What Causes Thinning Hair
The average guy is born with 100,000 hair follicles on his head. This hair follicle count remains consistent throughout life.
What doesn’t always stay the same, however, is hair health and how much hair thins over time. Hair follicles can also stop growing hair, or simply shed more throughout each day.
A typical person sheds about 50 to 100 hairs daily, and anything beyond that can be defined as excessive hair loss.
All of us lose hair as part of the hairs natural growth cycle. This happens in three stages:
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Anagen stage: The strand of hair is actively growing. This generally lasts two to six years.
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Catagen stage: During this roughly three-week transition phase, the hair strand stops growing and is getting ready to shed.
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Telogen stage: The strand of hair is expelled from the follicle. After the hair sheds, the follicle remains dormant for about three months before sprouting its next strand of hair.
Male pattern hair loss is often caused by genetics, habits, other health conditions or a combination of all of the above. The most common causes of hair thinning among men include:
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Over-treating hair, using harsh products or washing hair too often
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Wearing tight buns or hats
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Not eating a well-balanced diet, which includes enough iron, folic acid and other minerals that fuel normal follicle growth
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Chronic stress, which can cause cortisol levels to spike, and lead to extra hair loss
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Fast weight loss, or about 20 pounds or more in a few months
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Autoimmune diseases
Other Causes Of Hair Loss
MPB is the most common cause of hair thinning in men by a pretty long way. Estimates suggest that 95% of hair loss cases in men are down to DHT-driven MPB.
However, other conditions may be causing your hair to thin at the front. These include:
- Alopecia areata. An autoimmune disease that causes hair to fall out in clumps. If you have sudden bald patches, it might be alopecia areata.
- Traction alopecia. This type of hair loss is caused by strain or tension on your follicles. Hairstyles like a tight ponytail or wearing a helmet for sustained periods are often to blame. Its usually accompanied by a rash, so you will notice.
- Telogen effluvium. A stress-induced type of hair loss in which your hair follicles shed, causing sudden bald spots.
- Thyroid problems. Medical conditions affecting the thyroid gland such as hyperthyroidism can cause hair shedding.
- Vitamin deficiencies. Deficiencies in B vitamins, zinc, selenium, and vitamin D can all cause hair loss. Ensuring you get a balanced, healthy diet can keep this problem at bay. Find out more about vitamins for hair growth.
- Cancer treatment. Chemotherapy can cause hair loss too.
Note. If youre a woman, you may be experiencing female pattern baldness, which is particularly common after menopause. Talk to your doctor or a dermatologist who will be able to help.
What Will Happen If I Treat My Hair Loss What Are The Possible Side Effects
Minoxidil lotion: Common side effects are scalp and skin irritation. More rarely it can cause changes in hair colour and texture.
Finasteride: Noticeable side effects are uncommon, but sometimes the medicine can cause a rash, and a small proportion of users may experience reduced libido, erection problems or breast and/or nipple tenderness.
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The Power Of Saw Palmetto
Saw Palmetto comes from the fruit of a small palm tree and is regarded as a hair growth wonder herb. Saw palmetto might help block the activity of 5-alpha reductase , an enzyme that converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone – a hormone linked to hair loss.
DHT is believed to be one of the leading causes of male pattern baldness.
Restore men’s thinning hair with natural shampoos, conditioners, and hair treatments.
Natural men’s shampoo for thinning hair and men’s hair thickening conditioners provide volume, so your hair looks noticeably thicker and healthier. This can be helpful if you’re a fella with thin or naturally fine hair.
These natural men’s hair thickening products also contain vitamins and amino acids that moisturize your scalp and promote hair follicle growth.
When shopping for these products, look for products that contain all-natural ingredients like argan kernel oil, sage extract, evening primrose oil, and saw palmetto.
What Does The Research Say
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Hair loss can develop differently, depending on a persons sex. For example, the British Association of Dermatologists reports that female pattern hair loss typically affects people aged 30 or older and causes thinning of hair on the crown of the head. It also says that the hair may appear shorter in other areas. There is currently no cure.
A person might try home care strategies, but these should not replace professional treatment for an underlying health condition that may be causing thin hair, such as a nutritional deficiency or alopecia.
The natural remedies below may help thicken thin hair, regardless of whether further treatment is necessary.
