Start With the Basics

The Mayo Clinic reports that alopecia, or hair loss, can affect all parts of a person's body and can be either temporary or permanent.¹ It's important to understand that while males experience baldness more than women, anyone can experience hair loss, so it isn't uncommon for younger people and women to go through some form of hair loss.

Mayo's article goes on to explain that, in most cases, baldness involves losing a high percentage of your hair from the scalp area. Hereditary baldness, also referred to as male pattern baldness or androgenic baldness, is the most common hair loss type. However, that doesn't mean men should simply give up any thought of stopping their hair loss.

It's also vitally important to remember that not all hair loss has anything to do with genetics. In many instances, men experience hair loss due to illnesses, infections, or the use of harsh chemicals. Even a person's diet impacts hair health, so it's always a good idea to work with your healthcare team to determine the underlying causes of any hair loss.

Obviously, when genetics is involved, there is little the medical profession can do to prevent some level of hair loss. However, there are strategies anyone can use to minimize their hair loss or even regrow some hair.

Women also experience hair loss, but not as many people are familiar with the term female pattern baldness. In the majority of cases, women don't lose as much of their hair as men with hereditary hair loss, the issue often creates self-confidence issues in women who experience hair loss.²

Many women have watched their mothers, aunts, or even older siblings experience some degree of hair loss. If that's the case, most experts recommend taking steps to minimize any hair loss before any loss occurs. There are numerous strategies women can take to reduce the amount of hair they lose.

Hair Loss Symptoms

The symptoms of hair loss are similar in both men and women, so there are several circumstances to pay attention to. Here are a few of those symptoms.

• Gradual Thinning. In most instances, hair loss is gradual rather than sudden. A person may notice a few more strands have been lost after shampooing. In men, a receding hairline is common, as is a gradual loss of hair at the rear of the head. Women typically notice a wider part line during the onset of hair loss. Some older women may also experience a receding hairline.
• Losing a Lot of Hair Suddenly. In many cases, a traumatic event will trigger the sudden loss of a great deal of hair. Large patches of hair may come loose, leaving obvious bald spots. This type of hair loss is generally temporary, but it may trigger a permanent hair loss cycle.
• Scaly patches on the Scalp. In most instances, scaly patches are a sign of ringworm rather than a permanent form of hair loss. It's important to schedule an appointment with a physician to evaluate the condition and provide the proper care.
• Patchy Bald Areas. Alopecia areata is a common autoimmune disease that affects people of both genders and can happen at any age.³ Because the severity of the condition will vary dramatically from one patient to the next, it's important to work with a healthcare professional that's treated the condition in the past.
• Full Hair Loss. As a rule, full-body hair loss only occurs when specific medical conditions are present. A patient may lose all body hair at once, especially after events like chemotherapy. Again, this type of hair loss is generally temporary.

If you're familiar with the various types of hair loss, it's easier to work with experts to explore ways to regrow lost hair or minimize any additional losses. Treating hair loss can be easy or complicated, depending on the specific issues present.

Treating Hair Loss or Thinning Hair

Fine, wispy hair is common with people experiencing hair loss, but that type of hair can be treated to appear fuller and less delicate. Most experts agree there a few steps people with thin or wispy hair can take to make their hair look and feel nicer.

According to Function of Beauty, one of the most important things a person with thin or wispy hair should consider is adjusting the type and amounts of shampoo and conditioner they use.⁴ Thin hair tends to look greasy shortly after shampooing. That can be remedied by selecting a shampoo and conditioner specifically formatted for thin, wispy hair.

Next, the same article recommends avoiding oil-based hair care products. Instead, opt for choices like dry shampoos, volumizing mousse, sea salt spray, and texturizing mists. Those products get away from that heavy, oily look and leave hair looking fuller.

The third hint from the article is to minimize the amount of hair care products used. In other words, use far less of those products than you may have been accustomed to using in the past. With a little experimentation, you'll quickly learn how much of each product is needed to make your hair look its best.

The fourth hint is to use a wide-tooth comb instead of a brush after washing your hair. Thin hair is easy to break off, and using a comb results in less pulling and breakage. After your hair is dry, it's okay to use a soft brush, but be careful.

The final tip is to keep your hair trimmed. Don't put off a visit to your stylist, as split ends are common with thin or wispy hair. Longer hair styles will also be harder to manage.

Vitamins, Supplements, and Other Strategies

It's also important to remember that diet and exercise play roles in the health of your hair. If you're starting to lose hair, talk to a dietician to determine what types of supplements may be beneficial. Use every strategy available to keep your hair looking its best for as long as possible.

Biotin and Niacin (also known as vitamin B3) are also recommended when people suffer hair loss. In many instances, minerals like zinc, sulfur, selenium, and iron are missing from a person's diet. Taking supplements helps to restore the body's natural balance of vitamins and minerals and may help to restore a person's hair.