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Author: Sophia Man
16 August 2024

Is thinning hair an early sign of hair loss or even baldness? What triggers this issue? Could it be linked to a receding hairline, male pattern baldness, female pattern baldness, or even seborrheic alopecia? Typically, when hair thins, it’s often accompanied by sparse hair and reduced volume. In this post, we’ll dive into the causes of thinning hair, how to prevent it, and what treatments can help you regain your thick, healthy locks!

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Causes of Thinning Hair

Cause 1: Male Pattern Baldness

When discussing thinning hair, male pattern baldness is frequently the primary culprit. Although the exact cause of male pattern baldness isn’t entirely understood, it’s widely believed that a genetic predisposition plays a major role in affecting the hair follicle. This genetic link can cause male hormones to affect the hair follicles, leading to inflammation and shrinkage. This disruption impacts the hair growth cycle, shortening the growth phase, and causing new hair to lack the nourishment and time it needs to grow properly. The result? Hair thinning, brittleness, and early hair loss. Both men and women can suffer from male pattern baldness, making it a key concern for anyone noticing their hair thinning.

Cause 2: Seborrheic Alopecia

Another significant cause of thinning hair is seborrheic alopecia, or oily hair loss. This is the second most common type of hair loss, affecting over 45% of those who experience hair loss. Individuals with seborrheic alopecia often deal with an oily scalp, itching, and sometimes an unpleasant odor. Scalp acne is also common. In its early stages, this condition typically manifests as scalp itchiness and hair loss. Patchy hair loss can also be a symptom of seborrheic alopecia, indicating the need for medical consultation. New hair growth tends to be thin, fragile, and prone to breakage, often appearing soft and yellow. Without early treatment, chronic scalp inflammation could lead to further hair loss or even hair follicle damage and baldness.

Cause 3: Nutritional Deficiency, Dieting, and Eating Habits

Thinning hair can be a reflection of your overall health, signaling potential issues within the body. Hair and nails, primarily made up of protein, grow rapidly, meaning any nutritional deficiency will quickly show in their condition. Vital nutrients like protein, B vitamins, iron, copper, and zinc are essential for maintaining healthy hair. A deficiency in these nutrients can cause hair to thin and fall out before it reaches a healthy length. Additionally, dieting, rapid weight loss, and psychological stress can also lead to hair thinning and hair loss.

Cause 4: Insufficient Blood and Qi, Liver, Spleen, and Kidney Deficiency

From a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspective, thinning hair, premature graying, and dull hair are often symptoms of underlying health issues. According to TCM, hair reflects the state of the blood in the body. Insufficient blood, weak qi, or deficiencies in the liver, spleen, and kidneys can all affect the health of your hair. Poor circulation, blood stagnation, or qi deficiency can lead to hair loss. Thinning hair is often a sign of deeper health concerns, and addressing these through proper care and lifestyle changes can help treat hair loss and prevent baldness.

Cause 5: Insufficient Melanin Cells, Hair Turning Brown

Thinning hair is sometimes accompanied by changes in hair color, such as turning brown or dull yellow. Melanin is not just about hair color; it’s also crucial for hair health. Experts suggest that changes in hair color could be due to prolonged illness, severe iron deficiency anemia, or malnutrition, all of which lower melanin levels and lead to brown hair or premature graying. Western medicine recommends targeted supplementation after blood tests reveal nutrient deficiencies, while TCM suggests consuming dark-colored foods to replenish melanin and improve hair health.

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Does Thinning Hair Lead to Hair Loss?

Yes, thinning hair can indeed be an early indicator of the progression to lose hair and eventual hair loss. Unless caused by the natural aging of hair follicles, sudden hair thinning often signals underlying issues with scalp health. When hair follicles lose their vitality, producing thinner, more fragile hair that breaks easily, it’s a red flag. This loss of density often points to chronic inflammation of the hair follicles. If this inflammation is not addressed, the damage to the follicles can become irreversible. Without proper nourishment and inflammation control, hair follicles may shrink and eventually die. It’s important to remember that adults have a finite number of hair follicles—they can only decrease, not increase. Once hair follicles are lost, they cannot regenerate, leading to a risk of premature baldness.

