Feeling that your hair is thinner or less dense is not something that happens overnight, and precisely the problem is that, it happens so gradually that when you realize it is precisely when it is truly noticeable. Obviously, the ideal would be to be able to remedy it sooner but as we say, in many cases it is in such a subtle and stealthy way that it is not so easy to notice.
Now, there are certain aspects that we can take into account, which means that we can do more than we think, because as dermatologist Neera Nathan tells Vogue: “While hair thinning is normal, almost everything can be treated by a dermatologist,” she says.
Why hair weakens
In reality, there is no single factor why hair can become thinner, brittle or, in the worst case scenario, lost. But it is true, as Dr. Nathan states, hormones, stress or age are the most common causes.
Even the condition of your hair or skin can indicate other internal health or immune system problems. “Vitamin and protein deficiencies can cause hair weakening,” explains the expert. In the same way that “extreme physical or emotional stress, such as childbirth or the loss of a loved one, can do so,” the dermatologist emphasizes.
Early stages of hair thinning
In order to detect this weakening as soon as possible, it is important to look at certain aspects that will give us a fairly clear notion that something is happening. These are slight changes and there are five that are the most frequent, and they are the ones that need to be paid attention to.
A thinner ponytail
If when it comes to making a ponytail you notice that you need to turn the elastic more or you notice that the ponytail looks thinner than before. This may be because you have lost a lot of hair and you have not realized it. According to dermatologist Nathan, it can be a subtle sign that you've lost hair density.
A more visible scalp
The scalp is also a good indicator of whether density has been lost. When the skin on the scalp is more visible overall or the parting appears wider than usual, it may be due to gradual hair loss.
Fine or sparse hair
If the appearance of thin and short hair is observed, it can also be a sign that the hair is weakening, according to the dermatologist, since it shows the miniaturization of the hair follicles. Although the expert also emphasizes that fine hair is often confused with breakage, so it must be taken into account.
Fragile and brittle strands
Another indicator that the hair is fragile is when the hair feels thinner, seems to break when you run your fingers through it, or breaks easily. Furthermore, when hair is damaged you notice a loss of volume, it no longer has as much body.
What can we do to prevent it
Although sometimes we think that there is not much to do, the truth is that there are several possibilities to slow down and re-stimulate hair growth, and the good news is that in most cases this is the case. “It is important to remember that hair loss is what we call multifactorial,” says Dr. Khetarpal to the same medium. “Often there are multiple factors that cause it and multiple ways in which it must be treated to see improvement,” he adds.
Use the right hair products
One of the simplest recommendations to fight hair loss is to incorporate an anti-loss product into your hair routine. Specifically, the expert recommends starting with anti-hair loss shampoos that specifically help stimulate hair growth. But he even points out that anti-dandruff products are also an option since they can help reduce the amount of hair that falls out.
On the other hand, Dr. Khetarpal says to look for ingredients like zinc pyrithione or ketoconazole. While Nathan says to look for growth active ingredients like minoxidil or caffeine.
Oral supplements are of great help
The dermatologist begins by saying that vitamin D is one of the best supplements for hair growth. Although some cases may require oral medical treatments such as minoxidil in low doses, finasteride and spironolactone for more serious circumstances, Neera emphasizes.
There are also plant-based options that can act as blockers of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), one of the hormones responsible for baldness. Red clover, mung beans, saw palmetto, and reishi mushroom are some of those ingredients. Although in any case, it is best to consult with your doctor to agree on the best treatment for your particular case.
