Thinning hair causes problems for many people. The condition has so many causes that it is often difficult to identify why hair is falling out. Medication or other medical treatments may be helpful for treating the underlying cause, but there are many things you can do yourself to treat thinning hair, regardless of the cause. See Step 1 onwards below to learn how to deal with thin hair.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Promotes Hair Growth
Step 1. Use gentle hair products
If you notice thinning hair, then switching to gentle and natural hair products is a good move. Many shampoos, conditioners, hair sprays, and other products contain chemicals that are harsh on the scalp and hair and can increase hair loss and damage any remaining hair.
- Use a shampoo that doesn't contain any sulfates or alcohol. These ingredients make hair very dry and damaged.
- Look for a conditioner that doesn't contain silicone. Conditioners like this make hair heavy and require a sulfate shampoo to rinse off.
- Head to a health food store to look for styling products made from natural ingredients.
Step 2. Comb your hair and don't brush it
Brushing hair tends to pull more hair, especially if you brush your hair wet. The slowest way to untangle hair is to use a wide-toothed comb. Starting near the ends of the hair, comb the tangles at the bottom, then work your way up to the roots.
Step 3. Let the hair dry on its own
To prevent too much hair from falling out after a shower, pat dry with a soft towel – don't wring it out or rub it harshly with a towel. Allow it to dry on its own instead of using a hairdryer, as the heat from the hairdryer causes dry and brittle hair. Allowing your hair to dry on its own will help new hair grow.
Step 4. Use heat-free styling techniques
Avoid using curling irons, hair straighteners, or any type of styling tool that uses heat to style your hair. Leave the hair texture natural and leave it as is if possible. When you use a styling tool that uses heat, use the lowest heat setting or the coldest setting as much as possible.
There are many ways to style your hair without heat – experiment with different ways to curl or straighten your hair and find the one that works for you
Step 5. Avoid styling that pulls the hair
Tight braids, wavy curls, and pulled-back hairstyles can cause hair to fall out more easily. Leave your hair loose or tie it back but not too tight. Avoid hair bands and bobby pins that can pull hair.
Step 6. Massage the scalp with a nourishing oil such as egg oil or almond/mustard/coconut/jojoba oil. It is said that massaging the scalp can stimulate hair growth by increasing circulation to the hair follicles. Make a habit of massaging the scalp while in the shower. Place your fingers on your scalp and rub in a circular motion. Start near the forehead, working your way to the sides and back of the head, focusing on the areas of the head where hair is thinning.
Step 7. Consider doing hair growth therapy
The most popular hair growth therapy is using minoxidil. This medication is in the form of a cream or foam that is applied to the scalp twice a day and can take up to 12 weeks to start taking effect. Many people experience hair regrowth using minoxidil. There are health risks associated with minoxidil as described by the United States Food and Drug Administration (USFDA) to be aware of. Other options include:
- Hair transplant. Hair is transplanted from parts of the scalp with thick hair growth to areas of thinning.
- Scalp surgery. The bald parts of the head are surgically removed and the operated part is covered with scalp covered with hair on the other side.
Part 2 of 3: Finding the Main Cause
Step 1. Pay attention to whether the cause of the hormone that triggers it
The most common cause of thinning hair in men and women is a hereditary condition in which sex hormones cause hair to fall out in a certain pattern. Although male and female pattern baldness is permanent, there are several ways you can slow it down and treat it.
- Sometimes hormonal fluctuations trigger permanent hair loss. Pregnant women, women who have stopped using birth control, or women who are going through menopause may experience temporary thinning of hair.
- Handling hair carefully, using natural hair products, and changing hairstyles can help slow down hormone-related hair thinning.
Step 2. Notice if the cause is a medical condition
Certain medical conditions can cause hair loss. Treating these conditions can help slow or stop hair loss. If you experience any of the following conditions, consult your doctor for a therapy program so that the hair begins to grow back.
- Thyroid problems. When the thyroid is not functioning properly, you may notice more hair loss than usual.
- Scalp infections and skin disorders. Hair loss can be the result of a skin condition such as ringworm. Addressing this problem can help hair grow back.
- Alopecia areata. This is a disorder in which the body's immune system attacks the hair follicles.
Step 3. Check the medicines you are taking
Certain medications trigger hair loss. If you are taking a medication that lists hair loss as a side effect, you can discuss other options with your doctor. It may be impossible to switch to another drug, but it is worth doing a review of another drug. Medications used to treat the following conditions usually cause hair thinning:
- Cancer
- Depression
- Heart problems
- Arthritis
- High blood pressure
Step 4. Find out if stress is the cause
Hair loss can come from physical or mental shocks as well as prolonged stress. All kinds of shocks to the body's systems have a physical effect, and hair loss is a common occurrence when these conditions occur.
If you are chronically stressed, then dealing with the causes of stress is an important way to keep yourself in good physical shape
Part 3 of 3: Changing Your Lifestyle
Step 1. Lower stress
Since stress can cause hair loss, taking steps to lower stress levels can help reduce hair loss. If you have a high-stress life, try these steps to reduce it periodically:
- Sleep more time. Lack of sleep causes the body to produce the stress hormone cortisol.
- Exercise frequently.
- Do meditation or yoga.
Step 2. Eat more protein-rich foods
Protein is an important part of hair and if protein intake is not sufficient, hair loss will occur. Thin hair is a common thing in vegetarians and vegans who do not get enough protein intake. Try eating more of the following foods:
- Fish, chicken, beef and pork
- Black beans, chickpeas and other legumes
- Know
- Dairy based products
Step 3. Eat foods containing omega 3
The body needs omega 3 fatty acids to create new hair. Eating a lot of foods that contain omega 3 is important for hair growth, so increase your intake of the following foods:
- Salmon
- Sardine
- Walnuts
- Avocado
Step 4. Take a biotin supplement
Biotin is a B vitamin found in animal foods that keeps hair, skin and nails healthy. Biotin supplements are often sold in the form of hair growth supplements for this purpose. Take a biotin supplement as recommended or increase your intake of foods containing biotin such as liver and other animal foods as well as walnuts and green leafy vegetables.
Tips
- Treating hair early is the best step, as soon as you see more hair falling out than usual. This will help prevent further hair loss.
- If your hair is thinning, temporarily stop using products that contain harsh chemicals and styling methods that use heat. Stop permanent coloring and replace hair products that contain alcohol with non-alcoholic ones. Let your hair dry without a blow dryer and stop using hot rollers, straighteners, and curlers for a few weeks.
- Men who experience thinning hair at a young age get many benefits if they tackle the problem early, including boosting their self-confidence.
- If you consult a doctor about thinning hair, consult the type of medicine you are taking. Some medications can cause hair loss.
Warning
- Don't skip over-the-counter medications to help with thin hair. You need to consume it regularly and according to a prescription to get maximum results so that hair grows back.
- Certain medications prescribed for hair loss in men should not be taken by women because they can pose health risks. Do not take any medication unless specifically prescribed by your doctor.
- If the drug causes hair thinning, do not stop using it. Discuss other medications with your doctor.
- When looking for the best way to deal with thin hair, don't be discouraged if your methods fail. Talk to your doctor about other options such as hair transplant or laser hair therapy. You can also consult your hair stylist about using hair accessories and wigs.
