Easy Ways to Treat Thinning Hair

There are many ways to care for thinning hair and to prevent hair from thinning even more. Find out what you should do.

Hair can thin as we age — sometimes in one area, sometimes all over. Fine hair is also more likely to become thin. may be a result of harsh chemical treatments, certain medications, poor nutrition, or excessive stress. Thin hair may simply run in your family. There are many things you can do to cover up the appearance of thinning hair and prevent hair from thinning even more. Try these tips.

• Wash your hair when it’s dirty. This may sound obvious, but it’s important to realize that fine, thinning hair gets dirty faster, so people with thinning hair need to shampoo more frequently that others. But be gentle — fine hair breaks more easily when washed, so avoid hard scrubbing and very hot water.
• Use a volume-building shampoo and conditioner.
• Comb and brush your hair gently, and only when necessary.
• If your hair is thinning in only one area, you can easily cover it up with a different hairstyle. Talk to your hair stylist about helping you create a new look. Color can help add body and volume to hair and make it look rich and lush. New styles can hide thin hair spots. Be bold — if your hair is straight, go curly; if it’s long, try short. Curly and short hair styles help mask the appearance of thinning hair, giving the illusion of a thicker, fuller look.
• Color and highlights on the thicker parts of your hair can draw attention away from the thin areas. Emphasize the hair you have, and the thinner areas will become less noticeable.
• Get a but make sure it’s a gentle body wave, as tighter waves can damage thinning hair. Be sure to go to a top-quality salon and talk to your stylist about choosing a product with as few harsh chemicals as possible.
• Women with long hair that’s beginning to thin might consider hair extensions.
• Put your Be sure to eat iron-rich protein every day, as this is important for building strong keratin, the outer layer of the scalp. Some good iron- and protein-rich food choices are spinach, eggs, soy, and lean meats. Other essential nutrients for strong hair include omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish and nuts, and biotin, found in liver, eggs, and soy products.
• Massage your wet hair weekly with olive oil. Leave in overnight and wash out in the morning. While this may not stop hair from thinning, it makes hair shiny and healthy, creating the illusion of thicker hair.
• If you’re taking any medications for other conditions, talk to your doctor to find out whether they might be causing or contributing to your thinning hair. He or she might recommend alternatives, or supplements to reduce hair thinning.
• Inquire about prescription and nonprescription medications specifically designed to treat thinning hair.

By following these simple hair care steps, you can better manage your thin hair and keep it from thinning even further.