Can you prevent grey hair? Experts reveal the reality of grey hair

Table Of Content

• Related Coverage
• Be patient with the process.
• How To Prevent Gray Hair: Oxidative Stress & Graying
• Option 4: Let hair go gray naturally.
• How we vet brands and products
• Hairstory - Hats and Hair: Does Wearing a Hat Damage Your Hair?

Regardless of where you fall on that spectrum, what if we told you that there are simple ways to delay going gray and possibly even re-pigment your strands? If you think it’s too good to be true, we’re here to tell you that’s where the science is headed. Here’s where we really stand when it comes to hitting the pause button on this age-old hair issue.

Related Coverage

Researchers are learning that it might be possible to not only prevent going gray but even reverse gray hair through healthy lifestyle habits. Oxidative stress is a cellular process that may also contribute to hair follicles losing pigment and turning gray. Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance of free radicals (which can damage cells) and antioxidants (which can prevent or delay some cell damage). According to Leake, there is no need to dye your entire head of hair. Maintain as much natural color as you can and only cover the noticeably gray areas, he says.

Be patient with the process.

With just five ingredients, including squalane, hemisqualane, and the natural emollient Ethylhexyl olivate, the skin-friendly formula tames flyaways and frizz while adding shine. Your hair goes through a natural cycle of dying and then being regenerated. Not all multivitamins contain vitamin B-9, so it’s important to read product labels carefully. Your doctor may even recommend a separate folic acid supplement. Researchers have noted that vitamin B-12 deficiencies are often concurrent with folic acid and biotin deficiencies in people whose hair has started to turn gray early.

How To Prevent Gray Hair: Oxidative Stress & Graying

This allows the existing grays to simply blend in, and new grays can grow in more inconspicuously without an immediate trip to the salon. It turns out, there is some truth to the old rumour that things like olive oil and drinking lots of water can help with greys. It all has to do with increasing your hair's moisture, which will make grey hairs less visible. However, it's important to realise that it won't stop them coming through altogether. Regardless of your chosen hue, healthy hair starts at the scalp. On the other hand, Kérastase’s option uses a blend of ceramides, conditioning agents, and green tea extracts to soften hair and reduce breakage.

Option 4: Let hair go gray naturally.

If your parents dealt with premature grays, the chances are that you will too. There’s even some debate over whether there’s really an established link between long-term stress and premature graying. Therefore, use herbal remedies for gray hair and other health concerns with caution. In terms of hair health, vitamin B-9 can ensure correct pigmentation. If you aren’t eating enough folate-rich foods, you might wish to consider supplementation.

Yes, we can reverse gray hair. No, we don't know why it works. Just chill. - Mashable

Yes, we can reverse gray hair. No, we don't know why it works. Just chill..

Posted: Fri, 17 Feb 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

How we vet brands and products

We spoke to hair experts Jennifer Sarchet and Bradley Leake to learn more about the best ways to conceal grays and prolong coverage. When you aren’t using a clarifying formula, your daily shampoo should work to enhance the look and feel of your lengths. In short, investing in purple shampoos or products to prevent brassiness is the key to a desirable hair look. Get a single-process color service at the salon.This seems like the most obvious answer, but it’s one that hair colorist Nicole Tresch of the Rita Hazan Salon highly recommends, so long as you stay on top of the regrowth. “You will see [your roots] stronger as you get regrowth, which can come as fast as a week to ten days,” Tresch told Allure. To mask grays between salon visits, try covering the gray hairs with easy-to-use products like the Rita Hazan Concealer Touch-Up Spray or Root Concealer Temple + Brow Touch-Up Stick.

Although studies in mice have shown that vitamin B-5 can reverse graying fur, there aren’t any clinical studies to show that such effects can happen in humans. Copper deficiency can interfere with energy production throughout your body, affecting your blood cells and connective tissues. No, in general there is no way to prevent your hair from turning gray as you age. The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment.

However, Farber says, "In certain medical conditions, like vitiligo, alopecia areata, and inherited pigment disorders, hair can appear in grey patches." It is typical to see hair graying occur once you're in your 30s or 40s, and most people have a significant amount of gray hair in their 50s-60s. Premature graying is defined as the graying process starting in your 20s, according to Farber. It's tough to predict how your hair will take to the formula, and thus, results can vary. It also complicates things for your colorist because salon-quality color is so different, and matching it to boxed dye is often complicated, explains Sarchet.

