There are many things that can prevent you from having healthy hair on a regular basis… especially if you notice that your hair is falling out. Aging, hormones, stress, and genetics are some of the possible factors that can cause thinning hair and a more visible scalp. But how much of thinning hair is “normal,” and how much of it can weakening, shedding, and hair loss be a cause for concern?
Read on for a complete guide to hair loss, as reported by a dermatologist and a trichologist. Plus, professional tips and tricks to revitalize thinning hair and stimulate its growth.
What causes hair loss in women?
According to a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist in New York City Dr. Michele Greenthat specializes in hair loss in womenHormonal imbalance and genetics are among the main causes of hair loss in both women and men. Androgens, or male hormones (which are naturally present in all genders), “are often the main cause of hair loss as they can reduce growth phases and create thinner hair strands,” she explains. Hormonal changes also alter the life cycle of hair by extending the resting cycle, adds trichologist Kerry Yates, founder of Colour collectiveThis results in hair that looks thinner and in worse condition overall. More specifically, Dr. Green cites dihydrotestosterone (DHT), an androgen that leads to hair follicle miniaturization and thinning of hair strands.
As Dr. Green continues, hormonal imbalances that cause or aggravate hair thinning can also be attributed to:
Extreme or chronic stress can also lead to hair loss. “Stress promotes high cortisol levels, which can cause the body to shut down non-essential hair follicles to support other essential functions,” Yates explains. The end result: thin hair (and other potential side effects of fight-or-flight mode, including but not limited to digestive upset, breakouts, and lack of sleep).
Additionally, your genes may increase your likelihood of hair loss. “Many people find that some members of their family also suffer from hair loss or androgen sensitivity,” says Dr. Green.
Thinning hair vs. hair loss
Curious about the difference between thinning hair and hair loss? The former occurs when hair becomes less dense and voluminous, while the latter involves hair falling out from the root and impediments to hair growth. (By the way, it’s normal for a few strands to fall out: the American Academy of Dermatology notes that it’s normal for hair to fall out 50 to 100 hairs daily.)
Hair thinning and hair loss can occur simultaneously, although the experiences and their causes are sometimes, though not always, interchangeable. According to Dr. Green, hair loss can be caused by additional factors such as:
- Autoimmune disorders such as alopecia areata, in which the immune system attacks hair follicles causing sudden hair loss and bald patches.
- Certain medical conditions
- Surgeries
Additionally, Yates explains that malnutrition caused by aggressive diets can lead to hair loss. “They can cause the body to stop supporting non-essential functions such as [supporting] “The hair follicle,” he explains. “The follicle then enters the resting phase, which causes aggressive hair loss without regrowth.”
How “normal” is hair loss?
Hair thinning in women is normal and expected, largely due to biological aging and hormonal changes. “Estrogen and progesterone are two [female] “Hormones act to keep hair in the resting phase and prevent it from moving into the shedding phase,” explains Dr. Green. “As women age and go through menopause, levels of these hormones decline, leading to shorter growth phases and thinner hair.”
Haven’t reached this life milestone yet and are still experiencing significant changes in the thickness of your hair? See a dermatologist or trichologist, who can determine the exact cause(s) of your hair thinning and prevent it from getting worse. For example, they can decipher whether your hair thinning or loss is within the “normal range” or whether there is a condition at play, such as alopecia areata or telogen effluvium. The latter is “characterized by sudden, excessive shedding and can be triggered by physical or emotional stressors, such as medical conditions like hypothyroidism, infections, surgeries, and chronic stress,” explains Dr. Green.
4 tips to stop hair loss and stimulate hair growth
1. Eat foods that help you have healthy hair
The quality of your diet affects your mental state, your mood, your sleep, your skin, your physical strength, etc. Unsurprisingly, it can also affect the health, strength, and density of your hair.
To promote healthy, shiny hair, Dr. Green suggests enriching your diet with:
“Antioxidants [from fruits] “Vitamins like strawberries and dates can also protect your hair and scalp from UV damage, oxidative stress, and free radical damage to prevent breakage,” adds Dr. Green. “Some vitamins, like biotin, B vitamins, and saw palmetto, can help maintain overall hair health and growth.”
