If you’ve noticed your hair isn’t as thick as it used to be, you’re not alone. Thinning hair is a common issue that can be caused by both genetics and lifestyle habits. Let’s take a look at some of the effective treatments for thinning hair.
Certain lifestyle habits, such as color treatments, perms, harsh hair products, and heat styling can contribute to this condition. Other factors include folic acid deficiency, stress, and more.
Fortunately, there are various treatments for thinning hair available, including prescription medications, essential oils, biotin supplements, anti-thinning shampoo, and more.
Try prescription medication
If you’re experiencing thinning hair, you may be wondering what treatments are available to you. The good news is that there are two FDA-approved prescription medications that can help: minoxidil and finasteride. Minoxidil is available in two percent and five percent solutions, which you apply directly to the affected areas. It’s most effective in people under 40 who have recently started experiencing hair loss.Click here to learn more about how to use minoxidil.
Minoxidil is a treatment for hair loss that is considered safe and effective, but it can take up to six to twelve months to see positive results. However, people taking this medication shouldn’t stop the treatment once hair growth goes back to normal, as alopecia can come back. Minoxidil can treat baldness but it doesn’t cure it. Although the side effects of minoxidil are usually minimal, they can include skin irritation and contact dermatitis.
Finasteride is an oral drug that is supposed to be taken daily in doses of one milligram. It is usually used by men who haven’t had success with using minoxidil. Nevertheless, the side effects of finasteride are more severe than those of minoxidil, which is why women are strongly discouraged from using this drug.
Eat foods that boost hair health
Introducing certain foods into your diet can have a positive impact on the health and strength of your hair. Fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals are all essential for hair growth. Foods like eggs, Brazil nuts, walnuts, and fatty fish are great for maintaining healthy hair.
For instance, eggs are a great source of protein and biotin, both of which help hair grow. Some people, however, decide to use hair products for regrowth. There are numerous brands, such as Keranique.com, offering hair regrowth treatments. Even if you opt to use some of these products, you should still introduce some changes in your diet.
Brazilian nuts are recommended as a hair-healthy food due to the high amount of selenium. Another food that helps hair grow is fatty fish, which is rich in omega-3. Walnuts, just like fatty fish, contain omega-3 as well.
Give essential oils a try
If you’re looking for another home remedy to try in the battle against hair thinning, you might want to consider using essential oils. Even though there’s been little research done into their effectiveness, essential oils are frequently used as a treatment against alopecia. When using essential oils, it’s important to dilute them in carrier oils to prevent irritation, such as coconut and jojoba oil.
Some of the most frequently used oils include rosemary and peppermint oil. Rosemary oil is claimed to boost blood flow and, in turn, enhance scalp health. After using this oil for six months, individuals have a good chance of experiencing hair growth.
Promising results for essential oils as a treatment for hair loss are often seen in as little as four weeks. In addition, lavender oil is known to be effective in reducing pattern baldness when used in combination with rosemary and thyme oils.
One way to use essential oils to promote hair growth is through a scalp massage, which stimulates blood flow. Before using an essential oil on your scalp, it’s important to test for any possible allergic reactions by applying a small amount of the oil to your arm and waiting 24 hours to see if any irritation develops.
Multivitamins
Another option you can consider if you’re experiencing thinning hair is to take multivitamins. It’s important to remember that the health of your scalp and hair is directly related to your overall health, so if you’re struggling with hair loss, you should get a blood test done to check for any nutrient deficiencies. If the test reveals that you’re lacking in some nutrients, you can start taking a daily multivitamin supplement like Douglas Labs products.
Hair grows best when it has enough folic acid, iron, and zinc. However, if you are already taking the necessary vitamins, you don’t need to take multivitamins every day. In fact, consuming more nutrients than recommended can actually be harmful to the body.
Biotin
Biotin, also known as vitamin B-7, is a water-soluble nutrient found in foods like lentils and nuts. While it’s not likely for you to have a deficiency in biotin by eating a balanced diet, there are a variety of supplemental forms promising an improvement in hair growth for those whose biotin levels are low.
However, those taking vitamin B-5 in the form of supplements are advised against using biotin supplements as well. When used in combination, they reduce the efficiency of one another.
Anti-thinning shampoo
Another treatment option for thinning hair is an anti-thinning shampoo. These shampoos not only add volume to your hair, but also help to promote a healthier scalp. They contain amino acids and vitamins to improve growth over time. For best results, use one of these shampoos every day.
A final note
It’s never too late to start treating your hair to reduce thinning. A wide variety of treatments are available, so you can find the perfect one for your needs.
