Science-backed answers and solutions for healthier hair
Why is my hair thinning?

Understanding a common issue

Noticing more hair in your brush, on your pillow, or swirling down the shower drain can be worrying. Hair is deeply tied to our self-perception, which makes thinning feel like more than just a cosmetic issue. You’re not alone—by mid-life, a significant share of both men and women experience visible hair changes ^[2].

Hair loss affects millions of people worldwide and can be caused by various factors, including genetics, hormonal changes, stress, nutritional deficiencies, and medical conditions ^[2]. While it’s completely normal to lose 50–100 hairs per day, accelerated hair loss may indicate underlying issues. These can range from androgenetic alopecia and DHT sensitivity to stress-induced telogen effluvium and nutritional deficiencies ^[3]. Since the pandemic, healthcare professionals have observed increased reports of hair loss and thinning among women and younger adults, often linked to stress, illness, or lifestyle changes.

Hair biology basics: Understanding how thinning occurs

Hair grows in repeating cycles with three distinct phases ^[3]:

• Anagen (growth phase): Typically lasts 2–7 years on the scalp. Under healthy scalp conditions, most follicles (~85–90%) remain in this active growth phase.
• Catagen (transition phase): A brief period lasting around 2 weeks.
• Telogen (resting/shedding phase): Lasts 2–4 months before hair naturally sheds.

Hair thinning occurs when this natural balance is disrupted, causing more hairs to enter telogen prematurely, or follicles to undergo miniaturization—a process where they progressively produce finer, shorter hairs ^[3]. With miniaturization, individual strands become thinner, creating the appearance of reduced density even though follicles remain present and active.

Common conditions affecting hair density

Androgenetic alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA)—often called male or female pattern thinning—represents the most frequent cause of progressive changes in hair density worldwide ^[3].

In men, AGA typically presents as a gradually receding frontal hairline and thinning at the crown. Hair in these regions shows greater sensitivity to androgens than other scalp areas. This selective sensitivity creates the characteristic horseshoe pattern that serves as a diagnostic feature.

Women experience AGA differently than men. Instead of receding hairlines, women typically develop diffuse thinning beginning at the mid-frontal hairline, progressing in a “Christmas tree” pattern where the central part gradually widens while preserving the frontal hairline ^[3]. Early stages may show minimal thinning that can often be concealed through styling, while later stages reveal decreased volume with noticeable widening of the central part, eventually progressing to diffuse thinning with visible scalp areas.

The underlying process involves progressive follicle miniaturization, where healthy terminal follicles gradually convert to smaller vellus-like follicles. Early diagnostic signs include increased variation in hair shaft thickness and changes in pigmentation.

This transformation relates to follicular sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which drives gradual miniaturization through successive growth cycles ^[3]. This sensitivity pattern is inherited, and by age 50, a substantial proportion of men and a significant fraction of women show signs of pattern thinning.

Why early recognition matters: Identifying early changes enables proactive approaches to support hair health before the miniaturization process becomes too advanced.

Telogen effluvium: Stress-related hair changes

Telogen effluvium is one of the most common stress-related forms of hair thinning. Physical or emotional stressors and elevated cortisol levels can push an abnormally high percentage of follicles into the telogen (resting) phase prematurely.

Under normal circumstances, about 85% of scalp hair remains in active growth, but significant stress can cause up to 70% of growing hairs to shift into the resting phase. This results in noticeable diffuse shedding that typically becomes apparent 6 weeks to 3 months after the triggering event. This delayed onset often makes it challenging to connect hair changes to the original stressor.

Some individuals may lose up to one-third of their hair volume, which can create additional psychological stress, potentially creating a cycle that requires both hair care and stress-management approaches [5].

Other hair loss conditions

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that can cause patchy or, in severe cases, complete hair loss. Unlike pattern hair loss, it can affect people of any age and may resolve spontaneously, though treatment options are available.

Additional factors affecting hair health:

Hormonal changes

Thyroid disorders, menopause, PCOS, and postpartum changes can prompt follicles to enter the resting phase more quickly ^[4]. Addressing underlying hormonal conditions with healthcare professionals often helps stabilize the condition.

Nutritional considerations

Hair follicle cells are among the most rapidly dividing cells in the body, making them particularly responsive to nutritional status [4]. Iron deficiency is a common concern that can impact hair growth. Biotin deficiency, while less common, can also affect hair appearance ^[8]. Other important nutrients include vitamin D, zinc, and adequate protein intake. Simple blood tests and nutritional optimization often form useful components of a comprehensive hair-health approach.

Scalp environment and medications

Various skin conditions affecting the scalp—including seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, and chronic irritation from harsh products, excessive heat, or environmental factors—can create conditions less favorable for optimal hair growth. Improving scalp comfort and reducing irritation often helps hair look and feel healthier.

Certain medications may also influence hair growth and scalp health, including some anticoagulants, retinoids, beta-blockers, antidepressants, and hormonal therapies. Chemotherapy and radiation treatments are well-known temporary causes of hair changes.

Lifestyle and hair-care practices

Tight hairstyles or extensions can cause traction-related issues. Frequent heat styling and aggressive chemical treatments can damage hair shafts. Lifestyle factors including smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and poor sleep quality can all affect hair health over time.

When to seek professional help

Consider consulting a healthcare professional, dermatologist, or trichologist if you experience:

• Sudden or rapid hair loss
• Hair loss in unusual patterns or patches
• Scalp irritation, redness, or scaling
• Hair loss accompanied by other symptoms (fatigue, weight changes, etc.)
• Significant emotional distress related to hair changes

Early professional evaluation can help identify treatable underlying causes and develop appropriate management strategies.

