How to Tell If You Are Experiencing Hair Thinning
Hair thinning is a common problem with many potential reasons. The American Academy of Dermatology states that it is normal to lose about 50–100 hairs per day, but a significantly higher amount could indicate a greater hair thinning problem.1 Hair thinning can be caused by hereditary issues, or from lifestyle problems such as stress. Nonetheless, our hair health is an indicator of our internal health, as well as our immune system.3 So, it is important to take note of any alarming symptoms that may arise when it comes to our hair.
Signs of Hair Thinning
There are some common signs that indicate hair thinning. To start, excessive shedding is a sign that your hair may be thinning, as well as having more wispy hairs than normal.3 Another sign is an increase in fragility and breakage of the hair, and a more visible scalp.3 These are general signs that could be hair thinning, but there are also symptoms that are specific to men and women.
According to Samantha Stewart from the Institute of Trichologists, “the process that occurs during male hair thinning can cause the hair around the temples, hairline and top of the head to have a shortened growth cycle, which can result in an uneven growth pattern in the affected area. The front hairline may start to resemble the shape of the letter ‘m’.” 4 When it comes to women, the American Academy of Dermatology states that “the first noticeable sign of hereditary hair loss is usually overall thinning or a widening part.” 2 Other signs could also be “more hairs on your pillow, more hairs after brushing or combing, a thinner ponytail, and more hairs lost during washing.” 4
Lifestyle Changes
Although these signs can be alarming, there are things that can be done that can slow down the symptoms or even reverse them. There are lifestyle changes that can be made to help stimulate hair growth. The first one is consuming a healthy and balanced diet.1 Hair thinning could be linked to a lack of vitamins or nutrients, so making sure you’re ingesting the right things may help improve hair health. Another lifestyle change that could help reduce the effects of hair thinning is stress management. Long-term stress can impact your hair growth, as cortisol may disrupt the hair growth cycle.1
Some other changes that can be made are related to how you take care of your hair, especially if it is in the fragile state that comes with hair thinning. It is very important to care for your hair by using gentle products and refraining from brushing your hair too often, only doing so when it’s necessary.1 Additionally, if you are suffering from hair thinning, you should look to minimizing the amount of heat you use on your hair, as well as avoiding tight hairstyles.1 These are practices that can help relieve the physical stress placed on the hair while it’s in this vulnerable state.
If you are suffering from hair thinning, you should look at the hair products you are using. While your hair is in this weak state, it is key to avoid harsh products that could lead to scalp irritation or more shedding. There are many options, but it is also beneficial to look at products from brands such as Kazani Beauty. The Kazani Intensive Hair & Scalp Serum is a great option as it is paraben and sulfate free, and completely vegan. This product provides nourishment and hydration for all hair types, so it is the best hair and scalp serum to incorporate slowly if you are recovering from hair thinning.
If you feel that you are experiencing hair thinning, you should speak to your doctor. Working with your doctor can help identify the root of the problem, especially if the cause is a hereditary issue such as alopecia. While hair loss is scary, it is manageable. It is also a signal from our bodies that something could be wrong, so we should take it as a sign to heal the issue from its core, rather than ignoring it and waiting for it to pass.
Notes
1 Cherney, Kristeen. “12 Ways to Stop Hair Thinning.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 19 Mar. 2024, www.healthline.com/health/thinning-hair. Accessed 24 July 2024.
2 “Hair Loss: Signs and Symptoms.” American Academy of Dermatology, 2024, www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/insider/begin. Accessed 24 July 2024.
3 Noble, Audrey. “How to Tell If Your Hair Is Thinning: 5 First Signs to Watch For.” Vogue, 15 July 2024, www.vogue.com/article/how-to-tell-if-hair-is-thinning. Accessed 24 July 2024.
4 Stewart, Samantha. “Understanding the Signs of Thinning Hair.” Effective Thinning Hair & Scalp Solutions, Nioxin, 15 June 2020, www.nioxin.com/en-GB/about-hair-loss/signs-of-thinning-hair. Accessed 24 July 2024.
