If you’ve started to think you might be thinning out on top, you’re not alone. About 85% of men will experience major hair thinning by the time they’re 50 – and some start to lose their hair as early as their teens or 20s. But if you’ve noticed that your strands are starting to look a little sparse, you’ve got options. Combatting hair loss is different for everyone, but there are more ways to tackle it today than ever before.

How do I know if my hair is thinning?

There are a number of causes of thinning hair, and some look different to others. Typical thinning hair in men, or male pattern baldness, generally starts around the forehead, temples, and at the top of the head. A receding hairline is an early sign of this type of hair loss. You can check whether your hairline is receding by comparing a current photo of yourself with a photo that’s 1-2 years old. Thinning hair on the top of your head may be trickier to identify yourself, but you can check it regularly by parting your hair down the middle and comparing how much scalp is showing through.

If you’ve noticed that your hair loss is occurring in patches in a more random manner, you may have alopecia, an auto-immune disorder in both men and women that causes hair to come out in clumps or patches from the scalp or other parts of the body. In extreme cases alopecia can cause the loss of hair over the entire body.

How fast will I lose my hair?

Typical male pattern baldness usually takes about 15-25 years to claim your mane. Some men experience this faster than others though; it’s almost impossible to put an accurate timeline on each individual man’s hair loss. Remember, the majority of men lose their hair or experience thinning hair, so you’re in good company, and it’s nothing to be embarrassed about!

Why is my hair thinning?

The simple act of aging is enough to cause your hair to thin out over time, but there could be other factors at work. If you have male pattern baldness, hormones called androgens, which regulate human hair follicles, gradually begin to inhibit hair growth. The extent to which your hair will be affected by this process is genetic.

Hair loss can also be caused by illness or surgical procedures, certain medications, stressful circumstances, hormones, and lifestyle factors. Smoking is a clear example of a lifestyle factor that can increase your risk (and speed up the process) of losing your hair, as the toxins in cigarettes hinder blood flow to your hair follicles, causing the hair to thin. Dietary factors, like too much vitamin A or not enough protein, can also play a role. The good news is that hair loss that isn’t from male pattern baldness can often reverse itself and grow back.

Can I slow down my hair loss?

While male pattern hair loss is a hereditary condition that can’t be stopped entirely, there are things you can do to look after the hair you still have. Quit smoking, and eat a balanced diet with plenty of protein, iron, vitamin B-12 and other vitamins and minerals. If you often wear tight ponytails, braids or tight headwear, the tension of the constant pulling over a long period can cause a type of hair loss called traction alopecia that can become permanent. Be gentle with your hair to avoid pulling and hair breakage. Some doctors believe regular exercise can also help the health of your hair as it increases blood flow and circulation to your body, including your scalp.

How can I thicken my hair?  

There are many products out there to try if the natural remedies aren’t giving you results. Here is a round up of some of our favourites:

Shampoo/Conditioner

Use a shampoo and conditioner combo that is formulated for thinning hair. We like Biothik Active Cleanser and Conditioner, which is made with ingredients that can strengthen your hair by up to 41% in two weeks. 

Hair growth products

A growth serum can promote hair growth and prevent further hair loss as it prolongs the life cycle of your hair. You could also ask your doctor about Monoxidil, a medication that slows or even stops hair loss, and that can promote hair regrowth.

Laser hair therapy

Laser therapy applies low level laser light to the scalp, stimulating hair follicles and increasing circulation. It is recommended by doctors worldwide as an effective treatment for early male pattern hair loss and thinning hair, encouraging hair growth and restoring a healthy hair cycle, and can be done in the privacy of your own home.

Hair Loss Concealers

Make balding and thinning areas instantly vanish with hair thickening fibres. Biothik Hair Fibres are made of natural hair protein (keratin), and it blends seamlessly with your own hair, giving the appearance of a full head of hair in seconds.

When should I consider a hairpiece?

Men’s hairpieces have come a long way since the days of fake looking toupees that can cause extra anxiety on a windy day! Our hair systems are the best in the market, undetectable, and customised to your head. As far as non-surgical hair restoration goes, this option will give you a full head of hair in under two hours that was likely better than your original one. Read more about them here.

Come in anytime for a free, private & confidential consultation to discuss these and all your options – fill out this form or just give us a call on 1300 427 778.