Your hair is getting shorter and thinner due to various factors like genetics, hormonal shifts (pregnancy, menopause, birth control), stress, poor nutrition, medical conditions (thyroid issues, anemia), harsh styling (heat, tight styles), certain medications, or age, all of which can disrupt the hair growth cycle, causing breakage or shortening the growth phase, leading to finer, sparser hair.
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. Baldness typically refers to excessive hair loss from your scalp. Hereditary hair loss with age is the most common cause of baldness.
This is due to a process called follicle miniaturisation [3], which makes hair strands shorter, lighter and thinner, due to ageing or an underlying condition, such as androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness or female pattern baldness).
You may develop coarse, dark hair growth on your upper lip, chin, chest, abdomen or back instead of the fine hair sometimes referred to as “peach fuzz” that commonly grows in those areas. Hirsutism can cause distress, but it's treatable.
Understanding autumn hair shedding. Hair shedding is just a part of its normal growth cycle, but during autumn and into winter, the scalp tends to shed hair at a quicker rate.
Key vitamin deficiencies linked to hair loss include Vitamin D, B12, Biotin (B7), and Iron, with low levels of these nutrients affecting hair follicle function, protein production (like keratin), and oxygen supply, leading to thinning or shedding; however, excessive intake of some vitamins (like A or selenium) can also cause hair loss, so a doctor should confirm deficiencies via blood tests before supplementing.
The "Big 3" hair loss treatments, popular in forums, are Minoxidil, Finasteride, and Ketoconazole shampoo, often combined to tackle hereditary hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) by boosting growth, blocking hormones, and reducing inflammation. Minoxidil (Rogaine) widens blood vessels, Finasteride (Propecia) blocks DHT, and Ketoconazole fights scalp fungus and inflammation, with microneedling sometimes considered a fourth addition.
Zinc. If you suffer from hair loss and you have PCOS, supplementing with zinc may help. Women with PCOS tend to have a deficiency in zinc.
Both hair loss and excessive hair growth (hirsutism) can be signs of hormonal imbalance. If coarse hair grows on your face and chin, your body may be producing too many male hormones. If you're losing hair, you may have a thyroid issue.
Five common symptoms of PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) include irregular periods, excess hair growth (hirsutism), acne or oily skin, weight gain, and hair loss on the scalp, often accompanied by fertility issues and mood changes, resulting from hormonal imbalances.
Grapefruits as well as other fruits such as oranges, strawberries and blueberries, contain high levels of Vitamin C necessary for hair growth. Not only are lentils a good source of protein, they also contain ample amounts of iron, zinc, and biotin which promote a healthy scalp and strengthen hair.
Practically fool proof, this rule states that if the longest part of your chin is less than 2.25 inches from the tip of your earlobe, then short hairstyles are for you.
Over-moisturized hair looks limp, mushy, and lacks definition, with curls falling flat and feeling overly soft, stretchy (without bouncing back), and heavy, often appearing stringy or greasy, even feeling cool and damp for a long time after washing due to moisture overload and a lack of protein balance.
Yes, vitamin A deficiency can contribute to hair loss. This nutrient is crucial for cell growth, including cells that help build new hair. Without enough vitamin A, hair follicles may not function as well, which can lead to thinning or shedding.
No Visible Pattern. With stress-related shedding, hair falls out evenly all over your scalp instead of in a defined pattern. You'll likely notice more hairs than usual coming out while shampooing, combing, or on your pillow, clothing, and bathroom floor.
5 Signs of Damaged Hair
High levels of DHT make it bind to receptors in the scalp's hair follicles, shrinking the follicle and killing the hair at the root. Women have a relatively minimal amount of testosterone, but it's enough to cause DHT- triggered hair loss in women.
Here are 9 signs your hormones may be out of whack:
Oestrogen. Oestrogen accelerates hair growth and contributes to softer, thicker, and healthier hair. It also extends the anagen phase, allowing hair to grow longer before shedding. This is why many women notice thicker hair during pregnancy, when oestrogen levels are at an all-time high.
Remember, early intervention is the most important factor in reversing PCOS-related hair loss. The sooner you start addressing the hormonal imbalances causing hair thinning, the better your chances of regrowth. Contact us today to schedule a consultation!
PCOS treatment in Korea integrates Western medicine (like Metformin, birth control, anti-androgens) with Traditional Korean Medicine (TKM) herbal remedies (e.g., Changbudodam-tang, Chokyung-san, Gamuigibitang), acupuncture, and significant lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, stress management) to address hormonal imbalances, insulin resistance, fertility, and symptoms like acne and irregular periods, often using a personalized approach.
Moreover, biotin is known to support the normal functioning of the nervous system. This is particularly important for women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), as the condition is often associated with metabolic issues such as insulin resistance.
Japanese scalp treatments focus on cleansing, stimulating, and nourishing the scalp to create an ideal environment for healthy hair growth. These treatments remove buildup, improve circulation, and strengthen hair follicles, helping with early signs of hair loss and thinning.
Stage 7: The most advanced androgenetic alopecia
This is the most advanced stage of male pattern baldness. The top of the head is completely bald, but some hair is still thinner and of varying density at the back and on the sides.
Hair loss can signal deficiencies in nutrients like iron, Vitamin D, Zinc, Biotin (B7), B12, and even Vitamin C, as these support follicle health, oxygen supply, and keratin production, but it's crucial to see a doctor for blood tests to confirm which nutrient you're lacking, as excess vitamins (like A or Selenium) can also cause hair loss, notes Harvard Health and The Hairy Pill.