Hair loss is a common complaint in aging adults, with 53% of men and 37% of women experiencing balding after 65 the age of 65. Understanding the right strategies can help manage, and even prevent hair loss in old age.
In this article, we will explore a holistic approach to maintaining healthy hair, covering everything from nutritional remedies to medical treatments and hair hygiene tips. Read on to find out everything you need to know about how to prevent hair loss in old age.
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Understanding Hair Loss in Old Age
Each hair follicle has its life cycle that can be influenced by factors such as age or disease. This cycle is divided into three parts:
- Anagen: Active hair growth that lasts 2 to 8 years.
- Catagen: Transitional hair growth that lasts 2 to 3 weeks.
- Telogen: Resting stage that happens when existing hair is shed and replaced by new hair. This lasts 2 to 3 months and marks the end of the cycle.
As we age, the rate of hair growth slows down, and we lose existing hair easily. This is known as hair loss, which has different types and triggers. Understanding your hair loss is important for making an effective and tailored treatment plan.
Types of Hair Loss in Old Age
Androgenetic alopecia, frontal fibrosing alopecia, senile alopecia, and erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp are the hair problems commonly reported by aging adults. Here’s what each type means:
- Androgenetic Alopecia: Also known as male or female pattern baldness, Androgenetic Alopecia is characterized by a receding hairline and gradual hair loss around the crown and frontal scalp. Androgenetic Alopecia affects approximately 50% of men by the age of 50, and 50% of women by the age of 60.
- Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: This type of hair loss starts slowly, and causes a band of balding around the front and sides of the hairline. The reported mean age bracket of this type of hair loss is 56-63 years.
- Senile Alopecia: Also known as involutional alopecia, this type of hair loss is age-related. It leads to diffuse thinning across the whole scalp. Research suggests that it commonly occurs in people aged 50 years or older with no history of androgenetic alopecia.
- Erosive Pustular Dermatosis: This inflammatory scalp condition is characterized by thick crusts on the scalp, leading to erosion and permanent hair loss. It commonly affects older adults but can happen to younger individuals as well.
Common Causes Behind Age-Related Hair Loss
It is normal to lose around 50 to 100 hair strands each day. Hair loss occurs when lost hair is not replaced by new hair. It is typically related to one or more of the following factors:
- Family History: Hereditary hair loss is caused by genetic faults. It results in hair thinning in women, and a receding hairline and bald spots in men.
- Hormonal Changes: Hormonal imbalances due to pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, and thyroid problems lead to hair loss.
- Medications: Some medicines and supplements have hair loss as a side effect, such as those taken for cancer, arthritis, depression, and heart problems.
- Stress: Stressful conditions increase cortisol levels, a hormone responsible for hair loss. This type of hair loss is temporary.
- Hairstyles and Chemical Treatments: Tight hairstyles such as high ponytails, and chemical treatments such as bleaching, damage hair follicles and cause breakage. If scarring occurs, hair loss could be permanent.
Essential Nutrients to Prevent Hair Loss in Old Age
If you are wondering how you can prevent your hair from thinning as you age, a balanced diet is your answer. As per M.D Kelly O’Connor, a subject-matter expert, “Many nutritional deficiencies lead to poor hair health and include changes to hair structure, texture, and viability.”
Zinc
Zinc boosts tissue growth and repair and ensures the proper functioning of oil glands around hair follicles, preventing buildup. Zinc deficiency weakens the protein structures of hair strands, leading to breakage.
Research shows that optimum levels of zinc inhibit the production of DHT, which is an androgen. Excessive amounts of androgen in the body shrink hair follicles, resulting in hair loss.
Zinc-rich foods include oysters, chickpeas, shellfish, pork, fortified cereals, and blackberries.
Vitamin B-12
Vitamin B-12 plays an important role in hair growth. B-12 also promotes the production of red blood cells, ensuring adequate oxygen supply to the scalp. Deficiency can lead to abnormal follicle functioning and cause thinning.
An Indian research study determined that Vitamin B-12 deficiency was found in patients suffering from telogen effluvium, a type of hair loss that causes excessive shedding.
Some signs that indicate a B-12 deficiency include pale skin, dry and brittle hair prone to breakage, and untimely graying of hair. A B-12 serum test can determine a deficiency. Normal ranges are 500-900 pg/mL, and anything lower than this indicates that you have low levels of the vitamin in your body.
Taking a diet rich in vitamin B-12 is the best way to maintain normal levels. Here are some foods you should consider adding to your diet.
- Animal Liver: A 3.5-ounce serving of lamb liver provides 3,571% of the Daily Value (DV) for vitamin B12.
- Clams: This shellfish contains high levels of vitamin B12. You can get 7,000% of the DV from 20 small clams (190 grams).
- Sardines: 1 cup (150-gram) of sardines provides 554% of the DV for vitamin B12.
- Beef: One grilled flat iron steak (190 grams) provides 467% of the DV for vitamin B12. Low-fat cuts have higher levels of the vitamin.
- Tuna: A 3.5-ounce (100-gram) of tuna contains 453% of the DV.
