Hair Loss With Age: 6 Prevention Tips, Treatment Options, & More

• Hair loss is a natural part of aging, but it can be exacerbated by other conditions like genetics, hormone changes, and stress.
• Hair loss cannot be fully prevented, but there are treatments to help slow down the process and potentially help hair grow back.
• Early treatment can help protect remaining hair or slow down the process, so being aware of the signs and symptoms is important.

As we age, it’s common for our bodies to experience changes. Changes to our hair may be the most noticeable, as we may experience gray hair or a change in hair color, noticeable thinning, and hair loss (alopecia). Hair loss can often be one of the more difficult changes to adjust to.

Hair loss occurs when there is an absence or shedding of hair. This typically happens on the scalp, but you can lose hair anywhere on the body, and it can be temporary or permanent depending on the cause.

Hair loss is a normal part of aging, but other factors can also cause it, including an underlying medical condition, environmental influences, or heredity. As we age, once thick hair strands can become smaller and thinner. Hair loss affects everyone, though men are more likely to experience it than women, and the treatments vary from person to person.

There are a few different kinds of hair loss that vary in severity and cause.

Male Pattern Hair Loss

Male pattern hair loss, also called ​‘male pattern baldness’, is the most common form of hair loss. Over time, men’s hair follicles start to become smaller and thinner, which causes shorter and finer hair. A man’s hairline moves farther back on the head (a receding hairline), and hair loss that doesn’t grow back. Some men report an M‑pattern of hair loss, with thinning at the temples and crown (vertex) of the head. The circular pattern of hairlessness at the crown or center of the head may widen over time. Male pattern baldness can start as early as your 30s, though age varies from person to person. Overall, male pattern baldness affects about two-thirds of American men.

Female Pattern Hair Loss (Androgenic Alopecia/​Androgenetic Alopecia)

Female pattern hair loss, also called ​‘female pattern baldness’, occurs when hair is lost on the scalp due to hair follicles beginning to shrink, resulting in diffuse thinning of the hair. Unlike male pattern baldness, hair loss becomes most noticeable at the center hair part, where it continues to widen as more hair loss occurs. Hair won’t grow back without treatment, but it is reversible. This most commonly happens to women after the start of menopause.

Patchy Hair Loss (Alopecia Areata)

Patchy hair loss occurs when large, patchy, round bald spots appear on the scalp. This occurs when one’s immune system inadvertently attacks hair follicles, leading to scalp inflammation and loss of hair. This typically affects people who have a chronic immune condition or a weakened immune system.

Traction Alopecia

Traction alopecia happens when hair is continuously pulled or there is tension at the hair roots. This most commonly occurs in those who consistently wear tight hairstyles, like braids, tight ponytails, or extensions. It can also occur in those who have heavy hair or wear tight headwear. It usually affects the front hairline and temples, but can turn into permanent baldness if pulling and tension continue.

Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia

Frontal fibrosing alopecia occurs at the front and sides of the scalp and may also affect other parts of the body, like eyebrows. It usually occurs due to genetics, hormones, or a condition such as rosacea or type 2 diabetes. It most commonly occurs in women. Treatments can be done to slow down the hair loss, though these treatments won’t restore any hair already lost.

Telogen Effluvium

Telogen effluvium, also called ​‘stress-related hair loss,’ is a rapid stress-induced hair loss that may be reversible over time. It occurs when hair follicles enter the resting phase, or ​“telogen phase” of the hair cycle, as a result of severe stress. When hair remains in the resting phase for too long, it can prevent hair growth and result in shedding or hair loss. If the stressful trigger or agent is removed, hair will begin to grow back between three and six months, though the timelines for hair growth depend on the type of hair lost. Scalp hair, for example, may grow back slower than eyelashes.

Scarring Alopecia

Scarring alopecia, or cicatricial alopecia, is a form of permanent hair loss that occurs when inflammation damages hair follicles, which are then replaced by scar tissue. This prevents hair from growing back in the affected areas. This type of hair loss typically occurs due to an autoimmune disease, chemical burns or exposure, or infections.

There are a variety of factors that can contribute to hair loss, ranging from genetics to nutrition, stress levels, and more.

Hereditary Condition

Your family history can play a significant role in determining hair loss. Male and female pattern hair loss often results from genetics, though it isn’t the only cause, as hormones and the aging process all contribute.

While there has been reason to believe the maternal side of the family tends to determine whether hair loss is hereditary, there isn’t conclusive evidence to fully support this. Research has shown that genes from both sides of the family should be considered.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Sometimes hair loss can occur due to a lack of certain nutrients and vitamins. Vitamins and minerals play a significant role in helping hair follicles grow and remain healthy. Vitamins and minerals that can contribute to hair growth include:

• Vitamin A
• Vitamin B2 (riboflavin)
• Vitamin B3 (niacin)
• Vitamin B7 (biotin)
• Vitamin B9 (folate)
• Vitamin B12
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin E
• Iron
• Selenium
• Zinc

If you have a vitamin deficiency in any of the above-listed vitamins, consider nutritional supplements to help maintain proper levels. Talk to your healthcare provider before beginning any new supplements.

