Clinical and Instrumental Characterization of Hair and Scalp Aging in Nonbalding Caucasian Women

The study from September 1, 2018, investigated the effects of aging on the hair and scalp of nonbalding Caucasian women. It involved 60 women divided into three age groups: 25-35, 60-70, and ≥71 years old. Clinical assessments and standardized photographs were used alongside phototrichogram (PTG), laser micrometer, and extensometer techniques to measure hair growth parameters and physical properties in different scalp areas. The results showed significant differences between the 25-35 and 60-70 age groups, including decreases in occipital terminal hair density, thin hair density, centroparietal hair regrowth, and an increase in white hair density. More pronounced aging effects were observed after 71 years, with reductions in centroparietal terminal hair density, occipital thin hair density, break extension in both areas, and increased centroparietal hair porosity, indicating a weakening of the hair fiber and loss of cuticle barrier function. The study concluded that while aging significantly impacts scalp and hair, the changes remain close to normal values and are distinct from androgenetic alopecia, although they can overlap and amplify it. The study was supported by Pierre Fabre Dermo Cosmétique.