Reasons for Hair Thinning

Thinning hair can be very traumatic, for both men and women. Millions of people experience this problem at some point. There are several different reasons your hair may begin to thin--stress, lack of nutrition, genetics. However, many of these reasons behind hair thinning can be reversed, and you could soon have a healthy, full head of hair again.

Genetics

• Genetics is the top reason someone's hair begins to thin. This can be passed down from either the mother's or the father's side of the family. Even if your father has a full head of hair, look at family pictures of your grandparents or great-grandparents. Sometimes baldness can skip a generation. Looking at those images may help you see how far the thinning hair will progress. There are a few topical treatments for this, such as Rogaine, but if you continue to see thinning hair, the only treatment that's permanent is a hair transplant.

Stress

• Stress is one of the most common factors in sudden thinning hair and hair loss. You can easily grow your thick hair back if you can find a way to cut the stress level. Maybe take a small vacation, or get out of the house for a walk each evening. Exercise is one of the best ways to relieve stress.

Bad Diet

• Eating unhealthy foods affects your waistline and hair. A poor diet, lacking your daily required amount of vitamins and minerals, can cause problems in your hair, skin and nails. Ditch the junk food and stock up on fruits and vegetables, making sure to eat several servings a day. It also can help to take a daily multivitamin, which can make up the vitamins you miss during the rest of the day. The main vitamins you need are B vitamins (especially B-6). This particular nutrient can be found in tomatoes, spinach and all forms of beans. Shoot for at least 2mg of B-6 a day (the recommended daily value for the vitamin).

Sickness

• Often when you're sick, you aren't able to get the exercise and daily nutrients you need. This can take a toll on your hair. This is why when you visit hospitals with intensive care units where people have spent a great deal of time in the hospital, the majority don't have thick, full hair. The fix for this thinning hair problem may be easier said than done, but you must get healthy again.

Medication

• Many medications have some kinds of side effects, ranging from headaches to muscle cramps and nausea. However, some medications also have the side effect of thinning your hair. If you must stay on the medication for an extended period, there may not be anything you can do to stop your hair from thinning. If you're overly concerned, contact your doctor to see if there's anything you can do to prevent this without countering the effects of the medication.