Thinning Hair: Causes, Treatment, Vitamins, And More - Healthline

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Key takeaways

• Thinning hair can result from a variety of factors, including lifestyle choices like hair treatments and diet, genetics, and underlying medical conditions, but unlike widespread hair loss, it doesn’t necessarily cause baldness.• Several at-home treatments may help with thinning hair, such as scalp massages, essential oils, and specialized shampoos, but consulting a healthcare professional is recommended before starting any treatment.• Beyond specific treatments, adopting a balanced diet, quitting smoking, managing stress, and practicing gentle hair care can prevent further hair loss and support overall hair health.

It’s common to lose 50 to 100 hairs per day. Any more than this could mean you’re shedding more than you should, which could contribute to overall thinning hair.

Unlike widespread hair loss, thinning hair doesn’t necessarily cause baldness. It does, however, give the appearance of sparser spots of hair on your head.

Thinning hair typically happens gradually, which means you have time to pinpoint the causes and figure out the best treatment measures.

What causes thinning hair?

Thinning hair may be caused by lifestyle habits, genetics, or both. Certain medical conditions may also lead to thinning hair.

Lifestyle habits may include:

Overtreating your hair: This includes color treatments, perms, and relaxers.
Using harsh hair products: These hair products include extreme-hold hair sprays and gels.
Wearing tight hairstyles: Whether you’re wearing an updo or pulling your hair up in a ponytail while working out, this can tug on your hair and break it from the follicles, causing thin spots over time.
Not getting enough of certain nutrients in your diet: Iron, folic acid, and other minerals all help follicles produce hair naturally.
Experiencing chronic stress: Stress is related to an uptick in hormones like cortisol. Too many stress hormones can trigger a condition like telogen effluvium, in which your hair can fall out, and the hair follicles enter a long “resting” phase where new hair doesn’t grow.

Thinning hair may also be hereditary or from underlying medical conditions. You might have thinning hair if you:

recently had a baby
recently stopped taking birth control pills
are going through hormonal changes
lost a significant amount of weight in a short amount of time
are receiving treatment for an autoimmune disease
have immune system deficiencies
have a skin disorder or infection
have a vitamin D deficiency
are deficient in other vitamins and minerals like riboflavin, selenium, and zinc

Less commonly, thinning hair may be caused by:

pulling at your own hair
eating disorders
a high fever

Hair thinning treatments and home remedies

Some cases of thinning hair may be treatable at home. Consider the following 12 options, but be sure to speak with a doctor first.

1. Scalp massage

Pros: It’s affordable and accessible.
Cons: It doesn’t address thinning hair caused by underlying medical conditions.

Perhaps the cheapest method of trying to get thicker hair is scalp massage. It doesn’t cost anything, and if done correctly, it isn’t harmful.

When you wash your hair, gently apply pressure with your fingertips around your scalp to encourage blood flow. For even more benefits, you can try a handheld scalp massager to also remove dead skin cells. However, there’s not much evidence it can prevent thinning hair.

2. Essential oils

Pros: Animal research suggests effectiveness and essential oils are widely available in health shops and drugstores.
Cons: More human studies are needed, and these oils may cause allergic reactions in some people.

Essential oils are liquids derived from certain plants, and people primarily use them in aromatherapy and other types of alternative medicine.

Some people with pattern baldness have found success using lavender oil. Animal research from 2016 supports this, though human studies are necessary to confirm its effects. Some people combine lavender with other oils, such as those made from rosemary and thyme.

Still, there’s not enough evidence that essential oils can treat baldness or thinning hair. If you do decide to try this treatment, make sure you dilute the essential oil in a carrier oil like coconut oil or jojoba.

Test a small amount of the oil on your arm and wait 24 hours to see if any reaction develops. Redness or other discoloration, irritation, hives, or a rash could indicate an allergic reaction.

Safety notice

While research suggests there are health benefits, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t monitor or regulate the purity or quality of essential oils. It’s important to talk with a healthcare professional before you begin using essential oils, and be sure to research the quality of a brand’s products. Always do a patch test before trying a new essential oil.

3. Anti-thinning shampoo

Pros: Some products are accessible over the counter and you could combine them with a scalp massage.
Cons: Volumizing shampoos don’t address hair loss alone, and you may require a prescription.

Anti-thinning shampoo works in two ways. First, it provides volume for your hair, so it looks thicker. This can be helpful for people with thinning or naturally fine hair.

Shampoos for thinning hair or hair loss also contain vitamins and amino acids to promote a healthier scalp. To get the best results, use these products as directed.

You can also ask a doctor about a prescription-strength shampoo. Some companies offer these prescriptions online.

4. Multivitamins

Pros: Multivitamins can help address thinning hair caused by nutritional deficiencies, and they’re available over the counter.
Cons: Excess nutrients may be harmful.

Healthy hair is dependent on your overall good health. In cases of malnourishment or with certain eating disorders, a person’s follicles may fail to generate new hair. A blood test can help determine if you have a nutrient deficiency.

If you’re low in several key areas, a doctor might recommend a daily multivitamin. Healthy hair needs iron, folic acid, and zinc to keep growing thick and strong. Look for daily supplements for males and females that meet these criteria.