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Stages Of Hair Growth In Men
Hair growth might seem like a one way process but it comprises different stages of hair regrowth for men. These stages are likely to vary from individual to individual. Lets understand the three stages of hair growth cycle –
- AnagenThe first stage of hair regrowth for men naturally is Anagen, that’s the growing phase. In this active phase, cells divide and push the hair to come out. The hair remains in this phase for around 4-6 years and a few centimeters of hair grow every 28 days. However, hair on eyebrows, lashes, legs and arms takes less time to grow as compared to scalp hair.
- CatagenThe next phase is catagen that’s a transitional stage. Only 3% of hair remains active in this phase at a given time. In this stage, hair follicles start to shrink and attach to the outer layer of the root, making hair growth slow. It lasts upto 10-20 days and remains during the final period of growing.
- TelogenFinal stage of hair regrowth for men naturally is Telogen. This is the resting phase and lasts upto 100 days of hair on the scalp yet longer for eyebrows, legs and arms hair. The hair remains at complete rest and a club is formed. While plucking the hair scalp hair in this period, leaves white dry material on the scalp.After these 3 stages, hair starts falling out naturally, around 100 telogen hairs shed out everyday. The problem starts when the mark reaches 100 hairs per day.
Change Your Hair Products
There is some evidence that many gels and other styling products may contribute to hair loss, as the chemicals within these products stay on the scalp and become trapped in the follicles, preventing the hair from coming to the surface. Avoid excessive use of hair gels and try more natural styling products, which contain fewer chemicals.
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Hair Loss Medication: Finasteride
This prescription pill slows down your body’s DHT assembly line. Some men have been able to grow new hair while using it. Many experts think it works better than minoxidil. Pregnant women shouldnât touch the drug — it can cause birth defects in baby boys. Like minoxidil, it works only while youâre using it.
Who Should Not Take Finasteride
Do not take finasteride if you:
- are pregnant or may become pregnant. Finasteride may harm your unborn baby. Females who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not come in contact with broken or crushed finasteride tablets. If a pregnant woman comes in contact with crushed or broken finasteride tablets, wash the contact area right away with soap and water. If a woman who is pregnant comes into contact with the active ingredient in finasteride, a healthcare provider should be consulted. o If a woman who is pregnant with a male baby swallows or comes in contact with the medicine in finasteride, the male baby may be born with sex organs that are not normal.
- are allergic to any of the ingredients in finasteride.
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Q Is A Hair Plant Advisable In Case Of Balding
A. Having a natural mop of hair post hair transplant is not something that happens instantly. It takes around 6 months for the roots to take. Along with this, there are complications associated with the recovery period. Its best to consult a trichologist regarding this as only after a full check-up you can understand whether this procedure is needed or not.
How To Tell If You’re Going To Go Bald
This isnt as silly a question as it sounds. Losing your hair isnt the same as going bald. Male pattern baldness is a genetic condition whereas hair loss per se can be caused by a variety of factors.
If you are losing patches of hair in an apparently random manner you may have alopecia, a condition where a person loses patches of hair from parts of their body. In extreme cases this may affect all of the hair on the body. Alopecia is thought to have hereditary and autoimmune factors . It is not the same as male pattern baldness.
If your hair loss occurs in a more regular receding pattern, usually from the temples and crown of the head, then it is more likely you have male pattern baldness. But remember most men go bald. Its nothing to be afraid of or embarrassed about.
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Will You Join Thousands Of Happy Customers
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When I show my barber my progress, he is always in disbelief. I have to recommend Hims to any guy whos experiencing thinning.
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Should You Wear A Hairpiece
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Theyâve come a long way. It takes time and research to find the right one, though, because thereâs a wide range in cost and quality. And hairpieces also need regular maintenance, which can run between $60 and $300 per month. When you’re shopping for one, try to match your own hair color, thickness, and curl.
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Can Hair Loss Be Cured Or Reversed
There is no cure for hair loss. Some hair loss is temporary and the hair will grow back. For those experiencing male pattern baldness, treatments like Finasteride and Propecia can help halt hair loss and in some cases stimulate regrowth. However its worth bearing in mind, as soon as you stop treatment the hair loss will begin again.
How Effective Is Finasteride At Treating Hair Loss In Men
The effectiveness of Finasteride often depends on the length of time it is taken, but the evidence available suggests that 90% of men who use it see an improvement, while two thirds will benefit from renewed hair growth.
Finasteride is particularly effective in men who are experiencing mild or moderate hair loss.
You will probably have to take Finasteride for at least 4 months before you see any effect, and if you stop taking it the hair loss process will resume.
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How To Stop Hair Thinning And Balding
Its not entirely clear what causes thinning hair in men.
