if you're concerned about hair thinning or loss related to medication. They can offer guidance or potential alternatives if the medication's side effects affect your hair. Corticosteroids are prescription treatments used for conditions linked to underlying inflammation. Sometimes, inflammatory conditions can cause a variety of symptoms, including hair loss. Dr Bhavini Shah from LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor explains eight possible causes of thinning hair in women.

What are some tips for dealing with hair loss?

"It's all-natural but it has been formulated to target certain hair-thinning causes." The key is figuring out whether your strands are simply getting thinner due to age or if there's an underlying problem that needs to be addressed, say Drs. That can potentially cause a person to eat less and take in fewer nutrients, which can increase the chance for nutritional deficiencies that affect the hair, he explains. "Most recently, we've seen a lot of hair loss after a patient has recovered from COVID," he says.

“Your body’s immune system is attacking the hairs,” Brodell says. Hair loss and hair thinning can be temporary or permanent. It’s usually genetic, but it can also be triggered by diseases or disorders that attack the hair follicles. Sudden weight loss and very restrictive diets can also cause telogen effluvium. In men and women, such hair loss can accompany rapid weight loss following bariatric surgeries, such as gastric bypass. Researchers have also found vitamin and mineral deficiencies related to hair loss.

A healthcare provider will do a thorough examination and take a detailed history to understand changes in your hair growth. Your provider will also ask about what medications or supplements you currently take. While these strategies are helpful and promising in many cases, adjusting your lifestyle and hair care habits may not get to the root cause of your hair thinning. A healthcare provider can help detect and address any specific concerns about thinning hair. Most baldness is caused by genetics (male-pattern baldness and female-pattern baldness). As we get older, the number of hair follicles in their growth phase decreases, causing your mane to become less dense.

Use these professionally produced online infographics, posters, and videos to help others find and prevent skin cancer. You'll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox. Our hair is made mostly of protein, and over time, not getting enough protein in your diet can have a negative effect. Changing hormone levels that occur during perimenopause and menopause can cause hair to become thinner.

As a general rule, the sooner you treat hair loss, the more likely you will be able to reverse or reduce the rate of hair loss. Newer treatments that are also being explored include some forms of laser therapy, microneedling with PRP, as well as other oral medications. Many of these treatments are still in the early testing phases though, and more research will be necessary. Your clinician might prescribe anti-inflammatory medications, like corticosteroids, if hair loss seems related to an autoimmune condition. Over-the-counter (OTC) medications generally consist of topical creams, gels, solutions, or foams that you apply directly to the scalp. The most common products contain an ingredient called minoxidil.

Hormonal imbalances before, during and after menopause can lead to more permanent hair loss, Dr. Simpson says. Not getting enough iron, protein or vitamin B12 in your diet can also cause your hair to thin. If this happens to you, talk to your doctor about supplements.

Professional hair stylist Megan gives her advice on the best hairstyles to adopt if you are experiencing thinning hair. Hair loss can be caused by stress or anxiety in anyone, namely teenagers. It may cause poor self-esteem and have a big effect on confidence — especially at an age when many people start dating and learning who they are.

Androgenetic alopecia is genetic and is caused by a reaction to androgen and occurs after puberty. It causes gradual hair loss; in women, this is more likely to cause diffuse thinning on the top of the head. But if your follicles become damaged, the hair loss may be permanent. See your dermatologist if you notice this type of hair loss.

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