7 effective ways to deal with thin hair that you can practice

For women and men, having thinning hair is very annoying, even worrisome. Thinning hair usually refers to low to moderate levels of hair loss. Unlike hair loss in general, thinning hair usually doesn't cause baldness. It's just that, the hair will appear sparse so that the scalp is more visible. Hair thinning generally occurs gradually. Therefore, you still have a chance to overcome the thin hair that you have.

Causes of thinning hair

Thinning hair occurs due to many factors, be it genetic, lifestyle, or a combination of both. Various hair care products that are not suitable can also trigger you to experience thinning hair. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), normal hair loss or thinning occurs between 50-100 hairs per day.

Here are some things that contribute to thinning hair, namely:

• Excessive hair styling such as coloring, dyeing, and curling.
• Using harsh hair care products such as hair spray and hair gel.
• Tied hair too tight.
• Lack of consuming iron, folic acid, and other minerals that can help produce hair naturally.
• Uncontrolled stress. Uncontrolled stress can trigger the release of the hormone cortisol. Too much of the hormone cortisol is released which kills the new hairs that will grow from the hair follicles.
• Stop using birth control pills.
• Being in a phase of hormonal changes such as during menstruation or postpartum.
• Currently in the treatment of autoimmune disease.
• Experiencing certain skin infections or disorders.
• Has a habit of pulling hair.
• High fever.
• Experiencing eating disorders and losing more than 9 kg of weight in a short time.

How to deal with thin hair

Overcoming thin hair is not easy. However, usually you can still handle it without having to go to the doctor. However, if the thinning of hair is bothersome and getting worse, then you can consult a doctor to ask for the best treatment. Here are some ways to deal with thin hair:

1. Eating foods that can trigger hair growth

Try to pay attention to the nutritional intake you eat. Eating foods that contain protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12 can stimulate hair growth. You can include lean meats, green vegetables, nuts, and fish in your diet and snacks.

2. Massaging the scalp

The easiest and cheapest way to get thicker hair and stop hair thinning is to massage the scalp. When you wash your hair, try to give it a little massage as you pour it out and evenly distribute the shampoo with your fingers.

In addition to helping the absorption of shampoo more optimally, gently massaging your scalp also functions to improve blood flow to the head. This can help promote new hair growth. By massaging the scalp, dead skin cells that have accumulated on the scalp that may trigger hair thinning can also be removed.

3. Using essential oils

Essential oils made from certain plants are commonly used in various types of aromatherapy and other alternative medicine. Quoted from Dr. Ax, rosemary oil is one of the best essential oils for stimulating hair growth. This oil is believed to increase cell metabolism which can stimulate hair growth so that hair becomes thicker.

While there isn't much evidence that essential oils can treat thin hair, you can try them at home as an additional treatment. Make sure to test for an allergic reaction before you apply it to your head. Put a little oil on your arm or behind your ear.

If within 24 hours your skin does not cause an allergic reaction which is marked by redness and itching, then you can continue to use it on the scalp. Keep in mind, essential oils must be diluted with other oils such as olive oil or jojoba oil.

4. Avoiding excessive hair styling

Another way to deal with thin hair is to avoid excess hair styling. Cut down on the use of hair dryers, straighteners, hair dyes, and a host of other styling that can greatly contribute to hair breakage and thinning.

5. Specialized shampoo for thin hair

Shampoos for thin hair usually work in two ways. First, add volume to your hair so that it looks thicker. This method usually helps people who have naturally thin hair. Second, this shampoo contains vitamins and amino acids that will make your scalp healthier so that it can produce more hair over time.

6. Acupuncture

According to practitioners of traditional Chinese medicine, hair health is related to two things, namely kidney energy and blood, both of which play a role in maintaining healthy hair. Maureen Conant, an Acupuncture practitioner in Seattle stated that in some cases, acupuncture helps the thinning of hair in women stop and gradually improves within weeks to months after treatment.

7. Manage stress

Stress can be a trigger for most diseases, including thinning hair. Therefore, you need to manage stress in any way that suits you. Whether by walking, exercise, or meditation. Try to keep your body and mind relaxed even if you are in big trouble so that your body can stay healthy, including your scalp.