Thinning Hair: Causes, Treatment, Vitamins, and More

Table Of Content

• Treating Hair Loss: Lasers
• Hair Loss Trigger: Alopecia Areata
• Caregiving crisis
• Making Sense of Vitamins and Minerals
• Charitable Care & Financial Assistance
• Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA)

Sims notes that this is "basically enough to cover the area but not saturate it." Then, she suggests gently massaging it in. "I also tell clients to add rosemary oil to both their shampoo and conditioner," she explains. Sims notes that this is "basically enough to cover the area but not saturate it." then, she suggests gently massaging it in.

Treating Hair Loss: Lasers

Managing any underlying health conditions improves hair loss. And early treatment of alopecia may reduce the speed of thinning and promote regrowth. A healthcare provider can tell you more about what to expect in your situation. If you notice increased hair loss, you’ll want to make an appointment with a dermatologist or other healthcare professional.

Hair Loss Trigger: Alopecia Areata

You can also find hair growth serums that contain active ingredients that have been FDA-approved to promote hair growth, like minoxidil. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is showing promise in the hair regrowth department, too. Hormonal fluctuations during menopause, pregnancy, or conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can also contribute to hair thinning. It ranges from normal hair density to a bald crown, which is rare. The scale helps document female pattern baldness, a condition your doctor might call androgenic alopecia. You probably know it as male pattern baldness, but it affects about 30 million American women.

Caregiving crisis

“Patients get a little tired and think it’s old age, but they have mild iron storage anemia.” Eating low-fat red meat alleviates this iron shortage. While research supporting the benefits of acupuncture remains limited, acupuncture is considered a fairly safe treatment when performed by a trained and licensed acupuncturist. Your doctor can order blood tests to check your iron and zinc levels and recommend the right dose of supplement for your deficiency level. Interested in learning more about your treatment options? A typical hair transplant involves removing patches of hair from your head and reinserting the hair follicle by follicle into the bald sections. Doctors prescribe this drug for males and females between puberty and menopause who have not seen an improvement after using minoxidil.

You can soothe any tender areas by applying a topical corticosteroid lotion or ointment to your scalp, which acts as an anti-inflammatory, Dr. Lo Sicco says. Hydrocortisone 1% is available over-the-counter—anything stronger requires a prescription. For symptoms of extreme inflammation, including stinging and acne-like bumps around the base of the hair, it’s a good idea to see a dermatologist.

Myth or fact: Coffee may be a reason behind hair loss in women - The Indian Express

Myth or fact: Coffee may be a reason behind hair loss in women.

Posted: Wed, 24 Apr 2024 05:00:10 GMT [source]

However, you should avoid taking any extra vitamins if you’re already getting the nutrients you need. There isn’t any evidence that doing so will reverse thinning hair, and getting too much of certain nutrients may actually do more harm than good. Another great cut hair stylists recommend for women with fine, straight hair is a blunt cut. Layers make hair lighter, but they can also contribute to the appearance of thinness.

As a starting point, hair loss experts suggest you get tested for thyroid problems and hormone imbalances. Female pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) is the most common cause of hair loss in women, but there are many other potential causes. Baldness typically refers to excessive hair loss from your scalp. Hereditary hair loss with age is the most common cause of baldness. Some people prefer to let their hair loss run its course untreated and unhidden.

“About two years ago, the FDA issued a warning that mega doses of biotin can alter many of your lab results, including your thyroid function tasks and cardiac enzymes,” says Dr. Lenzy. “Lupus of the scalp is another form of scarring alopecia that’s autoimmune,” says Dr. Lenzy. “It’s common, especially in women of color.” It shows up as red, scaly, thick lesions that don’t usually hurt or itch. Otherwise known as Aldactone, spironolactone works to treat hair loss by acting on hormones.

Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA)

People who experience thinning hair due to nutrient deficiencies, stress, pregnancy, and other nongenetic reasons could experience regrowth. Researchers believe that cortisol, a stress hormone released by your adrenal glands, may disrupt your hair growth cycle. Lavender oil has been used with success by some people with pattern baldness. It’s also backed by animal research from 2016, though human studies are needed to confirm its effects. Lavender is often combined with other oils, such as those made from rosemary and thyme. Next time you head to the salon, ask your stylist for one of these haircuts and watch your fine strands transform into volume.

