In this guide we’ll talk you through the main causes of hair loss and thinning to help you identify your hair needs. We’ll also explain how Nioxin’s treatments can help you on your journey to fuller, thicker hair. Before we delve deeper into what causes hair thinning you need to remember that you’re not alone in this. In fact, 50% of the population will deal with hair loss at some point in their lives. Although it’s true that men are more likely to lose their hair than women, thinning hair and hair loss actually affects both sexes—and it's no more or less disheartening for either. But here's the thing: There's no one reason behind hair loss—causes can range from the simple and temporary (like a vitamin deficiency) to the more complex, like an underlying health condition.
Keep reading or feel free to skip ahead:
- 1. Causes
- 2. Prevention
- 3. Treatments
5 MAIN CAUSES OF HAIR LOSS
Genetics
- When we talk about genetic hair loss we are referring to male or female pattern baldness. Women will start noticing thinning at the parting and hairline, whereas men will start losing hair from the crown and the temple area.
- Contrary to popular belief, hair loss genes can come from both sides of the family. Some might notice the first signs of thinning hair later in life, but for many others hair loss can start in their late teens or early 20s, which can obviously be distressing.
- Inherited traits from both or either sides of your family can make you more vulnerable to male or female pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia). Hair thinning happens naturally as you age, but possessing these genes means you have a greater chance of experiencing more substantial, earlier-onset thinning.
- While you can’t cure genetic hair loss, there are steps you can take to tackle hair thinning which we will outline shortly.
Stress and Trauma
- Stress and hair loss are closely connected.
- You can experience hair loss when you’re going through a situation where your stress levels are increased. This could include things like experiencing pressure at work, living a hectic lifestyle, having a new baby or even losing someone close to you. Hair loss might not be immediate though, and it may occur 6 or even 12 months after the stressful episode.
- How does it affect hair growth? Stress can produce increased levels of testosterone, which converts to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and interrupts the hair's growth cycle.
- Stress also constricts blood supply through the capillaries, restricting oxygen, nutrient uptake and vitamins to the follicle. If you notice hair thinning, or feel you are going through a stressful period in your life, take preventative steps by finding the right treatment for your hair needs.
Nutrition and Diet
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Healthy hair grows from within so our diet can play a significant role in hair loss. The hair grows from the scalp by absorbing vitamins and nutrients that are obtained through what we eat.
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Following a healthy balanced diet also ensures healthy hair, however we know that people might adopt restrictive diets for various reasons. Supplements can help if you think you’re not getting all the nutrients the hair needs, such as zinc, iron, biotin or vitamin B.
Health Concerns or Medication
- Hair thinning can be a result of several health concerns, such as thyroid conditions, natural hormonal changes that women experience after pregnancy or during menopause. It can also be a side effect of certain medications. The hair follicle is incredibly sensitive to changes in the body. Any hormone therapy (including birth control) can contribute to hair thinning as can steroids, specific chemotherapies and medication for blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and acne.
- If you are worried about hair loss it’s always best to consult your doctor. A medical professional will be able to diagnose or treat the condition that’s causing hair loss. It’s also recommended to speak to a hairdresser who can provide a cosmetic solution to hair thinning, to help ease some of the related emotional concerns associated with hair loss.
Environmental Factors of Thinning Hair
- It may sound surprising but the elements in our surrounding environment can also affect the hair. Air and water pollutants, chlorine, metals and minerals may be left on the scalp and hair therefore contributing to thinning. Pollutants such as pseudo-oestrogens and toxins from within our bodies are also a contributing factor.
- Sun exposure can also lead to hair loss, especially when the hair is thinner already leaving the scalp exposed.
- A healthy scalp means healthy hair so if your scalp gets sunburn, the hair in turn will also suffer. The sun can also damage the hair by weakening its structure, so it’s important to apply products that contain SPF to your hair just as you would to the rest of your body.
- We believe that prevention is better than cure so if you notice signs of thinning, speak to a doctor or a professional hairdresser.
- How to prevent hair loss and thinning
Prevent Hair Loss By Taking Care of Your Scalp
- Taking good care of your hair will keep it looking as healthy as possible, and can limit thinning. As well as taking good care of your diet and taking heed of your stylist’s personalised hair care tips in salon, scalp care is also important. Your scalp is skin, and needs the same care you might apply to your face or hands. The scalp environment is one of the main reasons for thin hair – it is important to provide a healthy base for hair to start from which is what we will focus on below.
How Often Should I Wash My Hair
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The age old question our stylists often get asked is: How often is too often when it comes to washing hair? Can washing your hair too much or too little lead to hair loss? And is it really necessary to wash our hair daily?
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The fact is we might be over washing our hair and causing damage to it without even realising. Most people do not need to wash their hair and scalp daily or every other day, because shampoos (some more than others) can strip the hair of necessary and beneficial natural oils.
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The general consensus from our stylist teams is that you should wash your hair once it feels unclean and it’s oily. For most hair types washing hair twice a week is a healthy balance.
How Does Scalp Condition Affect Hair Growth
For hair to grow healthily and with secure rooting, it must come from a scalp that is free from debris. Poor scalp condition can often result in an increase in hair loss and hair thinning. Afterall, the scalp is an extension of the facial skin and requires the same level of care and attention.
