How To Treat Thinning Hair

We all know that thinning hair is a common problem in men. Although we don't hear about it as often, women can lose hair just as easily as they can. Recent studies have shown that over thirty percent of men under 35 and one quarter of women will experience thinning hair in the United States.

Heredity, illness, poor diet and medications are the most common reasons for thinning hair.

• Androgenic alopecia, a form of hereditary hair loss, is the number one cause of thinning hair in both men and women. Signs of androgenic alopecia can appear as early as puberty in both men and women, though women are far more likely to show signs after menopause.

• A poor diet can result in thinning hair as well. A lack of iron, zinc and nutritional foods can all very well be a cause for thinning hair.
• Illnesses such as Crohn's disease, hepatic disease, inflammatory bowl disease and late stage syphilis have all been associated with thinning hair.
• An increasing number of medications, such as those used for chemotherapy, have also been known to cause thinning hair.

There are currently several different treatment options available that can encourage re-growth or conceal hair loss in men and women with early stages of thinning hair, depending on the person and form of hair loss.

1. Once used as a treatment for high blood pressure, scientist discovered that Minoxidil also stopped hair loss and promoted hair growth. Now Minoxidil is also used as a hair loss treatment and it is the only drug approved for promoting hair growth in women. It is typically found in the form of a medicated cream, spray or shampoo meant for hair loss. Typically you can expect to see re-growth in about thirty-two weeks with continued use of this type of treatment. These are commonly found at your local drugstore in both prescription and non-prescription formulas.

2. Prescription oral medications containing Finasteride have also been shown to promote re-growth for those with hair loss. Finasteride is a drug originally used in the treatment of prostate cancer, but researchers found that its hormonal effects caused hair re-growth as well. However, because of its hormonal side effects, Finasteride is only available for men with thinning hair; this drug should not even be handled by women who may be pregnant.
3. Your diet can be another treatment for thinning hair. A healthy diet means a healthy mane and providing your body with the nutrients you need to promote re-growth of thinning hair is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to make your hair thicker and healthier.  For example, foods that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like fish and nuts, are very beneficial to your hair.  Biotin - generally found in liver, eggs and soy products - is another nutrient that can promote hair re-growth.
4. If you are currently taking medications that can cause hair loss, ask your doctor about the likelihood that your thinning hair is due to the drug, and discuss the possibility of using a different medication.
5. Your hairstylist can be another excellent key for treatment of thinning hair. A layered cut can easily make a tremendous difference in creating the illusion of thicker hair.
6. Toupees and hair extensions are an excellent option for those who are interested in a more natural approach to hair loss. It used to be that hairpieces were easy to spot as fake and an embarrassment for many who wore them. Today, however, it is not as easy to spot a hairpiece since many are made from actual hair and blend in easily with our own hair for a more natural look. Hairpieces can be found in catalogs, local stores and salons that specialize in extensions and hairpieces.

Many of the treatments made available today can help prevent further hair loss and promote growth, but only as long as the treatments are continued.  If you are not sure which treatment option is right for you, consult your local primary care doctor or dermatologist who can further assist you in finding the right treatment for your thinning hair.