Our hair is a valuable physical asset. A thick and lustrous mane is often associated with vitality and beauty so it’s only natural to worry when the health and texture of our hair begin to suffer.
Losing 50 to 100 strands a day is normal, but when you start noticing more strands in the drain, on your hairbrush, or your pillowcase, you may be anxious to know if you might lose most of your hair. Hair fall can lead to thinner hair, which can cause bald patches to appear on your head.
This begs the question: Does hair thinning spell the end of a head full of hair?
Can Hair Thinning Cause Balding?
No. Hair thinning does not typically cause balding. However, it can lead to patchy or sparser spots of hair on your head, which gives the appearance of balding. It is a common condition, with about 31% of men (between the ages of 40-55) displaying some signs of vertex baldness, a form of hair loss that generally appears on the front of the scalp.
Ouch.
But don’t worry yet.
Hair thinning happens gradually, so you have plenty of time to find the root cause. While you may be experiencing a normal part of the hair growth cycle, it can be a sign of balding, especially if you’re noticing hair loss closer to the hairline. Losing patches of hair can also be a sign of alopecia.
The location of your hair loss can determine the intensity of the problem. Before we delve deep into how to reverse the damage, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the causes of hair thinning. This will help you get the treatments required to restore your hair to its former glory.
What Causes Hair Thinning?
Hair thinning can be caused by various factors, including lifestyle habits, hormonal changes, and genetics.
Common causes include:
- Frequently treating your hair with chemical color treatments, relaxers, and perms can disrupt the natural state of your hair, which can rob your hair of moisture and lead to dryness, frizziness, and damage.
- Using the wrong hair products can cause product build-up, flaking, and intensive damage in the long run, leading to breakage.
- Wearing tight hairstyles and updos pull on your hair over time, causing your strands to break off from the follicle and lead to thin spots. When a hair follicle is destroyed, new hair will not grow from it, causing permanent hair loss.
- Not getting enough nutrients like zinc, iron, protein, and biotin in your diet can mess with the structure and growth of your hair. This can lead to hair thinning and hair loss.
- Acne medications, chemotherapy drugs, antibiotics, and antifungal medications can also cause hair loss. Thyroid problems can also play a part.
Keep in mind that hair grows in cycles, so if you’re noticing hair thinning now, there’s a good chance that the problem started at least 3 months before. Knowing this timeframe can help you pinpoint possible causes like changes in lifestyle and hair care regimen.
Unfortunately, these aren’t the only causes of hair thinning.
Hair thinning can also be a sign of male pattern baldness (MPB), which is a type of hair loss that gradually develops over weeks, months, and even years. It can also be part of the normal aging process.
So, make sure to consider all potential factors before you start any treatment.
How Can You Treat Thinning Hair?
Finding a solution for hair thinning can be difficult, but not impossible. Most cases of thinning hair can be treated from home, so it might be possible for you to reverse the damage without even visiting a hair specialist!
Here are some steps you can take to minimize hair loss:
1. Use your fingertips to give yourself a hair massage. This will encourage blood flow to your scalp and promote thicker hair.
2. Use anti-thinning shampoos to revitalize and thicken your hair — all while promoting a healthier scalp.
3. Use supplements, biotin, and multivitamins to grow thicker and stronger hair. You can also use plant-based essential oils with fatty acids to fight inflammation, which can prevent premature hair loss.
4. Use prescription medication minoxidil to thicken hair in balding spots and restore hair growth.
5. Use non-invasive treatments like laser therapy or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy to regrow lost strands while encouraging stronger and thicker hair growth.
In Conclusion
Hair thinning can cause the appearance of balding, but this can generally be reversed by making changes in your lifestyle and hair care regimen. However, if our suggested treatment options do little to reverse your condition, we recommend that you see a dermatologist.
Are you wondering why?
Well, thinning hair can also be hereditary or may be due to certain underlying medical conditions. Hence, you will need expert advice to explore all possible avenues and find the best treatment available for hair thinning. Consulting medical practitioners can also help patients with receding hairlines avoid permanent baldness.