People may say that age is just a number, but the body tells a different story. When it comes to your hair, it doesn’t matter how well you maintain it, there will be changes beyond your control when you age, and the best you can do is try to slow it down.
One of the changes you will experience is hair loss, and it is not a respecter of persons. You will have to deal with color and texture changes and pay more attention to your hair. This article will look at how aging influences hair loss and possible treatments for it.
How Does Hair Change with Age?
Your hair contains protein strands, and a strand of it has a life-span of two to seven years. Usually, hair grows at an average of 0.5 inches monthly and six inches a year, and factors like age, diet, genetics, and overall well being determine how fast or slow it grows.
The more your hair ages, the shorter its life cycle, and the more delicate strands start falling out. Men and women lose hair while aging for several reasons like:
- Hereditary traits
- Endocrine disorders
- Thyroid disorders
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Reduced hormonal support
Because of the above factors, coupled with environmental changes, hair follicles stop producing new hair. Over time, hair fibers become thinner, drop out, and never regenerate. Pigment changes also occur, and the hair loses strength and becomes gray and frail.
5 Effective Treatment Plans You Should Use for Hair Loss
There are several treatment plans out there for hair loss, but some of them are ineffective. Using the wrong treatment can worsen hair loss, but the right one can give you healthy and strong hair for as long as possible. Here are five effective treatment plans you should use:
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Minoxidil Topical Solution (Rogaine)
Popularly known as Rogaine, the liquid and foamy Minoxidil Topical Solution works effectively for men and women with alopecia areata and androgenic alopecia. The former occurs when the immune system attacks hair follicles, while genetics causes the latter.
Rogaine is an over-the-counter medication, and you can apply it by spreading it on the scalp daily. At first, it might lead to more hair loss and short, thin growth, but it reverses with continuous usage, usually six months. This treatment is not suitable for people with heart issues as rapid heart rate is one of its side effects.
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Hair Transplant Surgery
In some cases of hair loss, it affects only the top of the head, and with hair transplant or restoration surgery, you can put a stop to it. During the surgery, a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon removes hair from a part of your head and transplants it to where it is needed.
Each hair patch has micrografts and mini grafts, and sometimes, the surgeon takes hair from the skin with multiple hair groupings. Depending on the effect you want, you may schedule several surgeries, and side effects include slight bleeding, swelling, bruising, and infection.
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Laser Therapy
Since the low-level laser device’s approval as a treatment for hereditary hair loss in men and women, it has recorded encouraging results. It stimulates hair growth in those with androgenic alopecia, and pattern balding, and increases hair density. The Laser Cap System for Hair Growth is an efficient non-invasive laser device that offers you an easy way to get back a full, beautiful head of hair. It is safe and FDA-cleared. Possible side effects might be a mild itch or burning sensation on the cap from the hair cells’ stimulation.
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Finasteride (Propecia) Prescription Drug and Corticosteroid Injections
Finasteride is a prescription drug for men. Users take the pills daily and experience a reduction in hair loss to a great extent. The drug also triggers new hair growth, although it takes a few months to see actual results. Note that for men over sixty, the pills’ side effects include increased prostate cancer risk and diminished sex drive.
Corticosteroid injections are for women with alopecia areata, and users inject them at multiple sites in the affected area. It shows results as soon as four weeks, and you can repeat the treatment every four to six weeks. Side effects include skin atrophy and thinning of skin scalp.
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Hair Blocking Supplements
Hair blocking supplements are effective in treating hair loss and promoting hair growth. DHT Hair Blocking Vitamins is an effective hair loss treatment. You can also try home remedies under the guidance and recommendation of a trichologist.
Conclusion
Whether your hair loss is a sign of aging or other health or hereditary condition, you have to take steps to prevent it from worsening. In addition to the treatment plans discussed, avoid using harsh products on your hair, especially those containing paraben. Eat a complete protein-rich diet, use conditioners and volumizers, wash your hair less frequently, and confirm every medication with your doctor before usage.
