Nobody wants to look in the mirror and see that their hair isn’t quite as full as it once was. For people that have hair loss, the consequences on their confidence and identity can be devastating. The good news is that those with hair loss may not have to suffer through the condition. Instead, they can seek a hair loss treatment that works for them. From shampoos that help to boost hair density to laser hair regrowth technology, there are more options than ever before when it comes to combating hair loss or thinning.

These treatments have improved after many decades of studies and the reason for it having taken so much time is that hair loss is a complicated business. More on that here. But now, we understand the causes of hair thinning far better and, with that knowledge, many treatments in several forms, whether it be topical, oral or surgical, have emerged in the market. In this article, we’ll explore the causes of hair thinning, what to look for, and potential solutions.

What To Look For

First thing’s first: everyone loses some hair. On average, humans shed between 50-100 hairs each day. Problems arise when there are no new hairs replacing the ones that are lost. In this sense, the term “hair loss” isn’t as accurate in describing thinning hair. In the majority of cases, the problem isn’t that more hair than normal is falling out, though that is a possibility; it’s that the body has stopped producing new hair.

If you’re experiencing hair loss, you may notice that the hairline is receding—most commonly around the temples—or that you may visibly start to see your scalp at the crown of your head, or that your hair is generally thinning. The hair loss becomes noticeable when close to 50% of the hairs have miniaturized or have been lost.

What Causes Hair Loss?

There are many reasons a person might lose his/her hair. Some of the most common causes are:

Androgenic Alopecia

The most common cause of hair loss is androgenic or androgenetic alopecia. This is more commonly referred to as male pattern baldness (MPHL) or female pattern baldness (FPHL). This is a genetic condition, which means that if there’s a history of hair loss in your family, then you’ll be more likely to have it yourself. There’s no hard and fast rule, however—just because someone’s dad is bald, does not guarantee that that person will also lose their hair—it’s just more likely. While this type of hair loss develops over time, it can also be triggered by sex hormones and can start as early as puberty.

Aging

By the time a man turns 30, he has a 25% chance of some balding. By the age of 50, about 50% of men have at least some noticeable hair loss and by age 60, about two-thirds are either bald or show a balding pattern. Many people believe hair loss only affects men, but by conservative estimates, more than 50% of women experience noticeable hair loss. Though the most common cause of hair loss in women, much like in men, is female-pattern hair loss, affecting approximately one-third of susceptible women, which equals to some 30 million women in the United States alone, aging and hormonal changes contribute significantly to female hair loss.

Hormonal Changes

A change in hormones can also result in hair loss. This is more prevalent in women than men and may only be temporary; that is, the hair will return once the hormones have stabilized. Things such as pregnancy, menopause, childbirth, and the discontinuation of birth control pills can all provoke these hormone changes.

Medical Conditions

Medical conditions such as ringworm (if present on the scalp), thyroid disease, and alopecia areata can all cause hair loss. Additionally, diseases that cause scarring can also cause hair loss if the scarring is present on the scalp, which, in most cases, may be permanent.

Medications

Some medications can cause hair loss as a side effect. This is more likely if a person is taking medication to treat high blood pressure, cancer, arthritis, depression, or heart problems.

Emotional or Physical Trauma

Hair loss can also happen if a person experiences a shock, either emotionally or physically. For example, it could occur following the loss of a loved one or if a person experiences extreme and sudden weight loss.

Lifestyle Factors

A person’s lifestyle can cause hair loss. If a person doesn’t have a balanced and healthy diet, smokes, has a stressful life and lives in an area with high air pollution, they may experience hair loss. Usually, it’s likely a combination of all such factors, not just one cause, that results in sustained and noticeable hair loss.

Reducing Hair Loss

If you’re concerned that you’re losing your hair, then your first approach should be to try to reduce any further loss.

The first step is to avoid putting too much pressure on your hair. Things like ponytails, buns, and braids might look good, but they’ll be putting a strain on your hair, making it more likely to fall out. Obsessively touching, pulling and rubbing your hair may also aggravate the problem.

It’s also important that you use the right products on your hair and, in some cases, not use any products at all. Studies have shown that hair straighteners, blow dryers, coloring products, heated combs, and other intense products can cause damage to hair follicles.

You may also look at your lifestyle and see if there are any improvements that you can make. Reducing stress through yoga and meditation can be beneficial, as can the foods that you eat. There are some ingredients that promote hair growth. These include berries, eggs, fatty fish, avocados, nuts, and seeds. Pack your diet with those items, and you’ll be giving your hair a good chance of growing.

Hair Loss Treatments

While nobody wants to experience hair loss, it’s important to remember that there are plenty of hair loss solutions. Between topical, oral, and surgical treatments, there are quite a few options.

However, not all solutions are as effective or meant for all stages of hair loss. Low-Level Laser Therapy has been shown to be highly effective at all stages of hair loss for both men and women. Our devices such as laser caps, laser hats, laser bands, and laser combs help stimulate hair in a number of ways, producing a 90% success rate in hair regrowth.

When used in combination with our shampoos and conditioners and other density hair care products, which have been scientifically formulated to reduce hair thinning and improve hair density, the results are particularly strong.

Start with our hair assessment, receive our recommendations, and get started on your hair regrowth journey.