Thinning Hair: What’s Causing It and What You Can Do Today

Noticed more hair on your brush or a widening part? Thinning hair is frustrating, but you don’t have to guess what to do next. Start by checking likely causes, then pick treatments that match the cause. This plan helps you act fast and avoid wasted time or money.

Quick checklist: find the cause

Before buying products, answer three simple questions: When did it start? Is it slow and steady or sudden? Any recent stress, weight change, new meds, or pregnancy? Those answers narrow things down fast.

Common causes to consider: genetic pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia), telogen effluvium from stress or illness, low iron or low vitamin D, thyroid problems, and certain medications. If you’re not sure, get two lab tests first: TSH (thyroid) and ferritin (iron stores). Both are cheap and useful.

Practical treatments that work

Topical minoxidil. This is the easiest first step. Use 5% foam or solution once daily (or twice, per product instructions). Expect to wait 3–6 months to see thicker hairs. Clinical trials show it increases hair count and thickness for many people.

Oral finasteride (for men). Finasteride blocks DHT and helps stop genetic hair loss. It usually takes 3–6 months for results. Talk to a doctor about side effects before starting. Women of childbearing age should avoid it.

Address nutrition and health. If ferritin is below 50 ng/mL, your doctor may suggest iron supplements. Check vitamin D and correct a deficiency. Eat protein, zinc, and iron-rich foods — think eggs, beans, lean meat, and leafy greens.

Medical options beyond meds. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) can help certain people. PRP involves injections in the scalp every 4–6 weeks for a few sessions. LLLT devices (caps or combs) are low-risk and used several times a week; some users see improvement after 3–6 months.

Good scalp care matters. Use a gentle shampoo, avoid daily heavy styling, stop tight ponytails and braids, and skip harsh chemical treatments while regrowing. A ketoconazole shampoo twice weekly can reduce scalp inflammation that worsens shedding.

When to see a specialist. Book a dermatologist if hair loss is sudden, patchy, or accompanied by scalp pain or redness. If labs show major abnormalities, see your primary doctor. A dermatologist can order more tests, suggest prescription options, or recommend a biopsy if needed.

Realistic expectations help. Most treatments need months before you notice change. Combine approaches—fix medical issues, use proven meds, and protect your scalp—and you’ll get the best results. If you want, jot down your start date and take monthly photos; small gains add up and the pictures will show progress better than memory.