Look to your family to see when graying occurs

When you’re not getting enough vitamin B-9 in your diet, you might experience hair, skin, and nail pigmentation changes. Although it’s mostly genetically driven, premature graying also has a dietary component. Over time, chronic stress of any kind can lead to chronic inflammation, which may flip off those melanin-making cells while shortening the hair growth cycle, according to a 2018 Annals of Dermatology study. Study up on scientifically proven strategies to prevent or slow the graying process. How fast—and at what age—graying of the hair begins is determined by genetics, stress, and environmental factors, she adds. To ensure you’re getting an even amount of coverage, use a rattail comb to create the most precise part.

Cause of grey hair may be 'stuck' cells, say scientists - BBC.com

Cause of grey hair may be 'stuck' cells, say scientists.

Posted: Wed, 19 Apr 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

"Most of the time, plucking does not truly thin out the hair, but it appears thinner as it grows in because a new hair is formed with a thin edge. Whether you choose to go long or short, haircuts matter for keeping gray hair healthy. “Natural white hair can ooze sophistication when worn well," says celebrity color expert Tom Smith. Your doctor may recommend copper supplements if a confirmed deficiency has affected your blood cells and energy production.

The natural color of your hair – brown, blonde, red, or anything in between – makes no difference in your likelihood of going grey. If you’re worried that an extra-stressful event could make you go completely white overnight, take a deep breath – that’s not exactly how it works. Conversely, Green isn’t so convinced that taking specific vitamins would prevent graying at all. “With graying hairs, the issue at hand is lower catalase (enzyme) activity,” she says. Like antioxidants, vitamin B5 can defend against the formation of free radicals, but isn’t necessarily linked to increasing catalase activity.

But not getting enough sleep contributes to increased stress levels. Since stress is linked to gray hair, it’s very possible that not getting enough sleep over a prolonged period of time can indirectly contribute to gray hair. Experts are not exactly sure why this happens at different ages in different people, but the main reason is likely to lie in your genetics. In fact, scientists have found a specific gene linked to gray hair, although it’s likely there are many different genes involved. So, at what age your hair starts to turn gray (and how much of it does) depends mainly on the genes you inherit from your parents. Experts are not sure exactly why people get premature gray hair, but it’s probably related to genes.

Going Gray: 15 Facts About Why, How, Genetics, and Hair Care

Table Of Content

• Hairstory - Hats and Hair: Does Wearing a Hat Damage Your Hair?
• If your diet isn’t helping, go for vitamin B supplements
• Get enough vitamins
• Just because you’re going gray, doesn’t mean you have to dye it
• Three Easy (and Low-Maintenance) Ways to Cover Gray Hair
• An Expert’s Guide to Caring for and Styling Gray Hair

Going grey is natural, and should be embraced, but depending on your lifestyle it could creep up earlier than expected - especially if you're under periods of intense stress. While this study was limited to mice, it suggests that there likely is a link between stress and greying hair, even in humans. Does this mean that by changing your diet, popping supplements, and getting in some daily meditation, it’s actually possible to halt graying in its tracks? Four expert dermatologists and trichologists share their thoughts. For Caucasians, the average age to get gray hair is mid-thirties; for Asian people it’s late thirties; and for African people it’s mid-forties.

Hairstory - Hats and Hair: Does Wearing a Hat Damage Your Hair?

Plus, grey hair coverage can vary based on your original hair color and the percentage of your hair that’s already turned silver. For example, grey hair isn’t as visible in blonde hair, so highlights can be sufficient to target and camouflage grey patches. Grey hair stands out more prominently against dark hair, however, so brunettes typically require more full coverage. Ultimately, for the best results, consult with your stylist about the most effective color and care as you begin to see greys.

If your diet isn’t helping, go for vitamin B supplements

When diet and vitamin deficiencies are the cause of prematurely white hair, correcting these may reverse the problem or stop it from worsening. One 2018 review notes various deficiency studies on vitamin D3, vitamin B12, copper, zinc, and calcium and their connection to graying hair. It finds nutritional deficiencies affect pigmentation, suggesting color can return with vitamin supplementation. There are plenty of ways to ease into your silver color in a way that makes you feel comfortable, and it's important to chat with your colorist to put a plan in place and manage your expectations. One of the most straightforward methods is to "just color your part and hairline and let the rest grow out," says Hazan. "When you’re a few months away from full gray grow-out, stop and use the root concealer until it’s all grown out."