We do know that male pattern baldness has something to do with androgens. These are hormones responsible for controlling bodily processes that happen during and after puberty, including hair growth.
Testosterone is the most well-known androgen. An androgen called DHT is most involved in hair growth. High levels of T and DHT may influence the speed of your hair cycle, which can lead to thinning hair.
First, heres a quick refresher on hair growth:
- Your hair grows out of little capsules in your skin called follicles.
- Each follicle supports the growth of a single hair by a little under half an inch per month for about 2 to 6 years this is called the anagen phase.
- The follicle eventually shrivels up and cuts the hair off from the blood supply underneath, pushing the hair out permanently this is called the catagen phase.
- The follicle spends a few months resting and eventually generates a brand-new hair this is called the telogen phase.
- The process restarts back at the anagen phase and goes through the same phases again.
- These phases go on for many years until a follicle eventually cant produce any more hairs.
Its believed that the androgen receptor gene may increase T and DHT levels and speed up this cycle.
But a 2017 study found that at least 200 other possible genes may contribute to your chance of male pattern baldness.
Some environmental and lifestyle factors can also affect hair loss, including:
Why Is My Hair Suddenly Thinning
Suddenly thinning hair could be caused by a variety of reasons, such as a period of extreme stress, pregnancy, discontinuing birth control pill use, hormonal changes, a high fever, or pulling at your hair.
Sudden hair thinning thats persistent or hair falling out in clumps could be the sign of an underlying medical condition. Talk with your doctor if this occurs.
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Invest In The Right Styling Products For Thicker Hair
If you have thin hair, look for styling products that have lightweight formulas like mousses, foams or styling sprays. Heavy styling products like gels or lotions can weigh hair down, making it look limp. If you must blow-dry your hair, the most important styling product one should buy is a heat protectant spray.
This product acts as a shield, preventing hair from damage and breakage, while also acting like a pre-styler. We love the hardworking properties in Dove Style+Care Smooth and Shine Heat Protection Spray.
How To Make Your Hair Thicker
- Try to identify and eliminate the cause of your hair loss.
- Drink more water and increase your intake of protein, Omega 3, and vitamin C.
- Select a haircut and hairstyle that will make your thin hair appear thicker.
- Use shampoos that are designed for thinning hair.
- Consider hair regrowth treatments and transplants if no other thickening methods work.
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Is There Anything I Can Do To Stop My Hair From Falling Out Naturally
Everyone loses hair naturally and it is normal for hair to thin somewhat when you get older. But the truth is that male pattern hair loss is a genetic condition that cannot be stopped entirely.
There is a condition called Traction Alopecia, which is caused by constant pulling or tension of your hairs over a long period. You dont have to be dragged around the floor by your head to suffer from this either if you often wear tight braids, particularly cornrows, or tight ponytails, you are more likely to get Traction Alopecia. So try not to pull your hair tight excessively. Some experts also recommend exercise as a good way to maintain a healthy head of hair.
How Long Does It Take To Go Bald
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If youre going bald, dont expect to see major changes overnight. Balding can happen across a span of decades and will slowly make itself present by hairline thinning and and your scalp receding hair over time.
Depending on how much your body reacts to your DHT levels, the faster or slower your rate of hair loss will be. That being said, there is no definite amount of time it will take for you to go bald.
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How Thinning Hair Occurs In Women Vs Men
A healthy scalp has around 80 percent of its hair follicles in the growing stage while the other 20 percent is in the resting stage. Hair thinning and loss occur when that vital growing state either slows down considerably or stops.
What causes hair to thin out for women? Just like our bodies change with age, most women notice some hair thinning as they get older. This is quite natural. Its said that by the age of 50, half of women will complain of hair loss. If a womans thinning hair is related to female-patterned hair loss, then the thinning is believed to be 90 percent genetic and 10 percent hormonal. Youll probably be surprised to learn that female-pattern baldness affects about 30 million American women. You cant change your genetics, but thankfully, you can work on the hormonal aspect .
Thinning hair in women typically occurs slowly all over the entire scalp without a recession of the hair line . If a woman has female-pattern hair loss, it can lead to extreme hair thinning but rarely leads to baldness.
What about thinning hair in men? For men, hair thinning can start as early as puberty and progress for many years to come after that. The thinning usually begins above the temples and travels around the perimeter and top of the head. Ultimately, this can result in a ring of hair often referred to as a horseshoe remaining along the bottom of the scalp. For a lot of men, hair thinning continues until there is no hair left resulting in a completely bald scalp.