There is no proven way to permanently thicken hair if you are healthy and have no underlying health conditions. But, there are lifestyle adjustments to improve your overall hair health and prevent breakage.

Here are common causes of thin hair and five tips for healthier, thicker hair.

"The earlier someone starts therapies, the more likely they are to be effective," Wasserbauer says. "If you are losing more than 100 hairs per day, or if your hair is less thick when you run your hand through it, it is worth seeing a hair expert."

Advertisement

If your hair loss is not due to an underlying health condition, you may be able to thicken your hair with the following lifestyle changes:

Cortisol, the stress hormone, disrupts the functioning of the hair follicle and contributes to thinning hair. A 2016 study found high levels of cortisol can cause certain proteins in hair to break down.

It is important to differentiate between different types of stress, Wasserbauer says. If you experience a stressful event, you may notice a period of hair loss and accelerated thinning, but the hair usually recovers within a year. Ongoing hair loss is more serious, and unless it is caught, diagnosed, and treated, it may result in permanent loss.

A hormone imbalance, such as during pregnancy or menopause, can cause thinning hair. A decrease in estrogen or an increase in testosterone levels can thin hair as well, Umar says.

Research found an imbalance of hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and prolactin can all contribute to hair loss. Hair loss can also be due to an imbalance of thyroid hormones, Umar says.

Heat styling products, like blow dryers, straighteners, and curling irons all weaken the hair shaft and fiber, Umar says. These products damage the cuticle on the outer layer of the hair, especially if the heat setting is set too high or you use a heating product daily.

A 2004 study found using a curling iron causes hair to weaken and break, though hair treated with a conditioner showed less damage than hair that was not.

Sulfates are chemicals found in most shampoos and soaps that provide the "sudsy" effect when you lather them up.

Sulfates also strip hair of its natural oils and moisture, Umar says, causing it to become dry and brittle, which makes it break more easily.

If you have no underlying health conditions causing hair loss, there is no proven way to thicken your hair. However, you can improve overall hair health by eating a nutritious diet, limiting heat styling, and using a sulfate-free shampoo. Healthier hair means less damage and breakage, which can help hair grow longer and thicker.

View post:
5 tips to get thicker hair and common causes of hair loss or thinning - Business Insider India

Comments are closed.