The average person loses between 50 to 100 hairs every day. That may seem like a lot, but it’s normal for old hairs to fall out to make room for new ones.
As we age, though, our hair tends to thin out even more. This may be a natural process, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy. For women especially, thinning hair can have profound emotional consequences.
Have you noticed areas of thinning hair? Are you concerned about hair loss?
If so, we can help. Below we’ll show you how to help thinning hair. We’ve got eight pro tips that will restore your luscious locks in no time. Read on for more information!
1. Help Thinning Hair With the Right Shampoo
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If you find yourself with thinning hair, you may be reluctant to wash it. After all, won’t washing your hair make even more fall out? And, then won’t your hair be even thinner?
Thankfully, the answers to these questions are no. With the right shampoo, you can slow down or even reverse thinning hair.
It’s important to look for a shampoo without harsh detergents like sodium lauryl sulfate. This lathering agent contributes to hair loss in a variety of ways, including:
- Corroding the hair follicle
- Slowing the rate of new hair growth
- Drying the hair, thereby leading to more breakage and hair loss
In addition to choosing a detergent-free shampoo, you want to wash your hair correctly. Remember, dirt and oil accumulate around hair follicles.
Because of this, concentrate your attention on your scalp. Massage the shampoo directly onto your scalp instead of into your hair. Don’t worry about it covering your hair, because the shampoo will slide down naturally.
You also don’t need to wash your hair every day for it to be clean. On your off days, consider using a dry shampoo. It can soak up excess oil, thereby giving your tresses a much-needed boost!
2. Don’t Be Afraid of Conditioner
You might think conditioner will weigh down your thinning hair, making it appear less full and thick. But, a lightweight conditioner will actually prevent further hair loss.
That’s because conditioner keeps your hair hydrated. When your hair is moisturized, it’s easier to manage and style.
Without conditioner, on the other hand, hair can become dry and brittle. And, that can lead to hair breakage and more hair loss.
Look for a product containing panthenol. This B-5 derivative thickens your hair by improving its moisture content. That’s a win-win when you’re combating thinning hair!
3. Sparse Hair Requires Gentle Styling
Avoid hairstyles that pull on your hair. That means no tight pigtails, ponytails, or cornrows. These styles can cause your hair to break or come out completely. If pulled out at the root, hair loss may cause scarring and damage that prevents regrowth.
Instead, consider getting a layered haircut. This style adds bounce and fullness to thin hair.
You might also choose a loose updo or consider using a clip-on hairpiece. Any of these options will be more subtle than a wig.
Also, it’s okay to blow dry your hair or use curling irons or straighteners once in a while. Make sure you choose the cool setting, and don’t overdo it.
4. Eat More Protein
It’s possible to combat nutritional hair loss by eating more protein. This important nutrient strengthens hair and is important for overall good health.
The DRI, or Dietary Reference Intake, for protein is 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight. That comes out to about 56 grams per day for the average sedentary man and 46 grams per day for the average sedentary woman.
For many people, though, this meager amount of protein might not be enough. That’s especially true if you’re experiencing thinning hair.
Try keeping a log for a week detailing how much protein you eat. The amount you consume may surprise you! If you find you’re eating too little protein, consider adding more meat, fish, and eggs to your diet.
5. Your Hair is What You Eat: Vitamins
Not only protein but vitamin deficiencies can cause thinning hair. For example, low levels of Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D can slow down hair growth and cause hair thinning.
B12 levels can be improved by increasing your meat, fish, and dairy intake. You can also take a high-quality B-Complex supplement.
As is well known, Vitamin D deficiencies are on the rise. You can ask your doctor to check your levels. Some quality time outdoors can rectify this deficiency, as can a supplement.
In addition, iron is also an essential mineral for healthy hair. In fact, low iron levels are one of the most common causes of hair loss. Again, increase your intake of iron-rich foods, or take a supplement.
You can aid iron absorption by eating more foods containing Vitamin C. As an added bonus, Vitamin C fights free radicals and is instrumental in the production of collagen. That’s a protein that helps strengthen hair, preventing it from becoming brittle and tearing.
Finally, don’t forget biotin. Also known as Vitamin B-7, it can increase the rate at which your hair grows.
That’s because it’s instrumental in the production of a protein called keratin. It’s this protein that speeds along hair growth and rejuvenation.
To add more biotin to your diet, try increasing the number of eggs you consume. As shown above, they will also supply much-needed protein.
6. Tips for Thin Hair: Live a Healthy Lifestyle
It stands to reason that people who live an unhealthy lifestyle won’t have healthy hair. Make sure, then, to get enough sleep and exercise.
When you sleep, your body repairs itself. Therefore, a good night’s sleep is necessary for healing of any kind.
Cardiovascular exercise will not only reduce stress but also increase blood flow to your scalp. This process will bring nutrients and oxygen to your hair follicles, thereby improving hair growth.
7. Visit Your Dermatologist
When you notice your hair starting to thin out, make an appointment with your dermatologist. They can help you pinpoint the cause of your hair loss, and, if necessary, prescribe appropriate treatments.
If your hair is thinning on top, you might also want to consider a hair transplant. Read more about that process here.
8. Don’t Forget to See Your Doctor Too
Thinning hair may also be the result of various medical conditions, the most common of which is hypothyroidism. This condition primarily affects women after menopause and has the following symptoms:
- thinning hair
- weight gain
- dry skin
- tiredness
If you’re experiencing them, make an appointment with your doctor to have your thyroid levels checked. Your doctor can also help you rule out other conditions and assist you in the formulation of a plan to tackle your thinning hair.
How to Help Thinning Hair
There you have it! Everything you need to know on ow to help thinning hair. Now you have the tools you need to rejuvenate your locks and restore your confidence!
We hope you found this article informative and useful. If so, why not check out some of our other ones?
We can show you how to protect your hair from sun damage, how to thicken it, and we can also recommend the best clarifying shampoo. You’ll find the most useful pro hair tips!