Hair Woes: Dermatologist's Recommended Ways to Stop Hair Thinning

Hair thinning is quickly becoming a highly prevailing problem, especially in urban populations. Amidst the hustle of quick meetings and the bustle of polluted city life, hair thinning can be seen forcing its way in. Whether it is widening parting, receding hairline or increased shedding, it can all make people feel anxious about losing their hair. 

But why does this happen? The answer lies in the lifestyle changes, less-nutritious food, and ever-increasing pollution damaging hair follicles. To know about hair thinning in detail and ways to stop it, we talked to Dr Pragati Gogia Jain, a Dermatologist, Apollo Hospitals Lucknow, to shed light on the topic. 

What are the Causes of Hair Thinning?

According to Dr Gogia, it is important to understand that hair loss can broadly present in two ways:

• Hair Thinning or Miniaturisation: This condition means the hair strand becomes progressively finer and shorter. This type of thinning is often caused due to hormonal imbalance and genetic factors, often seen in androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss).

• Hair Shedding: This type of shedding happens when normal thickness hair falls out in larger quantities than normal. This type of thinning can diffuse hair density reduction, but the hair shafts themselves remain normal in size. 

Dr Gogia explains, “A classic example of hair thinning is telogen effluvium, where physical or emotional stress, illness, surgery, crash dieting, or hormonal shifts (like postpartum changes) push a larger number of hairs into the shedding phase prematurely.”

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Common Causes of Hair Thinning: 

• Nutritional Deficiencies: Effective low levels of nutrients like iron, vitamin D, zinc and protein can lead to hair thinning and shedding.
• Hormonal Imbalance: Thyroid disorders like hypo- or hyperthyroidism (where the thyroid gland makes an excess or less of the hormone) are also linked to thinning of the hair.
• Medications: Certain medications like chemotherapy, blood thinners and anti-depressants can also lead to severe hair thinning and hairfall. 
• Chronic Illnesses: Autoimmune disorders like lupus can cause inflammation that can also exacerbate hair thinning.
• Hair Styling: Use of excess heat, tight hairstyles and frequent chemical treatment can amount to hair thinning.
• Scalp Problems: Last but not least, scalp conditions like psoriasis and fungal infections like ringworm and folliculitis.

Are Hair Thinning Patterns Different in Men and Women? 

“Hair thinning differs significantly between men and women, both in pattern and progression. In Men, male pattern hair loss/ Androgenetic Alopecia is more common,” explained Dr Gogia.

In Men: 

• Hair thinning usually begins at the temples or the crown, making them prone to a receding hairline. 
• These areas gradually expand and may merge, leading to partial or complete baldness on top, while the sides and back often remain covered.
• Driven by the genetic sensitivity of hair follicles to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which causes hair follicles to shrink (miniaturise) over time.

In Women: 

• Thinning is usually diffuse over the central scalp, the part line widens, and the density decreases, but the frontal hairline is typically preserved.
• Complete bald patches are much less common in women than in men.
• Hormonal factors play a role, but women often have less dramatic hairline recession.
• Women might notice more shedding during hormonal changes (e.g. menopause, postpartum) overlapping with pattern thinning.

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Medical Procedures for Hair Thinning

According to Dr Gogia, “Before opting for a treatment, get your hair tested to see if it is ready for procedures. Consider the type of hair loss you’re facing (e.g. androgenetic alopecia vs. telogen effluvium), severity and duration of hair loss, age, sex and medical history of the patient. 

Some Effective Treatments for Hair Thinning

• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: In this procedure, blood is drawn and spun to concentrate platelets to be injected into the scalp. It can stimulate hair follicles, improving hair density.
• Microneedling: This procedure involves tiny needles creating microinjuries in the scalp to carefully stimulate hair growth. It is often combined with topical therapies like minoxidil or PRP.

Dr Gogia elaborates, “Emerging therapies like Exosomes & PDRN (Polydeoxyribonucleotide) are gaining popularity in aesthetic and hair restoration clinics due to their potential regenerative effects. However, it’s important to recognise the current scientific and regulatory limitations.”

How Does Diet & Nutrition Affect Hair Thinning?

As per a study published by the Indian Institute of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology, crash dieting, protein deficiency, and restrictive eating patterns are major triggers for telogen effluvium.

• Micronutrient Deficiency: Iron, vitamin D, zinc, and biotin play key roles in hair health. Though biotin deficiency is rare, it can cause hair thinning.
• Overall Health: Chronic illnesses, infections, or hormonal imbalances can worsen hair thinning if lifestyle factors like stress or poor nutrition coexist.

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Conclusion: Hair Thinning is Reversible

Hair thinning can feel distressing, but it is rarely hopeless. Combining medical treatments with healthy hair habits and professional guidance can make a meaningful difference. If you’re noticing more shedding than usual or a change in hair density, consider scheduling a consultation with a dermatologist.