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Hair Thinning vs Hair Loss: Key Differences, Causes & Best Treatments
Hair problems like hair thinning and hair loss might sound similar, but they are not. These are two different occurrences and have different effects on your hair. Most people find it difficult to differentiate between the two. If you are also confused about these two issues and trying to figure out the right solution, do not worry! At Oliva Clinics, we have expert trichologists who specialise in offering medically and dermatologically proven solutions for treating all hair concerns based on a proper diagnosis. [1] In this article, we will discuss both hair thinning and hair loss, the differences between them, the causes, as well as the treatments available. Keep reading!
In This Article
Is Hair Thinning And Hair Loss The Same Thing?
Hair thinning and hair loss can seem alike for many people, as both involve losing precious hair, but both are different. In hair loss, you will notice strands of hair fall out while combing or washing your hair. In hair thinning, you will feel your hair thinner than it used to be. This is because the hair shaft grows thinner in diameter, causing the hair that grows from it to grow thinner. In most cases, hair thinning can lead to hair loss that can result in temporary or permanent baldness.
Hair Thinning Vs Hair Loss
Understanding the difference between hair loss and hair thinning is crucial for a proper treatment solution. Let us look at the key differentiating factors between hair thinning and hair loss:
| Feature | Hair Thinning | Hair Loss |
| Definition | Hair thinning refers to a gradual decrease in the hair density. | Hair loss is losing more hair than usual. |
| Causes | Stress, ageing, hormonal fluctuations, and nutritional deficiencies. [3] | Genes [2], scalp infection, hormonal imbalance, stress, illness, certain medications, autoimmune disease, nutritional deficiencies, tight hairstyles and chemical treatments. |
| Symptoms | Receding hairline, thinning temples, wider part line, bald patches, and visible scalp. | Acute hair loss, gradual thinning, receding hairline, patchy bald spots, reduced hair growth and loss of hair on the scalp and body. |
| Severity | Mild to moderate. | Moderate to severe. |
| Progression | Slow and gradual. | Can be sudden (alopecia areata) or gradual (male/female pattern baldness). |
When To Visit A Dermatologist?
If you are noticing excess hair falling out in clumps, receding hairline, wider part line, reduction in hair density or bald patches, these are signs that you need medical intervention. Consult a dermatologist at the earliest for a proper diagnosis of the condition and a suitable solution. At Oliva Clinics, the dermatologists use advanced technique to diagnose the underlying cause and recommend a suitable treatment method.
How Oliva Diagnoses Your Hair Loss?
Effective treatment for any type of hair loss begins with identifying the root cause. A board-certified and experienced dermatologist can accurately diagnose your condition. The dermatologists at Oliva have in-depth knowledge and expertise in diagnosing the causes of hair loss and treating several types of hair loss. This is what our dermatologists do to diagnose the cause of hair loss:
- During a consultation with our expert doctors, they will enquire about your family history, dietary and lifestyle habits, and any recent illness or stressful events in your life. They will examine your medical record and analyse the severity of hair loss.
- Our doctors will perform trichoscopy using a specialised tool to evaluate your scalp condition, hair quality and the severity of hair loss.
- They may even suggest some blood tests to check for any nutritional deficiencies or hormonal disorders.
- Based on this information, they will design a personalised hair loss treatment plan tailored to every individual’s needs to deliver the best results.
How To Treat Hair Loss And Thinning?
The hair specialists at Oliva understand that no single hair loss treatment works for everyone. Based on your hair health and the severity and type of hair loss, our doctors recommend effective treatment options that are medically proven, US FDA-approved and performed exclusively by our specialists. They may suggest the following treatments as a standalone or combination for enhanced results.
- PRP Hair Treatment: Platelet-rich plasma or PRP treatment is a non-surgical and natural hair regrowth procedure that involves injecting concentrated PRP into the affected areas of the scalp. This boosts blood circulation in the scalp, revives the cells and promotes natural hair growth. The treatment reduces hair loss, strengthens the hair and improves hair density.
- Hair Thread Treatment: Hair threads is a minimally invasive treatment that involves inserting bio-absorbable PDO threads in the scalp. These PDO threads help improve blood circulation and stimulate epidermal growth factors in the scalp. This further strengthens hair follicles, reduces hair loss, and promotes new hair growth.
- Hair Transplantation: Hair transplantation [4] is a surgical procedure that involves careful extraction of hair follicles from donor site (the back and sides of the head) and transplanting them in the recipient site (bald or hair thinning areas). This is a permanent hair loss solution that helps you regrow a fuller head of hair.
- Topical & Oral Medications: Our dermatologists may recommend topical or oral medications to treat hair loss.
Before & After Results Of Hair Loss Treatment At Oliva Clinic
Check out the remarkable before-and-after results of our clients who underwent hair loss treatments at Oliva Clinics. Witness the incredible difference in these pictures:
Before
After
Client Name : Shrikanth
Client ID: client-id-aw02c6873
Before
After
Client Name : Kiran
Client ID: SEC02C26580
Before
After
Client Name : Baby Ravi
Client ID: HS07C591
Before
After
Client Name : Aditya
Client ID: KM02C3608
Before
After
Client Name : Surya Shiva
Client ID: SEC02C27812
Before
After
Client Name : Shalani
Client ID: SEC02C25775
Before
After
Client Name : Sangamesh
Client ID: BH17463
Before
After
Client Name : Rakesh Babu
Client ID: BH26082
Before
After
Client Name : Priya Sri
Client ID: SEC02C24742
Before
After
Client Name : Gaurav Giri
Client ID: JH04C6998
Takeaway
We hope this article gave you insights into hair thinning vs hair loss. Whether you are experiencing hair loss, hair thinning, or receding hairline, always remember that early intervention is the key. While understanding the difference between hair loss and hair thinning is one thing, accurate diagnosis and the right treatment solution guarantee the best results. At Oliva Clinics, our expert dermatology team uses advanced technology to identify the exact cause and offers personalised hair loss treatments that are natural, effective, safe and clinically proven. Book an appointment with our expert at your nearest Oliva Clinics today for a tailored solution that works for you!
