Thinning Hair: How to Stop Hair From Falling Out
Medically reviewed by Brendan Camp, MD
Hair thinning can occur in certain areas on the scalp, such as the crown or along the part line, leading to noticeable patches or generalized thinning across the entire head. Whether thinning hair can grow back depends on various factors, including the cause of the thinning, an individual's genetics, and the treatment approaches.
This article will explain what hair thinning is and how it differs from hair loss. In addition, we'll review potential causes as well as treatments designed to target hair thinning and loss.
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Causes of Thinning Hair in Men and Women
Hair loss and hair thinning aren't precisely the same, though they are related. Hair loss refers to the significant reduction in the number of hair strands, leading to visible bald patches or overall decreased hair density.
Hair thinning, on the other hand, involves a decrease in the diameter or thickness of individual hair strands, resulting in a less voluminous appearance.
While hair thinning might not always lead to visible baldness, it can still significantly impact the overall look and feel of the hair. Both hair loss and hair thinning can be influenced by various factors, including genetics, hormonal changes, medical conditions, and lifestyle factors.
Genetics
Genetics plays a significant role in hair thinning, particularly in conditions like androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness). This type of hair loss is often hereditary and can affect both men and women. In androgenetic alopecia, hair follicles become sensitive to androgens (male hormones like dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, in particular), leading to a shortened growth phase and a gradual shrinking of hair follicles.
This results in the production of finer and shorter hair strands, eventually leading to visible thinning of the hair. The genetic predisposition to this sensitivity to androgens determines the likelihood and pattern of hair thinning.
It is important to know that androgenetic alopecia typically appears differently in women than men. In women, the hair becomes thinner at the top of the head, and the middle part widens. However, it does not typically recede.
Medical Conditions
Hair loss and hair thinning can be caused by various health conditions, including:
Physical or emotional stress
A severe infection or high fever
Thyroid disease
Autoimmune diseases, such as lupus
Tinea capitis (scalp ringworm)
Ovarian or adrenal tumors
Bacterial infections on the scalp
Radiation therapy or chemotherapy
Major surgery or sudden blood loss
Medications
Certain medications can lead to hair thinning or hair loss as a side effect. These medications might include:
Chemotherapy drugs: Many of these drugs cause significant hair loss due to their impact on rapidly dividing cells, including hair follicles.
Antidepressants: Certain antidepressants, particularly those classified as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), may cause hair loss in some people.
Immunosuppressants: Medications used to suppress the immune system, like those for autoimmune conditions or after organ transplants, might lead to hair thinning as a side effect.
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.
Hormonal Changes
Hormonal fluctuations during menopause, pregnancy, or conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can also contribute to hair thinning. These hormonal shifts can affect the hair growth cycle, causing hair follicles to spend more time in the resting stage (telogen phase) and less time in the active growth phase (anagen phase), leading to overall hair thinning.
Vitamin Deficiencies
Several vitamins play crucial roles in maintaining healthy hair growth, and deficiencies in these nutrients can affect the hair growth cycle, leading to thinning or shedding. Some key vitamins linked to hair health are:
Vitamin D: Deficiency in vitamin D has been associated with hair loss and thinning. It's involved in the hair follicle's cycle and plays a role in maintaining healthy hair.
Biotin (vitamin B7): Biotin deficiency can lead to brittle hair and hair loss. It's essential for the production of keratin, a key component of hair. However, there is no evidence that biotin can increase hair thickness or growth without the absence of a deficiency.
Vitamin A: An excess of vitamin A may lead to hair loss. Maintaining an optimal level is crucial for healthy hair growth.
Vitamin E: This antioxidant vitamin helps protect against free radicals (unstable molecules that can damage cells).
Vitamin B12: Deficiency in vitamin B12 has been linked to hair thinning and hair loss. It plays a role in red blood cell production, which supplies oxygen to the scalp and hair follicles.
While deficiencies in these vitamins can contribute to hair issues, it's essential to address any deficiencies with your healthcare provider. They can evaluate your nutritional status and recommend appropriate supplements or dietary changes to support overall health and potentially improve hair health.