In cases of non-scarring or temporary hair loss, the missing hair will eventually grow back. With scarring or permanent hair loss, permanent damage is done to the hair follicles so they won’t grow back. “With scarring hair loss, the goal is not for it to grow back, but to stop the progression,” says Dr. Lenzy. Below, are seven different kinds of alopecia —knowing which one you’re suffering from will help determine the proper treatment. That said, there are a number of possible medications and treatments for hair loss caused by female-pattern baldness and other alopecias. Female-pattern baldness typically starts with scalp hairs becoming progressively less dense.

Hair loss can also result from genetic factors, nutrient deficiencies, stress, and several health conditions. Treatment for thinning hair will depend on its cause, but may include medications, dietary changes, and more. Although it’s more common in men, hair loss regularly affects women and people of other genders.

After you wash your hair, blow dry it straight, and then use the round brush to style the blunt ends so that they face inward. They might also recommend water-misting or frequent trims to keep your cut fresh and healthy. If you use a curling iron to create the beach waves of your dream, make sure your hair is dry and apply a heat protectant before getting started. You can also use a flat iron to create a curled hair look. Choosing a flattering haircut for your fine hair is only step one of the process.

At the end of the day, remember you do have safe and effective options for treating hair loss, and treatment can make a big difference. The FDA hasn’t labeled spironolactone as a treatment for androgenic alopecia. It’s typically used to reduce swelling from liver disease and nephrotic syndrome (a kidney problem). It can also treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and hyperaldosteronism (excessive secretion of the hormone aldosterone). Minoxidil, also known as Rogaine, is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of alopecia areata or androgenic alopecia. Shampoos cannot prevent hair loss or bring hair back, but a moisturizing shampoo can help the hair retain moisture, making it look thicker and fuller.

If you decide to color-treat your tresses, it’s best to opt for a stylist to color your hair. A professional can help determine the safest dye to use for your hair type, and can provide tips on shampoos, conditioners and other hair products made specifically for color-treated hair. How frequently you wash your hair really depends on the type of hair you have. But regardless of your hair type, in general, washing too frequently can cause hair to become dry and brittle. “Don’t overdo shampoo, but you should wash your scalp at least twice per week,” Dr. Bergfeld advises.

The Dark Brown Hair Color Guide 27 Shades of Dark Brunette Hair

Table Of Content

• Dark Chocolate Hair with Golden Highlights
• Hally Hair Shade Stix
• Light Chestnut
• Dark Chocolate Brunette
• Dark Brown and Ash Balayage
• Can I dye my hair from blonde to dark brown at home?
• Is it Safe to Dye Dark Hair at Home?

This has to do with both the styling and the hand-painted copper highlights that contrast against dark brown hair beautifully, adding major glow. Dark brown hair, especially when it’s truly neutral, is a great hair color for edgy types, with ultra-skinny warmer highlights helping to give a grunge contrast. The styling is also important, and this razored, loosely wavy haircut works well with the coloring. Who would have thought that dark brown hair could look so expensive? This stunning look gets a lot of its impact just from the sheer length of the hair, but the impeccable caramel balayage and the extreme shine of the healthy dark brown locks also play a part.

Dark Chocolate Hair with Golden Highlights

"Balayage is my favorite technique for this look and it's low-maintenance," Valdes tells us. This color will flatter most skin tones, add brightness, and bring the focus back to the person rather than away, she adds. If your skin has those cool undertones, then this would be a very harmonious hair color to try out. Though it looks soft and smooth, there is actually a lot of shade variation going on here with deeper, purple-leaning brown hair as well as hints of more reddish auburn.

Hally Hair Shade Stix

Espresso-hued hair color gives Joan Smalls's crimped chestnut waves a relaxed, fall time feel. "Espresso is the most neutral shade of brown. It’s not too dark or too light, you’ll often hear it referred to as ‘medium brown’," Dosso tells us. "Brunettes who dislike seeing any red in their hair love this shade," she adds. How often you’ll want to hit the salon varies depending on your hair type, color, and texture, so consult with your stylist to determine a schedule that works for you. Opt for one of the tinted shades if you want to bolster your color, or reach for the clear gloss for the conditioning and shine-enhancing benefits sans any added color.

