What are the Causes of Thinning Hair?

Thinning hair can affect both men and women at any age. While losing 50–100 hairs per day is completely normal, noticeable scalp visibility, widening partings, or a receding hairline may indicate an underlying hair loss condition.

The most common causes of thinning hair include genetics, hormonal changes, stress, nutritional deficiencies, medical conditions, medications, and ageing. Identifying the root cause is essential in determining whether hair thinning is temporary, treatable, or progressive.

The Most Common Causes of Thinning Hair

While people tend to lose around 50 – 100 hairs a day as part of the hair growth cycle if you start to notice more than this you may be suffering from a form of hair loss.

1. Genetics (Androgenetic Alopecia)

The most common cause of thinning hair in both men and women is androgenetic alopecia, also known as male or female pattern baldness.

• Affects over 50% of men during their lifetime
• Can begin as early as the 20s or 30s
• Linked to sensitivity to DHT (dihydrotestosterone)
• Causes shrinking of hair follicles over time

In men, this often presents as a receding hairline or thinning at the crown. In women, it typically appears as widening of the parting or diffuse thinning. Genetic hair loss is progressive and does not usually reverse without treatment.

2. Stress & Telogen Effluvium

Significant physical or emotional stress can trigger telogen effluvium, a temporary form of hair shedding. Common triggers include:

• Illness or surgery
• Rapid weight loss
• Emotional trauma
• Childbirth
• Major life changes

Hair shedding usually begins 2–3 months after the trigger event and may resolve within 6–9 months.

3. Hormonal Imbalances

Hormones play a major role in hair growth regulation. Thinning hair may result from:

• Thyroid disorders
• Menopause
• Postpartum hormone changes
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
• Elevated DHT levels

Hormonal hair loss may be reversible once hormone levels stabilise.

4. Nutritional Deficiencies

Hair follicles require adequate nutrients to function properly. Deficiencies in the following may contribute to thinning hair:

• Iron (common in women)
• Vitamin D
• Zinc
• Protein
• Vitamin B12

A blood test can help determine whether nutritional deficiencies are contributing to hair thinning.

5. Medical Conditions

Certain autoimmune and inflammatory conditions can lead to thinning hair:

• Alopecia Areata: Patchy hair loss caused by immune response
• Lupus: Can cause scalp inflammation and shedding
• Thyroid disease: Affects hair growth cycle

If hair loss is sudden, severe, or accompanied by other symptoms, medical evaluation is essential.

6. Medications

Some prescription medications may trigger hair thinning, including:

• Antidepressants
• Blood pressure medication
• Chemotherapy drugs
• Hormonal treatments

Hair often regrows after medication is adjusted or discontinued.

7. Infections & Scalp Conditions

Fungal infections or inflammatory scalp conditions can disrupt follicle health and cause temporary thinning. Most common types are:

• Seborrhoeic dermatitis
• Psoriasis
• Folliculitis

8. Traction Alopecia

Caused by repeated tension from tight hairstyles such as:

• Braids
• Ponytails
• Extensions

If caught early, traction alopecia is reversible. Long-term tension may lead to permanent damage.

9. Ageing

As we age:

• Hair growth slows
• Follicles shrink
• Hair becomes finer

Hair density naturally decreases over time, particularly after age 50.

At What Age Does Our Hair Start Thinning?

Both men and women can experience hair loss but for men, 25% start to lose hair by the time they are 30 years old. Thinning hair usually starts with either a receding hairline at the front and sides of the head with male pattern baldness. The hair loss can also appear as diffuse thinning where patchy hair loss occurs in different areas of the head resulting in reduced hair density often exposing the scalp and revealing balding spots. One of the causes of thinning hair is the high levels of DHT (the hormone that makes hair follicles shrink).

Women’s hair generally starts to thin in their 50s and 60s and the thinning occurs around the parting and gets wider with female pattern baldness. When the hair is pulled or tied back, you can see more of the scalp.

