Thinning of hair refers to the overall loss of thickness and volume of hair. This is generally a gradual process seen over a period of a few weeks to a few months. Adults lose an average of 50 to 100 strands of hair daily. Anything more may be a cause for worry and sudden significant loss of hair may be a symptom of a serious underlying medical condition.

Causes
There are quite a few causes for thinning of hair, ageing being one of them. Other causes include

1. Androgenic Alopecia – Also called male and female pattern baldness, genetics and hormones play a major role. In men, it is characterized by a receding hairline and thinning at the sides. In women, thinning at the crown is observed.

2. Alopecia Areata – This condition causes patches of hair fall from specific areas of the head. It also causes thinning of hair.

3. Diet – Hair is made up of a protein called keratin and vitamins and minerals are vital for a healthy growth cycle of the hair follicle. One must consume a nutritious diet to provide the body with these essential nutrients to maintain a healthy growth cycle. The lack of a healthy diet could cause thinning of hair.

4. Vitamin D deficiency is known to cause hair loss or thinning as it is responsible for the stimulation of hair follicles, which results in hair growth.

5. Stress plays a significant role in the thinning of hair.

6. Pregnancy may also cause hair loss or thinning. However, this is often a temporary condition.

Treatment

A few options are available to promote hair growth

1. Topical application of creams – A drug called minoxidil is applied directly on the scalp on the affected areas. This promotes hair growth

2. Oral medication – Finasteride, an oral medication is prescribed.

Home remedies

There are a few home remedies to manage hair fall and promote hair growth. Eating food that enriches hair like eggs for protein, salmon or walnuts for omega-3 can help. Also exposure to sunlight or eating Vitamin-D rich foods is effective in stimulating hair growth.