Thinning Hair: Causes, Treatments and Hairstyles

Hair loss affects around a third of women; but female hair loss is more likely to be attributed to thin hair than the baldness that many men experience. But, hair thinning is not the end of your hair story. 

With our expert advice and insights, you can worry less, feel more confident and find haircare that works for you.

Causes of female pattern hair loss

Female hair loss and thin hair can result from a wide range of factors.

• Genetics: genetics often play a big role. If your family has a history of hair thinning or baldness, then you may have inherited the same. 
• Hormonal changes: your hormones are another big factor in hair loss. Conditions like pregnancy, menopause, or thyroid issues can throw your hormones off balance, and impact your hair growth. 
• Androgenic alopecia: this type of alopecia is a major cause of hair thinning in women, often leading to widespread hair loss on the top and crown of the scalp. This affects women differently than men, who tend to experience a receding front hairline.

Top Tip: androgenic alopecia is also known as female pattern hair loss.

• Stress: both physical and emotional stress can cause temporary hair thinning, but the good news is that it’s usually reversible once you’ve reduced your stress levels. 
• Nutrition: good nutrition is vital for healthy hair. Deficiencies in iron, vitamin D, and proteins for example can all contribute to hair thinning. To help maintain and support your hair health, a well-balanced diet is essential.

Finally, certain medications and medical conditions, like chemotherapy or autoimmune diseases, can cause individuals to lose hair. In such cases, consulting with medical professionals is essential for targeted strategies to protect your health. Patchy hair loss should prompt a doctor’s visit to rule out underlying medical conditions.

Note: male pattern baldness, influenced by genetics and hormonal changes, also affects many women. 

Understanding the type of hair loss, whether due to genetics, hormone changes, or stress, is the first step towards a solution. When you know why your hair is thinning, you will have a better idea of how to respond and treat it. 

Treating thinning hair

Now that we’ve explored some thinning hair causes, let’s shift our focus to solutions: the exciting world of thinning hair treatments!

As we’ve already explained, nutritional deficiencies might influence various types of hair loss. This means that a balanced, nutrient-rich diet plays a key role in maintaining strong, healthy hair. Incorporating proteins to support keratin production, minerals like iron and zinc, and vitamins like B12 and D can potentially help strengthen your hair from within. 

Top Tip: for an insight into attaining lustrous locks and healthy hair, read Our Complete Guide To Healthier Looking Hair for all the details on healthy hair care rituals.

Topical treatments such as minoxidil (Rogaine) are widely used as a hair loss treatment and can stimulate hair growth in both men and women. For some, prescription medications like finasteride (Propecia) may be an option to reduce hair loss. In-office procedures, such as laser therapy or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatments, have also shown promising results. They are designed to stimulate hair follicles and promote healthy hair growth. 

A healthcare or hair care professional can provide personalized advice to treat hair loss, taking into account your specific situation and medical history. Remember, starting treatment early can make a significant difference in managing hair loss effectively.

Haircare Tools for Thinning Hair 

The right tools can be a huge help in preventing further hair thinning or loss. That’s where our Hair Thinning collection comes in. The entire collection has been made for hair that needs an extra gentle touch. Designed for extra-gentle detangling, with soft flex teeth, our Ultimate Detangler Extra Gentle features an innovative and unique teeth pattern to minimize hair fall, breakage and damage.

Our other hero tool is the Scalp Exfoliator & Massager. Not only does it feel like an amazing treat, it also helps to stimulate your scalp – which can help with hair growth. Considering 91% of people that tried it agreed that it helps to stimulate their scalp, you can’t go wrong!

Don’t forget, treating thinning hair is not just about restoring volume – it’s about boosting your confidence and helping you feel fabulous! There are a whole heap of options out there, and we are here to help you find the right one for your unique hair journey. But, we always recommend speaking to your doctor before using any topical treatments for losing hair.

Hairstyles for Thinning Hair

Sometimes, thin hair causes you to feel self-conscious; but, the right hairstyle can transform your look, boost your confidence, and help you celebrate your unique beauty. Changing up your hairstyle can also enhance volume and create the illusion of thicker hair.

Why not consider one of the following tips to boost your confidence and rock a new, thin hair hairstyle? 

• Short hairstyles: going shorter is often a great choice with thinning hair. A bob or pixie cut, for instance, can add volume and make your hair appear thicker. 

• Layers: layered hairstyles can also give the illusion of depth and fullness, making your hair appear thicker. 

• Strategic styling: for longer hair, putting some more effort into styling can work wonders! Loose waves can add texture, volume, and movement to your hair. Plus, a simple change like parting your hair differently or opting for a side part can enhance fullness.

Above all, the best hairstyle is the one that makes you feel confident and beautiful. You’re not just dealing with thinning hair – you're embracing it, enhancing it, and showing the world that you are fabulous just the way you are.

Our Extra Gentle Range, designed for delicate hair, is ideal to help to manage thinning hair with confidence, maintaining your hair's natural beauty while rocking your chosen style! Our Extra Gentle Hair Brush, a gentle hair brush for hair loss, comes in a range of soft pastel hues to choose from.

Love your hair with Tangle Teezer

Thinning hair or not, you have every reason to rock your look with confidence and style! Understanding the causes of thin hair is just the start; with the right tools and tricks, you can love the hair you’ve got. Discover our collection for Fine or Fragile Hair today.

Find more amazing hair care tips and advice on the Tangle Teezer blog…

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Disclaimer: this guide should not be considered as a substitute for medical information. For personalized hair care and medical advice, consult your Doctor or Dermatologist.