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: Understanding Hair Thinning :

What is Hair Thinning?

    • Hair thinning is described as a hair mass decrease problem where hair loses some of its natural thickness. The reduction in thickness and diameter of individual hair strands make hair appear less dense or full.
    • Hair mass decrease means you may have the same number of hair follicles, but thinner individual strands which reduces overall hair mass.
    • A condition in which hair becomes progressively finer and weaker with noticeable reduction in hair volume.
    • This concern can also be seen in the case of female pattern baldness.

What causes Hair Thinning?

  • 1. Ageing - Hair thinning is common in ageing. As we age, there is a reduction in the number of hair follicles and in their sizes. This leads to the cells in the follicles to produce hair strands that are thinner and weaker, and with less volume. These cells become less efficient in producing new hair, thereby, slowing down the rate of hair growth as well.
  • 3. Hereditary: Hair thinning could also be due to a genetic condition known as hereditary hair loss-male pattern and female pattern baldness. This condition depends on the genes one has inherited from one or both parents. And, can also include families from father’s or mother’s side as well.

 

  • 2. Lifestyle habits are a key contributor to thinning hair. These include:
    • Over-treating your hair with colour treatments, perms, relaxers, and more.
    • Using harsh hair products loaded with chemicals, such as extreme-hold hair sprays and gels. Temporary hair colouring can also be damaging for your hair.
    • Nutritional deficiencies such as lack of iron, folic acid, and other minerals in your diet.
    • Experiencing increased levels of stress can raise hormones like cortisol and in turn curb hair growth.
  • 4. Underlying medical considerations can also lead to this condition. You might have thinning hair if you:
    • recently had a baby
    • have discontinued taking birth control pills
    • are going through hormonal changes
    • are being treated for an autoimmune disease
    • have a weak immunity
    • are having a skin disorder

What causes Hair Thinning?

  • 1. Ageing - Hair thinning is common in ageing. As we age, there is a reduction in the number of hair follicles and in their sizes. This leads to the cells in the follicles to produce hair strands that are thinner and weaker, and with less volume. These cells become less efficient in producing new hair, thereby, slowing down the rate of hair growth as well.
  • 2. Lifestyle habits are a key contributor to thinning hair. These include:
    • Over-treating your hair with colour treatments, perms, relaxers, and more.
    • Using harsh hair products loaded with chemicals, such as extreme-hold hair sprays and gels. Temporary hair colouring can also be damaging for your hair.
    • Nutritional deficiencies such as lack of iron, folic acid, and other minerals in your diet.
    • Experiencing increased levels of stress can raise hormones like cortisol and in turn curb hair growth.

 

  • 3. Hereditary: Hair thinning could also be due to a genetic condition known as hereditary hair loss-male pattern and female pattern baldness. This condition depends on the genes one has inherited from one or both parents. And, can also include families from father’s or mother’s side as well.
  • 4. Underlying medical considerations can also lead to this condition. You might have thinning hair if you:
    • recently had a baby
    • have discontinued taking birth control pills
    • are going through hormonal changes
    • are being treated for an autoimmune disease
    • have a weak immunity
    • are having a skin disorder

The Visible Signs of Hair Thinning

Visible symptoms of hair thinning commonly include

    • Thinning hair fibres
    • Reduced hair density
    • Wider parting
    • A thinner ponytail
    • Increased scalp visibility
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: FAQs on Hair Thinning :

  • Is thinning eyebrows a sign of hair thinning?

    If your eyebrows are becoming thinner or scanty, it may be a sign of hair thinning.

  • My hair parting is widening and/or the thickness of ponytail is shrinking, is my hair falling out?

    No, these are signs of hair thinning. You may have the same number of hair follicles but your hair strands are thinner.

  • Can hair thinning lead to baldness in women?

    Thinning hair refers to minor to moderate hair loss. Unlike widespread hair loss, thinning hair doesn’t necessarily cause baldness. It does, however, give the appearance of lesser hair due to increase scalp visibility.

  • Can women go completely bald?

    Women are less likely to go completely bald but are more likely to suffer from hair thinning.

  • Is Hair Thinning a sign of female pattern baldness?

    Yes, hair thinning may be a sign of female pattern baldness but it is not always the case.

  • Can hair thinning lead to hair loss?

    Yes, thinner individual strands are more prone to breakage, and since hair growth slows as you age, the damage becomes more obvious.

