Our hair begins to thin at some time in all of our lives. If your once-thick mane has become a little thin, you’re probably wondering what’s causing the hair loss and what you can do to cure it. Our team sought the advice of prominent doctors in order to better understand what causes hair loss. While more rigorous therapies customized to your specific circumstances should always be sought from a doctor, there are a few home remedies for thinning hair.
We asked the dermatologists to share a few of their favorite products for encouraging hair growth and restoring fullness, as well as get to the heart of what causes hair loss in women and how to avoid it in the first place. These are some of the options they advised, ranging from shampoos and vitamins to leave-in treatments.
1. Anti-Thinning Biotin Shampoo Pura D’or Gold Label
This biotin shampoo has almost 14,000 five-star ratings on Amazon and comes highly recommended by Dr. Liia Ramachandra, a former pharma executive and skin care specialist. “I like it since it’s clean and good for sensitive scalps,” she said. “This solution contains a potent combination of biotin, nettle extract, pumpkin seed, and black cumin seed oil.”
The hypoallergenic, gluten-free shampoo claims to decrease hair thinning by strengthening and thickening strands, increasing volume for days while also minimizing breakage.
2. Hair Loss Shampoo With Biotin Clinical Strength Hair Growth & Regrowth Therapy
You don’t have to go to extreme lengths to help your thinning hair. According to Ramachandra, hair repair can begin in the shower with this hair loss shampoo. “It has DHT blockers in it that successfully inhibit DHT and prevent hair loss,” she said.
One Amazon customer reported a “significant decrease in the amount of hair falling out,” while another reported a “surprising amount of fresh hair growth.”
3. 1-6 Nioxin System Kits
Dr. Angela J. Lamb, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City, recommends this three-step hair-thickening regimen, which contains shampoo, conditioner, and a hair treatment meant to strengthen strands and volumize your locks.
According to the manufacturer, the set is clinically proven to minimize hair loss due to breakage by up to 91 percent for colored and natural hair. The Amazon best-seller also has 17,000+ five-star ratings and a slew of excellent evaluations from customers who say it makes their hair seem “fuller and thicker.” “I saw a difference after a couple weeks, and now my hair is back as thick and healthy as ever,” commented one reviewer.
4. Scalpicin Maximum Strength Dandruff & Scalp Itch Relief Treatment
Do you suffer from persistent scalp irritation? According to American Academy of Dermatology colleague Dr. Robert Anolik, whether the fundamental cause is psoriasis, dandruff, or eczema, irritation can damage healthy hair development and even cause partial hair loss.
“As a result, anti-inflammatory drugs that may minimize irritation are clearly an indirect therapy for hair thinning in these conditions,” he noted when describing this product. As usual, speak with your dermatologist first to ensure that hydrocortisone is the best option for your specific circumstance.
5. Wet Brush Pro Detangler Brush – Professional Detangler
What you use to comb your hair may either assist or harm your strands, which is why Massick recommends a good detangling brush. We like this popular model because its flexible bristles promise to reduce knots and breakage.
What causes female hair loss?
Do you know how much hair loss is normal? The typical individual loses 100 to 150 hairs every day as a result of our regular hair cycle, according to Dr. Rae Lynne Kinler, medical director of Ziering Medical in Connecticut. Anything more visible than that may warrant further study.
“If you see disproportionately large volumes of hair on your pillow, when combing your hair, or in the drain after washing, it may be time to investigate alternative causes,” said Dr. Andrew Kwak, a hair restoration surgeon, hair loss expert, and founder of The Lumen Center in Pennsylvania.
Though you should consult a doctor to determine the actual reason of your hair loss, there are some possible possibilities.
“From an internal medicine standpoint, there are numerous disorders that we may detect with a simple blood test that might cause hair loss,” said Dr. Cameron K. Rokhsar, founder and medical director of New York Cosmetic, Skin & Laser Surgery Center. “These include low iron, anemia, thyroid hormone abnormalities (hyper or hypothyroidism), sex hormone alterations (conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome, which causes an increase in masculine hormones like testosterone), and autoimmune disorders like lupus.”
6. Rogaine 5% Minoxidil Foam for Women’s Hair
You’ve probably heard of Rogaine, and for good reason: the well-known brand is a household name. “It’s a tried-and-true method for combating hair loss.” “The foam enters your scalp and targets your hair follicles to jumpstart the development cycle,” Dr. Orit Markowitz, OptiSkin’s CEO/founder.
Rogaine is effective in the early stages of hair loss and acts swiftly. It contains 5% Minoxidil as well as botanical extracts and emollients to moisturise your scalp. What’s the best part? The foam structure is simple to apply and massages into strands in seconds.
7. Kevin Murphy Body Mass Plumping Leave-In Treatment
If you want to plump up your tresses, Elizabeth recommends spraying on a dab of this plumping product before style. “It was made in a unique way using eyelash thickening and lengthening technology, which helps strengthen hair while also adding thickness, body, and bounce,” she explained.
8. Anti-Aging Clinical Densifying Scalp Treatment with Alterna Caviar
Do you want to increase volume to your locks quickly throughout your regular routine? This leave-in conditioner stimulates strands and promotes denser-looking hair. It’s formulated with caviar and adds structure to thinning hair while also increasing volume and fullness.
