Disclaimer: This is a special guest contribution by Augustinus Bader, and I wholeheartedly appreciate their expert insights for thinning hair.
Thinning hair? It’s more common than you think.
Men and women everywhere struggle with thinning hair, slow hair growth, and excessive shedding. Whether permanent or temporary, hair thinning can put a real damper on your self-esteem and leave your hair lifeless.
Before you panic, it’s important to note that some hair loss is typical. In fact, according to the American Academy for Dermatology, most people tend to lose around 50-100 strands of hair daily. So, if a few strands of hair fall out in the shower, it’s important to remember that this is normal!
The question is when does it start becoming not normal?
We’re here to walk you through the warning signs of thinning hair so you can build a hair care routine to help you maintain your hair’s integrity and keep your hair growing.
Here’s everything you need to know:
Deciphering Thinning Hair
Many factors can contribute to thinning hair, and not all causes are in your control. Thinning hair is a common concern across different age groups and genders.
Some of the warning signs to keep an eye out for include:
- Bald spots
- A receding hairline
- Hair loss around the temples or crown
- Excessive shedding
- Sudden hair loss
- Full-body hair loss
The causes of these symptoms may vary. Many factors contribute to thinning hair and hair loss, whether it’s hormonal imbalances, genetics, a nutritional deficiency, or simply your age. Understanding the root of the problem and the factors causing your hair to thin will help you develop healthier hair care habits.
Nurturing Healthy Hair Habit
To encourage new hair growth and combat thinning, it’s essential to reevaluate your daily routine and seek ways to enhance your hair care regimen. Here are six straightforward adjustments you can implement in your daily routine starting today:
Never Skip Conditioner
Over the years, using conditioner has become a controversial topic. While many influencers or online personalities may have a different opinion on conditioner, it’s never a good idea to skip this step if you have fine, thinning hair.
Wash your hair at least 2-3 times a week (or every other day) to improve hair strand strength and visual appearance, and always pair a high-quality conditioner with a root-hydrating and strengthening shampoo to help cleanse your scalp, hydrate your ends, and reduce unwanted breakage.
Skip Hot Water Showers
A hot water shower may feel great, but it can wreak havoc on your thinning hair. The hot water can strip your hair of its natural oils, leading to dry, fragile ends and additional breakage.
When it’s time to wash your hair, consider adjusting the water temperature. Lukewarm water is ideal as it gently opens your hair cuticle, allowing for a more thorough and effective scalp cleansing. This temperature also helps in rinsing away impurities and product buildup, leaving your hair feeling refreshed and revitalized.
Switch to a Silk Pillowcase
Extra tension and friction on your hair can cause additional breakage. Switching out your traditional pillowcase for silk is a great way to protect your strands and reduce breakage. Silk pillowcases can help reduce friction and tangling while allowing your hair and skin to retain moisture through the night.
Prioritize a Nutrient-Rich Diet
Your hair is a reflection of your health. A lack of hair-healthy vitamins and nutrients in your diet can impact your hair’s visual appearance. If you struggle to get vitamin D, biotin, iron, or zinc in your diet, consider opting for a supplement to trigger regrowth instead, which is a great way to give your hair an extra nutrient boost and may help reduce thinning over time.
Stick to Loose Hairstyles
Tight ponytails, braids, and slicked-back buns can cause scalp irritation and Traction Alopecia. Instead, you’ll want to opt for looser hairstyles like a messy bun or a low ponytail.
Get Regular Trims
While getting your haircut to boost hair growth may feel counterintuitive, it’s vital to growing your hair and keeping it healthy. If you have split ends, they can travel up the hair shaft to the top of the follicle and cause additional unwanted damage. To maintain your current length and to promote healthy growth, get a trim at least every 6-12 weeks.
Adjusting your daily habits can foster a more conducive environment for healthy hair growth and reduce the effects of thinning.
Incorporating Scalp Care
A healthy scalp is vital to your overall hair health. Too much product buildup or inflammation can harm your hair’s overall integrity. If you have a healthy scalp and pH balance, you can prevent your hair from excessive shedding and create the perfect foundation for better hair growth. To improve your scalp care, start by:
Cleansing Your Scalp
The shampoo helps eliminate product buildup, dirt, and grime on the scalp. If you aren’t shampooing regularly, it can impact your hair follicle health, leading to a dry, itchy scalp. For the best results, look for a sulfate-free shampoo specifically formulated for your unique hair type.
Stimulating the Scalp
Using a scalp massager in the shower is a great way to stimulate blood circulation and promote regrowth. If you don’t have one, you can gently massage your scalp with your fingertips by moving in a circular motion.
Considering a Scalp Treatment
A scalp treatment allows you to take a more targeted approach to your hair care concerns. Scalp treatments can help to alleviate irritation and reduce inflammation, so look for scalp treatments specifically formulated to help stimulate hair growth and reduce excessive shedding.
Supporting Hair Follicle Health Through Scalp Care
If you’re struggling with thinning hair, scalp care should be your priority. A clean, healthy scalp with balanced pH levels will stimulate new hair growth and prevent the rest of your hair from thinning. A healthier scalp starts with hair follicle health.
With the proper nutrient-rich diet or a hair-healthy supplement, you can improve the delivery of oxygen and blood flow to each follicle and detoxify any unwanted waste – ensuring your hair gets the essential nutrients it needs to grow and thrive over time.
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