How to Care for Natural Gray Hair, From Strengthening to Styling

Table Of Content

• Can Vitamins, Supplements, and Other Remedies Reverse Gray Hair?
• Chemical hair dyes and hair products
• Spotting Silver Strands? How to Prevent Grey Hair (And Maybe even Reverse it)
• How to Donate Your Hair to Support People With Hair Loss
• Makeup can help tackle surprising gray roots
• Vitamin B-9 (folic acid)

If you’ve been grey for many years, reducing stress probably won’t have an impact on your hair color. She recommends the B Hair supplement by Hair Clinic (which can be ordered through her salon), since it also contains folic acid, biotin, vitamin C, zinc, magnesium in addition to B12 and B6. “All of these will nourish the hair root, increase density in the hair shaft, have a calming effect on your sympathetic nervous system along with boosting growth and preventing loss,” she says. Additionally, she recommends this B-Complex by Pure Encapsulations. Melanin helps protect hair against free radicals such as UV rays.

Can Vitamins, Supplements, and Other Remedies Reverse Gray Hair?

Oxidative stress causes imbalances when antioxidants are not enough to counteract the damaging effects of free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that damage cells, contributing to aging and disease. Just like you polish your silver jewelry, you do the same for your hair. "A good haircut is essential. Precision-shaping paired with deep hydration will save the day," says Marris Ambrose, color director at Julien Farel Restore Salon & Spa Color in New York City. "There are many options, depending on the amount of gray present and the look you're going for. Possibly paint some white streaks around the face for a stronger statement."

Chemical hair dyes and hair products

Revlon ColorSilk is free of ammonia, and Madison Reed's Radiant Color Kit, while on the pricier side, is made without ammonia, parabens, resorcinol, PPD, phthalates, and gluten. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Just remember that if a supplement or alternative treatment sounds too good to be true, then that’s probably the case.

Spotting Silver Strands? How to Prevent Grey Hair (And Maybe even Reverse it)

The silk is meant to create less friction, protecting the hair from breakage, unwanted frizz, and fly-aways. While some people celebrate gray hair as a sign of maturity and wisdom, many feel that they look older when their hair starts growing gray and would like the gray to go away for a more youthful appearance. You should address any concerns about premature grays or hair loss with a doctor.

This will ensure that color is deposited to the root and that it will be distributed evenly throughout your hair. There's no hard-and-fast rule about when (or if!) you should stop coloring your hair and go gray; it's ultimately a personal choice. When Aral did decide to go fully gray, her experience both personally and professionally — this scientist has tested a whole lot of hair dye in her years at the GH Institute!

Just because you’re going gray, doesn’t mean you have to dye it

“They may help in addressing thinning hair, and while there is no good data to support this, I have my own theories that the use of these shampoos may minimize graying hair,” he says. So, while there are no guarantees, it’s another possible option to explore — just proceed with caution if you have color-treated hair, as this ingredient can potentially strip away dye. We can’t escape the aging process, but preventing free radical damage, correcting vitamin deficiencies, and managing stress levels?

It's basically like an eye shadow (which will also work if you're in a pinch). If you've never lightened your hair before, you could find yourself in the salon for an unexpected length of time during the gray transitioning coloring process. "I spent a total of seven hours in the salon and really saw how intensive the process was," Aral explains.

Discovery: Gray Hair Gene Identified - Mayo Clinic

Discovery: Gray Hair Gene Identified.

Posted: Wed, 02 Mar 2016 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Vitamin B-9 (folic acid)

The daily vitamin B-12 recommendation for most adults is 2.4 mcg. The daily recommendation for most adults is 1.3 milligrams (mg), but older adults and people who are pregnant or breastfeeding require slightly more. However, getting enough vitamin B-5 can ensure that your body is properly converting food into energy. Dairy products, such as milk and yogurt, are prominent sources of this mineral.

Lock in Moisture

Any deficiencies of vitamin B9, B12, biotin, or vitamin D can contribute to premature graying. As for styling, if you have finer hair and want it to look bouncy and healthy, stay away from those thick serums or ultra-thick pomades or creams, because they can just make your hair look flat, and who wants that? Instead, try a light anti-frizz shine spray, to keep things locked down and smooth. Speaking from experience, during my brief foray into grayness, I swear by Alterna’s Bamboo Smooth Kendi Dry Oil Mist, which gives your hair a silky sheen without weighing it down at all.