Advice: Thanks to Fo-Ti, PABA, Biotin, Folic Acid, Vitamin B12 and Zinc, HUM Hair Strong capsules promote stronger, fuller hair. They are also clinically proven to improve hair growth.
2. Give your hair and scalp more love
There are no shortage of simple lifestyle adjustments that can protect your hair by stimulating growth and stopping hair loss and thinning.
Among them, Yates strongly recommends:
- Limit hair pulling (including that caused by fancy buns, tight ponytails, and sometimes even habitual hat wearing), which can strain or damage the hair follicle, cause scarring, and lead to hair loss.
- Wash your hair at least every 3 or 4 days and avoid dry shampoo, which can clog follicles and damage your hair.
- Avoid extreme diets and nourish your body with the foods and nutrients your body needs. and Hair needs to thrive
- Resist the temptation to scratch your scalp, as excessive scratching can create permanent scarring that “kills” the hair follicle.
- Avoid over-processing your hair with chemical treatments (e.g. dyes, straightening treatments, perms), spacing them at least every 4 to 6 weeks to reduce inflammation and allow your scalp to recover.
“Remember to be gentle with your scalp and you will have beautiful hair,” Yates concludes.
3. Seek professional help
If your hair loss is significant, it’s best to visit an expert to (pun alert!) get to the *root* of the problem. You may be able to stop hair loss and thinning by adopting some of the tips we shared above, or perhaps your hair requires more significant interventions.
Dr. Green shares some medications that may help stop or slow hair loss:
- Minoxidil (aka Rogaine): Topically, it lengthens the growth phase of the hair growth cycle and restores dormant hair follicles. Orally, which Dr. Green notes is used off-label and in low doses, it strengthens hair follicles and promotes hair growth and retention.
- Propecia (finasteride): “This is an FDA-approved oral medication that inhibits the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone associated with hair follicle miniaturization,” she explains. Although it has not yet been approved by the FDA for women, it is often prescribed off-label to prevent hair loss in women (limited to those who are not planning on becoming pregnant soon).
- Dutasteride: According to Dr. Green, this oral medication blocks DHT and helps increase hair density and growth.
- Spironolactone: “Spironolactone is an oral medication that slows the production of androgens, or male hormones, to promote hair retention and growth,” the dermatologist explains. It is also often prescribed to women to keep hormonal acne at bay.
- Hormone replacement therapy: Dr. Green says this option may be beneficial for women experiencing hair loss during menopause.
She further cites platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatments as a gold standard for combating hair thinning and loss. With this safe and innovative hair restoration treatment, “a blood sample is taken from the patient and centrifuged to remove PRP rich in growth factors and proteins needed to promote tissue regeneration and healing of hair follicles,” explains Dr. Green. “The PRP is then injected back into the patient’s scalp to thicken the hair, reduce shedding, and increase hair growth.” She says an initial series of 4 monthly PRP treatments, followed by regular maintenance sessions, can help maximize the longevity and effects of PRP for thicker, healthier hair.
4. Mix and match hair treatments
As with most health, wellness and beauty goals, a multifaceted approach customized to your needs is likely to be successful. According to Yates, the most effective treatment options for stopping hair loss and stimulating hair growth will vary depending on the “why” of the problem. That said, she cites topical interventions (including scalp tonics), PRP treatments and ingestible products as a combination protocol that works for many people. “My personal preference is a topical regimen in addition to daily scalp massages,” she adds.
Last but not least, the moral about hair thinning and health for hair growth
Last but not least, Yates advises keeping expectations in check and being patient when tackling the issue of hair loss. Even if you adopt these expert-approved tips and tricks and apply them to the letter, you won’t see immediate hair regrowth or thickening. “Honestly, it may take more than 4 to 6 months before you notice any real changes,” she explains.
Just remember that good things, including those coveted good hair days, are worth the wait *and* effort it takes to achieve them.
