What Ages Hair?

The document from 2015 examines the causes of hair aging and loss, including genetic, hormonal, environmental, and grooming factors. It notes that 50% of men by age 50 and 38% of women over age 50 experience pattern hair loss (PHL), with chronic scalp inflammation potentially reducing the anagen phase and causing follicle miniaturization. Senescent alopecia is identified as a scalp-wide reduction in hair number occurring between ages 50 and 80. The paper also discusses the damaging effects of weathering, grooming, and harsh chemicals on hair health. Minoxidil is highlighted as an effective FDA-approved treatment for hair loss, with a 30% increase in hair weight compared to placebo at 96 weeks. The document concludes that while hair aging is inevitable, selecting appropriate hair care products is important for maintaining hair health, and further research is needed to determine if these products can improve scalp conditions or slow down hair loss due to AGA or age-related thinning.