Light Chestnut

Finding the perfect type of at-home hair color can be difficult, especially if you have never colored your hair before and don’t know where to start. It’s best to do your research first and find what will work best for you based on your current hair and specific needs. If you’ve never had dark hair, You may want to start with a temporary color to see how a darker shade will look before fully committing. If you’re ready to make the switch and are looking for an all-in-one experience at home, we highly recommend IGK, as its color kit takes care of your needs from start to finish. Despite many dye formulas being damaging, there are certain products with conditioners and oils that can help minimize damage for your healthiest hair. Add a touch of color to your dark hair with face-framing highlights that come from the front hairline.

It can have a ton of different undertones, and it can be combined with other hair colors easily to achieve all kinds of effects. If you already have dark hair, there are plenty of options for you to try in terms of color. You can try a more blue-based shade for something cooler and ashier or a more red-based one for something warmer and brassier. This long brown hair looks gorgeous with light brown highlights. It is a perfect way to brighten up your brown hair and create a trendy look, which is easy to maintain. They add movement and dimension to your tresses and create a beautiful transition from dark to lighter hair color.

Touching up is now made easy with the use of TRESemmé Hair color spray. Since this comes in a spray form, you can easily touch up your roots within seconds by spraying the hair color on the area you wish to touch up. This hair dye is also free of ammonia and parabens, which are harmful chemicals that are commonly found in commercial hair dyes.

Dark Brown and Ash Balayage

It’s a common misconception that if you are blonde and you’ve been lightening your hair, it’s getting damaged, while as you switch to darker locks, your hair will instantly become healthier. This misconception is often due to the shine that brunette hair has. You will feel lighter and even more radiant with this beautiful sun-kissed hairstyle. Dark brown combined with warm shades of honey gives you a relaxed look as if you are spending all your days surfing on a sunny beach. So you can say that the sun did all the work for you because it is that effortless. However, transforming blonde hair to dark brown would require an additional step-  filling.

We love the occasional matte look, but it’s undeniable that shiny hair holds a mesmerizing charm. The brown tones themselves lean a little towards red, which is always lovely, but the real impact of this look comes from the sheen that Brazilian bond builder imparts. Perkins concurs, pointing to products like Madison Reed Color Reviving Gloss and Madison Reed Color Therapy Masks as easy at-home fixes for fading hair. “They not only put tone back into the hair when it starts to fade or lose shine from coloring, but prevent that fading from happening in the first place,” she says.

Is it Safe to Dye Dark Hair at Home?

Emily Ratajkowski's chocolate-hued locks have an easy, relaxed feel (perhaps that has something to do with this color being low-maintenance—if you're a natural brunette, that is). If you want to obtain this sleek, yet carefree look, finish your hair routine with a spritz of Garnier Fructis Sleek & Shine Anti-Frizz Serum ($5). While Laura Harrier's silky locks appear darker at the roots, the tips have a soft, hickory hue that perfectly matches her eyes. Paired with a deep emerald green dress and bright earrings to match, this look feels deeply elegant. Her dark chocolate-brown locks are accented with a toasted-brown shade at the tips and around the face that brightens her complexion. To capture Z's shade, ask your stylist for deep, rich roots that fade into warm milk chocolate waves.

The combination of a deep side part, feathery waves, and a lot of volume come together to have a marvelous effect. The base of the hair is a black-brown shade, with caramel streaks at the end that add a bit more intentionality to the look. Romantic waves and curls would look pretty no matter what, but a metallic touch of ash brings them to the next level. The bulk of the hair is a cool dark brown that combines beautifully with the cool ash shade, and a hint of hair gloss makes it look like molten metal. Long hair styled into smooth waves will probably look amazing, no matter the color. That’s why these chocolate brown locks seem regal, though we gotta admit those golden streaks in the mids and ends also help.

The result is a beautiful marriage of brunette and copper that shines beautifully in the sunlight. Maybe you’re looking for a change with one of the many gorgeous, sultry brown shades available on the market. Hair dye options have improved significantly over the years, allowing you to achieve salon-quality results at home.

Matrix Dark Envy Green Shampoo review — TODAY - TODAY

Matrix Dark Envy Green Shampoo review — TODAY.

