Hair Thinning – How To Manage?

Every day, we see a few extra hairs in our comb that were once on our head.  Though every human has a normal cycle of hair loss, some of us begin finding more hairs in our combs and less on the top of our head every day.

Hair thinning is prevalent in both men and women, though a larger percentage of men experience hair loss.  Nearly 75% of men will experience hair loss in their lifetime, mostly due to hereditary pattern baldness, while about 1 in 5 women experience hair thinning.

The causes of hair loss are plentiful.  The main cause of hair loss in men is a genetic predisposition for pattern baldness called androgenetic alopecia.  Other hair thinning causes for both men and women could be due to medications, hormones, poor diet, poor hair care, and disease.

With thinning hair so prevalent amongst men and women, how can we combat the effects of thinning hair?

Hide the Thinning Effects

Many who find their hair thinning can successfully hide the effects.  If thinning continues, the camoflauge may no longer be effective.  However, in the early stages of thinning hair you could:

  • Color – Coloring or dying hair a darker hue may be a good way to hide thinning hair.  Darker hair has a tendancy to camoflauge the thinning areas.  Dying hair a lighter color is not as successful.
  • Volume – Using volumizing shampoo and/or mousse can give thinning hair more volume and hide thinning.
  • Permanent – Curling hair into a perm can also add greater volume and create a camoflauge against thinning hair.

Stop Hair Loss in its Tracks

There are also many methods of preventing further hair loss and growing existing hair faster and fuller.  When thinning hair is first noticed, one or more of the following could be used to keep further hair loss at bay:

  • Vitamins – Vitamin supplements, such as vitamins A, B3, B5, B6, B12, E, biotin, niacin, and inocitol, are natural substances that stimulate circulation in the scalp, help lubricate hair follicles, and promote keratin growth, which is the building block of hair.
  • Shampoos – Many shampoos and conditioners may also contain vitamins and natural ingredients that help keep hair growing strong and full.
  • Topical Solutions – Over the counter creams and solutions, such as Rogaine, are also formulated to help prevent further hair loss.
  • Medical Prescriptions – Depending upon the cause of the thinning hair, some medical prescriptions can be useful.  Should thinning hair be a result of genetic reactions to DHT, prescriptions containing Finasteride are effective in combating the influence of DHT on hair follicles.

Permanent or Temporary Hair Thinning?

Many causes of hair thinning are only temporary.  Hair thinning due to medications or hormones can be restored when medications are ceased or hormone balances are restored.  Many women who have given birth also may experience temporary hair loss about 3 to 4 months after delivery.  Those who have temporary hair loss may be comforted in knowing that the condition will not be permanent and can be hidden or simply suffered for the duration.

However, for most men and many women who are prone to hereditary hair loss, hair thinning is permanent and continues throughout their lifetime.  Measures may be taken in early stages of hair loss to hide thinning or prevent further loss, but the permanent condition will have to be treated on a continuous basis.