Thinning Hair? Tips For Getting Thicker, Healthier Hair

headshot of medical editor brenda Ikeji

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Ikeji

Last reviewed: 11 Apr 2025

How to stop thinning hair in men

Thinning hair is common in men with the most common cause being male pattern baldness or male androgenetic alopecia. It’s estimated that up to 80% of men will be affected during their lifetime, with the average age of onset occurring between the ages of 20 and 25.

Although male pattern baldness is the most common cause of thinning hair, others include genetics, age, lifestyle, and harsh hair care routines. Hair thickness refers to the width of a single strand of hair. As you age, hair strands can become finer and thinner, contributing to hair loss.

In this guide, we explore the causes of thinning hair, the treatments available, and the lifestyle changes you can make to promote thick, healthy hair.

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What causes thin hair?

Thinning hair can be caused by your genes, lifestyle habits, or a combination of both. Some medical conditions can also contribute.

Some of the common causes of thinning hair in men are:

  1. Genetics – can have a strong link with thinning hair, especially in male and female pattern baldness which is often inherited from both parents.
  2. Medical conditions – such as thyroid problems, autoimmune conditions, and certain infections can affect your hair follicles and contribute to thinning hair.
  3. Stress – can cause thin hair and temporary hair loss called telogen effluvium. In some cases, stress can cause an autoimmune condition called alopecia areata resulting from the body’s immune system attacking your hair follicles.
  4. Changes to hormone levels – can lead to thinning hair strands and increased shedding. In men, an increase in dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone made from testosterone, and high levels can contribute to hair loss.
  5. Harsh haircare routines – can worsen thinning hair by increasing damage and breakage.
  6. Nutrient deficiencies – particularly iron, zinc, and protein can lead to thinning hair because of the important roles these nutrients play in hair growth and repair.

Is thinning hair normal with age?

Yes, thinning hair caused by male pattern baldness is a common and normal part of ageing for many men. For example, male pattern hair loss is the most common cause of non-scarring hair loss, affecting up to 80% of men and 50% of women in their lifetime.

The age of onset is usually between 20 and 25 years and the severity and prevalence increases with age, with half of men affected by the age of 50.

Hair thickening treatments and products

If you’ve noticed your hair is becoming finer or thinner in places, there are several hair loss treatments available, ranging from at-home or over-the-counter methods to cosmetic procedures, like hair transplants.

Explore different treatments and products and their effects:

Prescription medications

There are 2 prescription hair loss treatments available in the UK.

Propecia is a prescription-only oral tablet that contains the active ingredient finasteride. It is available in 1mg tablets and works by blocking the conversion of testosterone to DHT. By reducing DHT levels, Propecia stops your hair follicles shrinking and lengthens the hair growth cycle, preventing thinning and hair loss.

Finasteride is the generic version of Propecia and works in exactly the same way. It is also available for request online but is cheaper than the branded version.

Research shows that finasteride is effective for up to 90% of men and after 5 years of treatment with 1mg of finasteride per day:

  • 48% rated their hair growth as improved
  • 42% had no further hair loss

Over-the-counter treatments

Several over-the-counter treatments are available for thinning hair.

Minoxidil

Minoxidil, available under the brand name Regaine for Men, is a topical scalp solution that is applied to dry hair twice a day. It works by increasing blood flow to the hair follicles in your scalp to stimulate hair regrowth and prevent hair loss. Research shows that it is well tolerated and there is no evidence of widespread side effects. However, irritation of the scalp has been reported.

Minoxidil increases scalp coverage in 60% of men after 48 weeks, with Regaine for Men stabilising hair loss in 80% of men.

Caffeine shampoo

Caffeine shampoos like Alpecin are thought to be as effective as minoxidil 5% solution for male pattern baldness.

Caffeine is believed to stimulate hair growth in male pattern baldness by blocking the effects of DHT, increasing cellular energy in hair follicles and increasing insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), all of which are important for hair growth. However, the evidence is limited.

Alpecin should be used daily to wash your hair as normal. Long-term use may cause hair thinning or colouring, so it is important to speak to your doctor if you experience any adverse effects.

Supplements

Supplements for thinning hair are sometimes recommended, including:

  • biotin (vitamin B7) – has gained popularity for its claimed benefits for hair health, but research demonstrating its effectiveness is limited
  • iron – crucial for transporting oxygen to hair follicles which is essential for healthy hair growth, with one study finding that 22.7% of men with male pattern hair loss had low iron levels
  • zinc – important for maintaining healthy hair follicles and a deficiency may lead to increased shedding or breakage

Platelet-rich plasma treatment

Platelet-rich plasma treatment involves taking your blood and concentrating the levels of platelets and growth factors. The platelet-rich material is then injected back into your scalp to stimulate hair growth and improve hair thickness.

One study found that platelet-rich plasma treatment has a positive benefit on male pattern hair loss without major side effects, increasing total hair density by 45.9 hairs per cm2 on average, after 3 rounds of treatment.

A further study found that hair density peaked after 3 months of treatment with hair loss returning to normal at this time too.

Scalp micropigmentation treatment

Scalp micropigmentation treatment, also known as a hair tattoo, is a non-surgical cosmetic treatment for hair loss. It involves tiny dots of pigment being tattooed onto the scalp to mimic the appearance of hair follicles, so it looks like you have a shaved head or thicker hair.

Scalp micropigmentation typically costs £800 to £3500 depending on how much you need. It’s a semi-permanent solution lasting around 3 to 6 years but can fade because of skin type, sun exposure, and poor aftercare.