Posted: Tue, 09 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

This coffee-inspired hue is just as dark and delicious as your morning cup of joe. This cool shade pairs beautifully with medium to dark skin tones and eye colors. You can use the L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Cool Dark Brown to get that rich dark brown shade you desire. If you tend to wear silver jewelry or your veins look bluish in tone, you likely have skin with cool undertones, which is especially stunning when paired with cool hair colors. If you’re looking for a gorgeous brown hair color to try, opt for one of our favorite cool-toned hues below.

Because this color is highly customizable, visit a professional colorist rather than attempt this on your own, especially if you’re an at-home hair color newbie. Like a shot of caffeine for your complexion, a deep espresso brown hair color is a gorgeous way to wake up cool-toned fair skin. The shade usually is a well-blended mix of black and dark brown tones with a sleek, high-shine finish. Dark brown hair is hard to go wrong with—it’s classic, versatile, and flattering on just about everybody. And while you may think of one shade when you imagine the hue, there are countless brown hair color variations to experiment with.

This is a heavily highlighted example of dark brown hair, with a neutral, espresso-colored base that’s made blingy and dynamic thanks to streaks and streaks of shimmery gold blonde. Charcoal brown is a cool, deep shade that sits right on the cusp of black. However, the slight softness in this hue makes it more wearable than a true black, which can be overly-stark on some skin tones. Try this ultra-inky dark brown hue with L’Oréal Paris Excellence Creme Universal Nudes in Natural Soft Black.

If you suit cool browns, you must choose an ashy shade-frosty or even iridescent brown. Earthy, neutral, and cool tones are great for brunettes and, when placed correctly, blend seamlessly for the perfect multi-dimensional color. Opt for a rooted look to keep your maintenance low and have a softer grow-out. Long dark brown hair with an off-center part offers several advantages for your look. First, the off-center part adds asymmetry and visual interest to the hairstyle. It breaks away from the traditional center part and creates a dynamic and modern style.

The glamorous curls draw most of the attention, so it’s easy to miss that the color itself is a fantastic gradient from muted dark brown roots to a warm medium brown at the ends. If you want something a little unusual but still not extreme, this combination of dark brown hair with peachy hand-painted highlights is a winner, especially over such lush curls. The peach blends into the hair perfectly since there is also some understated copper in there, leading to a red-based by still flattering look. Hair color is often a journey, and going from brunette to redhead or vice versa can require multiple steps.

7 Best Dark Brown Hair Dyes in 2023

Table Of Content

• Dark Brown with Cherry and Caramel Gloss
• #53: Brunette with Ash Blonde Highlights
• Chili Chocolate
• Gray-Washed Dark Brown Hair
• How to Go From Black to Brown Hair at Home
• Tawny Waves
• The Best Cool Brown Hair Colors

Add this deep conditioning treatment to your wash day and watch your hair's natural color change. According to the brand, you can see a fresh shade appear on your strands in as little as three minutes. Plus, the formula doesn't contain any peroxide or ammonia, so you can use it as often as you like without drying out your strands. Try out semi-permanent colors like auburn, copper or strawberry, which offers a boost shine and softness to your dark locks.

Dark Brown with Cherry and Caramel Gloss

Because the highlights are not overdone, the dark tones still get to shine. The caramel streaks might be fairly thin and concentrated near the front, but because they’re so light and warm, they really help punch up the neutral dark brown hair base. This is a more restrained but slightly warmer take on brunette hair.

#53: Brunette with Ash Blonde Highlights

40 Summer Hair Colors Guaranteed To Freshen Up Your Look - Southern Living

40 Summer Hair Colors Guaranteed To Freshen Up Your Look.

Posted: Wed, 10 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]

She also recommends drying your hair after washing it, so you can really see how accurate the color looks under very good lighting. Hair dyes can leave a very strong (and often unpleasant) scent behind which has everything to do with the chemicals. However, this is not the case with this color conditioner from Overtone, which is specifically designed for brown locks. The formula has coconut oil, shea butter, avocado oil and jojoba oil to moisturize and repair strands. Leave it on for 15 minutes, rinse and see the pigment shine through—regardless what color you choose (though our favorite has to be the rose gold hue). Natural dark brown hair is gorgeous when styled with luscious waves!

