Is your hairline starting to recede or widen? This is one of the signs of hair thinning. Your hair does not grow as thick as it used to, which can be distressing, especially if you don’t understand its causes and how to prevent it.
While thinning hair is a natural part of ageing, there are certain lifestyle choices and biological reasons that can cause accelerated hair thinning in some people. When this happens, visiting a hair thinning specialist in Singapore is one of your safest bets to solve the root of the problem.
In this article, we’ll share all you need to know about hair thinning.
What causes thinning hair
Genetics
Family history plays a significant role in hair thinning. If your parents or close relatives have experienced thinning hair or baldness, there is a higher likelihood that you may also be prone to hair thinning. A sibling with hair loss is the strongest predictor that you may carry hair thinning genes.
Hormonal changes
Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, or hormonal disorders like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can affect hair growth cycles and lead to hair thinning.
Nutritional deficiencies
A balanced diet with essential nutrients like vitamins, minerals, and proteins is crucial for healthy hair growth. Deficiencies in biotin, zinc, iron, and vitamin D can contribute to hair thinning.
Styling practices
Excessive use of heat styling tools like straighteners, curlers, and blow dryers can cause hair thinning and breakage. Frequent colouring and perming or rebonding and tight hairstyles like ponytails or braids can also have a similar effect.
Stress
Chronic stress or traumatic events can disrupt your hair’s growth cycle and contribute to hair thinning. Physical or emotional stress can push hair follicles into a resting phase, leading to hair shedding and thinning.
Hair thinning prevention tips
To prevent hair thinning from becoming worse and leading to drastic hair loss, there are several solutions you can explore.
Practise a healthy diet
A well-balanced diet that includes a variety of vitamins, minerals, and proteins is essential for maintaining healthy hair. You can consider eggs, fatty fish and other foods from this list.
Be gentle with your hair
Make sure your hair cleansing and styling practices do not damage your hair follicles excessively. Use hot styling tools sparingly, avoid tight hairstyles such as braids and ponytails, and use gentle, sulphate-free shampoos and conditioners.
Look after your scalp
Regular scalp massages can help stimulate blood flow to your hair follicles and promote healthy hair growth. A gentle scalp scrub once a week can also help remove buildup and unclog hair follicles.
Protect your hair from environmental stressors
Wear a hat or use a protective spray to shield your hair from damage from pollution, extreme heat, or cold weather.
Manage stress
Practise stress-management techniques, such as exercise, meditation and deep breathing, to reduce the impact of stress on your hair growth cycle.
Treatment options for thinning hair at Terra Medical
As a hair thinning specialist in Singapore, we offer various treatments, catering to each individual’s needs.
Hair supplements for hair growth
One of the first steps that a hair thinning specialist may recommend is taking hair supplements . Hair supplements may contain:
Saw palmetto: An ingredient that reduces the hormone DHT, which can shrink hair follicles and lead to progressive hair thinning. Saw Palmetto can reverse the effects of DHT on the hair follicle.
Proteoglycans: A unique combination of 3 proteoglycans called Marilex P has been clinically studied to restore the normal functioning of the hair cycle. This ingredient has been widely used in the context of excessive shedding, postpartum hair loss as well as hair thinning due to genetics.
Bio-cucurmin: This is a purified extract of turmeric, a common ingredient in many cuisines. This ingredient has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that helps with stress-related hair thinning. This ingredient can have a slight stimulant effect and should be avoided before bed. For more ingredients you can look out for when buying hair growth supplements, go here.
Hair restoration procedures
Hair transplantation can be an effective option for individuals with advanced hair thinning. These procedures involve surgically transplanting hair follicles from one part of the body to the thinning or balding areas.
Laser therapy
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a non-invasive treatment that uses red light to stimulate hair growth.
Who to look to for advice?
Hair thinning is a common issue that can be distressing. You can take the first step to address this by consulting a hair thinning specialist.
At Terra Medical, we will assess your hair condition and recommend the proper treatment for you. Whether it is prescribing hair supplements for hair growth or a more advanced approach like hair transplantation, our doctors are always ready to help! Contact us today!