Moderate hair loss may involve thinning of the strands, and this is different from baldness. However, some people may see some scalp and thinner spots when they are near you. This is a process that does not necessarily happen overnight, but it will come gradually. This means that you need to pinpoint the root cause and know the best treatment options available to you.
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What are the Causes?
The American Academy of Dermatology has identified several reasons that resulted in the thinning of the strands. Some of the thinning may be caused by your genes, too much stress, unhealthy lifestyle, and poor habits.
It’s worth noting that losing about 50 to a hundred hairs in a day is still considered a normal range. When you experience more, you might be on a shedding spree that can result in baldness before long. Here are some of the lifestyle habits that you may need to change to minimize this from happening:
- Don’t Overdo with the Treatments: Let your beautiful mane relax for months. If possible, don’t do the perms, colors relaxers, and other treatments that may cause damage.
- Avoid Using Harsh Products: This means that you may need to let go of your gels and hair sprays. Some of the dyes and temporary colors can cause damage because the chemicals may be harsher.
- No to Tight Ponytails: Wearing the hair in tight buns and ponytails is recommended. However, be careful with these and avoid them as much as possible because they can cause breakage from the follicles and tug on the strands.
- Not Enough Folic Acid or Iron in your Diet: Know that iron, folic acid, and other minerals may help with the natural production of the strands.
- Too Much Stress: When you’re experiencing a lot of stress, know that the increase of hormones like cortisol may kill off the follicles and new hairs.
Sometimes, hereditary factors may contribute to this and any other underlying medical issues you may have. Some of these are:
- When you’ve recently given birth to a baby
- Suddenly stopped taking birth control pills
- Undergo some changes in your hormones
- When you lost about 20 pounds or more in a short period
- Getting treatments for autoimmune diseases
Home Remedies and Possible Treatments
You may want to consider doing home remedies and using products that will make your scalp healthier. Fortunately, there’s a product for thinning hair in women that will help volumize, repair, and revitalize your scalp. Other options that you may want to try are:
1. Massages on the Scalp
One of the cost-effective options to get a thicker mane is through scalp massage. This process doesn’t usually have any side effects, and it’s free. When you’re taking a shower, apply gentle pressure from the tips of your fingers to the scalp. Do this in various areas so you can encourage more blood flow. You can also try using a handheld massager made for the scalp to help remove any dead cells.
2. Use Essential Oils
Certain plants can produce excellent essential oils that are used in alternative medicine and aromatherapy. There’s evidence that lavender oil can give you results when trying to treat pattern baldness. Lavender is often mixed with others such as thyme and rosemary for a more potent effect.
It’s worth noting, though, that there are still no published scientific articles stating that essential oils can treat thinning hair or baldness. If you decide that this is the right choice for you, ensure that you do a patch test first. Place a drop of oil on your arm and wait for at least a day. If there are no rashes, hives, or redness, then you’re not allergic to a particular essential oil, and it’s OK to use it.
3. Shampoos
There are specially-formulated shampoos that prevent the thinning of the hair. Most of these products provide more volume to the strands making it look like you’ve got a thicker mane. This is very helpful for those with naturally fine hair.
These products may contain plenty of amino acids and vitamins that will result in a healthier scalp. In time, the first few hairs will grow as long as you use the products according to instructions. You can also ask the local salon stylist about the products they can recommend on the type of hair you have. Some have prescription strengths, and they are a more robust version of the anti-thinning shampoos, so be sure to watch out for them.
4. Taking Multivitamins
A healthier hair will depend on the state of your overall health. In some cases of eating disorders or malnourishment, the new strands may immediately fall from the follicles. A blood test will usually determine whether you have a nutrient deficiency, and your physician can prescribe medicines that can address these.
Taking multivitamins daily is one of the keys to having healthier hair. You may need folic acid, iron, and zinc to ensure strong and thick growth of the strands. However, there’s also advice against taking some multivitamins if you’re already getting the nutrients you need. Too much of certain nutrients may do more harm than good.
5. Folic Acid
Supplements containing folic acid may stimulate new cell production. When it comes to thinning hair, folic acid can help generate new strands in balding areas, and the follicles can be stimulated indirectly. Still, there’s not enough evidence that folic acid will guarantee that you’ll grow thicker hair, so it’s still best if you can consult a dermatologist for help. Learn more about the uses of folic acid in this link here.
6. Biotin
Vitamin B7 or Biotin is a water-soluble nutrient. These are usually found naturally in foods like liver, lentils, and nuts. A balanced diet will ensure that you’re always high in biotin, and you can also take it as a supplement. Research first before buying and get the vitamins from trusted suppliers. Biotin helps break down enzymes in the body, and it may help in the thinning of hair.