Why hair loss happens as we get older and what to do about it
HIGHLIGHTS
- Multiple things you can do to slow or stop hair loss. However, what should be done depends on the reason why you’re losing your hair.
- Everyone sheds hair daily, which is perfectly normal. Situations, like hair loss after pregnancy, or due to stress may resolve on their own by taking respective measures.
- If the hair loss is persistent, consult your doctor as they may be able to diagnose if your hair loss is caused by thyroid issues, stress, scalp infections, simply aging or various other things.
Are you sure the reason for your hair loss is simply aging?
As you age, your body experiences multiple changes, and your hair is no exception as it naturally changes colour and texture over time and the hair follicles start producing less pigment causing your hair to turn greyish.
To keep your hair looking good as you age, it needs special attention and care:
HERE ARE A FEW DIFFERENT REASONS WHY YOU MAY EXPERIENCE HAIR LOSS AS YOU GET OLDER:
HEREDITARY: Hereditary traits are something that is passed along from parents to children (genetically) which essentially means if one of your parents has thinner hair or a history of hair loss then you likely will too.
ENDOCRINE DISORDERS: Hormones are chemicals produced by glands in your endocrine system released into your bloodstream and when an imbalance occurs due to too much or too little of a hormone, hair loss may accompany several endocrine disorders.
THYROID DISORDERS: Thyroid interrupts hormone production along with other processes in your body blocking the process of hair development and also resulting in hair thinning across your scalp.
REDUCED HORMONAL SUPPORT: Both male and female hormones can affect hair growth or hair thinning.
NUTRITIONAL DEFICIENCIES: Consuming an unhealthy diet that lacks right nutrients leads to hair loss.
MENOPAUSE
It is a natural biological process that women experience at some point in their lives where their body goes through several physical changes which fluctuates hormone levels causing hair loss.
OTHER FACTORS
Chemotherapy (medications for poor health conditions or cancer) or radiation therapy, emotional or physical stress, genetic (male-female-pattern hair loss androgenetic alopecia), during pregnancy (in rare cases) excessive smoking can also damage your hair cells making your hair follicles brittle and easy to damage, and using chemical products or bleach on hair.
BEST WAYS TO MANAGE AND STOP HAIR LOSS
WASH BUT LESS FREQUENTLY
Not everyone’s hair responds well during hair wash as it depends on the type of hair. But regardless of your hair type, in general, washing too frequently can cause hair to become dry and brittle according to the experts. It is recommended that you don’t overdo shampoo, and make sure you’re using the type of shampoo which is for your specific hair type like normal, oily or dry. Also, always keep your scalp clean by washing it at least twice per week.
CONDITIONERS
It has been observed that applying conditioner after shampooing helps your hair maintain healthy locks and adds moisture and natural oils that were lost during shampooing along with volumizers that strengthen each strand of hair adding more volume overall.
GO FOR THE RIGHT PRODUCTS
It’s always best to go to a stylist to colour your hair because a professional can help you understand the safest dye to use for your hair type, and can also tell you the tips on the usage of shampoos, conditioners and other hair products.
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Also, avoid using heat stylings products, blow dryers, curling wands and flat irons as it damages the hair.
EAT A COMPLETE, PROTEIN-RICH DIET
Multiple studies have found that people experiencing hair loss always have low protein and amino acid intakes and eating low-fat red meat alleviates iron shortage. You can always help your hair grow by eating healthy as hair follicles are made of mostly protein, so a healthy protein diet along with nutrients is a must.
Include foods such as avocados, spinach, and all the green leafy vegetables basically along with eggs, red meat, berries such as strawberries, raspberries and other fruits that are loaded with vitamin C and antioxidants. Fatty fish like salmon is a great option and foods specially which contain biotin, folate, iron, and vitamins A, B, C, D, E, B12, Zinc and Omega-3’s (omega-3 fatty acids).
Turmeric milk is also known to be the best medicine for hair growth. You can also take a daily multivitamin to make up for the nutrients which you may not be getting in the foods you eat.
GENTLE SCALP MASSAGE
According to multiple studies, scalp massage stimulates hair growth as it helps in blood circulation. However, people with severe hair loss are advised to not go for scalp massage as it can increase hair fall. Also, be gentle when you comb your hair.
COCONUT OIL FOR DAMAGED HAIR
Some studies and surveys have shown that coconut oil is very helpful to prevent hair loss due to ultraviolet light damage or grooming habits. Applying coconut oil directly to the scalp could strengthen hair and avoid loss from damage.
YOGA
Hair loss caused by emotional or physical stress can respond well to yoga by trying these stress-relieving yoga poses such as Downward Facing Dog, Forward Bend, Camel Pose, Shoulder Stand, Fish Pose, and Kneeling Pose. You can find all these poses for free on YouTube.
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ESSENTIAL OILS
Essential oils have natural extracts produced by plants along with some properties that stimulate hair growth.
LOW-LEVEL LIGHT THERAPY
The results of low-level laser light therapy (LLLT) significantly promote cell growth and repair and increase the density of hair. This therapy applies to people with chemotherapy-related or genetic hair loss conditions.
MAINTAINING GOOD HAIR AND SCALP CARE
Proper care of the hair and scalp can be a huge help to prevent hair loss and also improve hair growth. Always keep the scalp and hair clean to prevent hair damage and loss.
HAIR MASK – ONION JUICE AND EGG
Onion juice and egg are a natural conditioner and has a positive effect on hair loss when used with castor oil, olive oil, or coconut oil. Applying onion juice or egg (white and yolk) to the scalp and hair helps in hair regrowth in both men and women.
WHEN TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR
Check your medications with your doctor as they can interfere with hair growth or loss. If that is the case then consult your doctor/expert to help counteract the negative effects. Experts also say, when women stop hormone replacement medication, then they should expect a fair amount of hair loss.
