Can You Reverse Thinning Hair? Tips and Tricks

Stress or trauma can trigger telogen effluvium which is where your hair follicles enter a longer resting period than usual, meaning shed hair isn’t replaced as quickly. If your hair is thinner on one side, this may be because of a specific trauma to that side of the head which has sparked a temporary period of hair loss.

Certain illnesses, such as thyroid disorders or autoimmune diseases, can cause hair loss and thinning as they place the body under strain.

Alopecia areata is a hair loss illness where the immune system attacks the hair follicles, leading to extreme hair fall. This condition commonly presents itself in patchy hair which can grow larger over time. 

As well as illness itself, some medications or treatments can cause hair loss, including beta-blockers, blood thinners, antidepressants and chemotherapy.

Vitamins and nutrients play an important role in hair health and growth. When deficient in certain vitamins and minerals such as iron, vitamin B or protein, this may be contributing to your hair thinning, as these nutrients are used to support cells used for hair growth.

If you’ve noticed hair loss on the temples – whether you’re male or female – then this can signal a lack of protein in your diet.

Androgenetic alopecia is a genetic condition that occurs in both men and women, and it’s more commonly known as female or male pattern baldness. In men, hair sheds from above both temples to create an “M” shape hairline over time.

For women, the hairline tends to stay intact, and it is more general shedding with noticeable crown thinning, as well as loss along the parting. Females may also notice hair thinning at the temples.

Tight ponytails or buns and protective styling, such as cornrows or braids, can cause tension resulting in traction alopecia. The stress of these hair styles on the hair follicles cause damage that can occasionally be permanent.

Regular colouring of hair, as well as perms and chemical straightening, can cause dry, dehydrated locks that can be more susceptible to breakage. Regular use of strong chemical treatments can also affect scalp health which can discourage growth and cause hair loss.

For those using hair sprays, extreme hold gels or even chemically-formulated shampoos, especially those with sulphates, hair loss could be related to their usage. Their harsh ingredients strip hair of essential moisture and can cause damage to the scalp and follicles which prevents growth and sees hair thinning as a result.

A common cause of thin hair in women is hormonal changes. Changes such as the menopause or pregnancy, can cause hair loss and thinning due to a fluctuation in oestrogen and progesterone, which can cause hair follicles to shrink.

It may be easier said than done when experiencing thinning hair, but getting your stress levels under control is a great way to ease excessive shedding. The stress hormone, cortisol, that’s released from the adrenal glands can upset the hair growth cycle resulting in loss.

Take time out to relax, be that with a pamper evening or a round of golf, whatever hobby you choose will help to alleviate stress which, in turn, could reduce your hair loss. 

Pros 

• Reducing stress will lower your cortisol levels that can cause hair loss

Cons

• Won’t cure medical conditions that cause hair loss

An easy and affordable way to encourage hair regrowth is to introduce a daily massage into your routine. This simple hair thickening treatment only requires five minutes of your time a day to take effect.

Performing a regular, stimulating head massage will encourage circulation to the scalp that is needed for hair growth as well as removing dead skin cells that can clog the follicles. On hair wash days, use an oil prior to stepping into the shower and carry out a longer massage.

Pros

• Helps to relieve stress
• Stimulates circulation and encourages blood flow to the scalp

Cons

• Won’t solve the cause of the hair loss

Look for gentle formulations when it comes to styling and hair wash products, and wherever possible switch to those that are naturally-derived.

We would also recommend introducing a nourishing hair mask, such as the Babassu Deep Treatment Hair Masque, once a week.

Packed full of hydrating oils, as well as proteins and fatty acids, this mask will help to restore the condition of your hair. Using a hair mask will also work to keep hair well protected during the regrowth process. 

Pros

• Hair masks help to support hair growth through rehydrating locks

Cons

• Can be hard to find naturally-formulated styling products

It’s important not to shy away from washing your locks if you are experiencing thinning hair and fall out. And if you are wondering how often to wash thinning hair, the answer is as and when it is needed, just the same as normal hair, although we would recommend no more than three times a week to avoid stripping hair of its crucial natural oils.

