Hair Care in Older Age - An Overview

Introduction

Hair loss or thinning and graying of the hair is a growing concern both for men as well as women. People lose certain hair daily, but that is quite common. It is when they start seeing many strands of hair, which definitely causes distress and worries.

How Does Aging Affect Hair?

1) Hair Thinning- Hair thinning occurs at three different stages, which are divided based on the age of onset of the thinning. If the thinning starts somewhere in the 20s, 30s, or up to the age of 40s approximately, it is called androgenic alopecia- a typical male and female pattern of thinning. If the thinning starts in the late decades, like the 60s, 70s, or 80s and older, it is called senescent thinning or age-related thinning. In women, there is an in-between group where the thinning starts for the first time somewhere between 45 and 55 years of age. This is a well-defined age group called female pattern hair loss, where the role of androgen is not as clear as it is with the early onset group.

Also, the hormonal enzymes responsible for androgenic alopecia, 5-alpha reductase type 1 and 2, go way down in later decades. Another unfortunate occurrence that happens with time is hair strands get smaller, and hair follicles stop producing new hairs leading to thinning.

2) Hair Graying- Hair pigmentation is one of the unique features in humans ranging from black, brown, and blonde to red. The color of human hair is due to pigment (melanin) produced by cells known as melanocytes, the same cells responsible for the pigmentation of our skin. Now there are two main forms of hair pigment- eumelanin and pheomelanin. Eumalin is seen in brunettes and darker-haired people, whereas pheomelanin is seen in blondes and redheads. These melanocytes are located in the hair follicle, where the hair's root originates. Each hair grows from a single hair follicle.

As the hair strands grow, melanocytes inject the pigment into keratin cells. Keratin is a protein that forms our hair, skin, and nails. Melanocytes continue to inject pigment into the hair’s keratin throughout the years, giving it a colorful hue. With age, there is a reduction of melanin. The hair turns gray and eventually white, which is a natural process. However, it can also occur at an early age, called premature graying of hair, due to several reasons like vitamin or mineral deficiency, sun damage, thyroid disorder, etc.

3) Hair Loss- As people age, not only does the body change but also there are changes in the hair and scalp. The scalp moisturizes the hair, and with age, there is less scalp oil production, making the hair drier. The dryness of the hair leads to breakage, split ends, and frizziness causing more hair loss.

What Are the Other Factors That Affect Our Hair Health?

certain contributing factors add to the damage of hair, like-

1. Genetics- It is caused by a hormone called androgen.

2. Dietary Choices- A poor diet can lead to the loss of collagen in the hair and scalp.

3. Nutritional Deficiencies- It is the most common cause and includes iron, zinc, vitamin deficiencies, etc.

4. Medications- Certain medications used, like antidepressants, anticoagulants, chemotherapy drugs, etc., can cause hair loss.

5. Underline Medical Conditions- Thyroid disorders, anemia, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), psoriasis.

6. Stress- Hair loss can also be associated with high levels of stress.

7. Pollution- Exposure to chemical pollutants and toxins.

8. Clothing- Overwearing of caps.

9. Smoking- Smoke toxicants can cause damage to the DNA of the hair follicles.

10. Hormones- In both males and females, dihydrotestosterone affects hair growth. An imbalance in thyroid hormone is another reason.

How to Grow Long, Healthy Hair With Age?

Hair care can be started early to avoid damage.

• Avoid cutting hairs and allow them to grow. Generally, a person’s hair grows six inches per year, and not cutting it will give it its full potential to grow by the end of the year. After it has grown to a certain length, trimming the damaged ends will be sufficient.

• Avoid overprocessing and minimize hair coloring, bleach, or dye as it causes damage to the hair.

• Reduce the number of times to wash your hair per week.

• Minimize the heat used in hair in the form of hair straighteners, dryers, and curlers, which causes more damage to the hair.

• Reduce the number of hair products being used, like gels and sprays, which makes the hair dirtier and will require more cleansing.

• Chlorinated water can make the hair dry.

• Brush the hair as gently as possible and avoid over-brushing.

• Deep conditioning and hot oil treatments are beneficial for moisturization.

How to Care for Hair in Old Age?

It involves various options such as-

• Maintaining a proper diet that must include good fats and proteins.

• Vitamins are essential for hair growth, especially vitamins B and C.

• Inclusion of seeds, fruits, and green leafy vegetables.

• A good intake of calcium, like milk.

• Including dry fruits like almonds.

• Making a habit of drinking at least ten glasses of water every day.

• Making a good sleep pattern.

• Meditation and exercising.

• Avoid the use of alcohol and smoking.

• Some older people can be associated with dementia, and they will often forget to brush their hair or maintain the hygiene of the hair. In that case, the family member or the caregiver should consider this.

What Are the Other Treatment Options for Healthy Hair?

A proper diagnosis with complete blood count, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, and patient history can be carried out for the treatment options.

• Topical applicants can be used for hair thinning, but it does reverse hair loss; it thickens the hair that is already present.

• Minoxidil works in all three stages of hair loss, but it takes time to see the effect at a minimum of 6-12 months.

• Finasteride is mostly used in men with androgenic alopecia, but it can be used in women who cannot or want to conceive, as suggested by a doctor, because Finasteride can cause genital defects in the fetus.

• Hair transplant.

Conclusion-

It is first important to rule out the cause of the hair problem and then to proceed with various treatments that can be done at home or seek a medical professional. Hair care is essential not only for a person’s appearance but for the hygiene and overall health of the hair.