How to stop thinning hair

Hair thinning has become a common phenomenon. Understanding the causes of thinning hair is an essential aspect in combating the thinning of hair. The standard test used in the detection of thinning hair is the tug test. This test involves pulling out your hair using the index finger and your thumb. If six or more hair are pulled out in one instance of the test, then chances are that you may have a hair problem.

(Credited photo Flickr.com)

 

Factors associated with thinning hair

Causes of hair thinning are varied. They include endocrine abnormalities with thyroid abnormalities being the most common endocrine abnormality associated with hair loss. Some drugs have the potential to cause thinning of hair that is why it is important to understand the adverse effects of any medications that you may be using.

The hair styles that we choose have a significant impact on the well being of our hair. The techniques that put excessive force on hair, for example, tight ponytails and cornrows are known to precipitate thinning of hair. Hair styles are meant to accentuate beauty, but you should choose a method that does not put excessive force on follicles in order to promote the health of your hair. Excessive heat applied to the hair in the form of blow-dry also damages hair. When drying your hair, the best way to do it is to manually use a clean, dry towel. Some chemicals such as bleach and certain shampoos usually weaken the structural integrity of the hair. The result of these chemicals is destruction and thinning of hair. Before using any chemicals on your hair, it is important to research on the potential adverse effects of the chemical before use. Some the chemicals may cause serious and sometimes irreversible damage. Excessive brushing of hair does not promote hair growth. That myth is a fallacy. Combing hair leads to pulling of hair from the scalp. If combing is regularly done, then that means that more of the hair will be uprooted from the scalp, a factor that encourages hair thinning. Avoid combing your hair when it’s wet. Wet hair is vulnerable and easily affected when combing. It is recommended first to dry the hair.

In as much as washing our hair is important, it is even more important to use the correct shampoo and conditioner. The recommended frequency of washing your hair with these chemicals is between three to four times a week. The valuable constituents that you should look for in any shampoo or conditioner include olive, coconut, avocado or jojoba.

In almost all instances, the health of the hair is an indication of the general health of the body. Thinning hair may be a sign of malnutrition. It is importantly to consume adequate nutrients in order to promote healthy hair.

Recommended nutrients

One of the recommended nutrients are the proteins. Proteins form the building blocks of the body and hair is not an exception. Keratin, a major component used by the body to make hair is a derivative of protein. This means that if the body has sufficient protein resources, then there is a higher likelihood of production of healthy hair. Thinning of hair may partly be due to inadequate protein resources of the body. The recommended sources of proteins include meat, fish, and eggs. Vegetarians can consume nuts, beans, and soy products in order to achieve the required concentrations of protein in their body.

Proteins are not the only nutrients that play a significant role in the production of healthy hair. Vitamins are essential ingredients. A scarcity of vitamin C in the body can manifest itself in the form of thinning hair. Vitamin C is primarily used by the body to build collagen; an essential product in the growth of healthy hair. Breakdown of iron is another function of vitamin C. It has to be noted that iron is also a crucial component in the production of hair by the body. The approved sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, spinach, and broccoli. Biotin supplements provide the much-needed vitamin B required for the production of healthy and thick hair.

Medical conditions associated with thinning hair

There are some medical conditions associated with thinning hair. For instance, hormonal imbalances that may take the form of hypothyroidism may significantly affect the quality of hair. The thyroid hormone is responsible for metabolism in the body when the levels of this hormone are tampered with; then the metabolic activity of the body is impaired. Consequently, the formation of the structural components of the body including hair are affected. Estrogen also plays a vital role in the growth of hair. When levels of estrogen are elevated, it has been reported that hair loss and hair fragility increase. Some of the products like pesticides and deodorants may mimic the action of estrogen. It therefore, critical to carefully select the type of chemicals to use.

Some of the conditions that affect the condition of the hair are physiological processes. For instance women who heavy menstrual cycles may experience brittle hair because they have lost a substantial amount of iron. Replenishing iron stores should be a high priority for these ladies. In states such as stress, one of the coping mechanism of the body is the production of a hormone known as cortisol in high amounts. Among the numerous actions of cortisol, reducing metabolism is one of them. If the metabolic activity is reduced, then the production of hair is reduced or completely stopped. If hair is produced in these states, then, the hair is usually brittle. One of the dependable methods of dealing with emotional stress is exercise. The simple exercises such as jogging, walking, swimming and riding a bicycle relieve not only stress but also enhance blood circulation to the hair follicles thereby increasing the growth of healthy hair.

Radical solutions to thinning hair

Radical therapy could also be considered when dealing with thinning hair. Some of the radical interventions include laser therapy. The objective of this mode of treatment is to increase blood flow to the hair follicles and, as a result, hair growth is roused. In instances where thinning of the hair is a genetic trait, then the medical intervention that may be sought may be hair transplantation; a common intervention in males.

How to stop thinning hair