However, you should avoid taking any extra vitamins if you’re already getting the nutrients you need. There isn’t any evidence that doing so will reverse thinning hair, and getting too much of certain nutrients may actually do more harm than good.

5. Folic acid supplements

Pros: These supplements are available over the counter and may treat folate deficiency.
Cons: There’s a lack of evidence about their effectiveness.

Folic acid is a type of vitamin B that’s important for new cell generation. A few studies have suggested that folate deficiency may be associated with some types of hair loss.

But, as with multivitamins, there isn’t enough evidence that folic acid will help make your hair thicker.

6. Biotin

Pros: Biotin is widely available over the counter and may treat biotin deficiency.
Cons: There’s not enough evidence that it helps with thinning hair.

Biotin, or vitamin B7, is a water-soluble nutrient that’s naturally present in foods, such as nuts, lentils, and liver.

If you eat a balanced diet, it’s unlikely that you’re low in biotin. However, supplemental forms of biotin have been on the rise in recent years, thanks in part to marketers promising more energy and better hair growth with such products.

While biotin helps break down enzymes in your body, there’s little evidence that it can help with thinning hair.

You shouldn’t take biotin if you take vitamin B5 supplements. When taken together, they can reduce the effectiveness of one another.

7. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids

Pros: These fatty acids help fight inflammation, and these supplements are available over the counter.
Cons: More research is necessary.

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are called essential fatty acids. This is because the human body can’t make them.

Omega-3 helps your body fight inflammation, an underlying cause of numerous conditions. There may be a link between premature hair loss and inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids are present in fish and some seeds. However, according to a 2022 study, omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil may link to some types of hair loss.

Omega-6 is important for overall skin health, which might benefit the scalp. Plant-based oils are primary sources of omega-6. However, newer research has shown that taking supplements that contain omega-6 may pose potential health risks.

Always speak with a doctor before trying any new supplements.

8. Minoxidil

Pros: Minoxidil is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and it’s available over the counter.
Cons: Scalp irritation is possible, and you must use it continuously to maintain results.

Best known by its brand name, Rogaine, minoxidil is an over-the-counter hair loss treatment approved by the FDA.

When applied directly to the scalp twice a day, minoxidil may gradually thicken hair in balding spots. The product is available in either liquid or foam, depending on your preference. It’s also available as an oral prescription from a doctor.

Rogaine can take up to 16 weeks for visible results. It’s important to use the product consistently, or you might not see results.

Scalp irritation and unwanted hair growth on the face and neck are possible side effects.

9. Spironolactone

Pros: Spironolactone may treat thinning hair caused by excess aldosterone hormones.
Cons: It’s available by prescription only and may cause headaches, dizziness, and other side effects.

Medical professionals sometimes prescribe spironolactone (Aldactone) for people with thinning hair related to aldosterone production (hyperaldosteronism). While technically a diuretic that doctors may prescribe for high blood pressure or edema, it’s also an anti-androgen.

In females, this medication may help treat thinning hair and subsequent hair loss related to hormonal fluctuations.

10. Finasteride

Pros: This is the first FDA-approved oral medication for male hair loss.
Cons: It’s available by prescription only and is generally not considered for females who are premenopausal.

Finasteride (Propecia) is a prescription hair loss medication. Propecia comes as a daily pill that males take for hair loss.

People who are planning to become pregnant or are at an age where they may become pregnant should avoid this medication due to possible serious side effects during pregnancy. However, for postmenopausal females, studies have shown that it may be an effective treatment that doctors frequently prescribe.

11. Corticosteroids

Pros: Corticosteroids help treat inflammation and autoimmune-related hair loss.
Cons: It’s available by prescription only, and long-term use may cause thinning skin and other side effects.

Corticosteroids are prescription treatments used for conditions linked to underlying inflammation. Sometimes, inflammatory conditions can cause a variety of symptoms, including hair loss.

One example is alopecia areata, which is an autoimmune disorder where your immune system attacks hair follicles, causing thinning hair and sudden hair loss. Depending on the severity, hair loss may be mild, patchy, or more significant.

Prescription corticosteroids may help in these instances by controlling inflammation directly at the source: your hair follicles. Depending on the severity of hair loss, you may get corticosteroids applied topically or injected directly into the scalp by a dermatologist every 4 to 6 weeks.

12. At-home laser therapy

Pros: It’s available without a prescription and can be easy to use at home.
Cons: At-home laser therapy can be pricey and may take several months to work.

Dermatologists and other skin specialists typically use laser therapy. The FDA has cleared the way for people to use some products to at home.

At-home laser therapy for hair may help regrow your hair while also making it thicker. The results can take several months to take effect.

The biggest drawback of at-home laser therapy is the cost. Some machines cost for hundreds of dollars, and they may not work. Speak with a doctor before making a large investment.

»MoreOur Happy Head Review of Hair Restoration Products

What can I do to slow or reverse thinning hair?

If you have an underlying medical condition like alopecia areata, getting the correct treatments from your doctor may help with hair loss.

