Why is My Hair Fine or Thinning?

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Why is My Hair Fine or Thinning?

Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss. There are different kinds of Alopecia. The three most common types are Androgenic Alopecia, Alopecia Aerata, and Postpartum Alopecia. By the age of 35, 40% of Men and Women will show some degree of hair loss. There are many causes, incIuding but not limited to:

- Trauma
- Hyportrichosis
- Trichotillamania
- Iron Deficiency
- Nutritional Deficiencies
- Radiation/Chemotherapy
- Auto Immune Diseases (Thyroid, Hormonal Imbalance)
Stress and over processed hair are other factors that can cause hair loss or thinning to worsen over time. Under normal circumstances. we lose hair daily. Normal daily hair loss is a result of the anagen, catagen, and telogen phases of the hairs growth cycle.

There are two normal 'shedding' times a year - Spring and Fall. Although a healthy diet does not guarantee a healthy hair and scalp, it’s mainly true what you eat will effect your hair and scalp. The body can produce 11 out of the 20 Amino acids that make up your hair, but your daily diet must include the remaining 9 essential amino acids that your body needs.

Ailments of the hair and scalp are common and their symptoms can be unpleasant for those who suffer from them. There are many contributing factors which can cause fine or thinning hair, such as medical conditions, medications, clogged pores, an over abundance of Testosterone or DHT, post partum shedding, family history (female male pattern), aging, vitamin or iron deficiencies, excessive oily or dry scalp, poor nutrition, and many more. It is possible to stabilize and or delay thinning hair, though it is crucial that you begin targeted care as soon as the problem manifests.

Alopecia Areata

An autoimmune condition which causes patchy hair loss. It can result in a single bald patch or extensive patchy hair loss.

Androgenic Alopecia

Also known as Male or Female pattern baldness, a genetic and increased receptivity to the scalp to androgens. It is a thinning of the hair to an almost transparent state, in both men or women. It is thought to be a hereditary form of hair loss and is the most common type of progressive hair loss.

Alopecia Totalis

A more advanced form of Alopecia Areata that results in total loss of hair on the scalp.

Alopecia Universalis

The most advanced form of alopecia Areata which results in total hair loss of the body, including eyebrows and eyelashes.

Scarring Alopecia

Scarring alopecias, also known as cicatricial alopecias, refers to a group of rare disorders which cause permanent hair loss.

Anagen Effluvium

This hair loss is generally caused by chemicals such as those used to treat cancer. Initially it causes patchy hair loss, which often then becomes total hair loss. The good news is that when you stop using these chemicals the hair normally grows back (usually about 6 months later). Other drugs also can cause hair loss. Many medicines used to treat even common diseases can cause hair loss.

Telogen Effluvium

A form of hair loss where more than normal amounts of hair fall out. There is a general 'thinning' of the hair. Unlike some other hair and scalp conditions, it is temporary and the hair growth usually recovers.

Seborrheic Hypersecretion

An imbalance of the sebaceous glands that cause excessive thinning of the hair.

Other causes:
  • Stress
  • Trauma
  • Disease
  • Surgical intervention
  • Infection
  • Medications
  • Stress and Anxiety
  • Emotional shock
  • Vitamin or dietary (Iron, Calcium)
  • Chemotherapy
  • Radiation
  • Thyroid conditions

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