Get enough vitamins

It’s very important to keep your hair covered with a hat when outdoors. I learned the hard way when I burnt my scalp on a hiking trip several years ago. The top of my hair turned a terrible yellow shade and it took months to correct and many different trials with purple toners. The association of high stress with sudden hair whitening is questionable. Herbs can be just as powerful as conventional medications and may interact with any drugs or supplements that you’re already taking. Vegetarians and vegans are more prone to B-12 deficiencies because the nutrient primarily occurs in animal products.

Scientists may have discovered why hair turns grey - The Guardian

Scientists may have discovered why hair turns grey.

Posted: Thu, 20 Apr 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Just because you’re going gray, doesn’t mean you have to dye it

Some autoimmune and thyroid-related disorders can be related to premature graying, according to a 2018 review in the International Journal of Trichology. There are no treatments that are proven to treat (or reverse) gray hair. As researchers learn more about how the graying process happens, they may develop effective medications and treatments for gray hair. Whether we like it or not, getting gray hair is part of the normal aging process for many people.

Three Easy (and Low-Maintenance) Ways to Cover Gray Hair

— can serve as a guide for you if you're ready to make the switch. Go from dyed to gorgeous silver strands without the awkward stage. So, what exactly causes grey hair and is there any way you can prevent it? This yeast-extract spread looks like tar and has a unique and powerful odor all its own.

Use a Toning Shampoo

We asked an expert for their view on why exactly we go grey and if we can prevent it.Grey hair is an inevitability for us all, but if we can't control if we get grey hair, can we have any control over when? Going grey is completely normal, but that doesn't mean those first few greys are a welcome surprise. Whilst it is an accepted part of getting older, losing your natural hair colour can really knock your confidence. Don’t be frustrated if the styling products you once held dear no longer work for you—now is the time to switch things up! Longsworth is partial to Miribel’s lightweight gel for soft weightless hold and simultaneous infusion of moisture via conditioning ingredients like aloe vera, flaxseed extract, and vitamin E. Should your hair feel flat, amp up the volume with Paul Mitchell’s volumizing liquid, (which counts model Maye Musk as a fan) or Shu Uemura’s mousse endorsed by Rubel.

Makeup can help tackle surprising gray roots

Her work has appeared in national publications including Oprah, Shape, Parents, Cosmopolitan, Allure, and websites such as HealthCentral.com bhg.com, and prevention.com." Certain vitamin and mineral shortfalls can also contribute to graying hair, says Lain. "Ensure you have an adequate level of vitamin D3 and vitamin B12, since deficiencies in either of these may accelerate graying," explains Lain. For now, the best choice for people who want to cover their gray hair is to use hair coloring, which can be temporary or permanent depending on the type. So far, there’s no direct link between the amount and quality of sleep a person gets and whether or not they have gray hair.

It’s hard to say for sure what this means for individual people — if anything — since everyone’s situation and genetics are unique. Keralyt®️ (salicylic acid) can help improve scaling and roughness for a smoother scalp. GoodRx has partnered with Summers Laboratories to offer this medication at an exclusive discount at select pharmacies.

As with going platinum or any cooler blonde shade, you may find that the gray "highlights" get a little brassy. "The highlighted parts turn a bit yellow once the gray toner starts washing out," Aral said. Your colorist may recommend coming in for more toner or glosses during the course of your transition to counteract yellowing. "Usually, you will have to get a gloss every once in a while to keep the brassiness at bay," Ferrara says. You can try an at-home toning hair gloss or glaze to keep your gray a gorgeous silver shade between salon visits. Even if you feel ready to go gray, you may have to wait before you begin the process.

You can also use temporary at-home coloring techniques to disguise roots. Mincho Pacheco, master hairstylist and colorist at James Joseph salon, recommends using a little bit of makeup to cover grays. When our body responds to stress, it often damages healthy cells.

The Best Shampoos for Gray, Silver, and White Hair 2023 - Oprah Mag

The Best Shampoos for Gray, Silver, and White Hair 2023.