Although it can seem like more strands fall out in the shower, the water is simply washing out those that were already loose. Choose a sulphate free shampoo, such as the Baobab Cleanser & Detangler, to gently cleanse locks whilst keeping them hydrated to promote growth.

It is also important to use conditioner with every hair wash as this can help to support the hair cuticles and keep hair moisturised, preventing valuable regrowth from breaking. 

Pros

• Naturally-derived formulas are kinder on the scalp
• Supports hydration

Cons

• Hair washing won’t tackle thinning hair on its own

Eating a balanced diet can help to support hair health, particularly if you’re currently missing out on foods rich in vitamins and nutrients that help encourage hair growth. Look for foods that are high in the following vitamins for thinning hair:

Protein: found in chicken and nuts, protein helps to form the hair follicles which hold hair at the root and helps it grow. 

Iron: eat plenty of spinach to increase your iron intake. This nutrient carries oxygen to the cells that help hair grow. 

Vitamin B7: known as biotin, this vitamin aids keratin production and raises the follicle growth rate to promote growth and reduce loss. 

Omega-3 fatty acids: found in salmon and nuts, omega-3 can reduce inflammation around hair follicles that could be reducing growth rate. 

Pros 

• Increasing vitamin and nutrient intake will encourage hair growth

Cons

• Some diet choices, such as veganism, can limit vitamin and nutrient intake resulting in further hair loss

As well as making changes to your diet, you could introduce a supplement or multivitamin to support healthy growth and discourage loss. When you are lacking in certain vitamins, follicles can fail to produce new hair, leaving your locks feeling sparse.

Using a hair specific supplement will give you peace of mind that you are getting the right dose of vitamins and minerals to help thicken your thinning locks.

Pros

• Easy to purchase supplements from local chemist or supermarket

Cons

• Excess nutrients can be harmful

With severe hair loss and thinning, you may wish to speak to a medical professional who can provide a diagnosis and, in some cases, issue a prescription medication. 

There are several types of medication used to treat hair loss, these include:

Minoxidil: this is a liquid that is applied directly to the scalp twice a day. It can be used to treat both female and male pattern baldness and works to thicken hair in areas, such as for crown hair loss, but must be used consistently to see results. 

Finasteride: this can be used to treat male pattern baldness but cannot be used by women. It is a daily pill that has been shown to be effective in reducing hair loss in men. 

Pros

• Finasteride is an easy-to-take, daily pill

Cons

• Minoxidil can cause scalp irritation
• They can take as long as 16 weeks to see improvement

There are some alternative, cosmetic treatments available that can help with hair loss including laser therapy and PRP therapy.

Laser therapy, also known as red light therapy, exposes the scalp to a low-level laser that increases blood flow to the scalp which supports the hair follicles. The photons in the laser get absorbed by weakened scalp cells to encourage growth. There are also at-home laser therapy products available to buy.

Platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP) is a medical process where blood is taken, processed, and re-injected back into the scalp. This encourages follicle hair growth through stimulating inactive hair cells and pushing them back into a growth stage. 

Pros 

• Laser therapy can be carried out at home
• No risk of rejection as you use your own blood in PRP therapy

Cons

• Both are expensive
• Progress can be slow

Hair oils are an important tool for hair loss and thinning as they provide essential moisture to the scalp which supports growth.

Oils such as jojoba, marula, argan, or black seed are all known to have stimulating qualities. Use a product, such as the Black Seed Oil Hair Elixir, which is particularly effective at achieving growth around stubborn areas such as the temples and hairline, whilst keeping hair nourished to prevent breakages.

You could also use essential oils, such as peppermint, rosemary, or lavender, which have been shown to have properties that are successful in pattern baldness regrowth. You cannot use neat essential oils on the skin as they are highly concentrated. Mix a few drops into a carrier oil, for example almond, or into a shampoo before applying. 

Pros

• Natural way to treat hair loss

Cons

• Not suitable for those with sensitive skin
• Can cause allergic reactions