Chili Chocolate

18 Dark Fall Hair Colors to Inspire Your Next Dye Job - Glamour

18 Dark Fall Hair Colors to Inspire Your Next Dye Job.

Posted: Thu, 14 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

The caramel balayage over the ends brightens things up, making the hair look like it’s sparkling. This sombré keeps things simple by sticking to neutral shades of light and dark brown and by not breaking up chunks of hair with too much streaking. Though this sleek style might seem solidly colored, there’s actually some subtle highlighting going on that makes the hair look as though it’s literally made of metal.

She adds her own personal spin by styling with some colorful accessories. If you're looking to go dark dark, try a rich, deep brown that borders on jet black. Imaan Hammam shows us how it's done with extra length and waves that make an impact. Lana Del Rey's auburn hue is the perfect middle-ground between "firetruck" and "milk chocolate," and we're obsessed. Whether you call it "gray" or "mushroom brown," Jordan Dunn's stunning bob incorporates smoky, ashy hues in a blended balayage for a perfectly on-trend moment.

On the contrary, changes like that are always for the best, as they allow to spice up natural hair color, make it glossier and thus bring more attention to its owner. Apply golden highlights around your face to create this beautiful face-framing effect. So, no one is blaming you for thinking about jumping on the dark brown hair color train. Here are some things you might want to know before hopping on board. If you want a modern hairstyle with your deep dark brown hair, try the shag cut.

Tawny Waves

Opting for a more natural style has a big plus – it spares you frequent upkeep needed for blonde hair, scalp highlights, or bright colors that need regular touch-ups. My tip is to gather a set of inspirational photos when you talk to a stylist. These photos will help your stylist to pick a color that complements your skin tone.

Clairol Nice'n Easy Permanent Hair Dye

If you want a dark brown hair color but are also still tempted to feel like a blonde, then this is exactly the kind of look to experiment with. Chanel Iman's slick, espresso-colored strands and dark roots add edge to her winged-out smoky eye. "Espresso is one of the easiest shades to pull off," says Dosso. "Being that it’s neutral in tone, it works with all skin tones and eye colors."

The Best Cool Brown Hair Colors

It also has the advantage of helping to balance facial features and add dimension to the hair. I suggest using a fine-toothed comb or your fingers to achieve the perfect off-center part. Either can help to create a natural and effortless-looking part. Start at the center of your hairline and gradually shift the part to the desired side. You can use a little hairspray or styling gel to help hold the part in place. Dark, blackish brown is great if you love the idea of black hair but aren’t quite ready to take the plunge into a midnight hue.

Think of this shade as the darkest brown with the faintest of blue undertones—which just so happen to pair perfectly with a cool skin tone. The rich tone provides a striking contrast against pale skin especially. Color your strands with the L’Oréal Paris Superior Preference Fade-Defying Shine Permanent Hair Color in Cool Darkest Brown to achieve this look. The dark brown shade was enhanced with long streaks of a deep, reddish-brown mahogany tone, but then a few streaks of bright cinnamon-brown at the front make things bright and more playful. Show off some modern Posh Spice vibes with a long and sleek graduated bob in a dark hair color. The cut is a classic, of course, but the slim medium brown streaks add a whole other dimension to it.

The warm shades of dark brown in here are predominantly orange-leaning, which makes this border on copper. Hair dye techniques that keep dark brown roots in their natural form are easy to keep looking beautiful. This grown-out look proves it with a gradient of brown shades that would look awesome no matter the length of the darkest part at the top.

The roots and upper mids are a neutral espresso that gets progressively lighter with a heavy balayage technique. The mids are a medium brown, and the ends are a bright, playful golden-brown sugar shade. Then, we combed through detailed product descriptions, ratings, and reviews to find the best at-home hair dyes for each category.

Thinning hair in women: Why it happens and what helps

Table Of Content

• Essential oils
• Female-pattern baldness
• Special Health Reports
• Can hair loss in women be prevented?
• Causes of temporary hair loss
• Layered Cuts

It is important to know that androgenetic alopecia typically appears differently in women than men. In women, the hair becomes thinner at the top of the head, and the middle part widens. Hair loss and hair thinning aren't precisely the same, though they are related. Hair loss refers to the significant reduction in the number of hair strands, leading to visible bald patches or overall decreased hair density.

Essential oils

"i also tell clients to add rosemary oil to both their shampoo and conditioner," she explains. It can take the form of "thinning" or involve a total loss of hair. It can be gradual or sudden; it can affect the old and the young. Hair -- whether it's thick or thin -- needs moisture to bounce and shine. You might think it'll weigh down your locks, but dry tresses will absorb the product.

balance - Hair loss: is the menopause to blame? - Balance Menopause

balance - Hair loss: is the menopause to blame?.