Posted: Mon, 20 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Briogeo’s mask is always a good idea, known to revive dry, damaged hair after just a few uses. Enter Innersense’s option infused with shea butter, flax seed, quinoa, coconut, and tamanu oils to quench thirsty strands without weighing them down. Because your hair can turn grey as a result of certain deficiencies, such as a lack of iron, B12, or vitamin D, start by having a conversation with your doctor. Proactively pinpointing and addressing any deficiencies now can help make sure your hair doesn’t change color prematurely. Certain vitamin and mineral deficiencies can cause your hair to whiten.

If you want to completely cover your gray hair—and not just disguise it temporarily—you'll have to go for permanent color. Your hair could end up with different tones, too; for example, the color at the end of your hair might not be the same as the color in the middle or at the roots. And if you stop the process of permanent color, it can present some issues with color consistency down the road. Here are the tips you need to know about the stages of transitioning to gray hair both in the salon and naturally, including the best products, pictures of the process and gorgeous gray hairstyles.

If you decide to grow out your grays without additional salon or at-home hair color, Aral suggests covering up the new growth with a root touch-up product, like GH Beauty Award winner Clairol Temporary Root Touch-Up. "Depending on the person's gray level and hair color, they might be able to blend in [their] roots for five to six weeks, or longer," she says. Streaks of strategic color help meld your existing shade with the growing in gray. "To match the salt-and-pepper look of my roots, the colorist added baby highlights [thin, subtle highlights] all over my head," Aral says. Depending on the color you're transitioning away from (lighter brown, red, blonde, black) your experience may be different.

Hair Loss in Women: Types, Causes, Treatments

Table Of Content

• How to combat hair loss as you age
• Causes of temporary hair loss
• How is hair loss in women treated?
• Hair Loss in Women
• Other Conditions
• Male or female pattern hair loss
• Topical minoxidil (Rogaine and generic)

If your haircare practices are the culprit, you’ll see breakage throughout your hair. However, isolated breakage in one spot can be a sign of alopecia areata or CCCA. Alopecia areata is an immune disease that affects almost 2% of the population in the United States. This type of hair loss affects both genders equally and can occur at any age, although it occurs most often in children and young adults. The role of estrogen in hair growth—at least in humans—is not clear.

How to combat hair loss as you age

Their counterpart female hormones, when lowered, give an edge to these androgens, such as DHT. Such an imbalance can also cause problems, including hair loss. Sudden weight loss and very restrictive diets can also cause telogen effluvium.

Causes of temporary hair loss

This condition is a type of hair loss that can be caused by "prolonged pulling or tension on the hair follicles". So, if you are a fan of a tight ponytail or intricate braids, then you may suffer from traction alopecia. And any medical conditions that lead to hair loss should be treated directly to address the condition, not just its symptoms.

How is hair loss in women treated?

Because hair is constantly falling out and growing, hair loss often goes unnoticed. You're more likely to notice it when a lot of hair enters the resting phase at the same time or if hair roots become damaged during the growth process. If you lose significant hair, it’s important to protect your scalp.

Hair Loss in Women

A healthy balanced diet is also important in stress reduction too as it can support a healthy immune system, repair damaged cells and even reduce elevated cortisol levels. Some studies suggest that telogen effluvium can also be connected to low levels of iron, so include iron-rich foods like leafy vegetables, lentils and liver where you can. If you like the idea of adding supplements to your routine, there are some which are specifically formulated to contain ingredients that increase hair thickness and health. Like men, as women age, they experience changes in their androgen levels.

There are many other potential causes of hair loss in women. Treatment options for hair loss typically depend on the cause. They can also vary according to the pattern and location of hair loss. While most causes of hair loss are treatable, some may not be. With minoxidil, you might also see hair growing in places other than your scalp (cheeks and forehead, for example).

What Is Nutrafol for Women And Does It Work? - Shape Magazine

What Is Nutrafol for Women And Does It Work?.

Posted: Thu, 22 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Nutritional supplements like vitamins, minerals, and others might be suggested by your dermatologist if your blood test indicates low levels of biotin, iron, or zinc. Additionally, if your protein intake is insufficient, your dermatologist (specialist of conditions of the skin, hair, and nails) can advise you on ways to increase it. Only consider supplementing with biotin, iron, or zinc upon confirmation of deficiencies through blood tests. Always consult with a healthcare provider if you're concerned about hair thinning or loss related to medication. They can offer guidance or potential alternatives if the medication's side effects affect your hair. "People think of hair loss or pattern baldness happening only to men," says Dr. Dawn Davis, a Mayo Clinic dermatologist..

