Thinning hair has several causes, including genetics, improper hair care and poor nutrition. The average person loses 100 hairs per day, but when hair becomes thin and starts to fall out in greater numbers, action must be taken to stop thinning hair. By the age of 30, 25 percent of men start to experience thinning hair. Although female hair thinning rarely results in complete baldness as it does with men, some degree of hair thinning affects nearly two-thirds of women.
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) overproduction is one cause of hair thinning and hair loss. DHT is a metabolic byproduct of testosterone. Too much of it prohibits hair growth. DHT is responsible for hair thinning and loss because it shrinks the hair follicles, making hair grow thin and eventually not at all.
Certain natural herbs and antioxidants can help to minimize the production of DHT. Saw Palmetto is a popular herb for hair loss. Taken in 160mg doses twice a day, Saw Palmetto can preserve hair by decreasing the production of DHT in the body. Another popular DHT reducer is green tea due to enzymes and antioxidants that exist in the tea leaves. Two to three cups of green tea per day can also help prevent hair thinning and hair loss.
Clogged Follicles
Clogged hair follicles are another common cause of hair thinning and brittle hair. Hair follicles can become clogged for a number of reasons, such as improper hair care and product buildup. The scalp needs special attention each time the hair is washed. Proper stimulation and cleansing is essential for hair to grow strong and thick. When the scalp isn't cared for, dead skin can build up in the hair follicles and cause thinning hair--and even hair loss.
Apple cider vinegar is a natural remedy to keep the scalp and hair follicles clear. Apple cider vinegar balances pH levels of the scalp for proper hair growth, and the acid removes any dead skin cells that are clogging hair follicles and causing thin hair to grow. Dilute one cup of apple cider vinegar in one cup of water and pour it over the scalp while in the shower five minutes before shampooing. It's important to massage the apple cider vinegar into the scalp to stimulate the follicles and allow the vinegar to absorb into the follicles to clear away impurities. When finished, rinse hair and shampoo as usual. Conduct this hair rinse twice weekly.
Deficiency
Vitamin and mineral deficiency is directly linked to thinning hair and hair loss. Certain vitamins are essential for proper hair growth, and it's best to get them through foods. Vitamins such as A, C, E and all of the B vitamins are important for healthy hair growth because they are responsible for sebum production, circulation and strength of the hair. Vitamin D is another vitamin that is directly linked to hair loss when the body is deficient. The most important minerals for strong hair are selenium, iodine, zinc and iron. If the body is lacking in these vitamins and minerals, thin hair will result.
Although a multivitamin supplement is helpful in order to ensure that the body is getting enough of each nutrient, it's still critical that most nutrition be obtained through diet for full absorption by the body.
References
- Bill Gattlieb, Alternative Cures: the Most Effective Natural Remedies for 160 Health Problems, 2000
- Earl Mindell, Vitamin Bible for the 21st Century: 1999
- Gary Null, Ph.D., The Complete Encyclopedia of Natural Healing; A comprehensive A-Z listing of common and chronic illnesses and their proven natural treatments: 1998
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