Skip to content
Thinning hair is one of the most common issues affecting men over the age of 30.
25% of men start losing their hair by 25 years old, and it only gets worse as we age.
Fortunately, while the is no cure for baldness, there are plenty of options available to slow down hair loss and improve the appearance of thinning hair.
Today we are breaking down the causes, prevention, and treatments available for thinning hair.
Does hair thinning means balding?
No, male pattern baldness is a hereditary genetic issue.
While thinning hair is a sign of going bald, having thinning hair doesn't mean you are going bald.
If you have male pattern baldness, you lose your hair because your body becomes more susceptible to male sex hormones known as androgens.
Androgens are crucial for male sexual and reproductive function. They control everything from secondary sex characteristics to bone, muscle, and most importantly, hair growth.
Thinning hair can be a side effect of medication, stress, illness, hormonal changes, and scalp infections. In almost all of these cases, lost hair is rarely permanent.
What's the difference between thinning hair and baldness?
The best way to tell the difference between naturally thinning hair and going bald is the hair loss's location and progression.
When going bald, the hair loss begins at the temple, hairline, or crown and gradually enlarges over time. If your hair is regularly coming out when washing or clumping, it is more likely to be a different form of hair loss.
Hair thinning will be a more general loss of hair predominately from the top of the head rather than the front or crown.
Suppose you suffer dramatic hair loss, with entire clumps of hair from random locations on your head. It could be a sign of a more serious medical condition, and you should consult with a medical professional.
What causes men's thinning hair?
While genetics and age certainly play a significant role, there are a host of other things you could be doing that can exacerbate thinning hair.
Smoking
Smoking is not only harmful to your lungs but also your head. The toxic chemicals from smoking can reduce blood flow, reducing the amount of blood, oxygen, and nutrients that make it to your hair follicles. This leads to hair loss and thinning hair.
Diet
Did you know hair strands are made of protein?
Well, if you knew or not, it's true. So a lack of protein in your diet can cause thinning in your hair. A lack of Iron can also cause thinning in hair.
Traction alopecia
Traction alopecia is a form of hair loss that occurs from continuous pressure being applied to the hair. It's shared with tight braids, particularly cornrows or tight ponytails.
The constant pulling on the hair follicles damages them and pulls the hair out, resulting in hair loss.
Shampoo
Certain shampoos and conditioners can contribute to hair loss. The leading cause of this is the harsh synthetic chemicals found in many shampoos and conditioners.
The main ones to look out for are synthetic oils derived from petroleum, such as Petrolatum or Mineral oil.
Shampoo Thinning Hair
Also, look out for silicone-based additives such as Dimethicone and Dimethiconol. These cling to your scalp and, if not entirely washed out, can cause clogged pores, inflammation and block new hair growth.
When selecting a shampoo, look for something made from natural ingredients that will clear away dead skin, unclog pores, and don't contain the harsh chemicals that will cling to your scalp.
How do men fix thinning hair?
Hair loss is a problematic issue for a lot of men, especially young men. As such, numerous synthetic products promise the world, but very few have proven benefits.
Most treatments tackle the issue of DHT hair loss. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is an androgen hormone and is an offshoot of testosterone. Too much DHT is a common cause of hair loss, and there are two approaches to deal with it.
There are DHT blockers that block DHT from entering the hair follicle. There are also DHT inhibitors that reduce the production of DHT by the body.
Does finasteride increase hair thickness?
Finasteride is a DHT blocker and prescription-only oral medication that blocks DHT from entering the hair follicle. It proved to reduce hair loss; however, it has also been linked to several side effects, including:
- Impotence
- Loss of interest in sex
- Erectile dysfunction
- Headaches
Not precisely the side effects you want.
Can you regrow hair with minoxidil?
Minoxidil is a chemical that widens the blood vessels when applied to your scalp, allowing blood to flow to your hair follicles and promoting hair growth.
Minoxidil, also being unnatural, has been linked to the following side effects:
- Intense Allergic Reactions
- Chest Pain
- Unusual Weight Gain
- Tiredness
- Difficulty Breathing
Again, this seems like a lot of side effects to endure to help with hair loss.
Luckily some natural remedies and treatments do not cause such side effects.
These are the best ways to try to combat thinning hair.
How do you fix hair thinning naturally?
Biotin against hair loss
Biotin is a vitamin found in eggs, nuts, and whole grains. Biotin helps boost and maintain your keratin levels, a protein found in your hair, nails, and skin. Keratin helps keep your hair strong, so it is important to deal with thinning hair and hair loss.
Does pumpkin seed oil block DHT?
Pumpkin seed oil is a tremendous natural DHT blocker. A 2014 study of 76 men showed a 40 percent increase in scalp hair count after taking 400 milligrams of pumpkin seed oil every day over six months.
Can peppermint oil regrow hair?
Peppermint Oil stimulates circulation, bringing fresh blood supply to your skin cells, which feed and nourish your hair follicles to promote hair growth. It’s also an excellent natural antibacterial that leaves the skin/hair clean and fresh.
Can quandong seed extract help with hair loss?
Quandong Seed Extract is high in protein, which adds strength to fine, thinning hair. It nourishes fine thinning hair with quality protein leaving you with firmer, healthy hair.
If you're looking for a great natural product to promote healthy hair growth check out Hair Food - think of it as a vitamin drink for your hair.
- Naturally strengthens and thickens thinning hair
- Start seeing results in as little as four weeks!
- Revitalizes hair and scalp with natural ingredients
- pH balanced to suit the chemistry of your hair and scalp
Summary
While thinning hair can be a cause for concern, it doesn't guarantee you're going bald. There are a lot of reasons for thinning hair, from diet to bad habits like smoking.
To have healthy hair, you need a healthy life. Taking care of your body, diet and using the right products can go a long way to reducing hair loss.
As important as a healthy body is, it's equally important to have a healthy mind.
Stress is a significant factor in hair loss, so take the time to relax and de-stress. It will do wonders for your hair.
