ROCHESTER, Minnesota — Hair loss often is caused by a combination of heredity and aging, says Dr. Treatments that may slow that type of hair loss and help regrow hair, including over-the-counter therapies such as shampoos, are available. Because new hair grows in at the same time, this hair loss usually doesn’t cause noticeable thinning of scalp hair. Over-the-counter remedies are a reasonable first step to combat this type of hair loss. Another way to help reduce hair loss is to be gentle with your hair.