There are several things that can be done to thicken thinning hair and to prevent further hair loss. Factors such as age, stress, and poor diet can all contribute to thinning hair in both men and women. Certain medical conditions and diseases may also cause thinning hair in some individuals. Fortunately, thinning hair is a problem that can usually be corrected with the proper treatment. Finding the underlying cause of the hair loss is often a necessary part of treating this problem, however.
As the approach needed to thicken thinning hair depends on the cause of hair loss, it is important to figure this out before attempting treatment. Many people experience hair loss at some point in their lives. One of the most common reasons the hair begins to thin is age. At middle age, many individuals begin to experience hair loss. Some may lose their hair in patches and develop bald spots, while others may notice the hair slowly dissipating as they get older.
Stress can contribute to hair loss, as can hormonal changes and imbalances. Poor nutrition and diet can also cause thinning hair if there is a lack of protein and iron in the body. Scalp infections, such as ringworm, and conditions such as thyroid disease and other autoimmune diseases can also cause the hair to fall out. The chemicals used in certain hair dyes and treatments can damage the hair and cause it to break off, as well. In addition, the use of certain medications can sometimes cause hair loss.
There are a number of ways to thicken thinning hair and to stop hair loss. For those who are suffering from hair loss because of age, stress, or hormonal imbalances, medication is commonly used as a treatment. Generally, the use of a medication is more effective for milder cases of hair loss. Minoxidil, finasteride, corticosteroids, and anthralin are all used to treat hair loss. Finasteride should only be used by men as it can pose serious danger to women of childbearing age.
For more severe cases, surgery may be a viable treatment option to thicken thinning hair. Hair transplants — such as strip grafts, micrografts, minigrafts, and punch grafts — can be used when other treatment options have failed or medication is not a likely solution. Scalp reduction can also be performed; this procedure involves the removal of part of the hairless portion of the scalp. Often times, hair transplants and scalp reductions are combined to produce a more natural-looking result.
Those with scalp infections or autoimmune diseases should seek treatment for their conditions, as this will often take care of their hair loss problems as well. If poor nutrition is the cause, the diet should be altered to include sufficient amounts of iron, protein, and all other essential vitamins needed for optimal health. Those who are experiencing hair loss because of medications they are taking may need to switch medications or discuss other possible treatment options with their doctors.