Top Strategies to Prevent Hair Thinning and Boost Hair Health

Hair thinning or hair loss can result from a variety of factors, including both controllable and uncontrollable elements. According to NHS (UK) data, about 50% of women over 65 experience hair loss or thinning, and nearly two-thirds of men are affected as well. Although hair thinning is common and often not a cause for medical concern, it can be an emotionally challenging experience that impacts confidence and self-identity.

Rob Smith, Senior Principal Hair Care Scientist at Dyson, provides insights into the causes of hair thinning and practical, effective ways to address it.

Hair growth

The four phases of the hair growth cycle:

Anagen – which lasts two to eight years. This first phase of the cycle is where hair is actively growing. The cells in the root of the hair add to the hair shaft. At any time, 80-90% of the hairs on a head are in the anagen phase.⁷

Catagen – usually four to six weeks long, the catagen phase is a short phase which occurs at the end of the anagen phase. The hair strand detaches from its blood supply.⁷

Telogen – lasts two to three months where the hair is neither growing or falling out.

Exogen – happens where the hair sheds and falls out, which can last two to five months. On average, people lose between 50 to 150 hairs each day

Causes of hair loss

Thinning hair can happen for various reasons, often influenced by age, life stages, and health changes that affect scalp and hair condition. Here are some key factors:

• Pregnancy: During the second and third trimesters, more hair follicles enter the active growth phase, or anagen phase. However, after childbirth, hormonal shifts can push follicles into the catagen or telogen (resting) phases, causing postpartum hair shedding.
• Emotional Stress: Prolonged emotional stress, such as that following a major life event like bereavement, can cause hair follicles to shift from the growth phase to the resting phase. After two to three months, this shift may result in temporary but noticeable hair thinning and shedding.
• Aging: Hair thinning is a common part of aging. As the body ages, hair growth slows, and individual hair strands become finer and less pigmented, leading to the development of grey hair.
• Illness: Certain illnesses can lead to hair thinning or loss. An example is alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, resulting in hair loss anywhere on the body. Treatments for illnesses, like chemotherapy for cancer, can also cause significant hair loss.
• Hereditary Hair Loss: Genetics can play a major role in hair thinning. This type of hair loss, often called androgenetic alopecia, is due to a natural combination of hereditary genes, hormone levels, and aging, rather than an illness.
• Hormonal Effects: Hormones significantly impact the hair cycle and follicle structure. These include androgens like testosterone, sex hormones like estradiol, thyroid hormones like thyroxine, and cortisol, which is released by the adrenal glands in response to stress.

How to reduce or treat thinning hair

Losing hair can be a challenging experience. Hair loss and thinning often have multiple causes, which may be worsened by lifestyle factors like high stress levels, an unbalanced diet, iron deficiency, or sudden weight loss.

Fortunately, there are proactive steps you can take to support healthy, consistent hair growth and prevent thinning from an early stage.

Tips to Promote Healthy Hair Growth

• Follow a Balanced Diet: Nutrient-rich foods are essential for hair health.
• Stay Active: Physical activity helps reduce stress and releases endorphins that can support overall wellness.
• Practice Relaxation Techniques: Meditation and scalp massage can help alleviate stress and improve blood flow to the scalp.
• Find a Healthy Work-Life Balance: Reducing stress in daily life can support overall well-being, including hair health.

If you have dietary or health deficiencies, certain supplements can support hair growth. However, not all supplements are beneficial, and some, like excessive Vitamin E or Selenium, can actually contribute to hair loss.

Choosing Hair Products for Thinning Hair

If you’re considering a shampoo or treatment, start by identifying the underlying cause of hair loss. Many shampoos claim to reduce thinning and enhance hair density, but it’s essential to research ingredients and evidence. For instance, caffeine has growing support as a promoter of hair growth.

Scalp Treatments and Proven Solutions

Topical scalp treatments, such as Minoxidil, have been shown to increase hair density in certain cases. However, it’s important to note that even proven treatments may not work for everyone.

Can Hair Grow Back After Thinning or Baldness?

In many cases, hair thinning can be improved with the above techniques. However, if a hair follicle has not produced new hair for an extended period, regrowth in that area is less likely, especially if the root causes remain unaddressed.