  • Can using hair oil on thin hair lead to hair loss?

    Yes, oil application weighs down hair that is thin and could lead to hair breakage or hair fall. If you have hair thinning, avoid or limit using oil on your hair strands.

  • I have fine hair. Will I have hair thinning?

    No, not necessarily. Fine hair is a hair type. Hair Thinning is irrespective of hair type. However, if you do have hair thinning then your scalp will show more quickly since your hair is fine as compared to someone with a coarser hair.

  • Can a teenager experience hair thinning?

    Yes, it is possible for a teenager to have hair thinning. Some the reasons that can cause hair thinning in teenagers include: Hormonal changes, Nutritional deficiencies, Stress, Medical conditions or medications.

  • I have coarse hair. Can I use anti-thinning products?

    Coarse hair is a hair type. Hair Thinning is irrespective of hair type. You can use anti-thinning products if you are experiencing Hair Thinning.

  • Is receding hair line a sign of Hair Thinning?

    No. If you are having Hair Thinning, your hair line is preserved. Receding hair line is a sign of hair loss visible in men.

  • Can both men and women have hair thinning?

    Yes. Reduction in hair thickness is a common condition that affects both men and women.

  • Does using wooden comb help in reducing hair thinning?

    Using a wooden comb can potentially help reduce hair thinning in some cases. As they are gentle on the hair and scalp and do not create static electricity that can damage the hair. Additionally, wooden combs are often made of natural materials that can help distribute the natural oils produced by the scalp evenly throughout the hair, which can help to moisturize and protect the hair.
    However, it's important to note that using a wooden comb alone is unlikely to completely prevent or reverse hair thinning. Hair thinning can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, and certain medical conditions. Therefore, it's important to address the underlying cause of hair thinning in addition to using gentle hair care tools like a wooden comb.

  • Why hair thinning occurs?

    Hair thinning can occur due to various factors, including genetics, hormonal changes, ageing, medical conditions, and lifestyle factors. The most common cause of hair thinning in men and women is androgenetic alopecia, also known as male or female pattern baldness. This condition is primarily influenced by genetics and hormones.

  • Will hair thinning make me bald?

    Hair thinning doesn't necessarily lead to complete baldness in everyone. The progression of hair thinning can vary from person to person. In some cases, it may progress to significant baldness; in others, it may stabilise or be managed with treatments.

  • Can hair thinning be reversed?

    The potential for reversing hair thinning depends on the underlying cause. Some types of hair thinning, like androgenetic alopecia, can be treated with medications like minoxidil or finasteride, and some people may see regrowth. Other forms of hair thinning due to nutritional deficiencies or temporary stress may be reversible by addressing the underlying cause.

  • Are hair thinning scissors bad?

    Hair thinning scissors, when used properly by a skilled hairstylist, can help create a more textured and natural look for thick or unruly hair. However, overuse or improper use of thinning scissors can damage hair. It's essential to consult a professional hairstylist for their expertise.

  • Why hair thinning in menopause?

    Hair thinning during menopause is primarily due to hormonal changes, specifically a decrease in estrogen levels. Estrogen plays a protective role in maintaining hair thickness. When estrogen levels decline, hair may become thinner and more susceptible to shedding.

  • Why hair thinning in front?

    Hair thinning at the front of the scalp can be due to several factors, one of which is genetics (frontal fibrosing alopecia), androgenetic alopecia, or even traction alopecia from hairstyles that pull on the front hairline. The cause should be determined by a dermatologist for proper treatment.

  • Why hair thins with age?

    Hair tends to thin with age due to several factors, such as hormonal changes, decreased hair follicle size, decreased melanin production (resulting in greying), and cumulative damage from environmental factors.

  • Where does hair thinning start?

    The location of hair thinning can vary depending on the cause. In androgenetic alopecia, for example, it often starts at the temples or crown of the head. Frontal fibrosing alopecia can begin at the front hairline. A dermatologist should assess the location.

  • Who do you see for hair thinning?

    If you are experiencing hair thinning, you should see a dermatologist or a healthcare provider specialising in hair and scalp conditions. They can diagnose the underlying reason for your hair thinning problem and recommend appropriate treatments.

  • What hair thinning looks like?

    Hair thinning can manifest as a reduction in hair density, with the scalp becoming more visible through the hair. It may also involve a widening part or receding hairline. The appearance of hair thinning can vary depending on the underlying cause and individual factors.

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