In addition to helping to regulate thyroid function, taking an L-tyrosine supplement is thought to enhance mood and improve cognitive function, which is why James recommends it for addressing premature graying. “Taking an L-tyrosine supplement will reduce any inflammation, help reduce stress, and has been proven to help with hair loss,” she says. She recommends trying this L-tyrosine supplement from Pure Encapsulations. Getting gray hair is part of the normal aging process, and different people will experience it at different ages.

Zinc is a mineral that’s responsible for protecting your cells and DNA from invaders, which is why people often tout it as a cold remedy. The good news is that you can get vitamin B-6 from a variety of different foods, including fish, poultry, potatoes, and non-citrus fruits. If you don’t get enough vitamin B-6, you may develop symptoms like dry hair, cracked lips, and fatigue. You can’t eat keratin, per se, but ensuring that you get enough protein in your diet can allow your body to extract amino acids and turn them into keratin. You may have heard about keratin treatments for hair straightening and smoothing, but internal keratin can also affect your overall hair health.

The reality is that going gray, like aging, is natural and inevitable, and for some, it can begin earlier than you might expect. In fact, while most people begin to gray between their mid-30s and 40s, it’s possible for others to start at just 20-years-old. With the right diagnosis and treatments, white hair progression can be stopped and reversed in some instances. You also want to make sure your daily (or go-to, if you’re not a daily washer) shampoo is hydrating and full of antioxidants to keep those grays looking bright and fresh. One of our favorites is the Aveda Blue Malva Shampoo, which zaps brassiness and boosts your silver tones. Or try L'Oréal Professionnel Serie Expert Silver Shampoo, which gets rid of any unwanted yellow tones that can pop up in gray hair.

It's a question of how much coverage you want and how long you want it to last. "The type of dye you use depends on the amount of gray you have," says Hazan. "If 40 percent or more of your head is gray, permanent color is the best option. If it's 30 percent or less, you can use semi-permanent or vegetable dye." “A lot of women get discouraged from going gray, but the texture [grays] give you can actually make your hair routine more exciting.

Since gray hair is also dry, it's best to avoid heat when styling. Before you get too bent out of shape, though, there is a silver lining. Although gray hair can be the consequence of age, genetics, and stress, vitamins, and minerals you're not getting enough of can hasten graying.

(And it's just about as divisive as liver.) Even its British manufacturers admit that Marmite — typically spread on hot buttered toast at breakfast—is an acquired taste. But if want to fend off the grays, you may want to give it a try. According to the USDA, yeast extract tops all foods in folic acid content. One small schmear of Marmite (about 4 grams) packs a whopping 100 micrograms of folic acid, or 25% of your recommended daily allowance.

Regular use of natural remedies may slow down and possibly reverse white hair. But everyone’s hair eventually starts to turn white, and the individual has to decide whether they are comfortable with the white or if they prefer to try and hold back what is a natural aging process. SEEN's shampoo ($29) and conditioner ($29) both contain hemisqualane. For more moisturizing options, Leake recommends the Kerastase Blond Absolu Grey Hair Set ($150), which includes shampoo, conditioner, and heat protection designed to hydrate and protect gray hair. "Moisture is so important in protecting against breakage, and this product delivers," he says.

Gray Hair: Everything You Need to Know About Causes and Hair Care

Table Of Content

• Option 2: Consider removing old hair dye from natural gray strands.
• Can Vitamins, Supplements, and Other Remedies Reverse Gray Hair?
• Stop smoking
• Are there natural remedies that slow hair from graying?
• How can you care for your hair to stop greys coming early?
• What Causes Gray Hair, and Can You Reverse It?

"Reducing oxidative stress on the hair by protecting the scalp from the sun...is advisable," according to Farber. This can be done by wearing scalp sunscreen or protective sun hats. First, you should know that the consensus among scientists and medical professionals is that the root cause of gray hair lies in genetics.

Option 2: Consider removing old hair dye from natural gray strands.

Here are some ways to combat the factors that contribute to graying strands. Gray hair is commonly brittle, so choosing the right products is key, especially if you're coloring your grays. Leake recommends combatting wiry grays with moisturizing serums, hydrating shampoo and conditioner, hair masks, and occasional treatments.

Can Vitamins, Supplements, and Other Remedies Reverse Gray Hair?