Hair transplants

A hair transplant is a surgical cosmetic procedure that involves moving hair from one area to a thinning or balding section. It can cost up to £30,000 depending on the severity of your hair loss and the type of procedure you have.

Hair transplants usually take a day to perform, but if you have a large area being treated, you may need to have 2 or more sessions. Hair transplants can be 95% to 98% effective according to some clinics, but they will not prevent future hair loss.

Best practices for thicker hair

If you’re experiencing thinning hair, here are several strategies and hair loss products you can try to improve thickness and promote a fuller appearance.

Hair masks

Deep conditioning hair masks may nourish and strengthen hair strands, limiting breakage and improving overall hair health. Choose masks that contain keratin, biotin or natural oils to provide hydration and support hair growth.

Scalp massages

Scalp massages are the cheapest method to try because they involve applying gentle pressure with your fingertips to your scalp when washing your hair, which encourages blood flow.

Derma rolling

A derma roller is a microneedling tool that may increase collagen production and enhance the absorption of hair growth products. 82% of people who combined derma rolling with a topical 5% minoxidil solution reported more than a 50% improvement in male pattern hair loss compared to 4.5% in a group who used minoxidil alone.

Hair oils

Natural oils like rosemary or castor oils may promote hair growth. Research has found that rosemary oil can significantly increase hair count after 6 months, similar to minoxidil 2% solution.

Keratin-based treatments

Keratin is a key structural protein in hair, so using keratin-infused shampoos, conditioners, or hair treatments can help strengthen weak or thinning hair, reduce breakage, and increase volume.

A nutrient-rich diet

A well-balanced diet that is rich in whole foods is important to ensure you are getting the essential nutrients your body needs for stronger, healthier hair. This includes foods that are rich in protein, vitamins, and iron, which are all things your body needs to grow healthier hair. Foods that you may want to add more of into your diet include

  • fruits and vegetables
  • protein-rich foods like lean meats, fatty fish, beans, and plant-based alternatives
  • eggs
  • nuts and seeds

Gentle hair products

Avoid sulfate-containing shampoos which can strip your hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and breakage. Instead, opt for gentle products that can maintain moisture and keep your hair looking thicker and fuller.

Pomades or texture sprays

Consider trying pomades, thickening sprays, or texturising powders to instantly make your hair look thicker and fuller by adding volume to individual strands. These can be a good solution while you’re considering long-term treatments.

Hair Loss Treatments

Front of a Finasteride pill box containing 28 tablets

Finasteride

Generic hair loss tablets that get results within 3 months

In stock
Front package of Propecia 1mg tablets, a branded version of finasteride prescribed for treating hair loss

Propecia®

Branded tablets that prevents hair loss whilst encouraging new growth

In stock
The front box of Regaine for men, a scalp foam that can prevent hair loss

Regaine

Topical hair treatment containing minoxidil that gets results within 8 weeks

In stock
A grey bottle with a red cap of Alpecin caffeine shampoo which can help treat hair loss

Alpecin

Daily shampoo that works by energizing and activating hair growth at the roots

In stock

Common mistakes that make your hair thinner

Avoid these common hair care mistakes that can contribute to thinning and breakage:

Instead of: Try:
✗ Overwashing

Strips your scalp of natural oils which leads to dryness and weak hair

 ✔ Washing once or twice a week

Try to leave at least a few days between washes. This is something your hair will get used to over time, even if it seems greasier or oilier at first. You can also slowly increase the length of time between washes.
✗ Excessive heat styling

Frequent use of heat, including straighteners, curlers, and hairdryers can damage hair

 ✔ Avoid or limit heat styling

You can also opt for low or cold settings on hair dryers, try no-heat methods of styling your hair, and use heat protection products when you do use heat on your hair.
✗ Tight hairstyles

Hairstyles that pull on your scalp, like tight ponytails, braids, or cornrows can lead to hair loss over time.

 ✔ Try looser styles

Use gentle hair bobbles and avoid tying them too tightly, give your hair regular rest periods, and experiment with hair down/natural styles. Items like a bandana can also be a great alternative to a tight hair bobble for keeping hair out of your face.
✗ Harsh chemicals

Using bleach, dyes, and chemical treatments on your hair can weaken it, leaving it prone to damage.

✔ Limit the use of chemicals

Avoid bleaching if possible and opt for natural products if you want to use a treatment on your hair. If you do want to dye your hair, consider going to a haircare professional who can colour and treat it while limiting damage.

Lifestyle changes for thicker hair

Your lifestyle can impact many areas of your health, including your hair. Making positive changes can support hair growth and reduce thinning over time.

Consider:

  • managing stress levels with relaxation techniques because chronic stress can contribute to hair loss conditions, including telogen effluvium, where hair prematurely enters the shedding phase, resulting in temporary hair loss
  • prioritising sleep and hydration because poor quality sleep can disrupt the hair growth cycle while hydration weakens hair strands – aim for 7 to 9 hours sleep per night and drink 6 to 8 glasses of water per day for optimum hydration
  • quitting smoking as smoking can restrict blood flow to hair follicles, reducing oxygen and nutrient supply to the scalp

Summary

Hair loss can be caused by several factors, like your genes, lifestyle, hair routines, and even medical conditions.

To minimise the risk of hair thinning or hair loss, it is important to understand what good hair care practices you should adopt. It’s also crucial to stay consistent with your hair care routine, including any hair loss treatments you choose to try. If you’re concerned about your hair loss, consider speaking to a doctor for further advice and a diagnosis.

headshot of medical editor brenda Ikeji

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Ikeji

Last reviewed: 11 Apr 2025

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