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Who is Most Likely to Experience Thinning Hair?

Thinning hair isn’t just a concern for older individuals. From a Western medical standpoint, both men and women are at risk, particularly if they carry hereditary hair loss genes. After puberty, these genes can activate, causing hair thinning as one of the first signs of hair loss. Additionally, people with naturally oily scalps or those with low or imbalanced immune systems are more prone to thinning hair. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) also provides insights into who might be at higher risk. According to TCM, individuals with insufficient energy and blood, as well as those with liver, spleen, and kidney deficiencies, or those with internal heat accumulation, are more likely to experience thinning hair. Whether viewed from a Western or TCM perspective, understanding the factors that contribute to thinning hair can help in taking the right steps to prevent further hair loss.

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Methods to Prevent Hair Thinning

Avoid Using the Same Shampoo for Everyone in the Family

If you’ve noticed thinning hair, one of the first things to reconsider is your shampoo choice and washing frequency. Ideally, your hair shouldn’t become excessively oily or tangled within two days of washing, nor should you experience itching from an overly oily or dry scalp. If you notice more dandruff or immediate itching after washing, it could be a sign that your shampoo isn’t the right fit. Prolonged use of an unsuitable shampoo can disrupt the scalp’s natural oil balance, leading to inflammation of the hair follicles and eventually thinning hair. It’s essential to choose a shampoo that suits your specific needs; using the same product for everyone in the household isn’t always effective!

Use Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

For those with an oily scalp or noticeable dandruff, switching to an anti-dandruff shampoo can be a crucial step in preventing thinning hair. Excess oil can clog your pores, leading to hair thinning. Anti-dandruff shampoos are different from anti-hair loss shampoos, so it’s important to check the ingredients before purchasing. Many anti-dandruff shampoos contain medicinal ingredients that reduce inflammation and bacteria on the scalp, helping to protect hair follicles. They not only control oil but also inhibit bacterial and fungal growth. This combination helps prevent thinning hair from progressing to conditions like scalp acne, seborrheic dermatitis, or seborrheic alopecia.

Eat Foods Rich in Zinc and Iron

Thinking about losing weight quickly without exercise, just through dieting? Be cautious. Many women who rapidly lose weight through extreme dieting often experience thinning hair, dry and brittle hair, hair breakage, hair loss, and even skin sagging. Extreme dieting can lead to zinc and iron deficiencies, both of which are crucial for normal hair growth. A deficiency in zinc can slow down hair growth, while a lack of iron can reduce hair volume and increase hair shedding. Before considering supplements, it’s wise to get a blood test to identify any deficiencies. Supplement accordingly, but be careful not to overdo it, as excessive intake can have adverse effects.

Eat Fewer Carbohydrates

Can a diet high in carbohydrates contribute to thinning hair or hair loss? Some doctors believe that consuming too many carbohydrates, especially those with a high glycemic index (GI), can increase oil production on the scalp, potentially leading to hair thinning. To combat this, it's important to avoid excessive carbohydrates and sugars in your diet. If you have an oily scalp, it's also wise to steer clear of smoking, limit alcohol intake, and reduce the consumption of spicy foods, as these can stimulate further oil production and exacerbate thinning hair.

Pay Attention to Hormonal Changes

For women experiencing thinning hair, fine hair, or sparse hair, monitoring hormonal changes is crucial. Hormonal fluctuations, whether from using birth control pills, receiving hormone injections, or undergoing other hormonal treatments, can affect hair health, leading to finer hair. Postpartum hair loss is another common issue, often resulting in a condition known as telogen effluvium, where hair sheds during the resting phase. Understanding these hormonal influences can help you take steps to mitigate hair loss and maintain hair volume.

Adequate Sleep

Did you know that hair follicles need rest too? After you fall asleep, hair follicles enter their rest and recovery phase, typically about two hours later. For optimal hair health, aim for at least three hours of uninterrupted sleep each night. This allows your follicles and liver to receive the quality rest they need, ensuring proper blood flow and nutrient delivery to the hair follicles, which in turn helps prevent premature hair loss.