Typical Age and Pattern of Hair Thinning in Men vs Women

Factor	Men	Women
Common age of onset	Can begin in the 20s; ~25% by age 30	Most commonly begins in the 50s–60s
Typical pattern	Receding hairline, temple thinning, crown thinning	Widening parting, diffuse thinning on the top of the scalp
Appearance of hair loss	May progress to bald spots and visible scalp exposure	Gradual reduction in density, usually without complete bald patches
Diffuse thinning	Can occur across multiple areas of the scalp	Common, especially around the mid-scalp and crown
Main hormonal contributor	Often linked to elevated DHT levels	Hormonal shifts (e.g., menopause), genetics, and androgen sensitivity
Early visible signs	Hairline recession, thinning crown	Wider part line, more scalp visible when hair is tied back

How to Tell if You’re Losing Too Much Hair

It is normal to shed between 50 and 100 hairs per day. However, persistent or noticeable thinning may indicate an underlying issue.

The Pull Test

A simple way to assess active shedding at home is the hair pull test:

• Start with clean, dry hair.
• Gently grasp a small section (around 50–60 hairs) between your fingers.
• Slowly run your fingers along the length of the hair, applying light tension.

If more than 2–3 hairs come away consistently each time you repeat the test in different areas of the scalp, this may suggest excessive shedding and warrants further assessment. Hair loss patterns can also provide clues:

• Receding hairline – thinning is usually most noticeable at the temples or frontal hairline.
• Diffuse thinning – shedding occurs more evenly across the scalp.

As a general guide, no more than 10 hairs per 100 strands should be released during gentle traction.

Other Warning Signs of Excessive Thinning

• Increased scalp visibility in bright light
• A noticeably thinner ponytail
• Receding hairline
• Widening of the parting
• Clumps of hair in the shower or on your pillow

If you are concerned, consult your GP or a qualified dermatologist. They may recommend:

• Blood tests to check for nutritional deficiencies (such as iron or vitamin D)
• Hormone testing (for example, thyroid function or androgen levels)
• Trichoscopy (a magnified examination of the scalp and hair shafts)

Blood tests can also determine if there are any hormonal imbalances or nutritional deficiencies causing thinning hair.

How do you stop hair from thinning? Is it reversible?

Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Some types of hair thinning are reversible, while others are progressive.

Genetic Hair Loss (Androgenetic Alopecia)

Hereditary hair loss is influenced by genetics and hormones. Without treatment, hair thinning typically progresses over time. Hair does not usually regrow spontaneously, but medical treatments may help slow progression and stimulate regrowth in some individuals.

Stress-Related Hair Loss

Stress can trigger a condition known as telogen effluvium, where more hairs than usual enter the resting (telogen) phase of the hair cycle. This typically occurs 2–3 months after a physical or emotional stressor.

Telogen effluvium is usually temporary. Hair growth often resumes within 3–6 months once the trigger has resolved. Management focuses on:

• Stress reduction (e.g. mindfulness, yoga, exercise)
• Adequate sleep
• A balanced, nutrient-rich diet
• Addressing any underlying medical conditions

Hormonal Imbalance

Hormonal changes — including thyroid disorders, post-partum changes, menopause or conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) — can lead to hair thinning.

Regrowth depends on identifying and correcting the underlying imbalance. The timeline for recovery varies and may take several months.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Low iron levels, inadequate protein intake, or deficiencies in vitamins such as vitamin D or B12 can contribute to shedding. Hair regrowth is possible once levels are corrected, although improvement is gradual.

If hair thinning persists, worsens, or is accompanied by other symptoms (such as fatigue, weight change, or scalp irritation), medical assessment is recommended to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.

How to Stop Thinning Hair: Treatment Options

Medications

Minoxidil

• Increases blood flow to follicles
• Suitable for men and women
• Requires ongoing use

Finasteride (has side-effects)

• Blocks DHT production
• Slows progression of male pattern baldness

Medication works best in early stages.

Lifestyle & Nutritional Support

• Balanced diet rich in protein and iron
• Stress management
• Avoid excessive heat styling
• Use gentle, nourishing hair products

While lifestyle changes can support hair health, they may not reverse genetic hair loss.

Hair Transplant Surgery (Permanent Solution)

For advanced or genetic thinning, a hair transplant may provide a long-term solution. Modern techniques allow natural-looking density restoration, such as:

• FUE for graft extraction
• DHI for direct graft implantation

Hair surgeries are typically suitable for individuals with stable donor hair and pattern baldness.

