In most people, new hair eventually grows back in the affected areas, although this process can take months. Approximately 50 percent of people with mild alopecia areata recover within a year; however, most people will experience more than one episode during their lifetime.
After about a month, hair may begin to grow back at its typical rate of 4 to 6 in. per year.
Thinning hair can grow back depending on what caused it to thin in the first place. People who experience thinning hair due to nutrient deficiencies, stress, pregnancy, and other nongenetic reasons could experience regrowth. If you're experiencing new hair loss or hair thinning, it's best to consult your doctor.
If you pull out a hair by your root, for whatever reason, relax and know that in most cases, your hair will grow back. It may take a little longer, but you should see your hair return.
Here's the hard truth: Little can be done to permanently change the diameter of individual hair strands. Thickening products can do wonders to temporarily plump hair strands, but when it comes down to it, fine hair is genetic and can't be changed.
Hair loss (alopecia) can affect just your scalp or your entire body, and it can be temporary or permanent. It can be the result of heredity, hormonal changes, medical conditions or a normal part of aging. Anyone can lose hair on their head, but it's more common in men.
Thinning hair doesn't necessarily cause baldness. However, it does give the appearance of sparser spots of hair on your head. Thinning hair generally happens gradually, which means you have time to pinpoint the cause and figure out the best treatment. There are some great products for fine hair out there.
The normal amount of hair loss is about 100 hairs a day. If you are loosing more than this amount then you may be experiencing shedding instead of thinning. To determine if you are loosing an abnormal amount of hair, collect all the hair you lose in a 24 hour period.
No matter how much you wish for your hair to grow, it's only reaching two to five millimeters per week, says Dawn Clemens, hairstylist and Founder of LarweHair. And this is on average.
Wearing your hair too long will make it look thinner
"Ironically, with thinning hair it's important to make sure you get your hair cut regularly," says Julie Hensman, from Hensmans in Northampton. "Thinning hair can get out of shape more quickly, making it look more obvious".
Hair loss and thinning hair is enough reason to shave your head if you want to hide your hair situation. A smooth bald shave is much better than outgrowing hair around bald patches. Shaving the head is the easiest thing to do and easier than trying to cover up bald spots.
If it's an acute disorder, such as trauma, then the hair loss is likely temporary and should rectify itself in time. Medical conditions, such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, require a simple blood test for a diagnosis, after which a hair loss treatment can be sought.
Hurley. "Hair loss, however, is a different story. The problem won't go away on its own - it will requiring treating the underlying condition causing the hair loss. For example, if you're losing hair because you're not getting enough protein, the hair loss won't stop until you've adopted a higher protein diet."
If your hair loss is not due to a genetic condition, it's likely that it can be prevented. According to NYU Langone Health, hair loss from stress, menopause, pregnancy, smoking, or other lifestyle or medical conditions can be prevented and sometimes even reversed once it starts happening.
"Sudden thinning hair can be a symptom of anemia (low red blood cell count), hormonal issues especially related to events like pregnancy, or a thyroid disorder, which are all very common in women," says Dr. Peredo.
The bottom line. There's no strong evidence to support using biotin for hair growth or to prevent hair loss in people without a deficiency. Because hair thinning and poor hair growth are sometimes associated with a biotin deficiency, correcting a deficiency can help restore hair growth in some people.
Vitamins B and D factor big in healthy hair. So do zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and the B vitamin biotin. Your doctor can test you for deficiencies. Ask them whether you should take a multivitamin or supplement and how much.
Those high in protein, the building blocks of hair, including meats and other sources. "Try increasing your protein intake with foods like fish, beans, nuts and whole grains," she recommends. Even if you're not a meat lover, you should still aim to maintain a diet high in protein for hair growth.
If you are experiencing thinning or balding, our Bosley experts recommend washing no more than three times a week.