Lose more hair than usual? Know eight common causes of thin hair that can lose more strands and how to manage it.
Hair is something most people experience at some point, but excessive hair can cause thinning of the hair. You may associate it with aging and genetics, but there are actually several factors that can contribute to thinning your hair. From medical conditions like alopecia to stress and hormonal imbalances, the causes of hair thinning are broad and complex. Even lifestyle habits such as excessive heat styling and regular chemical treatment can play a role. If you’ve noticed that your hair has been thinning lately, here’s why it’s probably going on and how to manage it.
What is hair?
Thinning of hair is a gradual decrease in fineness and density of hair, often resulting in a noticeable decrease in volume. It may retract the hairline, spread the parts, or look like a sparse area of the scalp. There may be several causes of hair thinning, including genetics, hormonal imbalances, stress, dietary poverty, and medical conditions. If you notice more hair falling off, if you notice changes in texture, or if your scalp is more noticeable through your hair.
What causes thinning hair?
Here are eight common causes of hair thinning that can lead to excessive hair loss and reducing the amount and density of hair.
1. Symptoms
Alopecia is an autoimmune state in which the immune system accidentally attacks the hair follicles, leading to hair loss and thinning. This condition can cause patchy ald spots on the scalp, leading to more serious forms of hair loss. The exact cause remains unknown, but a study published in an experimental dermatology found that a combination of genetic predispositions such as infection and stress and environmental factors could contribute to the development of alopecia. It can affect both men and women and has no relation to other health conditions.
2. Genetics
This is also one of the common causes of hair thinning. Genetics play an important role in hair thinning, especially in conditions such as andro-genetic alopecia, also known as male or female pattern alopecia. This hereditary condition allows hair to be thinned throughout the scalp and is linked to specific genes inherited from both parents or grandparents.
3. Hormonal imbalance
Hormonal changes are a major factor in hair thinning, especially for women. Conditions such as pregnancy, menopause, and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) destroy the normal balance of hormones such as estrogen and testosterone, causing hair to thin. A study published in The Cureus found a direct correlation between higher levels of androgens (male hormones) and hair thinning in women, particularly women with PCOS. Hormonal imbalances can allow hair to enter earlier in the fall, causing noticeable thinning.
4. stress
Stress is one of the common causes of hair thinning, and there is scientific evidence to support this claim. If a person experiences considerable stress, it can lead to a condition called hair entering the early stage of falling off. A study published in the National Institutes of Health found that chronic stress could increase cortisol levels. This type of hair removal is usually temporary and resolves once stress is managed.
5. Vitamin deficiency
Certain vitamin and mineral defects can lead to thinning of hair. Defects in iron, vitamin D, and biotin are generally associated with hair loss. A study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology reveals that low levels of vitamin D are associated with hair thinning, especially in individuals with andro-hereditary alopecia. Iron deficiency anemia has been found to be an important factor in hair loss as it affects the supply of oxygen to the hair follicles. Make sure you consume these nutrients in your daily diet.
6. Frequent hair treatments
Regular use of harsh chemical treatments such as dyes, perms, and relaxers can weaken your hair and thin your hair over time. These treatments often strip the natural oils and moisture from the scalp and hair, making it thinner. Taking these treatments more frequently increases the risk of long-term damage. It is essential to focus on hair nutrition and protection to limit the use of chemicals and promote healthy hair growth.
7. Overuse of heat
Frequent use of heating styling tools such as flat irons, curling irons, and blow dryers can cause major damage to your hair. A severe fever is one of the biggest causes of thinning hair. It weakens the protein structure of hair, makes it dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. Over time, this can lead to noticeable hair thinning. To prevent these causes of thinning hair, it is important to minimize heat exposure and always use heat protecting agents to protect your hair from the damaging effects of high temperatures.
8. Specific drugs
Some drugs, such as chemotherapy drugs, blood thinners and antidepressants, can cause hair thinning as a side effect, according to Harvard Health Publishing. Drugs used for conditions such as hypertension, arthritis, depression, and other conditions can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle. If you notice your hair is thinning and suspect it may be related to your medication, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider. They will help you propose alternatives or solutions to minimize the impact on your hair.
How to thin your hair?
There can be many causes of thinning hair, and dealing with it can be a step-by-step process. You can follow these tips to manage your state.
1. Make sure you are taking sufficient vitamins and minerals, especially iron, vitamin D, biotin and zinc.
2. Limits the use of chemical treatments such as perms, dyes, and relaxers that can weaken hair.
3. Use a gentle sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner to avoid unnecessary damage.
4. Avoid using heat styling tools or always apply a heat protectant before styling.
5. Chronic stress can contribute to hair loss. Incorporating relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can help reduce stress levels and support healthy hair growth.
6. Slowly massage the scalp will increase blood circulation and promote hair growth. Use oils such as coconut or argan oil to nourish them.
7. Hairstyles that pull the scalp firmly, like ponytails or braids, can lead to traction alopecia. Choose a more loose style to reduce hair tension.
If your hair is continuing to thin, consult a dermatologist to properly diagnose the cause of your hair thinning!
