Early Signs of Hair Thinning
Hair loss or alopecia can start at any stage in one’s life. However, you are more likely to suffer from it after you reach your middle age or get older. A study by the Canadian Dermatology Association revealed that 4 out of every 5 men experience some degree of hair thinning before turning 70.
But this is more than just a problem for men. The same study states that nearly 40% of women also experience signs of hair thinning before they are 50. These numbers are staggering, and you might also be one of the people who has a hair thinning issue. But how to know if the hair fall you are experiencing is normal or comes in the category of hair thinning?
Many things can cause hair to fall out, including genetics, lifestyle choices, changes in hormones, and stress. While it's usual for hair to become less thick as we age, this doesn't imply we should surrender without a fight.
The key is recognising the early signs of hair thinning. Yes, the earlier you notice these subtle signs, the better you can deal with them. Whether making dietary changes, adjusting your hair care routine, or seeking advice from a medical professional, you can take action to deal with thinning hair.
The next sections in this article will explore early signs of hair thinning that can help you address your hair loss problem before it’s too late. Let’s begin!
Understanding Hair Thinning
Hair thinning is a disorder marked by a notable decrease in hair density - frequently considered the first stage of hair loss. This results in less volume and coverage on the scalp, which makes the hair appear sparser than it used to be. Unlike immediate hair loss, where clumps of hair might fall out suddenly, hair thinning is a gradual process. It can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender, though its prevalence may increase as one ages.
In essence, hair thinning is an early warning sign of potential hair loss and should be addressed with care. Identifying and addressing the underlying cause early can significantly help manage the condition, preserve hair density, and maintain a healthy, fuller head of hair.
What are the Early Signs that Your Hair Is Thinning?
Hair thinning is something you can notice yourself and which can help you keep a close eye on its early signs. Noticing these early signs can be the key to preventing further loss and taking steps to maintain the lushness of your locks. Here are some of the early signs that will tell you that you are facing hair thinning.
Receding Hairline
This is one of the most common signs that you have hair thinning problems. The hairline can start to recede as early as one hits puberty but normally shifts gears when people are in their 30s and 40s.
Normally, men have a round hairline, but if they are facing hair thinning, then their hairline will start becoming M-shaped. The crown and the temples of the head are the first part where the hairline begins receding. Since you don’t lose your hair suddenly, and it’s a process that continues over time, you only start to notice a change in your hairline a year two after the hair thinning problem starts.
Excessive Hair Shedding
According to the National Health Service (NHS), humans can lose 50 to 100 hair strands daily, especially during showering or brushing. However, the problem starts when you start shedding more hair than that.
If you see your hair everywhere: in your hairbrush, on your bed, in the shower drain, and even on the floor, this could be an indicator that your hair health is declining.
Hair is Taking Longer to Grow Back After Cutting
Most of us would remember our parents taking us for cutting almost every other week because of how quickly our hair grew longer when we were kids. If you are facing a hair thinning problem, then you must have noticed that your hair doesn’t grow as quickly as it used to when you were younger.
The first thing to remember is that your hair always grows at the same speed, and the only reason why it appears to grow slowly is because of declining hair health.
Visible Scalp
When your scalp becomes more visible through your hair, especially under bright light, it's a signal that your hair's density might be reducing. This increased visibility is a prompt to consider if other signs of thinning are present as well.
Noticeable Thinning of Hair Across the Head
Another sign of hair thinning is when you can actually start seeing your scalp through the hair. One can easily tell how thick or thin their hair is by rolling one’s finger through their hair. If you have always had thin hair density on your head, then you are fine. However, if you used to have a lot more hair as compared to what you see now when you look at yourself in the mirror then it is clear evidence you have a hair fall issue.
Appearance of Bald Patches on Your Head
Another sign of hair thinning that you cannot ignore is the appearance of bald patches on your head. Sometimes, there can be areas on the head where hair might fall quicker as compared to other areas.
This results in bald patches appearing on your head. If you notice a patch where you have lost a considerable amount of hair then you must consult a hair expert to avoid or slow down further blading of the head.
Hair Falling in Clumps
Seeing a couple of hair strands in your hand or on the floor after you roll your fingers through your hair is normal. However, if you see clumps of hair falling from your head, then it’s a sign that your hair is thinning at a faster pace.
Change in Hair Texture
If your hair is thinning, then you will notice a change in the texture of the hair that are about to fall. They look thinner, finer, and less vibrant than normal, healthy hair. This is because as follicles shrink, the remaining hair changes its texture because of the lack of proper structural integrity. In such a situation, even if you have just shampooed your hair and used a conditioner, your hair will appear more dry and dull than usual.
Difficulty Styling Hair as Usual
If your go-to hairstyles don't look or feel the same anymore—maybe your hair seems flatter or lacks its usual volume—it could be due to a decrease in hair density. Changes in how your hair responds to styling can be an early warning of thinning.
What are the Main Causes of Hair thinning?
We have discussed in detail the different early signs of hair thinning. But have you ever wondered what causes your hair to fall? Let’s have a quick look at some of the most common reasons for hair loss.
Genetics
Genes do play a part in deciding whether or not you will face hair-thinning problems in your life. If someone in the older generation of your family was bald, you might be genetically more disposed to hair thinning than others. This condition is called androgenetic alopecia or simply baldness.
