For millions of people world-wide, everyday is a “bad hair” day due to the problem of thinning hair or baldness. Discussing hair loss with a doctor is an important first step. There are a number of treatments available these days that make hair loss or thinning hair easier to live with. A concern not only experienced by men but by a growing number of women is Alopecia, or the excessive and abnormal loss of healthy hair. Traumatic situations and genetics can be the cause of hair thinning and loss and also by hormonal fluctuations, excessive physical force or poor nutrition. While these factors can affect both men and women, hair thinning and loss usually occurs for:

Men
The most well-known pattern of hair loss is a thinning crown or receding hair line. Due to the presence of a derivative or by-product of testosterone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) hair loss happens. This hormone can contract the hair follicles and has a larger effect in the mid-anterior scalp and temples. Some categories of male hair loss are:
Chronic Diffuse Alopecia - can happen because of nutritional, metabolic or endocrine matters.
Acute diffuse alopecia - occurs from physical or psychological reasons such as hormones, nutritional shortages or medications.
Androgenetic Alopecia - occurs because of genetic sensitivity to male hormones. This hardly ever affects women.

Women
Hormonal fluctuations, ie during pregnancy, childbirth or use of some methods of contraception can result in hair thinning and loss. Also experienced by females:
Traction alopecia - this is caused by harsh hair styles, for example ponytails that are pulled too tight, cornrows, braiding or too frequent use of hair extensions. These actions pull at your hair over time but loss can be helped if recognized and dealt with early on.
Anagen effluvium - this is due to chemotherapy. The matrix of the hair becomes broken and results in the hair shaft narrowing, eventually splintering.

Men and women can minimize or even prevent hair thinning or loss, if detected early enough, by using several over-the-counter treatments such as:
Daily vitamin supplement - look for ones labelled especially for hair and/or nails and are fortified with Vitamin B3 (niacin), this protects the hair shaft, and antioxidants, to ward off damage from free radicals.
A shampoo that states “revitalizing/fortifying/energizing” - this will nourish and protect existing hair while removing oils that can block the follicles and prevent re-growth.
A weekly use, leave-in scalp treatment made with essential oils - oils such as lavender and orange will relax and unblock hair follicles to promote growth, regulate oil production and maintain cell repair.
As with any treatment, results will vary and may to need to be continued on a constant basis. Also, allow approximately 6-8 weeks before seeing results.

Disguising hair loss techniques:
Maybe it’s time to consider some techniques to disguise your hair loss if you are dissatisfied with your thinning hair. Whether you’re male or female losing hair due to genetics, stress, medication or a medical circumstance you can use these methods to help you cope.

Using a Thickening Hair Shampoo or Conditioner
Use a thickening hair shampoo and conditioner intended to camouflage hair loss by making the hair seem to be thicker. Brush your hair lightly after you have shampooed and conditioned to prevent losing even more hair, and let your hair dry completely before you comb or brush it.

Hair Styling Methods for Thicker Looking Hair
Here are a few methods and styling products that can be used, if your head of hair is not as thick as it once was, to keep your hair looking its best. Blow drying thin hair for a fuller appearance. For thinning hair, try blow drying your hair after you have washed and conditioned it and then comb your hair in front all the way back. Use a light hairspray or a mousse to keep your style in place. The blow drying will prevent your hair from matting and make it appear thicker than it is. Opt for hair texturizing lotions and creams that will provide you with abundance and volume. Use a leave-in hair conditioner as they can make your hair appear fuller and more textured. Pass up on hair gels as they matte your hair together and exaggerate your hair loss.

Add Extensions to your Hair
Extensions are an easy way for women and men with long thick hair to hide the fact that they are losing some. Use a salon for getting natural human hair added to your hair. This can last for several weeks to several months.

Blow-drying your Hair
Think about blow drying your hair if it is thinning on top to give it more texture and body and to give your head more coverage. Brush your hair into a quiff by brushing it from the forehead up. Preserve your hair style with a touch of hairspray. If your hair is thinning all over, this is a good and effective technique to make your hair look fuller.
Get a Buzz Cut - Guys
Actors, sports stars, and businessmen all employ the buzz cut as a method of hiding the fact that they are thinning on top. It is a trendy, popular style that is easy to keep up. Purchase a wet-dry electric razor to groom your scalp every day and to remove the hairs you have remaining for a fresh look. If you’re worried about losing your hair or if your hair is beginning to thin, pay a visit to your barber or stylist and ask for suggestions for a new hair style. There are plenty of hairstyles to choose from that will permit you to look your very best.