Are There Natural Ways to Thicken my Thinning Hair?

Drugs like Finasteride and Minoxidil are clinically proven to reverse the causes of hair falling out. However, these treatments only work for as long as they’re used and can have negative side effects such as irritation and low blood pressure.

To naturally prevent hair from thinning as you age it’s important to have a proper hair care routine. Make sure you’re limiting heat damage, using hair tools and accessories wisely, using the correct products for your hair and you have a good diet.

• Get regular haircuts: Make sure to schedule regular cuts every six weeks to keep hair healthy and get rid of damaged ends.
• Take vitamins for healthy hair: Biotin, Zinc, Niacin, Collagen, Iron and Vitamins B, C, D and E are all essential to reducing the causes of thinning hair. Dr Balwi’s food supplements are designed to strengthen hair follicles and prevent hair loss.
• Use the correct hair care products: Use shampoos and conditioners that contain vitamins, minerals and special active ingredients that nourish and strengthen the hair.
• Aloe vera treatment: those are are extremely moisturising, cooling and have a number of benefits from soothing the scalp to providing relief for itching and sunburn.

Can Washing Your Hair Every Day Cause Thinning Hair?

No. Washing your hair regularly does not cause thinning. However:

• Harsh shampoos can dry the scalp
• Overwashing may irritate sensitive skin

Those with oily scalps may wash every other day, while dry scalps may benefit from washing 1–2 times weekly.

How often should you wash thinning hair?

There is no universal rule—washing frequency should be tailored to your scalp type, symptoms and lifestyle. Use gentle, non-irritating products to support scalp health.

Scalp type / condition	Recommended washing frequency	Key considerations
Dry scalp	1–2 times per week	Avoid overwashing to preserve natural oils (sebum) and prevent dryness.
Eczema or psoriasis	As needed (often less frequent)	Frequent washing may worsen irritation; use mild, fragrance-free shampoos.
Oily scalp	Every other day (or more if needed)	Regular washing may reduce excess sebum and help prevent scalp inflammation.

Conclusion

Hair thinning is common and may occur naturally with age. In some cases, early treatment can help slow progression or encourage regrowth. However, certain forms of hair loss, including advanced genetic hair loss or alopecia areata, may require specialist treatment.

A hair transplant is one of the most effective long-term solutions for permanent hair loss, providing natural-looking and lasting results when performed by an experienced medical team.

If you are concerned about hair loss, our team offers a free, no-obligation hair analysis to assess your suitability for treatment. You can also read our comprehensive guide to hair transplantation in Turkey to learn more about the procedure, costs and what to expect with Dr Balwi and Elithair.

FAQ

Can certain hairstyles cause hair thinning?

Yes, tight hairstyles like ponytails, braids, and buns can cause traction alopecia, which leads to hair thinning due to constant pulling on the hair follicles.

Is hair thinning the same as hair breakage?

No, hair thinning refers to a reduction in hair density, while hair breakage involves the hair shaft breaking, often due to damage or weakness in the hair.

What role does diet play in preventing hair thinning?

A balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc, and biotin can promote healthy hair growth and prevent thinning by ensuring hair follicles receive necessary nutrients.

Can environmental factors contribute to hair thinning?

Yes, pollution, exposure to UV rays, and harsh weather conditions can damage hair and scalp, leading to hair thinning over time.

How does hormonal contraception affect hair thinning?

Hormonal contraception can impact hair growth cycles, potentially leading to thinning in some individuals due to changes in hormone levels.

Are there specific shampoos or conditioners recommended for thinning hair?

Shampoos and conditioners containing ingredients like biotin, keratin, and caffeine can help strengthen hair and improve scalp health, potentially reducing thinning.

How often should someone with thinning hair get a haircut?

Regular trims every 6-8 weeks can help maintain hair health by removing split ends and preventing further breakage, which can make thinning less noticeable.

Can scalp massages help with hair thinning?

Scalp massages can improve blood circulation to the hair follicles, potentially promoting healthier hair growth and reducing the effects of thinning.