Have you noticed your hair thinning? It may make you feel self-conscious. You could wonder why your hair is suddenly thinning and how to thicken or regrow your hair. You may have heard about a supplement or serum for hair growth. These are reasons you may experience hair loss and strategies that could help.
Stress, Trauma or Hormonal Imbalances
Some causes of hair loss are temporary or controllable. Physical or emotional stress can lead to temporary hair loss, known as telogen effluvium. For example, excess stress can cause hormonal imbalances that you can reverse if you reduce your stress level. This is especially true if a single event, such as surgery and major weight loss, caused significant stress and you have come through the event successfully. Trauma to your scalp can also cause hair loss, and if your scalp does not scar, your hair loss should reverse. However, scars may prevent hair growth.
Hormone imbalances can also be the result of pregnancy, menopause and other medical conditions that may include menopause or thyroid problems that can lead to temporary or permanent hair loss. Some causes are hereditary as well. These conditions can impact the phases of hair growth, causing telogen effluvium. Poor diet or nutrient deficiencies are other causes.
Medical Conditions: From Thyroid Problems to Diabetes
Several medical conditions can also cause hair loss and thinning. For example, alopecia is a hereditary condition that causes male and female pattern baldness. Fungal infections and autoimmune diseases, such as alopecia areata, also impact hair growth.
In addition, treatments for medical conditions, such as chemotherapy and radiation, can cause hair loss. Drugs for acne, cholesterol and hormone conditions as well as beta-blockers, thyroid medications, antifungals and beta blockers can have hair loss side effects. Even birth control can impact your hair’s growth. There are many environmental stresses such as; exposure to toxins, pollutants, or extreme weather conditions can stress the hair follicles. Consider researching a hair serum for hair growth.
Medical conditions through genetics are the most common cause of hair loss is hereditary hair loss, also known as male-pattern or female-pattern baldness.
Androgenetic Alopecia is the most common form of hair loss, affecting both men and women. It’s characterized by a gradual thinning of hair, typically starting at the temples or crown in men and involving overall thinning in women. Androgenetic alopecia is influenced by genetic predisposition and hormonal factors, particularly dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a byproduct of testosterone.
- Family History: The risk of developing hair loss increases if you have a family history of androgenetic alopecia. If your parents or grandparents experienced hair loss, you’re more likely to experience it as well.
Inheritance Pattern: The inheritance pattern of androgenetic alopecia is complex and can involve multiple genes. It’s not solely passed down from one parent but can be inherited from both sides of the family.
Gene Variants: Several genes have been implicated in androgenetic alopecia, including those involved in hormone metabolism, hair follicle sensitivity to hormones, and hair growth regulation.
While genetics predispose individuals to hair loss, environmental factors and lifestyle choices can also influence its onset and severity. Managing stress, maintaining a healthy diet, avoiding harsh hair treatments, and seeking early treatment options can help mitigate the effects of genetic hair loss. If you’re concerned about hair loss, consulting with a dermatologist can provide personalized advice and treatment options tailored to your specific needs.
Dietary Changes and Supplements
Poor diet or extreme weight loss can deprive the body of essential nutrients, affecting hair growth. A blood test from your doctor can tell you if your diet lacks any key nutrients for hair growth. However, you should make sure you eat a well-balanced diet with lean proteins, including beans, healthy fats, lean meats, dairy and fish. You also need to drink adequate water. Iron and protein are particularly important.
Hair vitamins give your body key nutrients that contribute to hair growth. They may have a variety of vitamins, herbs and nutrients, including biotin, vitamin C, collagen, ashwagandha, folic acid, zinc, selenium, omega 3, iron and vitamin D.
Dietary changes and supplements can play a role in promoting healthy hair growth and reducing the risk of hair loss, particularly in cases where nutritional deficiencies contribute to the problem. Here are some dietary changes and supplements that may help:
Protein: Hair is primarily made of protein, so adequate protein intake is essential for healthy hair growth. Include sources of lean protein in your diet such as poultry, fish, eggs, beans, nuts, and dairy products.
- Iron: Iron deficiency is a common cause of hair loss, especially in women. Include iron-rich foods in your diet such as lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, lentils, spinach, and fortified cereals. Vitamin C can enhance iron absorption, so consume vitamin C-rich foods like citrus fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, and tomatoes alongside iron-rich foods.
Omega-3 fatty acids: These healthy fats are important for scalp health and can help reduce inflammation, which may contribute to hair loss. Include sources of omega-3 fatty acids in your diet such as fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines), flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, and hemp seeds.
Vitamins and minerals: Ensure you’re getting an adequate intake of vitamins and minerals important for hair health, including vitamin A, vitamin E, vitamin D, zinc, selenium, and biotin. You can find these nutrients in a variety of foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and lean proteins. However, it’s important not to exceed recommended doses of vitamins and minerals, as excessive intake can be harmful.
Biotin supplements: Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is often marketed as a supplement for promoting hair growth. While biotin deficiency is rare, some studies suggest that biotin supplements may help improve hair growth in individuals with biotin deficiency or certain hair conditions. However, more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness for everyone.
Collagen supplements: Collagen is a protein that provides structure to your skin, hair, and nails. Some people believe that collagen supplements can improve hair health and promote hair growth, although scientific evidence supporting this claim is limited.
Before making significant changes to your diet or starting any supplements, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking medications. They can help determine if dietary changes or supplements are appropriate for your specific situation and provide personalized recommendations. Additionally, addressing any underlying health issues contributing to hair loss is crucial for optimal results.
Hair Therapist
You can contribute to your hair loss based on the treatments they use in your hair, including hot oil, hair dryers and curling irons. Individuals who wear tight braids or ponytails or who have cornrows and extensions put in can also see thinning. Hair growth serums can reverse these damages.
You can also use massage during your showers to increase blood flow to their scalps. Avoid tight hairstyles and air dry your hair. Do not use chemicals or heating processes on your hair, and use good conditioners that prevent tangles. Avoid ripping your brush or comb through your hair to prevent breakage.
If you smoke, you should stop immediately because smoking contributes to baldness. Also, avoid second-hand smoke.
Your physician can tell give you the cause and treatment of your hair thinning. You can then discuss vitamins and internal treatments as well as topical options, such as azelaic acid cream.