“Simply spray the product on towel-dried hair, then air dry or style as usual.” “This beautiful treatment is designed with eco-certified elements that are responsibly collected to safeguard the environment, such as caviar, sea silk, bamboo, and kendi oil,” Elizabeth explained.
9. Beautiful Growth Densifying Elixir Viviscal
“This lightweight leave-in treatment is ideal for all hair types and gives volume to hair through the use of antrel (a unique compound), keratin, biotin, and zinc,” Bergamy explained. According to her, the body-boosting treatment makes limp hair appear thicker and fuller without adding weight.
10. T3 Duo Detangle
When your hair is thinning, combing may be a stressful experience. To help you treat your hair with child gloves, T3’s two-piece detangling kit contains a shower comb and a detangling brush.
“Be careful to begin combing at the bottom and work your way up to the scalp.” The detangling brush can then be used. “Pay special attention to combing the scalp to revitalize and encourage blood flow to the scalp,” Hobgood said.
11. Hair Towel Aquis Rapid Dry Lisse
A microfiber towel will not make your hair thicker, but it will help you preserve the hair you do have if thinning is an issue. “It’s critical to use a suitable towel to dry your hair.” “This one absorbs moisture with the least amount of friction,” Hobgood explained.
Hair is weaker while wet, and this Aquis bestseller reduces drying time by 50%, making your locks less fragile. It also eliminates frizz, and the hands-free design is quite convenient!
12. Cordless Hair Scalp Massager that is more comfortable
Exfoliating and stimulating the scalp, according to Yamamoto, is essential if you want to grow healthy, attractive hair. “Massaging the scalp is essential, whether you have a dry or oily scalp.” “Please be cautious not to scrape your scalp with your nails when stroking your head with your hands,” the hairdresser warned.
Comfier’s cordless hair/scalp massager contains four massage heads and 21 nodes, allowing you to experiment with different techniques until you discover one that works for you. It’s also compact and lightweight, so it won’t take up much room in your nightstand drawer or travel luggage.
Here are some of the most prevalent reasons of hair loss:
Androgenetic alopecia: Also known as female pattern baldness, this kind of genetic hair loss causes thinning and, if left unchecked, can lead to irreversible hair loss. “While it may occur at any age,” Kinler added, “this type of hair loss is more frequent during the natural aging process during peri-menopause or beyond menopause.”
Traction alopecia: All of the straining and pulling from straightening your hair and putting it up in a tight ponytail may wreak havoc on your hair over time. “It causes hair breakage and a lack of hair regeneration.” “Hair loss becomes permanent and irreparable with repeated traction,” Dr. Susan Massick, an associate professor at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, explained.
Scarring alopecia: Hair loss can be caused by chronic tension/stress on the hair follicles, which is typically caused by medical disorders. “It causes scarring of the scalp and hair loss, which is typically irreversible,” Massick explained.
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that develops bald patches. “It’s usually reversible,” Massick explained, “but it can range from a few tiny spots to the entire scalp (alopecia totalis).”
Telogen effluvium: This transient hair loss is frequently caused by physical stress. “It may be noticed with pregnancy, illness, significant operations, or major stress (death of a loved one,” Jacob explained. “This is the kind of hair loss we’re seeing after a COVID infection.”
Given this, it’s reasonable to wonder: do hats/hair coverings induce hair loss? In general, the experts we interviewed answered no. “Unless it is excessively tight, producing traction, creating an environment that is too hot, or otherwise inhibits the blood flow and oxygen essential for the hair follicles,” Kinler added.
Is it possible for stress to induce hair loss?
“When stress induces a hormone rise in our androgenic genes (cortisol, in particular), it redirects energy required for hair development and hence promotes shedding,” Kinler explained.
According to Kwak, psychological stress may throw the body out of whack. However, you may be certain that it is not reason for alarm. “The good news is that hair loss is typically temporary and will improve as the mind and body heal,” Kwak explained.
Is it possible that hard water causes hair loss?
“Although no studies have shown that hard water directly causes hair loss, water that is too mineralized can contribute to hair that breaks more easily.” If you reside in an area where the water is really ‘hard,’ it is simple to install a shower head that’softens’ the water to address this potential issue,” Kwak explained.
How can I avoid hair loss?
Let’s start with the bad news: Hair loss is not always prevented, especially if it runs in your family. However, if it does occur, there are a few things you may do to address it.
“For example, androgenetic alopecia is a progressive disorder that causes hair loss.” Early management and a customized program that includes integrated lifestyle modifications with topicals, exosome (growth factor) injections, Laser and LED can reduce, control, and decrease the loss,” Kinler added.
When it comes to preventable hair loss (such as traction alopecia), there are a few things you can do to get your strands back on track, such as avoiding chemical treatments (such as relaxers or perms), wearing your hair in loose hairstyles, and eating nutritious meals.
“The first step is to ensure that you are eating a well-balanced diet that includes adequate protein, iron, zinc, and biotin.” If you’re not sure, you may take supplements to maintain these things in peak condition,” Kwak advised.
Above all, remember that there are several treatments for thinning hair, so don’t worry.
“Be kind with yourself and your self-esteem. If your hair is thinning, consult a board-certified dermatologist who can guide you through the many treatment choices,” Massick said.
