We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Hair

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Are the Causes of Thinning Hair on the Sides?

By Madeleine A.
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 13,568
Share

The causes of thinning hair on the sides include traction alopecia, heredity, and certain diseases. A type of baldness called pattern baldness sometimes causes thinning hair, as opposed to the crown area or hairline. Traction alopecia is a condition that refers to hair loss generated by hairstyles such as tight ponytails. When the hair is pulled away from the head, stress is exerted on the roots of the hair. Sometimes, permanent damage to the hair follicles can occur and the hair will not grow back.

Another cause of thinning hair on the sides is injury or scarring. Occasionally, the hair follicles become scarred by medical conditions such as autoimmune diseases and dermatological conditions. In addition, these conditions can damage the oil glands resulting in hair fallout. The underlying condition needs to be determined and managed before thinning hair on the sides can be treated. Hypothyroidism, or low thyroid, can also cause thinning hair, although this may be reversible after thyroid replacement hormone therapy has been initiated.

Stress can also promote thinning hair on the sides of the head and may even affect the entire scalp. When stress is managed, however, this type of hair loss generally resolves. When hair loss is attributed to stress or emotional distress, the health care provider can recommend a stress-management treatment plan, which might include medications, exercise, cognitive therapy, and dietary changes.

Treating thinning hair depends on the cause. Sometimes, hormonal fluctuations can cause hair to thin, and is occasionally noticed after childbirth or during the menopausal years. Patients who pursue hormone replacement therapy should talk with a doctor about the risks and benefits of this therapy. When thinning hair on the head is accompanied by hair loss on the rest of the body, further medical evaluation is needed. This may indicate a condition known as alopecia totalis, which is an autoimmune condition that can cause hair loss on the entire body, including the eyelashes and eyebrows.

A medication known as minoxidil may be helpful in promoting hair growth, however, it can cause side effects. Most side effects are mild, and include burning of the scalp, dryness, itching, and flaking. Rare, but serious side effects can also occur when using minoxidil, and may include difficulty breathing, chest pain, dizziness, and swelling of the extremities, stomach or face. If these symptoms occur, emergency medical intervention needs to be sought as soon as possible.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-causes-of-thinning-hair-on-the-sides.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.