Have you noticed that your hair is thinner than it used to be? If so, you're not alone! As we age, changes in hormone levels and reduced blood circulation to the scalp cause hair follicles to produce smaller, shorter, and thinner hair. Fortunately, the right combination of treatments can help your hair grow thicker and stronger.
How does hair change with age?
As we age, there are four main changes in our hair:
1. Shorter and thinner: The hair follicles spend less time in the active growth phase and more time in the resting phase, causing hair strands to fall before lengthening.
2. Sparser: Women typically do not go bald, but the hair can become less dense on the top of the head and the edges of the forehead, hairline, and temples. This reduction in visibility is caused by the miniaturization process in which hair follicles start growing short, invisible hairs.
3. Grayer: Hair produces less melanin, leading to hair graying.
4. Drier and Brittle: The decrease in estrogen and progesterone in women after 60 reduces the scalp's sebum production. Sebum is the natural emollient that coats the hair to appear shiny and smooth.
When does hair aging start?
By age 50, 40% of women and 50% of men will experience hair loss. One study has shown that the diameter of hair shafts in females peaks around age 40 and then gradually decreases. Another study in men demonstrated that the diameter starts to decline at age 25.
What are the best anti-aging hair treatments for women in their 60s and 70s?
A combination of medical and plant-based treatments, such as serums, shampoos, and oral supplements, can be very effective in slowing hair aging. Topical treatments alongside oral treatments can target hair loss from the outside and inside.
One of the most effective topical hair loss medications is minoxidil. FDA-approved and used by millions, it is regarded as the safest medical-grade treatment for hair loss in both men and women. Minoxidil produces healthier and thicker hair by increasing the scalp's blood flow, oxygen, and nutrients. This helps hair follicles stay in the growth phase longer and increase the rate of new hair follicles.
What are the best drug-free treatment serums for women after 60?
Alternatives to minoxidil are plant-based treatments specifically formulated to support scalp health and provide hair follicles with essential micronutrients for continued hair regrowth.
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a hormone that contributes to hair loss in both men and women. The MDhair Customized Hair Restore Serum contains 20 dermatologist-formulated botanical complexes and plant proteins. Its biomimetic copper peptides stimulate capillaries in the scalp to direct oxygen and micronutrients to the hair follicles.
The Restore Serum also includes topical DHT blockers such as saw palmetto, berry extract, rosemary leaf oil, and Panax ginseng root. Hydrolyzed rice and oat proteins increase the ability of the hair and scalp skin to bind more moisture, and the Fo-ti root extract improves scalp health and helps prevent premature graying.
The MDhair Regrowth Serum also uses active DHT-blocking plant extracts to counteract the effects of DHT on the hair follicles. In addition to its DHT-blocking effects, it contains plant extracts that can help reduce scalp inflammation and soothe irritation, redness, and itchiness. The Regrowth Serum also stimulates blood circulation in the scalp, adds essential vitamins and minerals needed for hair growth, acts as an antioxidant to reduce the harmful effects of toxic chemicals and air pollution, and has anti-fungal and antibacterial properties.
What are the most effective hair supplements for women after 60?
Hair supplements and collagen peptides can help replenish the vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that are depleted as we age.
The MDhair Customized Hair Regrowth Supplements are specially formulated for women with genetic, age-related, and menopausal hair loss. These vegan and sugar-free hair supplements promote a healthier scalp and support hair regrowth with just one daily capsule.
Formulated with DHT-blocking saw palmetto, nettle leaf extract, and Reishi and Maitake mushroom extracts, the Regrowth Supplements can block the effects of excessive DHT on your roots for more robust, thicker hair. Biotin and vitamins B6, B9, and D, folic acid, zinc, and calcium provide the essential nutrients for healthy, natural hair growth.
What are the most effective hair treatment shampoos for women after 60?
Sulfate-free shampoos that include salicylic acid, lactic acid, tea tree oil, and green tea can reduce oxidative stress and scalp inflammation. Certain conditioners containing keratin and plant-based proteins provide a protective layer to maintain hair strength, elasticity, and shine.
The MDhair Customized Hair Regrowth Shampoo contains plant-based compounds, including saw palmetto and pumpkin seed oil, to stimulate hair follicles and encourage them to transition from a resting to an active growth phase. Antioxidants and anti-inflammatory phytoactives, such as those found in green tea and sage extracts, help reduce scalp irritation and balance the scalp microbiome.
The Regrowth Shampoo also includes Reishi mushrooms, potent adaptogens, immunomodulators, and 5α-reductase inhibitors that support a healthy scalp and promote natural hair regrowth. Hydrolyzed rice, quinoa, wheat proteins, argan, flaxseed, and Baobab tree oil repair the hair's protective layer to prevent dryness, reduce frizz, and boost shine. It is vegan, silicone-free, sulfate-free, paraben-free, fragrance-free, and color-safe!
What are the most effective hair treatment conditioners for women after 60?
Hair fibers become drier with age, and their curvature changes, becoming less regular. This causes the hair to become frizzier and less manageable. Using conditioners that contain keratin, hydrolyzed plant proteins, and certain plant oils helps repair the protective layer of the hair and improve hair strength and texture.
The MDhair Restore Conditioner contains saw palmetto, rosemary leaf oil, and apple stem cell cultures to stimulate the hair follicles and strengthen and thicken the hair. Polygonum multiflorum root extract (Fo-ti), used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine, has been shown to slow down hair graying.
