Are you experiencing thinning hair and looking for effective solutions to control and counter it? Thinning hair is a problem similar to hair loss, but not as severe. In this blog, we will discuss what actually is hair thinning and hair treatment for thin hair to prevent it from turning into serious hair troubles?
What is Thinning Hair?
A shedding of 50-100 hair strands per day is normal. But if we are shedding more than the body’s hair replenishing rate, the count on the head is sure to go down. Hair thinning is thus marked by a slow reduction in hair volume. While it doesn’t necessarily lead to baldness, small spots with less hair are really common.
How Common is the Condition?
According to some studies, as high as 50% of the population above 40 years of age exhibit some signs of thinning hair. The condition is medically known as androgenetic alopecia.
What Triggers Thinning Hair?
While the thinning of hair is linked to the general aging process when the length of the hair growth cycle takes a natural dip, several other factors can also trigger the condition. These include:
- Excessive hair treatments
- Use of strong and harsh hair products
- Adorning hairstyles that are too tight for the hair
- Nutrient deficiencies of iron, folic acid, vitamin D, riboflavin, selenium, and zinc.
- High levels of Vitamin A and selenium
- Chronic stress
- Pregnancy and childbirth
- Weaning off birth control pills
- Cancer treatments
- Menopause and other hormonal changes
- Sudden weight changes
- Onset of an autoimmune disease
- Compromised immune system
- Scalp Infection
How to Deal with Thinning Hair?
If you are in search of answers to the question ‘What to do for thinning hair’, don’t worry, you are at the right place. Unless the hair loss is very severe, the condition is curable. Even home remedies for thinning hair can reap the desired results. Here are some of the best hair treatments for thin hair that you can experiment with:
Scalp Massage
Nothing can be more rejuvenating and satisfying than a scalp massage. Take a carrier oil and add a few drops of essential oil. Heat it to a lukewarm temperature and give your scalp a gentle massage. This helps remove dead skin cells for the skin, and encourages blood flow in the follicles, stimulating new hair growth. But this won’t help address the problem of thinning hair caused by an underlying medical condition.
Eat Right
If eating disorders are the cause of your thinning hair, the hair treatment for thin hair will typically revolve around balanced eating. A healthy dose of vitamins and mineral supplements will help make up for the nutritional deficiencies.
Over-the-counter and Prescription Medication
Anti-thinning shampoos that contain vitamins and amino acids are available over the counter. Minoxidil is another over-the-counter drug for thinning hair. In addition to these, prescription drugs like Spironolactone, Finasteride, and Corticosteroids help balance the hormones that trigger hair loss.
At-Home Laser Therapy
While laser therapy is typically used by dermatologists and performed in an organized environment, there’s a range of hair treatment products that offer at-home laser treatment. Laser combs, brushes, hoods, and caps are new-age products that impart laser light to hair follicles. These stimulate hair growth and correct signs of thinning hair. However, these appliances must be used after a thorough consultation with a certified dermatologist.
Alternative Treatment Methods
In addition to balanced eating, studies establish a range of supplements and alternative treatment methods for effective management of the condition. These include ingredients and herbal supplements that include capsaicin, ginseng extract, garlic gel, onion juice, procyanidins present in apples, cinnamon, and grapes, and caffeine to promote hair growth.
Conclusion
While thinning hair is unavoidable for many, it is important to take note of it and take appropriate measures to keep it under control. It can be a greater concern if the problem is sudden. Avoiding smoking, indulging in regular exercise, and a balanced diet are some lifestyle tweaks that you can start with, but it is always better to seek medical advice if things seem to get out of control.
