Beauty Tips

The Facts About Thinning Hair and Hair Growth

Find out the causes and solutions of hair loss including hair care products that actually boost hair growth

by Molly Roemer

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Although balding is more of an overtly male disease, according to the American Hair Loss Association, women actually make up 40 percent of hair loss sufferers. And just so you know, a hair grows about a half-inch per month from its follicle. Each individual hair grows for two to six years, rests, falls out, then new hair grows in its place. Unfortunately, sometimes, when a hair falls out, a new hair does not grow.

In what is called female pattern baldness, the cause of this inability to grow new hair is not well understood, but likely has to do with genes, aging and levels of endocrine hormones. The hormonal process of testosterone converting to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) -- which occurs in men and women -- damages the hair follicles. Note: All you need to remember as you're reading this is that DHT is not your friend because it triggers hair loss and inhibits hair growth.

Check out thinning hair 101 now.

Other than female pattern baldness, thinning hair happens in women for myriad reasons:

� Underactive thyroid
� Telogen effluvium (temporary hair shedding)
� Alopecia areata (an immune disorder causing temporary hair loss)
� Breaking of hair due to styling treatments and pulling of hair
� Iron deficiency
� Vitamin deficiency
� Certain medications
� Particular skin diseases
� Hormonal abnormalities
� Stress

Dr. Philip Kingsley, unmatched expert on hair health, explains stress and thinning hair further. Plus, we highlight some hair care products to help stop hair loss and increase hair growth.

Proceed to thinning hair 101.

SEE NEXT PAGE: Hormones and hair loss

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Philip Kingsley Scalp Mask

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Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo

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ProCyte Tricomin Solution Follicle Therapy Spray

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Crinagen Advanced Hair Therapy

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Older comments

I'm glad this article mentions getting thyroid levels checked. Thyroid disease is a very common underlying cause of many symptoms including hair loss. The good news is it's easily detectable and treatable.

by kallgood Monday, November 5, 2012 at 07:44PM Report as inappropriate

I would like to try the scalp mask. (Where do you purchase it?) I tried biotin before, i MAY have to try it again.

by nicky22 Thursday, October 18, 2012 at 03:23PM Report as inappropriate

I LOVE THE nuskin nutriol products, See this video, it really worked for my husbands bald spot, see more photos

by teresa_marie_galligan_kamins Thursday, October 18, 2012 at 12:10PM Report as inappropriate

Scalp massage has done a world of good for my hair

by LittleBunny Sunday, August 5, 2012 at 07:00PM Report as inappropriate

Biotin is AMAZING! It not only helps with hair growth but it strengthens my nails. I also have to recommend viviscal, they have pills for hair thinning. I don't have that problem but I take the other set of pills of viviscal for hair repair and they have helped, not only with my hair but my eyelashes have grown longer. An amazing side effect!

by glenncoco Tuesday, July 17, 2012 at 09:16PM Report as inappropriate

Also MinoxiBoost is a very helpful product that helps remove the sebum "scalp scum" of your scalp giving your Minoxidil product the best opportunity for growth. See for yourself; just do a search on it ;)

by SFreddricks Friday, April 27, 2012 at 12:47AM Report as inappropriate

Another great article. Adequate protein is also essential. It's easy to get enough protein if you eat animal products. If you go vegan you have to put a bit more effort into getting enough.

by skinpro Tuesday, April 10, 2012 at 08:16PM Report as inappropriate

I've heard that Biotin is great for hair, skin and nails

by awakened123 Tuesday, April 10, 2012 at 10:07AM Report as inappropriate

i think diet makes a difference too but didn't see it mentioned. when i eat healthier my hair looks thicker and better overall(i have thin babyfine hair)

by rebecca_moran_watson Tuesday, March 13, 2012 at 01:47AM Report as inappropriate

I'm happy to see this article, and that more attention is being paid to female hair loss. It is a devastating issue to deal with, and I hope to see more advice like this.

by Lilo_jane Monday, March 12, 2012 at 01:01PM Report as inappropriate