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There are many reasons for thinning hair or hair loss: fortunately, some of them are partly or completely reversible
Getting older
As we get older, we produce less hair and the individual ones we grow are thinner. What's more, older hair is more prone to dryness and breakage than young hair, so your daily hair care needs change with age. Maintaining a healthy hair care regime can minimise damage and hair loss.
Male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia)
This condition is a misnomer of sorts as it affects both women and men. While men tend to lose hair on the top back part of their heads, women may lose it equally from all parts of the scalp. This type of baldness is actually caused by a reduction in the hormone oestrogen, so it's very common in post-menopausal women. If this sounds familiar, see your dermatologist about helpful options. He or she may suggest one of the following treatments:
Over-the-counter minoxidil (known as Regaine), a topical solution applied to the scalp. Regaine is not recommended if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, and the extra strength version isn't recommended for women full-stop.
Prescription finasteride (known as Proscar), which is in pill form. If either you or your partner is using finasteride, use a condom, as this drug's active ingredient can harm an unborn child.
Hormone Replacement Therapy is another potential solution for helping hair loss.
As an extreme resort, many people consider hair transplants, which are looking better now than ever.
Overprocessing
Colouring, bleaching, perming and straightening - if done improperly - can cause hair to break or fall out, and you'll have to wait for healthy hair to grow back. Frequent relaxing using straighteners can cause permanent hair loss. Make sure you are gentle on your hair and don't have processes done too often.
Wear and tear
Tight ponytails or plaits, weaves and extensions, heavy beads and too-tight curlers can all result in hair loss, particularly around the forehead. Fortunately, once you reduce the stress on hair, it should grow back.
Clogged follicles
This is an uncommon condition, but it can occur if you use a lot of very heavy, greasy products on your scalp and don't wash them off frequently. If you use a clarifying shampoo occasionally and cut back on conditioners, you shouldn't have this problem.
Other causes
Eating disorders, rapid weight loss, severe stress, alopecia areata (a rare autoimmune disorder), chemotherapy, overdoses of vitamin A, the hormone DHEA, thyroid disease, bacterial or fungal infections, syphilis, scarring and side effects of some medications are all potential causes for hair loss.
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