Green points out that due to the fact that graying is almost always the result of natural aging, there’s no real way to completely prevent it. “However, under not so common circumstances, gray hair may be the result of some illnesses such as a vitamin B12 deficiency, thyroid disorders, vitiligo, and alopecia areata,” she says. Low levels of vitamin B12 can lead to fatigue, shortness of breath, and yes, dry, thinning, and prematurely gray hair. You can keep your B12 levels topped up by consuming lots of eggs, cheese, milk, and chicken. "We know that stress uses up vitamin B, and some studies have shown that taking large doses of certain B vitamins (B6, B12, folic acid) have begun to reverse the process of graying in three months," says trichologist Sara Allison. L-tyrosine, on the other hand, is an amino acid naturally found in the body that's responsible for melanin production.

Stop smoking

They showed that stress was linked to hairs turning gray, and when that stress was removed, some color was restored in some parts of the hair. A recent study showed that people who experience psychological stress were more likely to develop gray hair. It’s important to know that the study was pretty small, so we need more research to figure out exactly how this happens.

Are there natural remedies that slow hair from graying?

She loves to practice what she preaches in her everyday life with copious amounts of herbal tea, Pilates, and hyaluronic acid. Knight & Wilson hair expert Scott Cornwall says that hair styling products could have a similar effect. As a final step, a drop of hair oil can remedy dry, brittle strands by locking in moisture. Delicately slather on Davines OI Oil to add shine and softness to wet or dry hair without weighing it down, especially if hair is feeling extra coarse. Bread Beauty Supply’s elixir is a solid choice, too, powered by Kakadu plum for unmatched shine and hydration.

Just because you’re going gray, doesn’t mean you have to dye it

My favorite gray hair shampoo is by White Hot Hair, a company based in the UK that was founded by Jane Mayled. It's a soft violet-colored shampoo that tones the hair and brightens it. The Glorious Shampoo ($22) is a white shampoo for daily use that detoxifies the hair and restores shine. I follow that up with the Luminous Conditioner ($22), which is a creamy conditioner that adds extra hydration, radiance, and shine. It may even contribute to premature graying, especially before the age of 30. Certain nutrients can ensure that your hair follicles are producing pigmentation as they should, especially in the case of premature graying.

How can you care for your hair to stop greys coming early?

For a more graduated, natural look, if only about 20 to 30 percent of your hair is gray, you can also opt for balayage, which works if you don’t have as many grays. "It will camouflage the gray and make it look like highlights," says Hazan. There are so many options out there, it's no wonder you might have color confusion.

One study found that stress induces the release of noradrenaline from sympathetic nerves, which depletes the stem cells that give hair its color. Anyone who has white hair resulting from a vitamin deficiency should consume more foods loaded with those vitamins. Hydrogen peroxide, which is in many hair dyes, is one such harmful chemical. Excessive use of products that bleach hair will also eventually cause it to turn white. There are conflicting research studies on real-life stress, such as that caused by injury, leading to premature graying.

Vitamin deficiencies

Epidemiological and investigative study of premature graying of hair in higher secondary and pre-university school children. The study involved a small number of people, and the changes in hair color were subtle and only seen with a high-resolution scanner. But they provide evidence that turning gray may not be a fixed process. In the study, researchers were able to analyze how individual hair shafts changed over time.

What Are the Causes of Gray Hair as You Age? - AARP

What Are the Causes of Gray Hair as You Age?.

Posted: Tue, 05 Jan 2021 08:00:00 GMT [source]

A small 2020 study in the International Journal of Trichology showed increased oxidative stress markers in those who went prematurely gray (defined as before age 30). Smoking, sun exposure, pollution, and certain chemicals, like those found in some hair dyes (ironic, right?). You can’t exactly trigger or stop grey hair growth based on your diet, but eating certain foods can help mitigate the vitamin and mineral deficiencies that can lead to white hairs. Lentils and chickpeas, for example, are good sources of vitamin B9, or folate. Salmon can provide vitamin D, and tuna, trout, and sardines all offer a healthy dose of vitamin B12. In addition, walnuts are an excellent source of copper, which can aid melanin production in your hair.

"A healthy diet and lifestyle is not only good for your overall well-being but also for your skin and hair health," says Lain. While the genetic aspect of our hair-graying process is out of our hands (thanks, Mom and Dad), a few simple lifestyle shifts can help you hold on to your hued hair longer, experts say. As hair grows from its follicle, melanocytes add pigment via melanin into the hair cells that contain keratin, the protein that makes up hair, nails and skin. According to a 2023 review in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences, researchers believe the body has a "melanogenic clock" that can slow down or halt this melanocyte activity. This "clock" is controlled by our DNA, but it can be adjusted based on what the environment throws your way.

