Hair Loss Awareness Month: What You Need to Know About Thinning Hair

Written By ANGELA CHANNELL

Hair loss can be an emotional and frustrating experience—and it’s more common than many people think. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, more than 80 million people in the U.S. experience some form of hair loss, affecting both men and women of all ages. This Hair Loss Awareness Month, let’s take a closer look at why hair loss happens, how to recognize it early, and what science tells us about prevention and management.

Understanding the Hair Growth Cycle

Your hair isn’t always growing—it moves through distinct phases:

  • Anagen (Growth Phase) – Lasts 2–7 years, when hair actively grows.

  • Catagen (Transition Phase) – Lasts about 2 weeks; hair detaches from the blood supply.

  • Telogen (Resting Phase) – Lasts about 3 months; old hairs shed while new ones prepare to grow.

Disruptions in this cycle—whether from hormones, stress, or illness—can lead to excessive shedding or thinning.

Common Causes of Hair Loss

While genetics is the leading factor, it’s not the only one. Hair loss can be influenced by:

  • Genetic predisposition (androgenetic alopecia)

  • Hormonal changes – such as postpartum shifts, menopause, or thyroid disorders

  • Nutritional deficiencies – low iron, vitamin D, zinc, or protein intake

  • Stress and inflammation – elevated cortisol or scalp inflammation can shorten the growth phase

  • Medical conditions & medications – including autoimmune diseases and certain prescriptions

Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Early intervention can slow or even reverse some forms of hair loss. Watch for:

  • A widening part or receding hairline

  • More hair in the shower drain or brush than usual

  • Reduced ponytail thickness

  • Increased scalp visibility in bright light

  • Patchy areas of loss

Lifestyle and Nutritional Factors

While not all causes are preventable, healthy hair is supported by a nutrient-rich diet, adequate protein, and good scalp health.

  • Protein: Hair is made of keratin, a protein—low intake can weaken strands.

  • Iron & zinc: Essential for follicle health and growth.

  • Omega-3 fatty acids: Help reduce inflammation and nourish hair follicles.

  • Stress management: Practices like meditation, exercise, and proper sleep can improve scalp blood flow and hormone balance.

Treatment Options Backed by Research

Science-backed approaches to hair restoration often work best when combined and tailored to the underlying cause. Options include:

  • Topical & oral medications (such as minoxidil or finasteride, when appropriate)

  • Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) for stimulating follicle activity

  • Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy to encourage new growth

  • PDGF+ therapy – Platelet-derived growth factor–enhanced treatments designed to deliver high concentrations of growth signals to dormant follicles, supporting regeneration and thickening

  • Microneedling to improve scalp health and absorption of growth factors

  • Nutraceuticals to correct deficiencies and support follicle function

The Takeaway

Hair loss is complex—often involving a mix of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. The sooner you investigate the cause, the more options you’ll have to slow or reverse the process. During Hair Loss Awareness Month, take time to assess your hair health, speak with a qualified professional if you notice changes, and remember that early action makes a difference.

References

  1. Shin SY. Upregulation of PDGFA stimulates hair follicle growth, maintains the anagen phase, and delays the catagen phase. 2025 Frontiers+14ScienceDirect+14PMC+14

  2. Tomita Y. PDGF isoforms induce and maintain anagen phase of the hair cycle. 2006 MDPI+3ScienceDirect+3JDS Journal+3

  3. González R. PDGF signaling modulates adult hair follicle dermal stem cells. 2017 PMC+1

  4. Ji S‑G. PDGF enhances SKP proliferation and hair follicle capacity; PDGF deficiency depletes stem cell pool. 2021 Nature+1

  5. Stevens J, et al. Platelet-rich plasma: mechanism in hair loss (includes PDGF, VEGF, EGF, IGF‑1). 2018 Nature+11PMC+11Wikipedia+11

  6. Pozo‑Pérez L, et al. Review: growth factors in PRP including PDGF stimulate hair regrowth. 2024 BioMed Central+1

  7. Ren J, et al. Impact of growth factors in PRP therapy for androgenetic alopecia. 2024 Wikipedia+5Wiley Online Library+5Lippincott Journals+5

  8. Wikipedia. Platelet-rich plasma and PDGF basics. 2025 Wikipedia+1

  9. Pozo‑Pérez L, et al. Various clinical studies of PRP effects vs minoxidil and other therapies. 2024 review BioMed Central

  10. Wikipedia. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) for hair loss. 2025 Wikipedia+1

ANGELA CHANNELL
Next

Unlocking the Power of Peptides