10 Highly Effective Treatments for Thinning Hair

Hair Loss

Hair loss could be a sign of underlying illnesses, such as diabetes and heart disease. It can have negative effects on social life and may also lead to depression.

10 Highly Effective Treatments for Hair Loss

Thinning hair help

Hair loss, or alopecia, is a concern for men, women, and children. Treatments for hair loss include medications such as Prophecy and Rogaine, hair replacements, and hair restoration. By age 50, half of women will complain of hair loss. Here are 10 solutions to help you keep the hair out of your brush and on your head.

Meals (Eats)

Hair thrives on protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12. Get them from lean meats, leafy greens, nuts, beans, and fish. Now, this is easy!

Massage

You're halfway there every time you shampoo: massaging your head in the shower improves blood flow to the scalp. This means a better environment for hair growth, but it also aids the penetration of any treatment shampoos you use.

Styling

It's the easiest fix you never considered. Hair dryers and irons, especially if you already color, can cause breakage and thinning, so reduce your use however you can.

Minoxidil

As the only FDA-approved proven ingredient, the drug has years of research to back it up—and about 50% of women using it see improvement “Women's Rogaine Treatment for Hair Loss & Hair Thinning Once-A-Day Minoxidil Foam, Four Month Supply” Try Women's Rogaine Treatment for Hair Loss & Hair Thinning Once-A-Day Minoxidil Foam.
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Viviscal

Sometimes a supplement is all you need. "The combination of fish protein, vitamin C, zinc, biotin, and niacin in Viviscal supplements encourages the body to produce healthier, thicker strands," says VIVISCAL EXTRA STRENGTH SUPPLEMENTS BX OF 60 TABLETS.
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MORE: 7 Beauty-Boosting Supplements

Blood Work

Routine blood work can test your ferritin (iron stored in the blood) and vitamin D. Low levels can lead to hair loss, and the fix may be as simple as adding an iron or vitamin supplement. And hey, you're probably overdue for a checkup anyway! (Cut pre-test jitters with these 8 insider tips for making any exam easier and more accurate.) MAX ABSORPTION Biotin Liquid Drops, 5000mcg of Biotin Per Serving, 60 serving, No Artificial Preservatives, Vegan Friendly, Supports Hair Growth, ($43.99 + Free Shipping, amazon.com)

Lasers

Laser treatments reduce the inflammation in follicles that inhibits them from regenerating. In a recent study, researchers saw significant increases in density after 26 weeks of twice-weekly treatments with a take-home device with medical-grade lasers: NutraStim Professional Hair Growth Laser Comb – Advanced FDA Cleared Hair Loss Treatment For Women & Men With Thinning Hair – Superior Regrowth Therapy Combs To Grow Thicker & Fuller Hair. ($279 + Free Shipping, amazon.com)

Stress Relief

Some stressors, such as job pressures, relationship problems or financial concerns, are easy to identify. But daily hassles and demands, such as waiting in a long line or being late to a meeting, also contribute to your stress level. Both sudden and chronic stress can halt hair growth. If you've been through a challenging experience (divorce, job change), hair should grow back. If you're under constant pressure, master meditation—easier said than done, but your hair will thank you.

Cortisone Shots

They hurt, but they work. lnjecting cortisone directly into the scalp blocks the hormonal activity that induces hair thinning. This works especially well in patients with inflammatory scalp disease, says Bergfeld.

Bad Blood

According to practitioners of traditional Indian medicine, hair health is tied to two things: kidney energy and the blood, which nourish the hair. The solution: acupuncture and Indian herbs. While there isn't a lot of hard science to back this up, Maureen Conant, a TCM practitioner at Full Bloom Acupuncture in Seattle, says that she's seen women's hair stop falling out and then gradually regenerate after a few months of weekly treatments.