Causes & Solutions of Thinning Hair

A significant number of men and women will experience some form of hair thinning or loss over their lifetimes. Though it is usually due to genetics, outside factors such as stress, a poor diet or menopause can also lead to thinning.

Genetics

• Most people experiencing hair thinning have genetics to blame. Male and female pattern baldness and hair thinning is mostly caused by an excess of the male hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Some individuals are also genetically predisposed to androgenetic alopecia, in which head follicles are more sensitive than normal, causing hair to fall out or thin over time.

Environment

• There are many other environmental and lifestyle factors that cause or contribute to thinning hair. An unhealthy diet, stress, excessive nervousness, shampooing or styling hair too often and age can all lead to thinning hair. Menopause and pregnancy can also cause thinning in women. Children rarely experience thinning hair, but when they do it is usually caused by the child pulling out his hair due to stress or nervousness. Certain skin conditions or injuries, such as eczema, head burns, dermatitis and psoriasis can also cause hair to thin or stop growing altogether.

Topical Solutions

• There are numerous shampoos and topical solutions that stimulate the hair follicle to grow. One of the most popular drugs known to stimulate hair growth is minoxidil, which is found in two popular solutions, Loniten and Rogaine. The other popular drug is called finasteride, which is found in Propecia and Proscar. There are also special shampoos that are made by Boost, Herbal Gardens, Nioxin and L'Oreal that target thinning hair.

Other Treatment Options

• Some doctors also prescribe Retin-A, a cream that usually treats acne, to complement a topical treatment like Rogaine. A hair transplant, or graft, is also a solution. During this procedure the doctor cuts the hair that grows out of healthy hair follicles and transplants it into the thinning regions. Graftcyte is a drug commonly used after this surgery to help the scalp heal correctly. Vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B6, folic acid, magnesium and biotin, have also been known to help with thinning hair.

Prevention

• If your thinning hair is genetic, one of your only methods of prevention, aside from trying one of the treatments listed above, is to make the least amount of contact with your hair as possible. The less you comb it, play with it, rub it or put a hat over it, the less hair will fall out. This will not, however, fully prevent hair from thinning, but rather it will result in the least amount of thinning possible. If the thinning is not genetic, eating a diet high in flax seeds and omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon and albacore tuna, may help hair thinning. Getting the proper amount of sleep and exercise, as well as lowering your levels of stress, anxiety and nervousness can also help. Hormone treatments may also be available if it is determined that your body is producing too much DHT, but you must consult your physician before undergoing these treatments.