Thinning Hair: Causes & Treatments

Thinning hair is something that plagues both men and women, so if you’ve noticed your strands are looking a bit sparse these days, there could be a variety of reasons. But you’ve got options too – there are more ways to tackle thinning hair today than ever before!

woman experiencing hair loss

What causes thinning hair?

Simply aging is enough to cause your hair to grow thinner over time, but there could be a variety of reasons you are losing your locks.

For men, male pattern baldness affects up to 85% of men (!), so you’re definitely not alone! Over time androgens, the hormones that regulate hair follicles, gradually begin to inhibit the growth of your hair. The extent to which your hair will be affected by this process is hereditary. Female hair loss or thinning is a thing too, affecting almost half of women as they age. This type of hair loss is hereditary; your genes will determine the rate and amount of hair loss. But also, up to two thirds of women experience hair loss after menopause, and as many as 90% of women experience hair loss after pregnancy and childbirth.

man experiencing thinning hair

Many other factors could be at play here too – illness or surgical procedures, specific medications, stress and lifestyle factors all can have a hand in causing your hair to thin. Smoking is a big one – the toxins in the cigarettes hinder the blood flow to your hair follicles, increasing your risk for and potentially speeding up the process of hair loss. Dietary factors too, such as too much vitamin A, or inadequate protein, can also play a role.

Over-washing, overuse of harsh chemicals or hot styling tools, or use of tight or constricting hair accessories or headwear, while not in and of themselves a cause of hair loss, can compromise the health of your scalp. This in turn can lead to hair breakage and weakening, which can contribute to already existing hair loss or thinning.

But there is good news if your hair is thinning from some of these other factors above (I.e. not from male or female pattern hair loss): these other types of hair loss can often reverse themselves, and your hair can grow back

What does thinning hair look like?

Because the reasons for hair loss or thinning vary, some can take on a different appearance to others. In men, hair thinning typically starts around the forehead, temples, and at the top of the head. A receding hairline is an early sign of this type of male pattern baldness. Women tend to lose hair from all over their head, commonly starting at the part line and often at the temples. Unlike men, women are not likely to go completely bald.

If you’ve noticed your hair loss occurring in more random looking patches, you may have alopecia, an auto-immune disorder that affects both men and women. Alopecia causes the hair to fall out in clumps or patches from any part of the scalp or other parts of the body. In extreme cases, alopecia can cause hair loss over the entire body. If you think you might have alopecia, see your doctor, who will be able to determine the type of hair loss you are experiencing.

male pattern hair loss or thinning hair

How can I treat my hair loss?

1. Maintain good hair and scalp health

Your general health is one of the biggest factors contributing to the health of your hair and scalp. A balanced diet that includes plenty of protein, iron, vitamin B-12 and other vitamins and minerals is essential for a healthy mane. Minimise the use of damaging chemical products and styling tools, and avoid over-washing your hair. Hairstyles that pull, rub and twist your hair like tight braids and topknots can also damage and weaken your hair. Brushing regularly can help distribute your hair’s natural oils, exfoliate your scalp, and remove dead hair – all good things for a healthy scalp.

hair products can damage hair

2. Use a good shampoo & conditioner

Pick a shampoo and conditioner combo that is designed to thicken thinning hair. These are specifically formulated with ingredients that won’t weigh down your hair, which causes it to look thinner than it is. The ingredients in Biothik Active Cleanser and Conditioner can actually strengthen your hair by up to 41% in two weeks.

3. Hair growth products

There are many hair growth and regrowth products on the market today. One of our favourites is a hair growth serum. Growth serums prolong the life cycle of your hair, by promoting hair growth while also preventing further hair loss. Biothik follicles is formulated differently for women and for men, and will give your hair the best possible chance to boost your follicles and reduce hair loss.

Ask your doctor about treatments such as minoxidil or other medical options. Some may not be approved for use in both men or women, but your doctor can talk with you about your options.

4. Laser hair therapy

Laser therapy is a really effective treatment for early stages of hair loss in men and women, and it’s recommended by doctors worldwide. It works by applying low level laser light to the scalp, which stimulates hair follicles and increases circulation, encouraging hair growth and restoring a healthy hair cycle. The best part is, with products that are available today, you can do this treatment right in the comfort of your own home.

woman holding hairmax laser band

5. Hair Loss Concealers

man using biothik hair fibres

Well, of course this is our favourite option! A hair concealer works instantly to make balding and thinning areas vanish instantly. Biothik Hair Fibres are made of keratin, a natural hair fibre. They blend seamlessly with your own hair, giving the appearance of a full head of hair in seconds. These are a great, instant, every day option to conceal early stages of thinning hair. Simply sprinkle the fibres into clean dry hair and pat it in, apply a locking mist, and you’re set until your next shower.

before and after

6. Hair systems

Not your dad’s toupee – we’ve come a long way in the world of hair pieces since the days of bad toupees and boufy wigs. There are some amazing, undetectable and very natural looking hair systems out there these days for men and women (like wigs and hair toppers) that can be customised to your head and give you better hair that you started with! These are a great option when instant results are required, and many of them allow to you to live your life as you normally would, with workouts, swimming, and windy days being no issue at all!

Check out all our Biothik products to see if there is one that will help you with your thinning hair today.

 

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