Posted: Mon, 16 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Female-pattern baldness

Dramatic changes in the body can cause temporary hair loss. Giving birth, rapid weight loss, surgery and certain illnesses may cause more hair loss than usual, typically in the resting phase. SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional. Underlying conditions, like anemia (iron deficiency) and hypothyroidism (an underproduction of thyroid hormones) can also trigger the disorder. Regular pulling on your hair via tight ponytails, braids, extensions, or weaves can cause traction alopecia—shedding caused by persistent tension, per the AAD.

Special Health Reports

Early treatment of a receding hairline (frontal fibrosing alopecia) might help avoid significant permanent baldness. The cause of this condition is unknown, but it primarily affects older women. Male-pattern baldness typically appears first at the hairline or top of the head.

While technically a diuretic or “water pill,” that may be prescribed for high blood pressure or edema, Aldactone is an anti-androgen, too. Thinning hair may be caused by lifestyle habits, genetics, or both. Certain medical conditions may also lead to thinning hair. It’s common to lose 50–100 hairs per day, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Any more than this could mean you’re shedding more than you should, which could contribute to overall thinning hair.

In fact, you probably lose between 50 and 100 single hairs each day, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). But consult your doctor before you start to worry; thinning hair is often reversible, Dr. Simpson says. Advanced treatments are available for more serious hair loss. Not getting enough iron, protein or vitamin B12 in your diet can also cause your hair to thin. If this happens to you, talk to your doctor about supplements. When these flakes mix with the oil that’s produced by the scalp, they can clog your follicles and impair the hair’s nutrient supply, which ultimately weakens its structure.

Hormonal changes of any kind, particularly falling estrogen levels, can temporarily disrupt the hair life cycle. Menopause can also lead to uncomfortable systemic symptoms such as night sweats, weight gain, and vaginal dryness, which may raise your overall stress levels. Women may experience hair loss during menopause due to reduced production of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Menopause usually affects women between the ages of 45 and 55. Another cause of hair loss is called telogen effluvium (TE), which is typically temporary. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), TE isn’t actually defined as “hair loss,” but rather as excessive hair shedding.

Always consult with a healthcare provider if you're concerned about hair thinning or loss related to medication. They can offer guidance or potential alternatives if the medication's side effects affect your hair. Lifestyle factors could include using certain hair products, wearing your hair up too tightly, experiencing high stress levels, or not getting enough of certain vitamins and minerals in your diet. Any number of lifestyle factors, genetics, recent life events (such as extreme weight loss in a short period of time or giving birth), or medical conditions can cause your hair to thin. Spironolactone (Aldactone) is sometimes prescribed for people who have thinning hair related to aldosterone production (hyperaldosteronism).

Woman Shares Homemade Recipe She Claims Cured Her Distressing Hair Loss - Newsweek

Woman Shares Homemade Recipe She Claims Cured Her Distressing Hair Loss.

Posted: Thu, 21 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

“Anti-androgen medications, such as spironolactone, may also be prescribed to counteract the effects of excess androgens,” Dr. Mitchell says. Women with hair loss due to alopecia areata may consider treatment with corticosteroids applied to the scalp or injected into multiple sites in the affected area. People with alopecia areata may also benefit from immunosuppressive medications like methotrexate. And any medical conditions that lead to hair loss should be treated directly to address the condition, not just its symptoms. While men tend to notice balding as a receding hairline and specific bald spots, women’s hair loss appears more as overall thinning or a widening of the part at the top of your head. This type of hair loss occurs slowly, over the course of several months or years.

People apply the product directly to the areas of thinning hair. In males, hair thinning tends to occur from the hairline to the back of the head and resembles an “M” shape. In particular, you should steer clear of supplements that contain large amounts of biotin as there is little proof that it is helpful in people who have normal biotin levels — which is most people.

TE is typically reversible and often resolves 6–8 months after your body readjusts or the trigger is gone. In one study of 166 participants, 42% experienced mild improvement and 31% reported increased hair thickness while taking spironolactone. Pregnant people shouldn't take it as it can cause birth defects. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.