“It’s common, especially in women of color.” It shows up as red, scaly, thick lesions that don’t usually hurt or itch. If you have a deficiency, your doctor may suggest multivitamins or supplements like iron and biotin. Don't take any supplement before checking with your doctor. They may interact with other medications or supplements you take. Most people lose anywhere from 50 to 100 strands of hair each day, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. On days you wash your hair, you might lose up to 250 strands.

Try to reduce stress

Androgenetic alopecia, which health experts also refer to it as male pattern and female pattern baldness, results from genetic and hormonal factors. This is a type of temporary hair loss that happens when "a large number of hair follicles enter the resting phase of the hair growth cycle prematurely". That said, there are a number of possible medications and treatments for hair loss caused by female-pattern baldness and other alopecias.

Thinning hair and hair loss can be stressful, especially for women who normally have a lot of hair, triggering feelings of shame or insecurity. Thinning hair in women can occur at any age and can take different forms, such as minor thinning on the crown of the head or complete baldness. “Over time, the constant pulling damages the hair follicles, leading to thinning or bald patches, especially around the hairline or where the hair is pulled tightly. “Women with androgenetic alopecia will usually experience gradual thinning of the hair, typically on the top of the scalp and some women notice their hairline receding,” she said.

Women experience a change in hormonal levels - in particular, a drop in oestrogen levels - when they go through menopause. This can affect hair growth cycles and "often leads to thinning of the hair". For starters, know that the term “alopecia” refers to all kinds of hair loss. There are two main types of alopecia, and then a variety of forms of hair loss within those two categories. In cases of non-scarring or temporary hair loss, the missing hair will eventually grow back. With scarring or permanent hair loss, permanent damage is done to the hair follicles so they won’t grow back.

At some point, hair follicles stop growing hair, which causes the hair on our scalp to thin. “Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia tends to start on the top of the head with breakage and thinning, and often with some tenderness of the scalp,” says Dr. Goh. “It gradually spreads outward and can cause permanent hair loss.” CCCA is especially common among Black women. On top of that, she notes that the same haircare practices that create tension and cause traction alopecia also contribute to CCCA. You're unlikely to lose all of your hair with female pattern baldness. But without treatment, symptoms may get worse over time.

But you may start to notice it as early as your late teens -- and the earlier it starts, the more serious it tends to be. Hormone changes during menopause can also contribute to this type of baldness. Anyone with concerns about hair loss or who has sudden, unexpected hair loss should consult a healthcare professional.

The medication works by prolonging the growth phase of hair, giving your hair more time to grow out. Once the stress goes away, your hair may get back to normal in 6-9 months. You can have hair loss as a result of physical stress, like when you give birth or have surgery, or intense emotional stress, like a death in the family, divorce, or unemployment. Hair loss can happen a couple of weeks to 6 months after any stressful experience.

Hair Loss and Thinning Hair in Women

Table Of Content

• Causes and treatments for thinning hair
• Hair Loss in Women: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment
• Frontal fibrosing alopecia
• Health Alerts from Harvard Medical School
• Causes of Thinning Hair in Men and Women

Minoxidil usually needs to be used long-term to prevent hair loss and promote hair growth. When the treatment is stopped, hair loss will begin again within 12–24 weeks. Female pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) is the most common cause of hair loss in women, but there are many other potential causes. “The condition is thought to be hereditary and while it doesn't usually cause baldness like in men, it can still affect self-esteem and confidence. If you're concerned about female pattern baldness, talk to your doctor who can advise you on possible treatment options.

Causes and treatments for thinning hair

A scalp infection can lead to scaly and sometimes inflamed areas on your scalp. You may see what look like small black dots on your scalp. If you often wear your hair tightly pulled back, the continual pulling can lead to permanent hair loss.

Hair Loss in Women: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment

In their quest to kill cancer cells, both can harm hair follicles and trigger dramatic hair loss. Once your treatment is finished, hair usually grows back. DHT, a derivative of the male hormone testosterone, is the enemy of hair follicles on your head. Simply put, under certain conditions DHT wants those follicles dead. This simple action is at the root of many kinds of hair loss.