Secrets of gray hair revealed: Scientists may have figured out why our hair does this - Fox News

Secrets of gray hair revealed: Scientists may have figured out why our hair does this.

Posted: Sat, 22 Apr 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Do not exceed 350 degrees, and never let the tool remain in one place on the hair for more than a few seconds. I rarely even blow-dry my hair, and when I do, I make sure I never leave the heat blowing in one area for too long. I usually air-dry my hair and create an easy beach wave with a simple styling wand ($169) from The Dry Bar. If you must use a hot tool, it is imperative to use a strong heat protectant before styling with hot tools. I know when I have a great cut, I can wear my gray hair both curly and straight — either way, it looks amazing.

Quantitative mapping of human hair greying and reversal in relation to life stress. Or you can ditch the hair dye and opt to gray naturally and gracefully. As Sarchet points out, at-home color results vary more than salon-quality results, so start small. And remember, color is often more visible once it dries, so if you need to start with one layer of product, it could be worth it to wait and check in after 24 hours to see if you have to go back in for round two. Whether you'll be using a spray or a brush applicator, it's always worth it to perform a test run of the product to see how it will apply. Test out your ability to target your grays on a paper towel first.

In one study, researchers found that, in mice, the response to stress damages DNA which accumulates over time. Although another mouse study has shown a link, there isn’t any scientific evidence on humans that illustrates a direct correlation between stress and gray hair. There are plenty of hair dyes on the market that cover white hair, but many of these contribute to premature graying and may cause allergic reactions. For starters, you want to use a blue or purple-hued shampoo and conditioner several times a month to keep your color strong. “Clarifying and purple shampoos can keep the gray or white hair brighter and will also help prevent the yellowing that comes from the sun,” says Leppard. Purple shampoo, in particular, color-corrects warm tones in blonde hair.

What is Alopecia? Plus 6 Treatments for Hair Loss

Table Of Content

• Women and Hair Loss: Causes
• Harvard Health Publishing
• Night sweats, hair changes and 5 other postpartum symptoms nobody warns you about
• Risk Factors for Progressive Hair Loss
• Hair Loss in Women: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment

Treatments for hair loss include medications and surgery. Female-pattern baldness typically starts with scalp hairs becoming progressively less dense. Many women first experience hair thinning and hair loss where they part their hair and on the top-central portion of the head. Finasteride (sold as Propecia and Proscar) is a prescription medication used mainly to treat male pattern baldness by reducing the hormone DHT, which can shrink hair follicles. It's not typically recommended for women of reproductive age due to potential risks to a developing male fetus and may cause sexual side effects in some men.

Women and Hair Loss: Causes

The most common cause of alopecia is an inherited condition called male- or female-pattern hair loss. Certain health conditions may also cause other symptoms, such as a rash, redness, pain, peeling of the scalp, hair breakage, patch hair loss, or an unusual pattern of hair loss. It’s important to talk to your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms, as they may be a sign of a more serious condition. Men also experience anagen and telogen effluvium in response to chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or certain medications. In these cases, the hair loss is often reversible when medication or treatment is stopped. A common cause of this imbalance is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Harvard Health Publishing

If you aren't getting all the essential nutrients and vitamins in your diet then you could experience some hair loss. A lack of iron, zinc and vitamin D can lead to hair loss, especially if you are deficient in iron to begin with. Thinning hair and loss of hair can be extremely stressful for women and can trigger potential feelings of shame, worry or insecurity. While thinning hair can occur at any age and takes on many forms, any type can feel worrying for people who may not understand the root cause.

Night sweats, hair changes and 5 other postpartum symptoms nobody warns you about

By Sarah Jividen, RNJividen is a freelance healthcare journalist. She has over a decade of direct patient care experience working as a registered nurse specializing in neurotrauma, stroke, and the emergency room. Minoxidil may irritate your scalp and cause dryness, scaling, itching and/or redness.

Risk Factors for Progressive Hair Loss

GP Doctor Bhavini Shah, from LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, revealed eight possible causes of thinning hair in women. Dozens of over-the-counter supplements and products purport to reverse hair loss, making it tough for patients to know which ones work and which don’t. “As soon as you notice hair loss is happening, you should come in,” says Lauren Eckert Ploch, a dermatologist in Aiken, South Carolina.

Best known by its brand name Rogaine, minoxidil is an over-the-counter hair loss treatment approved by the FDA. There are online options to obtain minoxidil as well, through companies like Hims and Keeps. 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. While research suggests there are health benefits, the FDA doesn’t monitor or regulate the purity or quality of essential oils. It’s important to talk with a healthcare professional before you begin using essential oils and be sure to research the quality of a brand’s products.