The Restore Conditioner features keratin, silk peptides, argan oil, avocado oil, and black cumin seed oil to create a protective layer for the hair and scalp, preventing dryness, reducing frizz, and enhancing shine without leaving the hair looking greasy or limp. It is silicone-free, sulfate-free, paraben-free, fragrance-free, and color-safe.
What are the best collagen supplements to treat hair loss for women after 60?
Collagen peptides have been shown to support collagen production and enhance the health of hair, skin, nails, and joints. Collagen supplements differ by their source, bovine or marine, and by the number of peptides (small in collagen capsules and large in collagen preserves). Marine collagen contains more collagen type I, which is believed to be more beneficial for hair, skin, and nails than bovine collagen.
The MDhair Marine Collagen Peptides were formulated, tested, and approved by dermatologists to support healthier hair regrowth in women. In addition to high-quality marine collagen sourced from Alaskan wild deep-sea fish, they contain hyaluronic acid to promote well-hydrated, elastic hair and vitamin C to support the production of new collagen. They are easily dissolvable in cold or hot coffee, tea, water, and smoothies and are sugar-free, sulfate-free, and non-GMO.
Is there a way to slow hair graying?
Several traditional herbal drugs, including Polygonum multiflorum, also known as Ho Shou Wu or Fo-ti, have been adopted from Oriental medicine to help reduce hair graying. Meaning "Mr. Ho's hair is black," the story refers to a 58-year-old man named Ho, whose gray hair turned black after he used the herb. According to the report, he lived to become 160 while retaining his black hair.
What are common mistakes that can cause hair thinning?
Not using the correct shampoo and conditioner.
Shampoos that contain sulfate (SLS) produce a great deal of foam. That said, sulfates are harsh detergents that can irritate the scalp and increase the risk of hair loss. Fragrances in shampoo can trigger an allergic response in the scalp, exacerbate inflammation, and hinder hair regrowth.
Using sulfate-free and fragrance-free hair regrowth shampoos can help reduce scalp inflammation and create a better environment for hair follicles.
Using hair regrowth shampoo, which includes DHT blockers and ingredients that promote scalp blood circulation, can stimulate the hair follicles to produce thicker, denser hair and add to the volume. Check these links for a hair regrowth shampoo and conditioner.
Over-washing your hair
Overwashing the hair can stimulate the scalp to produce more oil, resulting in a flat appearance. To add volume to thinning hair, you should wash it no more than 2-3 times a week, using a volumizing shampoo and conditioner.
Overusing heat styling
To reduce heat damage to your hair, apply a heat protectant and use styling tools on their lowest heat setting.
Use a regular bath towel to dry your hair
Bath towels are often made of coarse fibers that can cause damage to your hair. Instead, use an old cotton t-shirt or a microfiber towel. They will be gentler on your hair and absorb moisture faster.
Not eating the right food.
Obtaining the right balance of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids is crucial for preventing and reversing hair thinning. To help hair regrowth, you need to have a diet rich in vegetables and proteins.
Not taking hair supplements.
You can also replenish your vitamins and minerals, as well as stimulate your hair follicles, with hair supplements and collagen peptides for optimal results. Try to avoid hair gummies. Compared to specially formulated hair growth supplements in capsules, these gummies contain high amounts of sugar and only a few active ingredients.
MDhair's hair regrowth supplements contain saw palmetto, nettle leaf extract, and Reishi and Maitake mushroom extracts that can block the effects of excessive DHT on your hair roots. Biotin, vitamins B6, B9, D, folate, zinc, and calcium provide the essential nutrients for healthy, natural hair growth. These supplements are Vegan, sugar-free, sulfate-free, and non-GMO.
Not taking collagen peptides.
Collagen type 1, which is more prevalent in marine collagen, is a key ingredient for building new hair and is essential for maintaining the health of the skin, nails, and joints. Look for products that also include hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid will help keep moisture in your hair and promote new collagen production.
Not using a scalp treatment serum.
Scalp care is the new skincare. Recent research indicates that maintaining a healthy scalp is crucial for hair regrowth. A specially formulated scalp treatment serum can help reduce inflammation on the scalp. Balance scalp microflora and help move the hair follicles from their resting phase (telogen) to the active growth phase (anagen). An excellent example of such a serum is the MDhair Restore Serum, which combines potent DHT-blocking agents with more than 20 dermatologist-formulated botanical complexes and plant proteins to encourage thicker, healthier hair regrowth. It also includes Fo-ti root extract to improve scalp health and help prevent premature graying.
Best medicated topical scalp treatment solution for women after 60.
Best plant-based scalp treatment serum for women after 60.
Best hair loss treatment shampoo for women after 60.
Best hair regrowth supplements for women after 60.
Best collagen for women after 60 with hair loss.
Peptide Bond Repair Oil for dry and damaged hair
References:
- A Comment on the Science of Hair Aging
- Sinclair, R. D. (2007). Aging hair. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 6(2), 76-82.
- Trüeb, R. M. (2005). Molecular mechanisms of hair aging. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences, 1057(1), 1-8.
More info:
Hair loss in menopause
Hair loss in women after 50 - Best treatments
How to slow down hair graying - according to Dermatologists
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