- A suitable scalp care regime that consists of cleansing, nourishment and protection can help guard against the most common factors for a disrupted scalp environment. Unless you have an existing medical condition, many of the lifestyle measures that keep the rest of your body healthy will also keep your scalp (and hair) in good condition:
- Drink plenty of water to keep your skin (including your scalp) hydrated
- Eat a balanced diet, and make sure you consume foods containing nutrients that keep hair healthy: iron, protein and vitamins are also important for scalp health
- Try to maintain a healthy lifestyle with weekly exercise
- Wash your hair regularly but not too often as mentioned above
- Avoid using harsh chemical treatments on your hair or scalp too often, particularly if your skin is sensitive
- Treat dandruff and other conditions promptly to return your scalp back to normal as soon as possible
Nioxin Treatments use an advanced skin care approach to help improve the health of your scalp and hair. They're designed to strengthen, nourish and repair thinning hair from its foundation.
- Our stylists highly recommend Nioxin treatments having seen the results first hand with our salon guests. Rather unsurprisingly, it's regarded as the number 1 salon brand for thicker, fuller hair. Discover our range of Nioxin treatments below – or use our free online consultation tool to help you decide which treatment is right for you. The ranges are categorised into light and progressed thinning with treatments that focus on three main hair types.: natural hair, coloured hair and bleached (or chemically treated hair).
- Nioxin treatments focus on addressing hair loss and thinning by amplifying hair texture, protecting against breakage and reinforcing a healthy scalp. Each kit comprises of a complete professional thickening treatment, designed specifically for a particular hair type. The treatments are also specially formulated to keep scalps healthy - which we know helps to grow thicker, fuller hair. Nioxin products do this by gently removing follicle-clogging sebum, fatty acids and environmental residues from scalp and hair. Thus, leaving you with a refreshed scalp, and increased fullness of each hair strand.
FOR LIGHT THINNING
Nioxin System 1 for natural hair
Address thinning on natural, non-coloured hair by amplifying the hair’s natural texture and protecting against breakage. Shop now
Nioxin System 3 for coloured hair
Leaves hair thicker, denser-looking hair with increased colour vibrancy (without compromising on colour). Shop now
Nioxin System 5 for bleached hair
...or chemically treated, permed or straightened hair. Achieve fuller-looking and moisturised hair. Shop now
FOR PROGRESSED THINNING
Nioxin System No. 2 for natural hair
Nioxin System 2 for thinning natural, non-coloured hair delivers thicker, fuller hair, while protecting every hair strand against damage. Shop now
Nioxin System No. 4 for coloured hair
Nioxin System 4 thinning hair treatment helps you achieve thicker, fuller-looking hair and restore moisture balance. Shop now
Nioxion System No. 6 for bleached hair
...or chemically treated, permed or straightened hair. Achieve noticeably smoother and denser-looking hair. Shop now
INTENSE TREATMENTS FOR EXTRA THICKNESS AND CARE
Nioxin's range of Scalp & Hair Leave In Treatments are created to restore resilience and balance moisture control in hair with light or progressed thinning. Use along the cleanser and conditioner for fuller hair.
Nioxin Night Density Rescue
Designed to give you fuller looking hair whilst you sleep, this serum is clinically proven to enhance hair density by reducing loss of hair due to scalp oxidation while your body is at rest. Shop now
Nioxin Diaboost
Increase the thickness of each existing hair strand for fuller looking hair, as if you have up to 11,000 more hair strands. Hair becomes manageable, fuller and noticeably thicker after just one use. Shop now
Nioxin Hair Booster
This leave-on professional treatment with KeraPro Complex is designed for progressed-thinning hair and works on specific areas of concern, such as a receding hairline or a low-density crown. Shop now
Nioxin Scalp Recovery 3-Step System Kit
Specially formulated to combat dandruff from the first use. Proven to to help prevent and counter the symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff, and other scalp related issues such as scalp irritation, flaking, dryness, and itching. Shop now
NIOXIN STYLING FOR HAIR THAT LOOKS FULL OF TEXTURE
Take your style to the next level with the Nioxin Styling collection. From dry shampoos, texture sprays, volumising mouse and extra hold hairsprays, the range has something for everyone. Boost texture, lift and fullness effortlessly to your everyday styling routine.
Nioxin 3D Styling Definition Crème
A luscious hair treatment that volumises and holds thinning hair, whilst also smoothing out frizz. Shop now
Nioxin 3D Styling Bodifying Foam
Achieve fuller-looking hair with lasting body and hold. Formulated with Nioxin’s Pro-Thick technology. Shop now
Nioxin 3D Styling Niospray Strong Hold
A unique polymer complex makes each strand appear thicker, and a denser style easier to achieve. Shop now
NIOXIN CONSULTATION TOOL
Still unsure which treatment is right for you? Try our free online consultation tool and discover the treatment that is right for you.
It takes just 3 minutes to complete and helps you identify your hair needs as well as the treatment best suited for your hair type.
Start your journey to fuller, thicker hair. Start consultation
