Solutions for Thinning Hair

The two most common forms of hair loss are androgenetic alopecia (also known as androgenic alopecia) and diffuse alopecia.

Androgenetic alopecia:

• is hereditary,
• occurs in almost 90 percent of all men over 21 years of age
• increasingly occurs in women as well.

In androgenetic alopecia, the temples and the back of the head are affected.
At first, receding hairlines form at the temples.
This is followed by the back of the head with hair loss in the form of a tonsure.

Diffuse alopecia:

• manifests with progressive hair loss,
• is distributed over the entire scalp,
• occurs very frequently in women,
• is accompanied by thinning, feeble hair.

Causes of diffuse alopecia include:

• malnutrition
• various medications
• hormonal changes (such as during the menopause)
• autoimmune diseases (with the immune system attacking hair follicles)
• stress

While hair loss affects both men and women, it can be particularly challenging for women. According to Harvard Health Publishing, every third woman experiences hair loss (alopecia) at some time in her life. Two-thirds of women suffer from thinning hair or bald areas.

Before seeking treatment for hair loss, a visit to the dermatologist is advised to identify its underlying cause. While possible causes for hair loss in women include iron deficiencies or thyroid disorders, the most common type of hair loss is androgenetic alopecia which stems from a genetic predisposition.

Usually, female pattern hair loss affects other areas of the scalp than male pattern baldness. For women, hair loss usually results in an all-over hair thinning and is most visible at the top of the head. Meanwhile, hair loss in men often starts at the hairline, usually at the sides of the head.

Thin hair can be caused by various factors, including genetic predisposition, hormonal changes, an unhealthy diet, stress, excessive use of styling products and heat, as well as certain medical conditions such as thyroid problems or iron deficiency, but also androgenetic alopecia.

Permanent styling with straighteners, hair colouring and the use of hairspray can also promote thinning hair and hair loss in the long term.

When it comes to hormonal changes, the menopause plays a particularly important role in women.

Thin hair can become thicker again! Hair thickness depends on various factors, including genetics, diet and lifestyle.

A balanced diet rich in essential minerals such as iron, zinc and vitamins can promote hair growth and improve hair thickness. In addition, certain care products and treatments can help to strengthen and thicken the hair.

It's important to be patient as changes in hair don't happen overnight, but with the right care and attention, thin hair can regain fullness.

To help thin hair regrow, treat your hair gently by avoiding excessive heat and aggressive styling techniques that could damage it. Instead, opt for gentle styling and regular trims to prevent split ends and keep your hair healthy.

Vitamins play a crucial role in strong, healthy hair. B vitamins in particular, such as biotin and niacin, are important for hair growth and scalp health.

Vitamin A supports the production of sebum, which keeps the scalp moisturised. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that promotes collagen production and strengthens the hair structure.

Vitamin E can improve blood circulation, which in turn promotes hair growth. It is important to ensure a balanced diet with adequate intake of these vitamins to support hair health and appearance.

To style your thin hair in the best possible way, you should follow a few important styling tips that are specifically tailored to your hair type.

Hair volume: To give your thin hair more body, it is best to use products that have been specially developed for fine hair. Mousse or mousse are great for adding volume to your hair without weighing it down.

Shampooing: Choose the right shampoo for thin hair. Use a mild, volumising shampoo that won't weigh your hair down.

Avoid heavy conditioners or products with silicones, as these often make your hair look flat and limp. Always use heat protection before straightening or blow-drying.

Short hairstyles: If you want to give thin hair more volume, short hairstyles such as the pixie cut or a long bob can be particularly beneficial. With skilful cutting and styling, these haircuts can add fullness and texture to your hair.

Long hair: If you prefer to wear your hair long, make sure that the lengths are not too heavy. Graduations or a light, layered cut can add movement and volume to your hair. Avoid heavy, straight cuts that could make your hair look flat.

Regrowth: Maintain your hair regularly and treat it gently to help thin hair grow back. Avoid excessive heat and aggressive styling techniques that could damage your hair. Instead, opt for gentle styling and regular trims to prevent split ends and keep your hair healthy.

Good and proper care for thin hair includes the use of mild, moisturising shampoos, rinses and conditioners that do not weigh the hair down.

In addition, hair care products with volumising and thickening properties can be helpful. Regular scalp massages can promote blood circulation and stimulate hair growth.

It is also important to reduce heat-based styling tools and treat the hair gently to minimise breakage. Care products with keratin can also counteract thinning hair and strengthen hair health.

Autologous blood treatments is increasingly being used to treat thin hair. This involves taking blood from the patient's own body, centrifuging it to isolate the platelet-rich layer and then injecting it into the scalp.

Autologous blood treatment is said to promote hair growth by improving blood flow to the scalp and releasing growth factors that stimulate the hair follicles.

The first step if you notice hair shedding should always be to consult a dermatologist who determines your type of hair loss and therefore recommends suitable treatment options.

Common causes of hair loss include hereditary hair loss, medical conditions, and the so-called telogen effluvium (which is a result of stress, as it is induced by pregnancy or weight loss).

It can also be a good idea to perform a blood test to find out whether a vitamin deficiency, for example an iron deficiency, might also be responsible for the hair loss. We do not recommend taking supplements without an official analysis by a healthcare professional: better safe than sorry.

Regarding the treatment for hair loss, there is a spectrum of medical treatment options from oral medications on to topical treatments that have been approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration).

In Switzerland some of them, such as Minoxidil, better known as Regaine (or Rogaine in the US), are available over the counter, while others are only available via subscription.

While those medical treatments can put a halt to further hair loss and therefore prevent bald spots, their effects subside as soon as you stop taking them. Additionally, those hair loss medications might come with serious side effects.

Another medication that is not a classical hair loss treatment but should also be taken with caution is Spironolactone.

Originally a blood pressure medication, it is used off-label as an effective treatment against hair loss. However, it can come with side effects for both men and women and should not be taken during pregnancy or breast-feeding.

No matter which hair loss treatment you choose in the end: In any case, it is advised to protect your hair optimally by using as little heat as possible and the right tools to prevent breakage and hair loss.

You are unsure where to start with your hair growth journey? During a free hair analysis at HAIR & SKIN, we will get to the root cause of your hair loss and offer you a treatment plan for lasting results – such as the autologous blood therapy with plasma derived from your blood or the minimally invasive FUE hair transplant method.

Book your free hair analysis in one of our many HAIR & SKIN clinics across Switzerland and make the first step towards a new lease of life today!