Frontal fibrosing alopecia

In men and women, such hair loss can accompany rapid weight loss following bariatric surgeries, such as gastric bypass. Researchers have also found vitamin and mineral deficiencies related to hair loss. Anemia (iron deficiency), a condition common among women, can contribute to hair loss. Furthermore, researchers have linked insufficient selenium, zinc, vitamin B12, riboflavin, and vitamin D to alopecia.

Try to reduce stress

Does Creatine Cause Hair Loss? What to Know - Verywell Health

Does Creatine Cause Hair Loss? What to Know.

Posted: Thu, 21 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Hair loss can occur if you wear pigtails, braids or cornrows, or use tight hair rollers. People who have immune system deficiencies could also have thinning hair. Laser therapy is typically used by dermatologists and other skin specialists. The FDA has cleared the way for some products to be used at home.

She has more than 10 years of experience talking to top medical professionals and poring over studies to figure out the science of how our bodies work. Beyond that, Kaitlyn turns what she learns into engaging and easy-to-read stories about medical conditions, nutrition, exercise, sleep and mental health. Newer treatment options include Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors.

What color is your tongue? What's healthy, what's not?

Androgenetic alopecia is genetic and is caused by a reaction to androgen and occurs after puberty. It causes gradual hair loss; in women, this is more likely to cause diffuse thinning on the top of the head. Anyone can have androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness). These hair changes can make it hard to maintain how you want to look, especially if you're transgender or nonbinary (which means you don't identify as fully male or female).

In a 2014 animal study, peppermint led to more hair growth over 4 weeks than saltwater, jojoba oil, or minoxidil 3%. Explore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition. Omega-3 helps your body fight inflammation, an underlying cause of numerous conditions.

Traction alopecia is a type of hair loss that's brought on by the way you style your hair. Hairstyles like cornrows, braids, or tight ponytails can cause it. Some signs of traction alopecia include hair loss in patches where the hair was pulled and shorter strands of hair near the forehead. Female hair loss happens when a woman, or anyone who was identified as female at birth, loses more hair than normal. About half of all women will have hair loss at some point in life. Most start to notice it in their 50s or 60s, but it can happen at any age and for a variety of reasons.

Telogen effluvium is a non-scarring type of hair loss. It is often acute, which means it occurs suddenly and for a limited time, but it can also be chronic, or long-term. It can happen several months after a stressful experience.

Use these professionally produced online infographics, posters, and videos to help others find and prevent skin cancer. If you want to diminish a noticeable scar, know these 10 things before having laser treatment. If you're dealing with thinning strands or alopecia, you're not alone. Your doctor gently scrapes skin samples from your scalp and sends them to a lab for testing. Looking at your scalp lets your doctor check for any infections or swelling and see where your hair’s falling out. Hair loss is one of the most common side effects of chemotherapy.

People apply the product directly to the areas of thinning hair. In chronic cases, shedding may continue, but a person will usually retain a reasonable head of hair. The following sections give more details about some of the causes of thinning hair. We also discuss some of the treatments and home remedies available. Surgical procedures to treat baldness are not usually covered by insurance. A typical hair transplant involves removing patches of hair from your head and reinserting the hair follicle by follicle into the bald sections.

That's because your estrogen levels drop after childbirth. If you're losing hair while pregnant, ask your doctor if you might have a dietary deficiency. You can lose hair during menopause as your estrogen and progesterone levels drop.

Finding the Best Shampoo for Hair Loss - Health Essentials

Finding the Best Shampoo for Hair Loss.

Posted: Wed, 13 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

In women, the hair becomes thinner at the top of the head, and the middle part widens. This results in the production of finer and shorter hair strands, eventually leading to visible thinning of the hair. The genetic predisposition to this sensitivity to androgens determines the likelihood and pattern of hair thinning. Hair loss and hair thinning aren't precisely the same, though they are related. Hair loss refers to the significant reduction in the number of hair strands, leading to visible bald patches or overall decreased hair density. While hair loss isn’t itself dangerous, losing your hair is an emotional experience.

A follicle produces a single hair that grows at a rate of half an inch per month. It hangs in there for 2 to 6 years, then stops for about a month. At any given time, most of your locks are in the growth phase. Since hormones operate best when they are in a delicate balance, the androgens, as male hormones are called, do not need to be raised to trigger a problem.