Hair loss and hair thinning are common conditions we encounter today. As we age, our bodies naturally change, affecting our appearance and performance. Hair, in particular, is susceptible to these changes. As we get older, hair often loses volume and thickness. However, this can also happen due to other factors such as health conditions, nutritional deficiencies, stress, and more.
Hair loss is particularly distressing, especially for women. Therefore, we recommend seeking medical advice as soon as you notice hair fall or thinning to address the issue promptly and retain your hair.
Causes of hair loss in females and males
Studies show that most people lose 50–100 hairs each day as part of the natural cycle where old hair falls out and new hair grows from the same follicles. However, various factors can contribute to excessive hair loss.
Factors that contribute in hair loss:
- Genetic or hereditary factors
- Older age
- Alopecia areata, which is an autoimmune condition
- Scarring alopecia, where inflammation destroys hair follicles
- Cancer treatment and some other medications
- Stress
- Childbirth
- Hair treatments, such as perms, dyes, and hair relaxants
- Pulling or tugging the hair, for example, when styling or to relieve stress
- Hormonal changes, possibly due to a thyroid condition or menopause
- A health condition, such as scalp psoriasis or an infection
- Nutritional deficiencies, for example, a lack of biotin, zinc, iron, or protein
- Poisoning with arsenic, thallium, mercury, or lithium
- High dose of vitamin A or selenium supplements
Male or female hair loss pattern
Androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as male pattern and female pattern baldness, is caused by genetic and hormonal factors.
It affects about 50 million males and 30 million females in the United States.
This condition can occur at any age but is more common among:
- Males aged 50 years or older
- Females during menopause
- People with a close relative who has androgenetic alopecia
In males, hair thinning typically starts from the hairline to the back of the head, forming an “M” shape. In females, it usually affects the crown of the head.
Early treatment can often slow or stop hair loss.
Doctors can often diagnose the cause of thinning hair by examining the pattern of hair loss. They may ask about:
- Current diet
- Other medical conditions
- Family history of thinning hair
- Family history of medical conditions that can cause thinning hair
The doctor might send hair or scalp samples to a lab for further testing or order blood tests to rule out underlying conditions.
In most cases, thinning hair is not related to overall health issues. If you are concerned about hair loss or if it affects your mental well-being, consulting a doctor is advisable.
You should also seek professional guidance if you notice:
- Sudden or unexpected hair loss
- Hair falling out in clumps
- The appearance of bald patches
- Hair loss accompanies by itching and burning
Treatment may be needed for an underlying condition. A dermatologist can also help find a suitable treatment option.
Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata causes hair loss in round patches on the scalp. It can also affect the eyebrows, beard, and other hair, as well as the nails. The risk of the condition increases with age, but alopecia areata appears on average in people aged 25–36 years. Genetic factors may play a role, and there are links with other autoimmune conditions, such as systemic lupus erythematosus, or lupus.
Alopecia areata is a non-scarring type of hair loss, and the hair follicles remain alive, which means the hair can regrow. Doctors may treat alopecia areata with an injection into the scalp every 4–6 weeks for up to 6 months.
Diet
The body needs nutrients to create new hair strands and maintain healthy hair follicles. Malnutrition, low protein levels, and vitamin deficiencies can increase the risk of hair loss.
Scientists have found low levels of the following nutrients in people with hair loss and other hair changes:
- Protein
- Iron
- Zinc
- Vitamin B3, or niacin
- Fatty acids
- Selenium
- Vitamin D
- Biotin
A dietary deficiency may also cause:
- Brittle hair shafts
- A dull appearance to hair
- Skin and scalp dryness
- Sparse, light-colored hair in children
A balanced diet may help promote strong, healthy hair. In some cases, a doctor may prescribe supplements.
Stress
Telogen effluvium is a non-scarring type of hair loss. It is often acute, which means it occurs suddenly and for a limited time, but it can also be chronic, or long-term. It can happen several months after a stressful experience.
Telogen effluvium can stem from physical or emotional stress such as:
- An acute febrile illness
- A severe infection
- Surgery
- A traumatic injury
- A fall in estrogen levels after giving birth
- Crash dieting
- Low levels of protein or iron
- The use of some medications
- Emotional stress, for example, due to a loss of a loved one, divorce, or big move
In acute cases, the hair usually regrows. In chronic cases, shedding may continue, but a person will usually retain a reasonable head of hair.
Treatments
The treatment for thinning hair usually depends on the cause.
Minoxidil and Finasteride have FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approval to treat androgenetic alopecia.
Minoxidil
- Available in 2% or 5% strengths
- Applied directly to areas of thinning hair
- Hair growth may take 6–12 months to show improvement, but stopping the treatment will cause hair loss to recur
- Possible side effects: contact dermatitis, skin irritation, and excessive hair growth on the face and other areas
Finasteride
Finasteride (Propecia) is an oral medication taken at 1 milligram daily.
Prescribed for males and females between puberty and menopause who do not improve with minoxidil.
Possible side effects: erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, and gynecomastia (growth of breast tissue).
Home remedies
While some home remedies may promote hair growth, not all have scientific backing. Consult a doctor before using any home or herbal remedies for hair loss.
Eat hair-healthy foods
Proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals are important for hair health.
Hair-healthy foods include:
- Brazil nuts (selenium)
- Fatty fish (omega-3 fatty acids)
- Walnuts (omega-3 fatty acids)
- Eggs (protein and biotin)
- Fortified foods and dairy products (vitamin D)
Try essential oils
Some people use essential oils to boost hair growth, though research is limited.
Always dilute essential oils with a carrier oil (such as jojoba or coconut oil) and never take them orally.
Oils that may boost hair growth include:
- Rosemary Oil: Some studies suggest rosemary oil can improve scalp health by increasing blood flow. A 2015 trial compared rosemary oil with 2% minoxidil, finding significant hair growth in both groups after 6 months.
Authored By Yasmine Deraz for Fujn
