Hair loss is a common problem that affects a significant portion of the population – especially as people age. But why is this? What are the scientific mechanisms behind our hair losing its luster and fullness? Throughout the year, science has aimed to answer these questions, and today, many researchers know more about hair than ever. Here’s what you need to know about age, hair loss, and how to manage it.
Hair Loss As People Age
As people age, their bodies change in many ways, including their hair. Changes in biological processes such as hormone production, scalp health, and genetics cause age-related hair loss. In particular, hormones play a vital role in the rate at which your hair grows and how long it stays on your head. As you age, hormone levels decrease, making thinner, shorter strands more prone to breakage and falling out. This affects the hair on your head and various locations in your body, like your chest and, in rare cases, your eyebrows.
Eyebrow hair loss is something people of all ages can experience due to a variety of factors, including stress, diet, medication, and genetics. But the skin surrounding your eyebrows is thinner than other areas, so it’s more prone to age-related thinning.
Genetics also plays a vital role in age-related hair loss. It’s estimated that up to 80% of balding men have a genetic predisposition for balding – meaning that if you have parents or other family members who suffer from baldness, you may be more likely to experience it yourself as you get older. This genetic predisposition and hormonal changes can lead to noticeable hair thinning over time.
The Science of Hair Growth
To understand why age can cause hair loss, it’s essential to understand the science behind how our hair grows. All coats go through three distinct phases as they grow: anagen (growth), catagen (transition), and telogen (rest).
During the anagen phase, cells at the base of each follicle divide rapidly, pushing the growing strand outward from within the skin’s surface until it reaches its maximum length before transitioning into the catagen phase, where growth slows down significantly or stops altogether. Next is the telogen phase, where new hairs form at the base of each follicle while old ones are shed – this happens around every two months or so on average.
These phases take longer to complete resulting in slower growth rates and more shedding overall – leading to thinning or baldness over time as people age. Additionally, lifestyle factors such as poor diet can further contribute to accelerated aging of your scalp resulting in even faster shedding due to weakened follicles not being able to produce healthy hairs anymore.
Managing Hair Loss
Hair loss can be an unavoidable part of aging, but it doesn’t have to be a source of distress. Understanding the science behind age and hair loss is the first step in managing thinning or baldness as you age. Here are other ways you can manage hair loss as you grow older:
Cosmetic Products
Make-up can be a great way to cover hair loss, especially on your eyebrows. An ABH dip brow pomade can fill sparse brows and create a fuller look. It’s a great way to camouflage your thinning eyebrows without getting any treatment.
For scalp hair loss, various products on the market are designed to camouflage thinning hair. For example, thickening shampoos, conditioners, and other styling products can make your existing strands appear thicker and fuller. Volumizing sprays or root lifters may also help boost your hair’s volume.
Hair Transplants
Hair transplants are a viable option if you’re looking for a more permanent solution. Hair transplant surgery involves taking healthy follicles from other body parts and surgically implanting them in bald areas. This can be done using either strip or follicular unit extraction (FUE) methods, depending on the extent of your hair loss.
Hair transplants are a permanent solution that can restore a fuller and thicker head of hair with minimal side effects. While it’s an expensive procedure, it’s an effective way to combat age-related hair loss and have results you can enjoy for years.
Eat Healthily
Good nutrition can help keep your hair in top form. Eating a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients, like proteins and vitamins, helps maintain the health of your scalp and follicles – resulting in thicker hair growth. Additionally, avoiding crash diets or overly restrictive eating may help reduce age-related hair loss.
Regular Exercise
Aside from eating healthy, regular exercise is also crucial for maintaining a healthy scalp and follicles. Exercise increases your circulation and raises your body’s oxygen levels, helping promote hair growth. Additionally, regular physical activity helps reduce stress levels which can contribute to age-related hair loss.
Age-related hair loss is something that many people have to deal with as they get older. As you age, it’s essential to understand the science of hair loss and how to manage it. Ensure you’re taking care of yourself with the tips above. With these tips, you can maintain your luscious locks for years!