Mental Stress and Anxiety
Stress and anxiety are few of the most common causes of hair thinning. When you start stressing about something in your life and your anxiety levels increase, your hair start to thin. This condition is referred to as telogen effluvium. By managing stress through actions such as yoga, meditation, and physical activity, we can reduce these effects.
Medicines
Some medicines and medical procedures, such as cancer-treating drugs, can cause an excess amount of hair to fall, resulting in hair thinning. Similarly, antidepressants and medications for high blood pressure also contribute to an unusual amount of hair loss.
Alopecia Areata
This condition occurs when your immune system attacks hair follicles. This results in hair loss in certain areas. The circumstances may change - hair may grow back, then shed again. In order to treat it, healthcare professionals administer drugs that soothe your immune system.
Autoimmune Diseases
Hair thinning isn't just caused by alopecia areata - other autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, can also trigger it. In these cases, the immune system attacks healthy scalp cells. Treatment typically focuses on managing the underlying autoimmune condition.
Lifestyle Habits
Our lifestyle habits, such as the food we consume, also determine whether or not our hair will fall and at what speed. Hair thinning can result from poor nutrition or vitamin deficiency. Key nutrients such as iron, proteins, vitamins B and D, plus zinc are crucial. If these are missing in your food, it can badly affect your hair's health. People with poor dietary choices are more likely to have hair thinning problems as compared to those who consume food rich in nutrients essential for hair strength and growth. Excessive intake of drugs, alcohol, and tobacco can also cause your hair to fall.
Hormones
Hormonal changes at different stages in life are a common phenomenon. However, sometimes, these hormonal changes can cause hair thinning. Changes in the levels of testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and androgens in your body can also make your hair fall, along with other reasons for hair thinning.
Changes related to pregnancy, menopause, or hormonal disorders like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may result in hair becoming thin. The good thing is hormones can be balanced often through medical interventions, healthy diet, exercise, etc. This can help control this sort of hair loss.
If you're currently undergoing pregnancy hair loss, contact us today for treatment!
Substandard Products and Hairstyling
As surprising as it may appear, the products you use in your hair care routine and the way you style your hair can also cause hair thinning. For example, excessive use of heat to style your hair, pulled-back hairstyles, and use of harmful chemicals to dye your hair can result in hair thinning.
What Should I Use for My Hair Thinning Issues?
Two Herbs Shampoo
The Two Herbs Hair Fall Control Shampoo is enriched with 13 herb extracts and is specifically designed to address various hair and scalp issues. It is ideal for those experiencing hair loss, excess oiliness due to sebum production, thin and limp hair, or a scalp that feels unclean and congested. This formula is uniquely lightweight and natural, ensuring it doesn’t weigh hair down. Additionally, it incorporates seven essential minerals, including Biotin, Vitamin B-3, and Hydrolyzed Yeast Protein, to tackle these scalp problems effectively.
Two Herbs Hair Tonic
The Two Herbs hair tonic is specially formulated to combat hair loss and stimulate hair growth. It contains carefully researched and proven ingredients that tackle common hair issues like weakened roots, excessive oil secretion, and scalp cleanliness. It also includes Swertia Japonica Extract, which is known in Japan as "The King Of Herbs In Hair Loss" for its well-known properties of promoting hair growth and aiding increased blood flow to the surface of the scalp. Regular use of this tonic stops hair loss, strengthens hair roots, soothes itchiness, and nourishes the scalp.
Two Herbs Hair Loss Treatment
Two Herbs Hair Loss Treatment in Singapore offers an effective and affordable solution combining Chinese and Ayurvedic herbs to tackle hair loss. The treatment incorporates a blend of nine clinically tested herbs, including Korean Red Ginseng, Neem, Amla, He Shou Wu, Bringraj, Old Ginger, Brami, Ginseng, and Dang Gui. These ingredients are combined to create a powerful formula to promote hair growth and reduce hair loss. This cost-effective herbal hair treatment is ideal for anyone seeking a natural alternative to expensive surgeries or medications. Reach out today for an appointment, and see the results for yourself.
What should I avoid if my hair is thinning?
If you're noticing your hair is thinning, there are several things you should consider avoiding to protect and potentially help your hair. They include the following:
- Harsh Chemical Treatments like perms, relaxers, and bleaches.
- Tight Hairstyles
- Over-styling and using heat-styling tools such as flat irons, curling irons, and blow dryers.
- Washing your hair too often can strip it of essential oils, making it brittle.
- Scrubbing Too Hard while shampooing.
- Poor Diet
- Smoking
- Ignoring Medical Conditions such as thyroid problems or hormonal imbalances.
- Stress
Conclusion
Tackling hair loss requires a customized solution. Whether you’re dealing with male hair loss, our hair loss treatment for men offers effective solutions. Women, too, have personalized options with our female hair loss treatment in Singapore. For a more natural approach, consider our hair treatment in Singapore for healthier hair with plant-based ingredients.
Check out our other articles:
- Best Hair Scalp Treatments in Singapore
- Best Dandruff Treatments in Singapore
- Best Hair Loss Treatments in Singapore
- Exploring the Main Causes of Male Pattern Hair Loss
- The Cause of Hair Loss in Singapore Women
- Healthy Scalp for Both Men and Women