What Can You Do To Stop Your Hair From Thinning and Falling Out?

Finding a few hairs in your brush or shower drain isn’t cause for alarm. In fact, losing about 100 hairs a day is a normal part of the hair growth cycle.

But if the head of hair you’re brushing suddenly seems thinner than it used to, don’t ignore it: “Hair loss treatment is about preservation first,” says dermatologist Chey Ranasinghe, MD. “The biggest mistake people make is waiting.”

Here’s what Dr. Ranasinghe recommends to help stop your hair from thinning or falling out.

What can you do to preserve your hair?

Don’t assume there’s nothing that can be done if your hairline starts creeping back. A combination of medications, treatments and healthy habits can often slow hair thinning — and sometimes, even reverse some of it.

Early intervention is key, so start a conversation with a dermatologist as soon as you notice your hair thinning. They can identify the cause of your hair loss and offer treatment suggestions to improve hair health.

“I like to compare it to taking care of your lawn," says Dr. Ranasinghe. “It’s much easier to keep grass healthy than it is to regrow it after it’s gone.”

Here’s how to keep your locks looking luscious.

Hair loss medications

Medications are often the first step for halting hair thinning — and maybe even regaining some of what was lost. They include:

• Minoxidil (Rogaine^®): Available over the counter, this topical medication helps stimulate hair growth and can slow further thinning. It works best if started early and used consistently.
• Oral minoxidil: Some dermatologists prescribe oral minoxidil for hair loss. It may be an option for people who don’t tolerate the topical version well or find it difficult to use consistently.
• Finasteride (Propecia^®): This prescription medication lowers dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels, a testosterone-derived hormone that can shrink hair follicles. It’s more commonly used for male-pattern baldness.

Many people use both minoxidil and finasteride because they target hair loss in different ways.

“Minoxidil helps the hair grow,” explains Dr. Ranasinghe. “Finasteride addresses why the hair is shrinking.”

Hair restoration therapies

Some people also use in-office and at-home therapies to address hair loss. These options can play a role in a broader treatment plan depending on what’s causing your hair thinning and hair restoration goals.

Treatments include:

• Red light therapy: These at-home devices use specific wavelengths of red light to stimulate hair follicles and support hair growth.
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP): This in-office treatment injects platelets from your own blood into your scalp to encourage healthier hair growth. PRP typically requires multiple sessions followed by maintenance treatments.

Dr. Ranasinghe stresses that these therapies work best as additions to medications, not replacements for them.

Dietary adjustments

Your hair needs to be fed to stay healthy. “Hair is made of protein,” emphasizes Dr. Ranasinghe. “Your body needs enough protein, along with vitamins and minerals, to build healthy hair.”

She recommends focusing on a balanced eating plan that includes:

• Lean protein
• Fruits and vegetables
• Whole grains
• Healthy fats
• Foods rich in iron and zinc, as well as vitamins A, B, C, D and E

The Mediterranean diet checks many of those boxes and supports overall health, too.

Generally, Dr. Ranasinghe recommends getting hair-boosting nutrients through food rather than supplements. Some supplements can even make hair loss worse if they contain too much of certain nutrients. Talk to a healthcare professional before starting a supplement routine.

Proper hair and scalp care

Healthy hair grows from a healthy scalp. Keeping your scalp clean, addressing dandruff or inflammation, and following good hair care practices can help create the best environment for healthy hair growth.

“It’s like growing a rose bush,” illustrates Dr. Ranasinghe. “You need the right soil, water, sunlight and nutrients. Hair is the same in a way. Everything works together.”

Healthy practices include:

• Regularly washing your hair and scalp
• Conditioning your hair to reduce dryness and breakage
• Detangling gently with a wide-tooth comb or fingers, especially when hair is wet
• Patting your hair dry with a soft towel instead of rough rubbing
• Avoiding tight hairstyles (like buns or braids) that pull on hair roots
• Limiting heat styling with flat irons, curling irons and blow-dryers
• Avoiding excessive bleaching or harsh chemical treatments

Manage stress

While stress isn’t usually a primary cause of hair loss, it can be a contributing factor. (Plus, let’s be honest, chronic stress really isn’t ideal on any level.)

“Stress increases our cortisol levels, and this hormone imbalance then disrupts the hair cycle and can lead to follicle dysregulation,” explains Dr. Ranasinghe. “Hair is a very sensitive organ. People don’t really think of it as an organ, but it is.”

Can thinning hair always be reversed?

Not always. How much hair you might regain depends on several factors, like:

• The cause of your hair thinning
• How advanced it is
• How early treatment begins

That’s why Dr. Ranasinghe encourages people not to wait until they’ve lost a significant amount of hair to seek help. Balding is incredibly common, affecting an estimated 80% of men and 50% of women.

Hair loss typically increases with age, but it can also start at a young age — even during the teenage years. That’s when early action is most critical.

“If you’re noticing thinning or a receding hairline, don’t assume it’s too early to do something about it,” Dr. Ranasinghe advises. “The sooner you start, the more hair you may be able to keep.”