If you’re experiencing hair thinning, you’re not alone. In the United States, approximately 50 million men experience male pattern baldness. While hair loss is largely genetic, it can also be caused by a variety of other factors including illness, stress, extreme weight loss, hormones, medications, and more recently, COVID-19 infection.

If you’re looking for ways to manage thinning hair and even boost its thickness, here are a number of techniques you can try.

Wash your hair carefully and less often

Thinning hair requires a little extra TLC. Even if you shower daily, don’t wash your hair every day – aim for no more than 3 to 4 times a week. When you do wash it, use a shampoo that’s gentle on the scalp and won’t dry hair out. Focus the shampoo on your scalp and the conditioner on the ends of the hair.

Change up your hairstyle

Certain cuts and styles make hair thinning more noticeable. A stylist can recommend a more flattering cut so that hair appears thicker and fuller.

Forgo harsh treatments

Coloring bleach, hot oil, and chemical hair straighteners can make hair more fragile and contribute to thinning or loss. Seek advise from a professional stylist so they can recommend gentler options.

Try over-the-counter products

Products that contain minoxidil have been shown to help regrow hair and slow down (or even stop) hair loss in some individuals. However, once you discontinue use you will likely lose hair again. You can find shampoos, liquids, and foams containing minoxidil.

Stop or reduce smoking

In addition to being harmful to overall health, smoking has been linked to hair loss.

It has been shown to damage the DNA of the hair follicle, leading to inflammation and scarring, and eventually androgenetic alopecia.

Protect your hair from the elements

Just like you protect your skin with sunscreen, it’s also important to protect your hair from the elements. Conditioner not only improves hair strength and shine, it can also protect hair from UV rays. If you’re going swimming in a chlorinated pool, consider rinsing your hair first and applying conditioner before you enter the pool, or wear a swim cap.

Eat a balanced, hair-healthy diet

Eating a balanced diet that includes a variety of fruits, vegetables, and proteins may keep your hair from thinning. Zinc, iron, and protein can contribute to healthy hair growth.

Reduce the stress in your life

Stress can have a number of negative effects on your health, including hair loss. Major stressors can lead to a condition called telogen effluvium, which causes temporary hair shedding.

Try scalp micropigmentation

Scalp micropigmentation, or SMP, is similar to eyebrow microblading in that micro dots of pigment are applied directly to your skin. This treatment doesn’t actually thicken your hair, instead it creates the illusion of having thicker hair by filling in thinner patches with pigment.

Undergo hair replacement surgery

Hair replacement surgery can thicken your hair by moving healthy hair from one area of your body, often the back of your head, to the thinning area of your scalp.

And here’s where we come in. At DiStefano Hair Restoration Center, we utilize the latest technology for regrowth, replacement, and restoration to address all stages of hair loss. Not sure which solution is right for you? Contact us today for more information and a free consultation.