Many people associate thinning hair with aging, but we may be blaming age for something that is completely genetic. Age-related hair loss may be a factor of a lot of different things that tend to happen as we age, but not be specifically age-related.
For example, how many of us have noticed that our older family members tend to eat smaller meals? Protein is a staple building-block of hair, so while age or health conditions may be a contributing factor to how people eat as they get older, it is hard to blame age for the diet component of hair loss.
Why Does Aging Cause Hair Loss?
Poor nutrition is definitely one of the concerns, but it is not the only one.
According to the Cleveland Clinic, a healthy diet is an important part of fending off hair loss. “As you age, you start to eat smaller portions because your taste level goes down, and you become nutritionally deficient.”
Older people may simply not eat enough or may not be eating the right things. Lean protein and good sources of iron are vital for not only feeling well but keeping your hair! Foods to include as you age are berries, leafy green vegetables (like spinach), avocados, and eggs – if your hair is your concern. Just be sure to check those dietary recommendations with your primary care doctor too!
As we age, our bodies become more prone to breaking down and a lot of the illnesses and diseases we associate with aging can be hard on your hair. Thyroid disease and diabetes are among the illnesses common among older adults that can lead to hair thinning.
Disease, illness, and diet can be tough on your hair but almost 50 percent of the people who are balding lose their hair due to genetics. Androgenic alopecia is hereditary and once that hair is lost, there is no way to let it grow back on its own.
What Causes Hair Loss in Elderly Women?
Anything that causes hair loss in men – whether genetics, stress, poor diet, medications or chemotherapy – can cause hair loss in women as well. But women are much more like to face front fibrosing alopecia. This hair condition usually begins in women between two and 12 years after menopause… though some studies show it may begin earlier in Black women.
Front fibrosing alopecia is a receding hairline seen in some older women. It sometimes begins with hair loss in the eyebrows and can be treated if addressed early.
What Age Does Hair Start Thinning?
Hair loss from androgenic alopecia can start in early adulthood, often the early 20s, for some men. Women often see their hair texture, volume, and hair density start to change in their 30s. MedlinePlus points out that as we age, our hair tends to loses melanin – the component that gives us our individual hair color – and can become finer. Each hair follicle may produce fewer hairs, leading to overall thinning of the hair.
Differences in our diet and our stress levels may mean that we are not giving our hair what it needs or are causing increased shedding because of high cortisol levels. Much like our skin, our hair is very dependent on the status of the body as a whole. So, the healthier we are as we age, the less likely we are to face non-hereditary hair loss. And most forms of non-hereditary hair loss can be treated!
Still not sure if your hair loss is due to family history or something you can change?
That is okay! You do not have to figure it out. We will do it for you!
Precision Hair Loss Has the Hair Loss Solutions You Want
If you are concerned about a receding hairline or overall hair loss, if your eyebrows are looking thinner than ever, or you are looking to keep your hair healthy and full for as long as possible… reach out to our team here at Precision Hair Restoration. We can help you find the best solution to your hair loss and help you stay younger looking as long as possible. Contact us today to get started.
