Your hair might be thinning for a variety of reasons, most likely “a combination of genetics and hormonal changes that predispose your hair and scalp to a process called miniaturization,” says dermatologist Hysem Eldik, MD, “which involves your hair strands getting skinnier, thinner, and finer, eventually leading to fall out.” But it also can occur due to age, Friese previously told Cosmo. “As we age, the size and shape of the follicle changes and can shrink, which results in thinner hair,” she explained.
If you’ve recently undergone a stressful event (i.e., moving, stress, loss of a job, a breakup, etc.), or have an underlying medical issue (like a virus, vitamin deficiency, thyroid issue, anemia, or hormonal changes) and are noticing hair loss or thinning, you could be suffering from telogen effluvium—a form of temporary hair loss that can be reversed if the underlying issue is treated. Which is why it’s so important to see a dermatologist for a diagnosis, which leads us to…