Iron
Iron is responsible for the production of red blood cells, ensuring optimum levels of oxygen and healthy blood circulation around the scalp. Iron deficiency can lead to anemia, a common cause of alopecia. A 2022 research study revealed that women with nonscarring alopecia had lower ferritin values, a blood protein containing iron.
Following is the recommended iron dosage for different age groups per day:
Here are 3 effective methods to treat iron deficiency:
- Supplements: You can take iron supplements daily to treat iron deficiency. It is important to consult a healthcare professional before taking any medications.
- Injections: A doctor may recommend iron injections to raise iron levels faster. These are prescribed to people who are severely anemic or can’t ingest iron orally.
- Diet: Consuming iron-rich foods can naturally increase iron levels in the body. These include tofu, beans, peas, raisins, apricots, and spinach.
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Natural Remedies to Prevent Hair Loss in Old Age
Here are some natural remedies you can try at home to help with hair loss in old age. These are backed with research and have proven to produce positive results after consistent use.
- Black Seed Oil and Coconut Oil: Research shows that combining black seed oil with coconut oil promotes hair growth effectively, significantly reducing hair loss.
- Nigella Sativa: Known for its key component, thymoquinone, Nigella sativa provides antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects by blocking enzymes like cyclooxygenase and prostaglandin D2. A study from 2013 highlights its success in treating women with sudden hair thinning or loss when applied topically.
- Saw Palmetto: Native to the Southeastern U.S., this palm acts as a natural blocker of DHT, a hormone that can harm hair follicles. It’s an effective natural remedy for preventing hair loss by regulating hormone levels.
- Ginseng: Celebrated as a potent herbal remedy, Ginseng extract is known to boost hair growth and increase hair density.
- Green Tea: Known for its hair growth properties, green tea, and its extracts contain epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and other antioxidants. These elements improve scalp health, stimulate hair follicles, and promote hair growth.
- Stinging Nettle: Sourced from the nettle plant, stinging nettle aids in hair regrowth by blocking DHT, which can damage hair follicles. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that protect the scalp and enhance hair follicle growth.
Lifestyle Changes to Prevent Hair Loss in Old Age
As people with hair problems grow older, they continue to research on how to prevent hair loss in old age. The answer lies in a combination of solutions and understanding the reasons behind your condition. Our hair becomes weaker and more prone to breakage. This calls for lifestyle changes that improve hair health. Here are some hair hygiene tips to follow.
Maintain Healthy Sleep Habits
Not getting enough sleep affects the secretion of hormones and weakens hair follicles. Sleep deficit releases a hormone called cortisol, which elevates stress levels and worsens hair loss. A Korean study established that those with sleep disorders have higher chances of developing hair problems such as alopecia areata.
Studies suggest that insomnia is more common in elderly individuals. Here are effective techniques to improve your sleep quality as you age:
- Invest in a good quality sleeping mattress: Investing in a supportive mattress and pillow ensures that your spine gets proper support to avoid aches and pains. Look for bedding that feels comfortable to the touch and maintains a comfortable temperature during the night.
- Block out light: Bright light can interfere with your circadian rhythm, leading to poor quality sleep. A dark environment promotes melatonin production, a hormone that encourages sleep. Use blackout curtains or eye masks to block out light.
- Maintain a routine: Develop a consistent sleep pattern by sleeping and waking up around the same time.
Choose the Right Products
Hair products such as shampoos and conditioners contain harsh chemicals which can damage your hair. Here are some common ingredients to avoid:
- Sulfates: 90% of hair products contain sulfates. They weaken hair strands by stripping away the natural oil and moisture present in hair, causing dryness and itching.
- Parabens: Parabens lead to hormonal imbalances and encourage hair loss.
- Diethanolamine: These chemicals harm your hair’s natural keratin, a protein that forms a protective shield around the hair shaft.
- Alcohol: It damages hair follicles by drying them out over time. Propanol and Isopropanol are common kinds of alcohols added to shampoos.
- Sodium Chloride: Also known as table salt, this thickening agent is added to most shampoos. It strips your hair of its natural oils, leading to a dry, itchy scalp.
Adopt Gentle Hair Care Practices
Simple habits can make a huge difference when it comes to preventing hair loss. Treating your hair with kindness prevents breakage, making it healthy and strong. Follow these 7 practices to give your hair the care it deserves:
- Rub shampoo only into your scalp: When you rinse the shampoo from your scalp, let it flow through the length of your hair and avoid rubbing it into your hair. Applying it directly to your lengths causes split ends.
- Don’t skip conditioner: Using conditioner after each wash softens your strands and prevents frizz.
- Use a microfiber towel: Using a t-shirt or a microfiber towel prevents friction and minimizes breakage while drying your hair.
- Don’t use heat styling products: Using curling rods and straighteners damages your hair follicles, leading to dull and brittle hair. Allow your hair to dry naturally, or use a heat protectant spray before using styling tools.
- Sleep on a silk pillowcase: Silk helps retain scalp moisture as it is a protein-based fiber that contains amino acids that naturally moisturize your hair. It also prevents frizz as it is soft to the touch.
