Grooming

How to prevent (and reverse) thinning hair

Noticing a few extra hairs in the plughole? Don't panic
How to fix your thinning hair once and for all
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According to the American Hair Loss Association, by the age of 35, two-thirds of all men will experience some degree of hair loss, and by the age of 50, approximately 85 per cent of guys will experience a thinning of the hair.

Male-pattern baldness (or androgenic alopecia, if you want to be proper about this) is an extremely common phenomenon, and while it can be quite upsetting, thinning hair is nothing to be ashamed about. It's pretty normal. But if this is something that you're currently going through and it's worrying you, London-based aesthetic medical practitioner Dr Bhavjit Kaur of Tuhi Clinic is here to share what you should do (and shouldn't do) to get a fuller head of hair.

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How to fix your thinning hair

#1: Break habits not hairs

This shouldn't come as too much of a surprise, but harsh or excessive styling habits like perming, straightening, curling, and even blow drying can lead to breakage, especially at high temperatures. If you want to avoid thinning hair, you might want to steer clear from these.

“If you absolutely need to style your hair with heat, use a protective spray to minimise the risk of breakage.” says Kaur. “While we're on this point, other bad habits that you should probably avoid include wet combing and sleeping with wet hair, as wet hair breaks a lot more easily compared to dry hair. You also shouldn't use dye or bleach, and keep well away from extensions as well. These products can significantly speed up hair thinning.”

#2: You are what you eat

At this point we all know how the old saying goes, but it's particularly important if you want to fix your thinning hair. Not only should you be careful with what you put (and don't put) on it, you also need to make sure that you're eating the right things.

“If you have thinning hair, one of the first things that you need to do is to improve your diet.” says Kaur. “It should be balanced with a good proportion of proteins and leafy greens. Some studies have shown that vitamin D receptors are present in hair follicles, indicating that there's a potential connection between your vitamin D levels and hair health. So get some mushrooms, egg yolks, and fish in you!”

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#3: Clean is king

If you avoid shampooing and conditioning because you're scared that you might see those extra strands in the plughole, this honestly isn't doing you any favours. It's important that you keep your hair well-maintained.

“One of the things that I always say to those who are worried about thinning hair is to shampoo regularly.” says Kaur. “While you might be afraid to at first, you need to bear in mind that if you don't keep your scalp clean, it causes a build up of oil and dirt that can slow down and prevent growth. Look for a shampoo and conditioner with natural active ingredients.”

#4: Go with the flow

Head over to your local pharmacy and grab an over-the-counter treatment. There kits aren't expensive, but before you go all-in, there are few things that you should probably bear in mind first.

“There are plenty of hair growth supplements out there, but these don't work for everyone.” says Kaur. “If you're looking for something that's more reliable, look for over-the-counter Minoxidil. This hair loss treatment promotes blood flow to the scalp, thereby improving the flow of nutrients to the follicles, ensuring healthy regrowth. It's worth noting that it can trigger hair to fall initially and the best results can take up to one year, so be patient.”

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#5: Be kind to yourself

According to a 2020 research paper, stress and anxiety can cause you to lose your hair. This study found that high levels of stress can disrupt the normal cycling of follicles, leading them to fall out or not grow at all, so it's essential that you try and keep calm and relaxed whenever possible.

“Having higher than average stress levels is one of the biggest culprits when it comes to thinning hair.” says Kaur. “It's important to keep active, avoid unhealthy habits, get fresh air, and try to stay positive. You might also want to do some stress reduction routines like meditation and yoga. They're not for everyone, but you might be surprised.”

#6: Ask the good doctor

If you've done all of these things but your hair is still thinning, it might be time to hit up your GP. They'll sit you down and examine your scalp, and they'll also offer to check your temperature, measure your Body Mass Index, and look in your eyes, mouth, and nails for signs of anaemia.

“In some instances, your general practitioner will also conduct a series of basic blood tests to check your thyroid-stimulating hormone, ferritin, vitamin D, and zinc levels.” says Kaur. “Your doctor can also prescribe treatments for male pattern baldness, and if that still doesn't work, surgical hair transplants can also be discussed.”

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