Medications or Medical Treatments

In some cases, hair loss can be a side effect of a medication or treatment. For example, cancer chemotherapy can cause hair to fall out. Other types of drugs and treatments that can result in hair loss include, but are not limited to:

• Cholesterol-lowering drugs
• High blood pressure medications
• Hormone replacement therapy
• Antibiotics
• Antidepressants
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS)
• Statins
• Steroids
• Thyroid medications
• Weight loss drugs
• Birth control pills

If medication or treatments are causing your hair loss, hair growth will likely begin once you’ve stopped taking the medication. However, you should talk to a healthcare provider before discontinuing any medications or discuss how you can curb side effects like hair loss while taking certain medications.

Hormonal Changes

Hormonal changes also factor into hair loss as changes in certain hormones like testosterone (specifically DHT), cortisol, or thyroid hormones cause hair loss in both men and women. Hormonal hair loss tends to be more gradual than other types of hair loss, and you may not realize it’s happening for years (typically after noticeable hair loss has already occurred). The most common form of treatment is to rebalance your hormones via lifestyle modifications, hormone replacement therapy, exercise, medication, and topical treatments. A specialist who specializes in treating hormonal imbalances (endocrinologist) or your primary care provider can help determine the best course of action.

Symptoms and signs of hair loss include:

• Thinning hair
• Hair falling out or loosening of hair
• Circular or patchy bald spots
• Excessive shedding
• Greater than usual hair loss
• Receding hairline
• Full body hair loss

Preventing and treating hair loss will depend on the underlying causes of your hair loss.

How to Prevent Hair Loss

We all experience lower levels of testosterone and estrogen as we age; therefore, hair loss is a natural part of aging, but some preventative measures can be taken to slow down the process. These include:

1. Avoid tight hairstyles like tight ponytails and braids, especially if you notice hair thinning or shedding.
2. Be gentle with your hair when washing, drying, and styling. Avoid overwashing hair, use gentle hair products, avoid chemical treatments like bleaching, avoid tugging or pulling at tangled hair, and avoid high heat or harsh hair treatments.
3. Eat a healthy, well-rounded diet.
4. Manage underlying conditions that may cause hair loss, such as thyroid conditions and type 2 diabetes.
5. Find ways to cope with and manage stress.
6. If you’re undergoing chemotherapy, try a cooling cap to help prevent the chemotherapy from damaging hair follicles.

Hair Loss Treatment

Treating hair loss will also vary based on the type of hair loss you’re experiencing. Treatment options can often be different for men and women. Some potential treatments for hair loss include:

• Medications: Providers may prescribe certain medications to apply to the scalp to help stimulate hair growth and improve hair density, such as minoxidil. An oral prescription, finasteride, stops the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) from shrinking hair follicles, and may also be administered, but it is only approved for male pattern baldness.
• Hair transplant: During this procedure, your provider will take hair from the part of your scalp where the hair is thickest, then transplant and embed it in the areas of your scalp where hair is thinning or absent.
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP): This procedure involves having blood drawn, then separating the plasma from it. The plasma is injected into the scalp where it’s needed, which can result in slowing hair loss and encouraging new hair growth.

Outside of medical treatments, there are other ways you may consider treating hair loss at home, such as:

• Styling: Styling your hair to cover areas of thinning or baldness can help make hair loss less obvious. For example, parting hair differently to cover a widening part.
• Buying a wig: Purchasing a wig can help cover your scalp to hide hair loss. If your hair loss is caused by an underlying health condition, your insurance may cover the purchase of a wig.
• Shaving: In some cases, a person may opt to shave their head, particularly if the hair loss is extremely noticeable and hair loss treatment doesn’t help stimulate hair growth.

If you are concerned about potential hair loss, setting an appointment with your provider can help you start early treatment to prevent or manage it. Earlier treatments are likely to be more successful in slowing hair loss and potentially promoting hair growth.

Contact your provider if you experience any of the following:

• Sudden hair loss
• Excessive daily hair shedding
• Burning, itching, or irritation on your scalp
• Loss of body hair in other areas besides your scalp
• Receding hairline, especially for women

Hair Loss & Self-Esteem

Although hair loss is a common part of aging and affects many individuals, losing your hair can still impact your mental health in multiple ways. Hair loss can heavily impact your self-esteem and confidence, particularly if the hair loss is noticeable. However, there are some measures you can take to help you manage and cope with your emotions surrounding hair loss.

1. Be Honest About Your Feelings With Your Loved Ones: It can be hard to talk about hair loss when we are struggling, and sometimes you may minimize its impact on your self-esteem. Telling your friends and family how you’re feeling mentally and emotionally about your hair loss can allow them to offer you support and comfort during this time.
2. Make Time for Self-Care and Healthy Lifestyle Choices: While hair loss can impact the way you view yourself, taking the time for self-care, hobbies you enjoy, and healthy lifestyle choices like physical activity can help boost your confidence and reduce stress, a common trigger for hair loss. 
3. Seek Out Professional Support: Trying to deal with your emotions about losing your hair can be difficult to manage, and it can feel isolating. Seeking out a therapist or mental health professional can help you manage your feelings and learn effective coping mechanisms, as well as provide the support you need during this time. 

Some resources to help you find a therapist include:

• Good Therapy
• The Recovery Village
• Talkspace