Moderate Exercise

If thinning hair is due to poor blood circulation or a weakened immune system, moderate exercise can be a game-changer. Engaging in at least three hours of exercise per week, spread out evenly (such as one hour of aerobic exercise every other day), helps improve blood circulation and reduces internal moisture. This not only benefits your overall health but is particularly helpful for those with cold limbs, excessive body moisture, and dull, brittle hair. Moderate exercise can enhance hair growth by stimulating better blood flow to the hair follicles.

Balanced Nutrition

When dealing with thinning hair, changes in hair color, or reduced hair volume, many people turn to home remedies like eating black sesame seeds or consuming eggs daily. However, doctors suggest that urban dwellers typically have access to a wide variety of foods, and severe nutritional deficiencies affecting hair health are rare. As long as you maintain a well-balanced diet, avoiding extreme dieting or specific dietary restrictions, you should get the nutrients necessary for healthy hair growth. Conversely, sticking rigidly to specific foods can lead to imbalances and stress, which might contribute to hair loss due to psychological factors.

Good Hair Care Habits

Thinning hair often signals poor hair and scalp health. To prevent premature hair loss, it’s essential to establish good hair care practices. Adjust your shampooing frequency based on your scalp’s oil production—neither too frequent nor too infrequent. Avoid excessive hair treatments like dyeing, perming, or tight hairstyles that stress the hair follicles. Let your hair be natural whenever possible, and avoid applying conditioners or dry shampoos directly to your scalp. If thinning hair persists despite a balanced diet and good sleep, consulting a professional to determine the underlying causes is recommended. Additionally, considering appropriate hair loss treatment options can be an important aspect of addressing hair loss through proper care.

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5

How Should People with Thinning Hair Dye Their Hair? Keep a 0.3cm Distance from the Scalp

While styling thinning hair is generally not recommended, those with gray or prematurely gray hair might still want to dye it occasionally. However, it’s crucial to approach this process carefully to avoid further aggravating your scalp. One of the most common issues from dyeing is contact dermatitis, where the chemicals in hair dye irritate the scalp, leading to itching, redness, or a burning sensation.
If you’re dyeing your own hair, you might naturally begin with the gray hairs at the front, which often leads to prolonged contact with the scalp in that area. This extended exposure can increase sensitivity and irritation. To reduce the risk of irritating your hair follicles and scalp, it’s advisable to have someone else help you with the dyeing process. Make sure the dye is applied at least 0.3cm away from the roots. This small gap helps minimize direct contact between the dye and your scalp, protecting the delicate hair follicles from unnecessary irritation and reducing the risk of further thinning.

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3 Traditional Chinese Medicine Methods to Improve Thinning Hair

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) views thinning hair and scalp issues as closely related to the health of the liver, spleen, and kidneys. Many individuals experiencing hair loss may suffer from liver and kidney deficiencies, often combined with an imbalance of internal heat and moisture. To address these issues, TCM typically recommends oral treatments aimed at “balancing the liver, supporting the kidneys, and reducing excess oil” to promote hair health and nourish the hair follicles. A visiting associate professor at the Chinese University of Hong Kong’s Institute of Integrative Medicine suggests the following three methods may help improve thinning hair, premature gray hair, and hair loss due to excess body heat.

Cypress Leaf Hair Growth Steam

To prepare the Cypress Leaf Hair Growth Solution, you’ll need the following materials: 1-2 pieces of cypress leaves, 5 pounds of double-distilled rice wine, and 5 grams of goosegrass. Method: Start by removing the branches from the cypress leaves, lightly fry them, and then dry them. Combine the cypress leaves and goosegrass with the double-distilled rice wine, letting the mixture steep for three months. Once ready, use a cotton swab to apply the solution to bald spots on the scalp. For better absorption, consider using a steam machine for 15 minutes or applying a warm compress. This method can help promote hair growth by nourishing the scalp and hair follicles.

Eat 4 Ounces of Meat Daily

For those with blood deficiency or dryness, consuming at least 4 ounces of meat daily is recommended, along with increasing oil intake. These nutrients are essential for supporting hair growth. For individuals with excessive scalp oil, it's advised to chew food thoroughly to aid digestion and eat vegetables and rice before consuming meat. Additionally, reducing spicy and sugary foods can help manage scalp oiliness, which may contribute to thinning hair.