Hair Loss in Women: Causes, Prevention, and Treatment

This April marks Stress Awareness month in the US, a calendar moment designed to raise awareness of the pervasive and damaging nature of stress. “It’s best to avoid repetitive wear of hairstyles that pull too tightly and give the hair regular breaks from tension, especially if you notice your hair thinning. Finally, keep in mind that the same healthy habits recommended for maintaining your physical health will also help your hair. Try to find ways to manage stress, and strive for a well-balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables. You can either purchase over-the-counter laser devices to use at home or receive the treatments from a provider.

It's is available over the counter as 2% and 5% solutions. It takes about 6-12 months of this once-daily use foam treatment to see results. This is the name for hair loss caused by medications that harm your hair follicles. Radiation and chemotherapy treatments for cancer can be toxic to follicles, causing your hair to fall out within the first few weeks after you start treatment.

Special Health Reports

Nutrafol Review (2024): Does It Work For Hair Loss? – Forbes Health - Forbes

Nutrafol Review ( : Does It Work For Hair Loss? – Forbes Health.

Posted: Tue, 23 Jan 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Left untreated, a sexually transmitted infection (STI) can lead to hair loss. Left untreated, syphilis can cause patchy hair loss on the scalp, eyebrows, beard, and elsewhere. In women, the first noticeable sign of hereditary hair loss is usually overall thinning or a widening part. “Be cautious about vitamins, supplements, and shampoos that claim to help hair loss,” advises Dr. Goh.

Since there are many types of hair loss and many factors that can cause it, it’s important to understand who is at more risk. Certain health conditions raise your risk of both sudden hair loss (like telogen or anagen effluvium) and progressive hair loss (androgenetic alopecia). Most hair loss in men is caused by androgenetic alopecia or male pattern hair loss. This type is genetic—passed from parent to child—and progresses gradually. It typically affects the hairline, temples, or top of the head.

Some people prefer to let their hair loss run its course untreated and unhidden. Others may cover it up with hairstyles, makeup, hats or scarves. And still others choose one of the treatments available to prevent further hair loss or restore growth. If you’re experiencing new hair loss or hair thinning, or if you’re developing any bald spots, you should talk with a doctor. They can help you detect any underlying medical conditions, as well as offer any related medications.

Those units and then are implanted into the bald area of the head. The hormones that suppress ovulation could cause your hair to thin. It’s more likely if you have a family history of hair loss. Other drugs linked to hair loss include blood thinners and medicines that treat high blood pressure, heart disease, arthritis, and depression.

In women, androgenic alopecia can start to set on during the reproductive years, occurring later than it does in men. At 29, 12% of women start showing signs, but by 79, over half show symptoms. Hair usually starts to regrow within months of finishing chemotherapy or radiation treatments to the head or neck. Dermatologists can offer medication to help hair grow back more quickly. With this type of hair loss, your follicles gradually shrink and the growth cycle is shortened.

Hair Loss Causes: Reasons It Happens in Women and Men

Table Of Content

• Hair Loss in Women
• Hair-Loss Products and Devices
• Androgenetic Alopecia
• Hair Loss Treatments to Avoid
• BONUS! Sign up now and get a FREE copy of theBest Diets for Cognitive Fitness
• Other Conditions
• certain medications

Infections, distressing events, high fever, and mental health issues can contribute to stress-related hair loss in men and women. Rapid weight loss due to bariatric surgery or disease can also cause this often reversible condition. When a man has hereditary hair loss, the first sign is often a receding hairline or bald spot at the top of his head. No matter which term you use, it means that you’ve inherited genes that cause your hair follicles (what each hair grows out of) to shrink and eventually stop growing hair. Shrinking can begin as early as your teens, but it usually starts later in life. A dermatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in treating the skin, hair, and nails.

Hair Loss in Women

Let your hair air dry for a while before you use the dryer. Special cosmetics can disguise parts of your scalp that show. If you’re not getting enough of one or more of these, you can have noticeable hair loss.

Hair-Loss Products and Devices

12 Best Hair Growth Serums of 2024 - ELLE

12 Best Hair Growth Serums of 2024.

Posted: Thu, 21 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Telogen effluvium is a type of temporary hair loss that occurs when a large number of hair follicles enter the resting phase of the hair growth cycle prematurely. Male-pattern hair loss is what causes a receding hairline and baldness in men. In women, female-pattern hair loss typically affects the crown or top of the head first, Mirmirani says. Women may notice that their part is becoming wider or that their scalp is more visible. Another cause of rapid hair loss in women and men is anagen effluvium from chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer or certain medications. The hair loss, which can affect the entire body, starts two to three weeks after therapy.

