Top 6 Thinning Hair Treatments That Really Work
Thinning hair can cause a lot of concerns.
It does not always cause hair loss or Baldness, but it can make the hair on your head look scarce in some areas.
According to The Hair Society, approximately 35 million men and 21 million women are said to experience hair loss.
Fortunately, there are many treatments available for thinning hair.
These Treatments will help in managing thinning hair and also help in hair regrowth.
The treatments range from medications like Minoxidil to at-home DIYs like scalp massages.
Continue reading the article below to learn more about thinning hair treatments.
How to fix thinning hair
Genetics, lifestyle choices, or both may contribute to hair thinning.
The cause of hair thinning can determine the type of treatment needed to stop hair thinning.
Some hair-thinning treatments include:
Minoxidil
Minoxidil is an FDA-approved, over-the-counter hair loss treatment.
Minoxidil is a common hair-thinning treatment for females and males.
Minoxidil is available in 2 forms, liquid or foam, depending on one’s preference.
It is available in two formulations, 2% and 5%.
Minoxidil encourages blood flow to the scalp, increasing hair growth.
After around eight weeks of treatment, Minoxidil starts to work, and its full effects are felt four months later.
Some of the side effects of Minoxidil include:
- Hair shedding
- Skin irritation
- Pruritus
- Contact dermatitis caused by allergies
- Hypertrichosis
Finasteride
Finasteride is an oral medication for Benign Prostate Hyperplasia and Male Pattern hair loss.
Finasteride comes in 1 mg and 5 mg tablets for oral use.
The 1 mg is used for hair loss, whereas the 5 mg is used for BPH.
This medicine is mainly prescribed to people who have not seen any success with Minoxidil.
It reduces Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels, a hormone that lowers hair follicles and shortens the hair growth cycle.
Common side effects of Finasteride are:
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Decreased Libido
- Reduced ejaculatory volume
- Gynecomastia (increase in the amount of male breast tissue)
Home remedies
Home remedies can work wonders for thinning hair by promoting hair growth and improving overall hair health.
Some home remedies include:
Consuming foods that aid in hair growth
Nutritional deficiencies, such as zinc, B vitamins, iron, biotin, protein, and essential fatty acids, can cause hair issues.
Some include Androgenetic alopecia, Alopecia areata, and premature hair greying.
High nutritional value foods are among the best foods for hair development.
Some of them are:
- Eggs
- Leafy greens
- Salmon
- Sweet potatoes
- Avocados
- Nuts
- Oysters
These foods are essential for one’s hair health.
Try including them in your meals regularly for hair growth.
You can also try taking dietary supplements like Biotin, Folic acid, Multivitamins, iron, zinc, and Omega fatty acids to prevent hair loss and improve hair quality.
It is recommended to consult a specialist before going through any dietary changes.
Hair oils
Hair oils can stop hair loss, add shine and volume, and stop hair from greying.
Massaging oils into the head can boost blood circulation in the scalp, leading to hair growth.
However, one should always be careful while using oils as it might sometimes lead to side effects.
Some of the oils that are beneficial for hair are:
Peppermint Oil
Peppermint oil is an essential oil extracted from the peppermint plant’s floral parts and leaves.
According to a study, peppermint oil promotes hair growth by preserving the vascularization of the hair dermal papilla.
It leads to more hair growth than Minoxidil, Jojoba oil, and salt water.
Peppermint oil increases hair growth and reduces hair loss by vasodilating blood vessels.
Rosemary Oil
Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a Mediterranean herb.
The leaf’s oil is frequently used to make both food and medicine.
It is also used as a hair oil as it increases blood circulation, promotes nerve growth, and has anti-inflammatory properties.
A study found that rosemary oil is as effective as Minoxidil in promoting hair growth.
Oils like Amla, Lavender, Cedarwood, Holy Basil, and Thyme can also increase hair growth.
Reduce stress
Stress can lead to Telogen Effluvium, one of the most common causes of hair loss.
Relaxation techniques like yoga, meditation, and regular exercise can help reduce stress.
Takeaway
Hair thinning can happen due to different causes.
The causes determine the treatment that is needed for hair thinning.
Some of the treatments for hair thinning include Minoxidil and Finasteride.
Home remedies for hair thinning include using oils for hair massage, eating a diet full of nutrients and vitamins, and managing stress.
Always consult a specialist for better diagnosis and treatments.