How to Treat and Regrow Thinning Hair
Understanding the cause of thinning hair is crucial for effective treatment because different causes require different approaches. Consulting with a healthcare professional, preferably a dermatologist or a trichologist, can help pinpoint the cause and tailor a suitable course of action for addressing thinning hair.
Hair regrowth may not require treatment if you have recently experienced:
Childbirth
Recovered from a significant illness or undergone surgery
Completed cancer treatments
Lost a substantial amount of weight (20 pounds or more)
Encountered a mild instance of alopecia areata, in which your immune system targets hair follicles
Resolved scalp psoriasis
Managing thinning hair can involve a combination of lifestyle changes, hair care routines, and, sometimes, medical treatments. Here are some steps that might help:
At-Home Treatments
Rogaine (minoxidil) is an over-the-counter (OTC) medication that may help with early hair loss; however, it cannot regrow an entire head of hair.
Microneedling
Some studies show that this procedure can help to stimulate hair growth, especially when used in combination with another treatment, such as minoxidil.
Hair Transplants
Your dermatologist might suggest a hair transplant as an option if you're experiencing thinning or balding in a specific area due to male or female pattern baldness.
Nutritional Supplements
Nutritional supplements like vitamins, minerals, and others might be suggested by your dermatologist if your blood test indicates low levels of biotin, iron, or zinc. Additionally, if your protein intake is insufficient, your dermatologist (specialist of conditions of the skin, hair, and nails) can advise you on ways to increase it. Only consider supplementing with biotin, iron, or zinc upon confirmation of deficiencies through blood tests.
Laser Therapy
Also known as low-level laser therapy, some studies indicate its potential to assist with:
Facilitating healing and promoting hair growth post hair transplant
Genetic hair loss
Hair loss resulting from chemotherapy
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
Research indicates that this method may serve as a safe and efficient treatment for hair loss. PRP includes extracting a small portion of your blood, processing it in a machine to separate its the plasma, and injecting the plasma portion into the affected scalp area.
Medications
Finasteride (sold as Propecia and Proscar) is a prescription medication used mainly to treat male pattern baldness by reducing the hormone DHT, which can shrink hair follicles. It's not typically recommended for women of reproductive age due to potential risks to a developing male fetus and may cause sexual side effects in some men.
Spironolactone (sold as Aldactone and Carospir) is a potential medication for women experiencing female-pattern hair loss, as it has shown the ability to halt further hair loss and enhance hair thickness. Research suggests it's effective for about 40% of women with this condition.
In one study of 166 participants, 42% experienced mild improvement and 31% reported increased hair thickness while taking spironolactone. Pregnant people shouldn't take it as it can cause birth defects.
Complications and Risk Factors Associated With Thinning Hair
Factors associated with hair thinning or loss may include the following:
Genetics
Nutritional deficiencies
Skin problems
Some medical conditions, such as autoimmune or thyroid issues
childbirth
Chemotherapy
Depression or stress
Hormonal changes
Drug use
Talk with your healthcare provider if you are concerned about risk factors or complications that may be causing your hair to thin.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Consider contacting your healthcare provider if you experience any of the following:
Unusual hair loss patterns
Rapid hair loss, especially at a young age (such as during your teens or twenties
Symptoms such as weight gain, muscle weakness, sensitivity to cold, or persistent fatigue
If you're a woman experiencing male-pattern baldness
Pain or itching accompanied by hair loss
Abnormalities like redness, scaliness, or other changes in the scalp's skin in the affected area
Presence of scalp infections or areas of infection on the scalp
Presence of acne, abnormal menstrual cycles, or facial hair growth in women
Summary
There are many causes for thinning hair, including genetics, medical conditions, medications, hormonal changes, and nutritional deficiencies. Understanding these factors is important to getting an effective treatment. Seek medical advice based on your symptoms and causes to address thinning hair effectively and regain hair health.
Read the original article on Verywell Health.