But, if a doctor doesn’t believe your hair loss is related to a medical cause, there may be steps you can take to help prevent future hair loss. Consider the following:

Try to eat a balanced diet

There may be an association between hair loss and a lack of micronutrients like iron or macronutrients like protein. If you need help with meal planning, consider speaking with a doctor or dietitian.

It’s also a good idea to speak with a doctor about any supplements you’re considering before you take them, especially multivitamins that have a combination of micronutrients or fat-soluble vitamins.

If you smoke, consider quitting smoking

While you may have heard of the negative effects of smoking throughout the entire body (including your skin), smoking also has a connection to hair loss.

Overall, smoking may worsen hair loss because of its inflammatory effects in the body. Researchers from a 2021 review also believe that smoking can disrupt the growth cycle of your hair and even lead to color loss.

Try to reduce stress

While stress is a natural part of life, long-term stress can damage your health, including your hair.

Researchers believe that cortisol, a stress hormone released by your adrenal glands, may disrupt your hair growth cycle.

To help manage stress, it’s important to take some time for yourself, whether it’s a meditation session or a relaxing hobby you enjoy. You may also consider speaking with a therapist if you’re having a difficult time with chronic stress.

Take care of your hair

While you may focus on reversing thinning hair, it’s also important to try to practice good hair care techniques.

Consider gentle hair products when available. Try to comb and brush your hair only when needed. You can also place less stress on your hair by limiting the use of heated styling tools as well as tight hairstyles.

When to speak with a doctor about thinning hair

Although it’s common to lose hair throughout the day, it’s a good idea to speak with a doctor if you’re losing more than 100 hairs per day.

You should also speak with a doctor if you’re worried about persistent hair loss or a receding hairline, or if you notice sudden patchy hair loss. Patches of hair loss could signify an underlying medical condition.

Frequently asked questions about thinning hair

What causes hair to thin? What is the main cause of hair thinning?

Any number of lifestyle factors, genetics, recent life events (such as extreme weight loss in a short period of time or giving birth), or medical conditions can cause your hair to thin.Lifestyle factors could include using certain hair products, wearing your hair up too tightly, experiencing high stress levels, or not getting enough of certain vitamins and minerals in your diet.People who have immune system deficiencies could also have thinning hair.

Any number of lifestyle factors, genetics, recent life events (such as extreme weight loss in a short period of time or giving birth), or medical conditions can cause your hair to thin.

Lifestyle factors could include using certain hair products, wearing your hair up too tightly, experiencing high stress levels, or not getting enough of certain vitamins and minerals in your diet.

People who have immune system deficiencies could also have thinning hair.

Can hair grow back from thinning?

Thinning hair can grow back depending on what caused it to thin in the first place. People who experience thinning hair due to nutrient deficiencies, stress, pregnancy, and other nongenetic reasons could experience regrowth.If you’re experiencing new hair loss or hair thinning, it’s best to consult your doctor. Some medical conditions have an association with thinning hair.

If you’re experiencing new hair loss or hair thinning, it’s best to consult your doctor. Some medical conditions have an association with thinning hair.

How do you fix thinning hair?

The methods for addressing thinning hair can vary by its cause. If the reason is an illness or vitamin deficiency, treating that underlying cause may support hair health and promote regrowth. Other causes, such as giving birth, extreme weight loss, and stress, may cause temporary hair thinning that resolves as the body recovers.If your hair is thinning due to other reasons, you may be able to try topical products, such as shampoos and even prescription medications.

If your hair is thinning due to other reasons, you may be able to try topical products, such as shampoos and even prescription medications.

What vitamin deficiency causes hair loss?

Iron, folic acid, and zinc help hair grow thick and strong. Having a deficiency in these vitamins may affect your hair growth. Most people can get the amounts of these vitamins they need by following a balanced diet, but in some cases, a doctor may recommend dietary supplements.

Takeaway

While the process of thinning hair can be concerning at first, many types of thinning hair are treatable.

If you’re experiencing new hair loss or hair thinning, or if you’re developing any bald spots, you should speak with a doctor. They can help you detect any underlying medical conditions, as well as offer any related medications.

Hair transplants may be another option for advanced alopecia.

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesHistoryHealthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

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Medically reviewed by Sarika Ramachandran, MD — Written by Kristeen Cherney — Updated on November 15, 2024

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Key takeaways

What causes thinning hair?

Hair thinning treatments and home remedies

1. Scalp massage

2. Essential oils

Safety notice

3. Anti-thinning shampoo

4. Multivitamins

5. Folic acid supplements

6. Biotin

7. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids

8. Minoxidil

9. Spironolactone

10. Finasteride

11. Corticosteroids

12. At-home laser therapy

What can I do to slow or reverse thinning hair?

Try to eat a balanced diet

If you smoke, consider quitting smoking

Try to reduce stress

Take care of your hair

When to speak with a doctor about thinning hair

Frequently asked questions about thinning hair

What causes hair to thin? What is the main cause of hair thinning?

Can hair grow back from thinning?

How do you fix thinning hair?

What vitamin deficiency causes hair loss?

Takeaway

How we reviewed this article:

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