- Wear loose hairstyles: Tight hairstyles such as high ponytails and cornrows pull your hair back and lead to a receding hairline. Wear your hair in loose hairstyles such as low buns or loose braids instead.
- Avoid bleaching: Bleaching agents damage hair follicles and lead to dry, dull hair that breaks easily. Avoid chemical treatments to maintain naturally healthy hair.
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Advanced Treatment Options to Treat Hair Loss in Old Age
Hair loss becomes a common issue with growing age. Permanent types of hair loss can be treated with advanced treatment options. These include medical supplements and surgical procedures. Here are some famous treatment options you can consider pursuing.
Finasteride
Finasteride, sold under the brand names Proscar and Propecia, is a medication used to treat male pattern baldness. It works by decreasing the levels of DHT in the body, a hormone responsible for hair loss. Finasteride promotes hair growth by stimulating the hair to enter the anagen or ‘growth’ phase. Hair growth on other parts of the body is not affected by Finasteride.
A 2021 study involving male patients confirmed that taking 1 mg of Finasteride daily improved male androgenetic alopecia and led to an increased hair count. Another study proved that Finasteride can thicken existing scalp hair as well, making hair appear full and healthy.
Finasteride only works for male pattern hair loss as it targets testosterone, a hormone found in men. It is not safe for use by pregnant women or children.
Common side effects of Finasteride include:
- Chills
- Cold sweats
- Confusion
- Dizziness
- Decreased interest in sexual intercourse
The commonly prescribed dosage of Finasteride is 1 mg per day. If you are taking Finasteride for hair loss, you can expect to see results after 3 to 6 months of consistent treatment. If you have missed a dose, you should skip the missed dose as double dosing with Finasteride can increase the risk of side effects. Moreover, if you stop taking the medication abruptly, your progress will fade away.
Minoxidil
This topical treatment works by enlarging hair follicles and elongating the growth phase of hair. It works best in people with hereditary hair loss around the vertex of the scalp. A 2014 study confirmed that Minoxidil is effective in treating hair loss around the front of the scalp as well.
It is generally considered safe to apply Minoxidil. However, some common side effects include:
- Scalp irritation from scaling, flaking, burning, or dryness
- Hair growth in adjacent areas, like your forehead
- Changes in hair texture or color
Hair Transplant
Hair transplants are a good treatment option for those who do not benefit from medications such as Finasteride or Minoxidil. These surgical procedures involve taking hair from the back or side of the head to the front or top of the scalp. Men with pattern baldness or women with thinning hair might benefit from hair transplants. A 2016 study proved that hair transplants can be effective for individuals who suffer from severe baldness.
Two main techniques used to obtain follicles for transplantation are FUT and FUE.
Following are the steps followed in In follicular unit transplantation (FUT):
- The surgeon uses a scalpel to cut out a strip of scalp skin from the back of the head.
- This is then closed with stitches.
- The surgeon separates the removed portion of the scalp into small sections using a sharp surgical knife. When implanted, these sections help achieve natural-looking hair growth.
In follicular unit extraction (FUE), the hair follicles are cut out directly from the back of the head through thousands of tiny punch incisions. These are the steps included:
- The surgeon makes tiny holes with a needle in an area of your scalp. They then gently place hairs in these holes.
- During one treatment session, a surgeon may transplant hundreds or even thousands of hairs.
- The treated scalp is then covered with bandages for some days.
The most common side effect of hair transplants is scarring, for which more surgeons prescribe painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs. Other side effects include:
- Infections
- Pus drainage
- Scalp pain, itching, and swelling
- Bleeding
- Losing sensation around the surgical sites.
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Key Takeaways
- Recognize the different types of age-related hair loss, including androgenetic alopecia, frontal fibrosing alopecia, senile alopecia, and erosive pustular dermatosis.
- Key causes of hair loss include genetic factors, hormonal changes, stress, and harsh treatments.
- Important nutrients for hair health include zinc, vitamin B-12, and iron. A balanced diet can help maintain healthy hair.
- Implement lifestyle changes such as maintaining healthy sleep habits, choosing the right hair products, and adopting gentle hair care practices.
- Explore advanced treatment options for persistent hair loss, such as Finasteride, Minoxidil, and hair transplant surgeries.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I stop my hair from thinning as I age?
Ensure a balanced diet rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals, and reduce harsh hair treatments like bleaching or frequent use of heat tools. Manage stress through techniques like exercise or meditation, as it can significantly impact hair health. Regularly consult with healthcare professionals for tailored treatments or interventions to support hair growth and health.
What foods promote hair regrowth?
Incorporate protein-rich foods like eggs and salmon, iron-dense vegetables such as spinach, sources of omega-3 fatty acids like flaxseeds and walnuts, and plenty of antioxidants found in berries and nuts to support hair health and regrowth.
Why is my hair thinning at 70?
Aging, hormonal changes, and health conditions contribute to hair thinning at this age.
What vitamins help hair loss?
Vitamins B12, D, iron, and zinc can help reduce hair loss.
Discover real, drug-free solutions in our e-book, backed by clinical research.
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And much more!
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