Most young people have healthy-looking hair. As people age, hair typically becomes finer and thinner. Are there any measures that people over 50 can take to combat age-related hair loss and improve their hair condition? Medical experts suggest that adopting a healthy lifestyle may help individuals manage or prevent aspects of age-related hair loss.
What Causes Age-Related Declines in Hair Quality?
Hair growth cycles consist of the anagen (growth), catagen (transition), and telogen (resting phases). Per Healthline, these three, “…cover the growth and maturation of hair and the activity of the hair follicles that produce individual hairs.” During the exogen phase (the final phase), old hair sheds. Usually, new hair takes its place. With aging, the anagen phase decreases, leading to shorter, finer hair growth. Some hair follicles may also stop producing new hair, leading to hair density loss. Additionally, with aging, hair follicles produce less melanin (pigment), which causes hair to turn gray.
What Roles Do Genetics Play?
Genetics and hormones are largely responsible for the density, length, color, and texture of hair. They also influence growth potential and determine hair loss patterns. Some individuals are genetically predisposed to experience hair loss and changes in hair texture as they age. Male pattern baldness, the most common type of hair loss in men, is related to genes and the male sex hormone.
Does Baldness Have A Cure?
Most forms of baldness currently have no cure. However, it is possible to slow or reverse some cases of hair loss. A receding hairline may benefit from hair transplant surgery. Medications such as Rogaine and Propecia can be used to slow further hair loss in some individuals. Per Healthline, “Hormonal changes, autoimmune diseases, thyroid disorders, and stress are among the known causes of hair loss in young men and women.” Diet is another cause that can influence hair growth. Regardless of age or sex, if hair loss is of concern, see a doctor for medical evaluation. Treatment for the underlying disease or infection, or lifestyle corrections, may benefit hair restoration.
What Influence Does Lifestyle Have On Hair?
Medical experts strive to learn more about the association between hair and lifestyle; however, how we treat our bodies directly influences health. Stress, nutrition, medical conditions, and medications are known to affect the quality, strength, fullness, and overall health of hair.
- Stress: Excessive stress is bad for health. Stress stirs negative emotions and may cause people to make unhealthy lifestyle choices such as smoking. Smoking is harmful to hair health as it damages hair follicles and disrupts the hair growth cycle by pushing hair follicles into the resting phase – contributing to hair loss. Stress can also disrupt sleep, which is essential to good health. Per WebMD, many things happen behind the scenes when people sleep. Getting a good night’s sleep can decrease stress that can send hair into a resting phase. The body also produces growth hormones when one sleeps, and this can speed up cell reproduction. Adequate sleep can significantly impact hair growth and health by allowing the body to repair and regenerate, including hair follicles.
- Poor Diet: There is a known connection between poor diet and hair loss. Per Healthline, sometimes weight loss can lead to hair loss. This is commonly caused by nutrient deficiencies as well as effects from sudden and rapid weight loss. “Sudden weight loss and restrictive diets have been linked to a condition known as acute telogen effluvium (TE), one of the most common causes of widespread hair loss on the scalp.” They expound, hair needs adequate calories and nutrients to grow properly. Poor or crash diets can lead to deficiencies in essential fatty acids, zinc, protein, and overall calories – and harm hair health. To resolve hair loss related to poor diet, doctors will likely recommend that patients follow a nutrition-rich diet along with exercise. They may also possibly prescribe medications or supplements, such as daily multivitamins containing a variety of essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamins B, C, D, iron, and zinc that support hair health.
- Medical Conditions/Medications: There are numerous medical conditions and medications that, unfortunately, can negatively affect hair. Skin conditions such as psoriasis or folliculitis can interfere with hair growth and cause excessive hair loss. Patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation may also experience hair loss or thinning as a result of treatments. Medications for birth control, depression, gout, and other health conditions may also negatively affect hair growth. Most of the time, hair loss or thinning due to medications or treatments is temporary, however, some individuals may face long-term effects. Discuss hair concerns related to medical conditions and/or medications with your physician to troubleshoot solutions.
Summing It Up
Hair protects the scalp, so it’s important to many people. Typically, strong, thick, and soft hair is an indicator of good health, thus, it’s wise to take care of yourself and your locks! Declines in hair quality may be experienced with aging. While it is likely normal, it’s important to see a doctor to report changes. Some people may restore hair health by following a healthy lifestyle. This includes managing stress, sleeping well, eating a balanced diet, exercising, addressing medical conditions, and adjusting medications or treatments as needed. Hair loss has numerous causes. Most hair loss is genetic, but there can be other triggers such as hormones, medical disease or conditions, or medications or treatments. Though discussing baldness can be a sensitive topic, people with no hair are more likely to be perceived as strong and confident individuals. Thus, baldness can be empowering. For those with poor hair quality, know that there are possible steps you can take to improve your hair, such as making good lifestyle choices that can build stronger, more powerful, and healthier bodies.
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Disclosure: This article is purely informational and is not intended as a medical resource. For any medical advice, consult your doctor.
