Dr. Wasserbauer talks hair loss causes with Insider.com
5 tips to get thicker hair and common causes of hair loss or thinning
There is no proven way to permanently thicken hair if you are healthy and have no underlying health conditions. But, there are lifestyle adjustments to improve your overall hair health and prevent breakage.
What causes thin hair?
The causes of thin hair include:
- Genetics. Some people naturally have thinner hair.
- Hormonal changes, like during pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause.
- Weak or damaged hair (typically from frequent heat styling), which breaks off before reaching its full length
- Nutritional deficiencies, like not getting enough B vitamins, vitamin D, iron, or protein.
- Stress. A major stressful event, like the loss of a loved one, surgery, or illness.
If you are concerned about frequent hair loss, reach out to a dermatologist, says Sara Wasserbauer, MD, a hair restoration surgeon and President of the Board of Directors for the American Board of Hair Restoration Surgery.
“The earlier someone starts therapies, the more likely they are to be effective,” Wasserbauer says. “If you are losing more than 100 hairs per day, or if your hair is less thick when you run your hand through it, it is worth seeing a hair expert.”
A doctor can determine if you can treat thin hair without medical intervention, or if it is a sign of alopecia — a more severe condition in which hair falls out in patches or causes balding.