Have you noticed your scalp shedding more than you did before? Is your brush getting full more quickly? Is your scalp more visible? Is it affecting your self esteem, feeling like everyone can tell? Over the last few years the top concerns in my chair have been changing to – “hair feels thinner”, “no volume”, “goes flat so quick!” Does this sound like you? Well, some of this sounds like me over the last few years too!
I wanted to start this conversation because like you I want to improve the quality and amount of my own hair that I’ve seen change with my age. In this next phase of my life if aging hasn’t already started to reminding me that I am not as young as I once was, then my hair definitely would! Noticeable hair loss and thinning hair has made what used to be so easy into a very challenging morning routine (during which I now use many of the products that I recommend to you all!) While none of us are going to get our youth back we can improve our hormones and hair and scalp care. These are the actual things we can actually have an impact on. So, if you’ve ever been in my chair and shared with me how your hair feels so thin or constantly falls flat and doesn’t hold a curl. I hear you.
Let’s walk this journey together.
1. Age - Aging is probably the most common cause of HAIR THINNING. As we age, the Anagen phase causes a natural decrease in size/diameter causing our hair to become thinner and more fragile. Other situations such as medication, illnesses, or genetics also affect anagen phase.
2. Androgenetic Alopecia - The most common cause of hair loss is Androgenetic Alopecia Better known as male or female pattern hair loss. Surprisingly, nearly 50 percent* men and women are affected by this condition. This disorder is genetic; it is the body’s excessive response to androgens. People can start experiencing androgenetic alopecia at any time after puberty, and since it is a progressive condition, the risk increases with age.
4. Alopecia Areata - Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease that attacks your body’s hair follicles, causing patchy hair loss. Medications and therapies can help your hair regrow, though severe cases may not respond to treatment (See a more detailed description here).
5. Hormonal Changes - Hormonal changes (think Puberty, ChildBirth, Menopause and Thyroid Disease) create a decrease in estrogen and an increase in DHT that can cause hair loss. The good news is most of these situations are temporary and can be treated.
6. Scalp Infection - Folliculitis is a common skin condition that happens when hair follicles become inflamed. It's often caused by an infection with bacteria. At first it may look like small pimples around the tiny pockets from where each hair grows (hair follicles). The condition can be itchy, sore and embarrassing. The infection can spread and turn into crusty sores. Mild folliculitis will likely heal without scarring in a few days with basic self-care. More serious or repeat infections may need prescription medicine. Left untreated, severe infections can cause permanent hair loss and scarring (learn more about symptoms and causes here).
Now that we have identified the 7 most common reason as to why we lose our hair - lets talk about how we can slow down or even halt the process.
The myth that hair loss only starts in old age and only affects men, is just not true. Women can start developing female pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) as early as their 20s and 30s. There is no crystal ball to determine if or when hair loss will affect you, however taking a look at your parent’s hair - might give you a heads up. Other factors like childbirth, telogen effluvium, and birth control can cause temporary hair loss in a young woman’s 20s and 30s. Of course, age-related factors also play a major role in hair loss. As much as 40% of women and 53% of men experience balding by the age of 65.
This significant hair loss in old age is usually a multifaceted process. A combination of androgenetic alopecia (which is genetic), aging itself, and hormonal changes caused by menopause leads to such a high percentage of people who experience thinning and total hair loss by their 60s.
So now that you know more about what causes hair loss and what age it can start, you’re probably wondering: can it be reversed? That is the question! I wish there was an easy answer however it really depends on the root cause of the hair loss.
As of now, there is no cure for male or female pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia). But there are plenty of steps you can take to slow this process down as you age, which I’ll get into below. And if you’re dealing with a case of stress-induced or sudden hormonal changes from childbirth, hold tight. Your hair thinning should improve in due time. Some of these tips can even help speed up the regrowth process. We’ve been hearing about it for a while now - especially if you’re experiencing Menopause.
Eating foods rich in protein, healthy fats, minerals & vitamins not only helps you fuel your body for optimum efficiency it helps your FOLLICALS! So you will not only see your body composition change but your hair will thank you for it, by becoming a more lush & vibrant!
Incorporate some of these nutrient-rich foods into your diet for healthy hair:
Nourishing hair supplements can be useful for anyone at any age who wants to maintain beautiful, healthy hair. But those experiencing temporary hair loss due to things like intense stress, childbirth, or oral medications can especially benefit from high quality hair care supplements.
There is incredible data supporting the benefits of supplements. Controlled studies show significant hair growth for women experiencing thinning and hair loss (see the NIH data here).
We already know that with aging our hair gets weaker & thinner, so to avoid drying out your hair and causing breakage, you don’t need to shampoo every day - maybe 2-3x a week is plenty. You can certainly get it wet in the shower & condition those ends! Just don’t forget to add a heat protector to your styling regimen. Remember when your grandmother told you to brush youe hair 100 strokes each night, well she knew what she was talking about. Using a soft paddle style brush (AVEDA has a great one). Brush your hair every night to help keep the natural oils distributed and stimulate your scalp. These things are part of a consistent daily routine for healthy hair.
If you’re experiencing a form of hair loss that’s irreversible, like female or male pattern hair loss, certain treatments may still help slow the progression of your condition and preserve the health of your hair.
It’s evident that hair loss can be complex. The treatments and solutions vary greatly, depending on the root cause of your hair falling out. That is why I want to be part of the conversation.
Stay tuned for emails coming your way, or call us now to discuss any of these new services and treatments being offered from September, which is Alopecia Awareness Month:
And stay tuned as we continue to deep dive into the subject of hair loss – Andi