Thinning hair happens naturally to some degree as we age. It becomes a problem when it happens too quickly, at a young age, or if you are uncomfortable with it. If you have any concerns about your thinning hair, talk to your doctor. S/he will be able to help you find the right treatment plan to meet your needs.

Thinning Hair Patterns

In women, hair begins to thin all over her head and along the line where she might part her hair. Her hairline does not change at all. It may start with noticeably more hair in her brush or comb.

In men it tends to begin with a receding hair line. As a result, men are typically left with hair around the sides and on the back of the head or they do go completely bald. Male balding can begin at the crown of the head toward the back as well.

Causes of Thinning Hair

Thinning hair can be a result of a lot of things not the least of which is aging. Human hair naturally thins with age. It is when it begins to become a concern for you that you should seek help.

In women hair loss can be caused by hormonal changes such as occurs in pregnancy, child birth, the use of birth control and in some cases during menopause. This kind of hair loss is treatable and once hormones return to normal levels, hair does grow back but it takes time.

In men however, in order to get male pattern baldness testosterone (male hormone) must be present. Men whose bodies do not produce testosterone tend not to have this type of baldness. Consultation with a physician will help to identify possible causes and rule out any other physical reason you have for thinning hair. Ladies take note, a physical exam by your doctor can also rule out any other health issues.

In both men and women, serious illness or very high fevers may cause thinning hair. Be sure your doctor knows what medications you may be taking because some medications and medical treatments such as chemo and radiation are known to cause hair loss. Once treatment is suspended however, hair will grow back eventually.

If you wash your hair too frequently and/or blow dry it too frequently, this can cause hair to become brittle and break. Hair follicles can be damaged which will produce thinning hair.

Combing through tangles roughly can break hair, pull hair out, and damage follicles. Again this will cause hair fall out. There are other causes including extreme amounts of physical and emotional stress that can trigger thinning hair. Nervous habits such as pulling on your hair or rubbing your scalp excessively will cause hair fall out. Hair may grow back once the stress is reduced.

Treatments for Thinning Hair

Rogaine (minoxidil) is a product that has a formula for men and a formula for women. Propecia is another product for thinning hair made specifically for men. Women who may be or who are pregnant should not come into contact with the active ingredients of Propecia as this can cause abnormalities of the sex organs in male babies.

Hair transplantation is a surgical procedure in which hair from one area of the head is removed (including the follicles) and moved to an area that is thinning or bald. This is a painful and expensive process. It is however, usually permanent and will grow as your hair does.

The safest and possibly the cheapest way to deal with thinning hair is the use of wigs, hair pieces, weaves, or extensions. Wigs are a full head of either human or synthetic hair. Hair pieces typically cover the top of the head to cover thinning hair. Weaves and extensions are added to the hair to give the illusion of a full head of hair. These pieces are not to be stitched to the scalp as infections and scarring can result. As a result, you may experience even more hair loss.

Natural supplements are also used for the treatment of thinning hair. They are formulas that include vitamins including B, C, E, and A vitamins. Minerals such as zinc and magnesium as well as herbs such as pumpkin, saw palmetto, and horsetail may also be included. These are nutritive substances that are known to benefit hair loss.

Conclusion

Thinning hair is something we will have to deal with as we age. For the most part, this can be treated or even reversed. You can choose chemical treatments such as Rogaine, hair transplants or wigs and other types of artificial hair. Natural supplements may also be an option. Consult with your doctor before adding anything to your health regimen.