Androgenetic Alopecia

Both the CDC and the FDA warn against treating this common childhood condition on your own with non-prescription treatments. Hair usually regrows when your hormones get back to normal. Your hair can regain its usual fullness 6 to 9 months after childbirth. It usually happens when you're in your late 50s or 60s.

Hair Loss Treatments to Avoid

Androgens are sex hormones that contribute to growth and reproduction. Over time, these hormones cause hair follicles to shrink, resulting in shorter and finer strands of hair. Eventually, new hair no longer grows in those areas, leading to the appearance of sparse or thinning hair. Ironically, you may simultaneously develop more hair on other areas of the body, such as the face or chin.

BONUS! Sign up now and get a FREE copy of theBest Diets for Cognitive Fitness

So long as the underlying cause is treated or stopped, you can expect regrowth. However, it can take up to six months before you notice results. Trichorrhexis nodosa is the official name for hair breakage. It takes place mid-shaft while hair loss occurs at the scalp. For instance, if you see little hairs on the floor of different lengths, that’s a sign of breakage, says Dr. Lenzy.

Other Conditions

Thankfully, Dr Bhavini Shah from LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor has explained eight potential reasons why your hair may be falling out or thinning over time. TE is typically reversible and often resolves 6–8 months after your body readjusts or the trigger is gone. You can sometimes identify TE by looking at the strand.

Female hair loss: Half of older women experience thinning hair, study finds - NBC News

Female hair loss: Half of older women experience thinning hair, study finds.

Posted: Tue, 22 Feb 2022 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Hair loss can sometimes be a sign of an underlying disease. Doctors can often diagnose the cause of thinning hair by looking at the pattern of hair loss. Performing a gentle scalp massage using essential oils could provide extra benefits.

Wear a hat, scarf or other head covering when you’re in the sun, and apply sunscreen daily. Losing your hair — whether the hair loss is temporary or permanent — can be emotionally difficult for many people. Some types of hair loss can eventually lead to baldness.

You can prevent hair loss caused by chemical hair treatments by not using them. It’s important to talk to your healthcare provider before starting any form of treatment for hair loss. Some types of treatment aren’t safe to use if you’re pregnant, planning on becoming pregnant or going through menopause. “Traction alopecia is a type of hair loss caused by prolonged pulling or tension on the hair follicles. This often happens when hairstyles like tight ponytails, braids, or extensions are worn regularly. It can affect people of any age and may come and go unpredictably.

Hair loss and hair thinning can be temporary or permanent. It’s usually genetic, but it can also be triggered by diseases or disorders that attack the hair follicles. And if you drop 15 pounds or more, you might also shed some hair a few months down the road. Don’t worry too much -- it’ll return when you’re back on a healthy diet. Be prepared to shed some locks if you’re getting too much vitamin A or not enough protein. You might notice your hair seems fuller during pregnancy.

It stops the action of male hormones called androgens. When you start to shed more strands — and fewer or none grow back — the condition is considered alopecia (hair loss). There are several types of hair loss, and it can affect adults of any gender and even children. You may lose hair just on your head or from your body as well.

"Patients can expect to see results in about three months, noticeable improvement in six months, and a full head of hair growth by 12 to 14 months," she adds. If any of these are the case, hair loss won't be the only symptom present. With thyroid disease, you'll likely also notice changes in energy level, weight, and skin dryness, and you may experience heart palpitations. Hormonal fluctuations often cause acne, facial hair loss like in your eyebrows, and changes in your period.

Researchers believe that cortisol, a stress hormone released by your adrenal glands, may disrupt your hair growth cycle. If you have an underlying medical condition, such as alopecia areata, getting the correct treatments from your doctor may help with hair loss. "This means you're keeping your hair and decreasing thinning," Dr. Halaas explains.

For women who are experiencing a receding hairline (frontal fibrosing alopecia), talk with your doctor about early treatment to avoid significant permanent baldness. Yael Halaas, MD, addresses thinning hair in patients with a couple of today's latest options. Not all researchers agree that spironolactone works, and the FDA has not endorsed it as a treatment for androgenic alopecia. However, the medication has still been used off-label for years to treat hair loss in women. More research is needed before definitive claims can be made regarding its effectiveness. 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.