Massage the Baihui Acupoint

The Baihui acupoint, located at the top center of the head, is a key point in acupuncture known for encouraging hair growth. Gently tapping around this point during your spare moments can enhance blood circulation and energy flow in the scalp, helping to stimulate hair growth and improve overall hair follicle health.

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Revitalize Your Hair with F8 Hair Regrowth Treatment: A Non-Surgical Solution for Outstanding Results

Looking to boost your hair’s growth and strength? Discover the F8 Hair Regrowth Treatment by Perfect Medical, Hong Kong’s top choice for a safe and effective method of hair rejuvenation. Imagine a treatment that effortlessly revitalizes your hair follicles. That’s exactly what our bio-laser technology offers. This advanced technology gently glides over your scalp, deeply penetrating the hair follicles to stimulate natural and vigorous hair growth. Beyond just promoting growth, the laser energy also strengthens capillaries and enhances blood circulation, ensuring your scalp and hair roots receive all the vital nutrients they need for optimal hair health. Each session is further enhanced with the application of a specialized, medical-grade hydrating serum directly to your scalp. This serum not only boosts moisture and nutrient absorption at the roots but also regulates oil production, creating the perfect environment for hair follicles to thrive. The result? A noticeable decrease in hair loss and the emergence of lush, healthy hair growth within just three months! Moreover, our bio-laser treatment is entirely pain-free and gentle on the skin, providing a comfortable experience without the need for any recovery time. You can seamlessly return to your daily activities immediately after each session. Excited to see the transformation? Schedule a free trial of Perfect Medical’s F8 Hair Regrowth Treatment online, which includes a complimentary hair and scalp analysis. Restore your hair’s vitality and boost your confidence with visible results!

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FAQ

What Causes Thinning Hair?

Thinning hair can result from various factors, including genetics and lifestyle, often involving the health of hair follicles. One common cause is androgenetic alopecia, where hormones like DHT damage hair follicles, leading to inflammation and shrinkage. Another cause is seborrheic alopecia, characterized by excess oil production and scalp problems, which make hair fragile and prone to breakage. Nutritional deficiencies also play a role; lacking essential nutrients like protein, zinc, and iron weakens hair and hampers hair growth. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), thinning hair is often linked to imbalances in the liver, spleen, and kidneys. Additionally, low melanin levels can cause hair to appear dull or gray, further contributing to the perception of thinning hair.

Does Thinning Hair Lead to Hair Loss?

Yes, thinning hair often indicates the onset of hair loss. When hair follicles lose their vitality, new hair grows weaker and is more likely to break. Over time, these damaged follicles may shrink and eventually die, leading to permanent hair loss. Addressing the underlying causes of thinning hair early can help prevent this progression.

How to Prevent Thinning Hair?

To prevent thinning hair, it’s crucial to use a shampoo suited to your scalp type and to adjust your hair care routine for seasonal changes. Anti-dandruff shampoos can help reduce inflammation and protect hair follicles. Additionally, maintaining a diet rich in zinc and iron, while avoiding excessive sugar and high-glycemic carbs, is essential. Monitoring hormonal changes and ensuring adequate sleep are also vital for supporting hair health. Regular exercise and a balanced diet further contribute to preventing hair thinning.

How to Dye Thinning Hair?

When dyeing thinning hair, it’s important to apply the dye at least 0.3 cm from the roots to minimize irritation. Having someone else apply the dye can reduce the risk of improper application and help avoid scalp irritation. This approach ensures that the dye is applied evenly and that your hair and scalp are protected, minimizing irritation to the hair follicles.

What Are Some TCM Treatments for Thinning Hair?

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers several treatments for thinning hair. One method involves using cypress leaf steam: soak cypress leaves, double-distilled rice wine, and goosegrass for three months, then apply the mixture to bald spots on the scalp to nourish the hair follicles. Consuming at least 4 ounces of meat daily can also support hair growth. Additionally, massaging the Baihui acupoint on the top of your head can improve circulation and stimulate hair growth.

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