Finding out how to tell if your hair is thinning actually requires careful observation. Although you may think hair loss is something obvious, the early signs can be so subtle that you may miss the opportunity to get your hair back as full and voluminous as before.
But have no fear. Not only is this a natural process that occurs in almost everyone, but it is also quite fixable if dealt with in time. “Hair thinning is normal, but almost all hair loss is treatable by a dermatologist,” says Neela Nathan, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist and lead dermatology advisor at Vegamour. “It’s normal to seek care if you have concerns.”
The path to fuller-looking, healthier hair starts here, as we discuss the less obvious signs of hair thinning and how to treat them. Read what the experts say.
Causes of hair loss
Several factors can accelerate or worsen the hair loss process. Dr. Nathan says stress, hormones, and aging are the most common causes of hair loss. Hair and skin health are also indicators of our internal health and immune system. “Vitamin deficiencies and protein deficiencies can lead to hair thinning,” she explains. “So is extreme physical or emotional stress, such as childbirth or the loss of a loved one.” Shilpi Khetarpal, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist and clinical advisor at Great Many, agrees, adding that psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis It adds that inflammatory conditions of the scalp, such as, can also cause hair loss.
first signs of thinning hair
Most signs of hair loss start very slowly and subtly, so if you’re not monitoring these subtle changes, you can miss them. However, the five most common issues to be aware of are:
thin ponytail
If you’re putting your hair up for a certain hairstyle, especially a ponytail, pay attention to how well your hair fits into that hair tie. If you find yourself wrapping a hair tie more times than before to secure your ponytail, it could be a subtle hint that your hair is losing some density, says Dr. Nathan. .
more visible scalp
This occurs in both men and women, but in different parts of the head. Men typically experience a receding hairline (“We call it M-shaped recession of the frontal hairline,” Dr. Khetarpal says) and thinning around the crown of the head. Women may notice that their natural areas become wider or their entire scalp becomes more prominent. However, this is a gradual change and you may not notice it right away.
wispy hair
According to Dr. Nathan, the appearance of short, wispy hair can also be a sign of thinning hair, as it indicates that the hair follicles are shrinking in size. However, she points out that wispy hair is often confused with hair breakage, so it may be something to look out for.
brittle and fragile fibers
As your hair begins to become more damaged, you will notice that it also loses a lot of volume. Dr. Khetarpal adds that if your hair suddenly becomes brittle and brittle, you may need to identify the underlying cause as soon as possible.
Molting
The most obvious sign of hair thinning is excessive hair loss. It’s normal to lose around 100 to 150 hairs a day, and there’s no need to panic, but you should be careful if you start losing more than normal. Board-certified trichologist Bridget Hill says many triggers can cause this condition, including hormonal changes, weight loss, diet, nutritional deficiencies, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, stress, taking prescription medications, products you use, and styling habits. It explains that it is possible.
How to prevent further thinning
The good news is that in most cases, there are several options available to promote hair growth. “It’s important to remember that hair loss is so-called multifactorial,” says Dr. Khetarpal. “The cause is often multifactorial and requires multiple treatment modalities to improve.” Some of the most common preventions (and treatments) include:
Using proper hair products
One of the simplest hair loss treatments are topical solutions that can be incorporated into your hair care routine. Dr. Nathan recommends starting with shampoos that specifically help stimulate hair growth, and also points out anti-dandruff shampoos that can help reduce the amount of hair loss. Dr. Khetarpal agrees and says to look for ingredients like zinc pyrithione and ketoconazole.
Nutrafol
root purifier scalp shampoo
You can also try a hair serum. Dr. Nathan says to look for growth-active ingredients like minoxidil and caffeine, like this Vegamour Gro Hair Serum for Thinning Hair. I also like things like Aavrani Hair Density Boosting Scalp Serum for thinning hair and hair loss. It uses a mixture of vegan collagen, turmeric stem cells, and ashwagandha to soothe scalp inflammation and give your hair a thicker, fuller look. And many people trust the proven Rogaine.
Avrani
Scalp serum that increases hair density
rogaine
2% minoxidil topical solution hair growth treatment for women
oral supplements
According to Dr. Nathan, one of the best supplements you can take for hair growth is vitamin D. Some dermatologists may also prescribe oral treatments such as low-dose minoxidil, finasteride, or spironolactone for more severe situations, she added.
Many holistic plant-based options act as dihydrotestosterone (DHT) blockers, Hill says, including clover, mung bean, saw palmetto, and reishi. She also looks to ashwagandha, which lowers cortisol levels and increases blood circulation and flow, vitamin E, which strengthens scalp health, and horsetail extract, which increases the chances of hair fiber growth and hair follicle health. I say it can be done. However, as with any supplement you want to take, check with your doctor to make sure it’s safe for you and your needs.
Salon and office treatments
When it comes to hair loss, there are many treatment options. One of the most popular in the office is platelet-rich plasma (PRP). This involves drawing the patient’s own blood and recirculating the processed and concentrated cells to the scalp to stimulate hair growth. This treatment should always be performed by a trained professional, says Dr. Khetarpal, who often combines PRP with medication for best results.
She added that people can also look to lasers and resort to surgical hair transplants as a last resort for more severe hair loss. For less invasive treatments, Hill says you can also take advantage of salon options such as scalp massages, which reduce inflammation, balance the scalp microbiome, and stimulate blood flow and circulation.
Changes in eating habits
Experts all agree that to keep your hair looking and feeling strong, you should eat a balanced diet. Dr. Khetarpal recommends making sure you’re getting enough protein, drinking plenty of water, and incorporating fruits, vegetables, and omega-3s into your daily diet. And if you can, avoid highly processed foods like refined sugar. “They can raise blood sugar levels,” she explains. “That’s why sticking to whole foods and minimizing additives, preservatives, sugar, and highly processed foods is best for your skin, hair, and overall health.”