Approaches to support hair health

Established medical options

Medical approaches to improve hair appearance include topical minoxidil and, for suitable male patients, DHT-modulating medications such as finasteride. Other treatments being researched include platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections, low-level light therapy, and microneedling techniques.

Natural and cosmetic approaches

Many people seek non-pharmaceutical approaches to support scalp health and improve hair appearance. These cosmetic options include:

• Botanical oils and blends: Research on rosemary oil suggests potential benefits comparable to 2% minoxidil over 6 months in some studies, with fewer reports of scalp irritation ^[6]. Other plant extracts (including peppermint and pumpkin seed) have emerging research data. Formulation and concentration are important—well-designed multi-ingredient blends may support scalp comfort and the appearance of hair density.
• Scalp care: Gentle cleansing, targeted care for specific scalp conditions when needed, and avoiding harsh chemical or heat exposures can help reduce irritation that may worsen the perception of thinning.
• Lifestyle optimization: Addressing iron/ferritin and vitamin D insufficiency, ensuring adequate protein intake, improving sleep quality, and managing stress all support overall hair health ^[4].

Clinical evidence: A 20-week cosmetic study

An independent, open-label cosmetic study investigating Acceleroot® Hair Growth Oil followed adults with mild to moderate hair thinning who applied a plant-based hair oil every other day for 20 weeks ^[7]. Multiple assessment methods were used, including HairMetrix® imaging technology, investigator evaluations, and participant questionnaires.

Key cosmetic outcomes at week 20:

• HairMetrix®: Mean increase of 17.9 hairs/cm² versus baseline (p < 0.001)
• Appearance: 77% of participants reported visibly thicker-looking hair
• Shedding: 80% observed less shedding during daily grooming
• Scalp comfort: 87% reported a healthier-feeling scalp
• Tolerability: No adverse effects reported among study completers

Study context:

This open-label cosmetic study enrolled 34 participants, of whom 30 completed the full program. The design did not include a placebo group. The results support cosmetic benefits related to hair appearance and scalp comfort with a well-tolerated, multi-ingredient botanical blend. Individual results may vary, and further controlled studies would be valuable [7].

Why multi-ingredient approaches? Well-designed cosmetic blends can combine scalp-soothing properties, antioxidant support, and circulation benefits, addressing several factors that may contribute to visible thinning. In the study above, the complete formulation was evaluated as a whole. Some individual ingredients have published research support, while others have traditional or historical use backgrounds.

Supporting your hair-health journey

The most effective approaches to hair health often combine multiple strategies:

Professional guidance

Consulting with healthcare professionals, dermatologists, or trichologists can help identify underlying causes and develop appropriate treatment plans tailored to individual needs.

Comprehensive care

Effective support for hair health typically addresses multiple factors simultaneously—from optimizing the scalp environment to nutritional support, stress management, and appropriate topical care.

Realistic expectations

Hair growth and improvement occur gradually over months, not days or weeks ^[7]. The Acceleroot® study showed progressive improvement over 20 weeks, with the most significant cosmetic benefits appearing after 12 weeks. Understanding natural hair-growth cycles helps set appropriate expectations for any approach.

Consistent application

Regular, consistent use of chosen approaches—whether topical treatments, lifestyle changes, or professional therapies—typically yields better results than sporadic use.

Looking ahead: A balanced perspective

Hair thinning is a common experience that can affect confidence and well-being ^[5]. Understanding the various factors involved empowers individuals to make informed decisions about their hair-health approach.

While options range from medical treatments to cosmetic formulations, the key is finding approaches that align with individual preferences, lifestyle, and health considerations. The Acceleroot® study demonstrates that well-formulated cosmetic products can provide meaningful benefits for hair appearance and scalp comfort, offering another option within the spectrum of hair-health support ^[7].

Remember that hair health exists within the broader context of overall wellness. Approaches that support general health—including proper nutrition, stress management, adequate sleep, and gentle hair-care practices—often contribute to better outcomes regardless of other treatments chosen.

Important note: This information is provided for educational purposes ^[1]. The described benefits refer to cosmetic effects on appearance and scalp comfort. Results may vary. Always consult healthcare professionals to assess medical causes and treatment.

References

1. European Commission. Technical Document on Cosmetic Claims - Commission Regulation (EU) No 655/2013. Brussels: European Commission; 2013.
2. American Hair Loss Association (AHLA). Hair Loss Statistics and Demographics. 2024.
3. Sinclair R, Patel M, Dawson TL Jr, et al. Hair loss in women: medical and cosmetic approaches to increase scalp hair fullness. British Journal of Dermatology. 2011;165 Suppl 3:12-18.
4. Almohanna HM, Ahmed AA, Tsatalis JP, Tosti A. The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss: A Review. Dermatology and Therapy. 2019;9(1):51-70.
5. Hunt N, McHale S. The psychological impact of alopecia. BMJ. 2005;331(7522):951-953.
6. Panahi Y, Taghizadeh M, Marzony ET, Sahebkar A. Rosemary oil vs minoxidil 2% for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: a randomized comparative trial. Skinmed. 2015;13(1):15-21.
7. Nielsen J. A 20-Week Clinical Trial Evaluating the Effects of Acceleroot® Hair Growth Oil. EuroCosmetics. 2025;4:22-29.
8. Patel DP, Swink SM, Castelo-Soccio L. A Review of the Use of Biotin for Hair Loss. Skin Appendage Disorders. 2017;3(3):166-169.