Regenerating the Ageing Process & Decreasing Hair Thinning
What is Hair Thinning?
Most people, whether male or female, lose about 80 to 100 hair strands in one day. Hair thinning is evident when these numbers increase more than the ones mentioned as the ageing process commences. Every hair follicle produces new hair strands about 25 times before it succumbs and this can continue for a long time depending on their genes and age. These follicles produce a shorter and thinner hair strand the next time they regenerate. This depends on the person’s genes, however, as not all seniors experience this. Some people with good genes have a healthy re-growth of hair follicles with bouncy tresses. Pollution, lifestyle habits, stress, hair styling products, diet, smoking, heredity, ageing, etc., are some factors that can adversely affect hair growth and may be linked with hair thinning and hair loss.
What Leads to Hair Greying During the Ageing Process?
There are cells present at the root of every hair follicle that produces different melanin pigments. Red-haired people have pheomelanin produced (appears as red and yellow), and brown or black-haired people have eumelanin produced (manifests as brown and black pigment). The colour of melanin produced is based on the gene type of the person, further determining the colour of the hair. Tyrosinase is the enzyme required for extracting melanin from the ‘Tyrosine’ amino acid by oxidation. The decrease in the activity level of the enzyme may be due to insufficient levels of the amino acid or age-related reduction. This in turn results in the production of grey or colour-less hair. Therefore consuming foods high in this amino acid (soy products, peanuts, almonds, bananas, chicken, fish, avocados, milk, cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, etc.) is one of the best de ageing technology to reverse hair greying.
Causes of Hair Thinning
1. Stress is a common cause that leads to hair thinning. Acute hair loss is called ‘Telogen effluvium (TE)’ and can happen suddenly when the person is extremely stressed. Either physical stress conditions like crash dieting, surgery, infections, physical trauma, medications, childbirth, hormone fluctuations, etc., or mentally traumatic situations like depression or emotional stress can trigger this condition.
2. Alopecia Areata is when hair falls in circular patches on the scalp, beard, and other hairy areas. This may occur due to some autoimmune diseases (SLE-Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) or other genetic and environmental factors that play a role in this. Here the hair follicles are not damaged and can regrow hair with the help of immune-suppressing medication and other de ageing remedies.
3. Androgenetic alopecia is the male or female pattern of baldness that occurs due to the ageing process, hormonal changes, or certain genetic predispositions. Men over 50 years old and above and women undergoing menopause are included in this category. The hair thinning pattern is seen as an ‘M’ on the scalp of men; whist women have a thinning crown of hair.
4. Endocrine disorders: Hair loss when the hormonal system of the body is malfunctioning.
5. Thyroid malfunctions: This happens when the thyroid gland works abnormally and it either overworks or underworks. This affects different processes and hair growth causing hair thinning.
How to Decrease Hair Thinning with Effective De Ageing Technology?
Hair thinning can be effectually reversed when there is no scalp scarring and the hair follicles are still alive. This is called de ageing of the hair and may be done by natural treatments or with medications. Some practices are listed below:
1. Aloe Vera: Aloe vera is the best soothing treatment for the scalp as it can de-block hair follicles and cause them to re-grow. Dandruff is also controlled by applying either a raw gel or hair products containing Aloe Vera.
2. Massage: Scalp massage with suitable oils stimulates the dermal papillae cells of the hair follicles. These foundational cells, once triggered, can reverse ageing and lead to forming new hair. Circular massaging of the scalp daily with oils like coconut penetrates and decreases the loss of protein in the hair strands, and there is decreased breakage of hair strands and more lubrication. Rosemary oil and Castor oil are oil types that promote new growth of hair when massaged regularly. Geranium oil is an essential oil that boosts hair growth with improved circulation. Massaging with fresh lemon juice or lemon oil is also an anti-ageing practice to enhance hair growth. Onion juice is another effective hair follicle booster and allows development with improved circulation. Applying onion juice to the scalp and leaving it on for ten to 15 minutes can be beneficial.
3. Diet: Consuming Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids from fish oil is a de ageing remedy for increasing hair growth and thickness. Dark green leafy veggies, meats, nuts (Brazil, Walnut), whole grains, eggs, and other foods rich in Vitamin E, C, iron, zinc, folic acid, and biotin are important dietary supplements to boost hair growth. Consuming Ginseng supplements containing Ginsenosides is also effective in promoting hair growth. Decreasing salt consumption can decrease hair fall by about sixty per cent. Taking multivitamins and mineral supplements that support hair growth, consuming soy isoflavones, and consuming probiotics to support gut bacteria and produce Equol are some other de ageing technology methods. Flaxseed oil is a good food source for lignans, promoting thick hair growth.
4. Medications: Rogaine or Minoxidil in 2% or 5% concentrations may be applied twice a day to the scalp, promoting hair regrowth in balding areas. Consuming 1 mg of Finasteride tablets daily is another prescription medication for growing hair. Remember to consult a physician before self-medicating.
5. Hair products: Caffeinated shampoos can inhibit the five alpha-reductase enzymes that promote the conversion of Testosterone into Dihydrotestosterone inside hair follicles which normally leads to hair thinning. Thus caffeine can stimulate hair growth and help with hair loss.
Conclusion
Hair thinning is a major midlife problem experienced by men and women. Anti-ageing products like caffeinated shampoos, onion oil, Geranium oil, coconut oil, rosemary oil, castor oil, lemon oil, etc., may be applied on the scalp to increase hair growth in balding areas and fight Androgenetic alopecia and Alopecia Areata. Dietary supplements like Ginseng oil, omega fatty acids rich oil like fish oil, flaxseed oil, probiotics, etc., are other dietary measures to inhibit hair thinning. Limited hair washing and using the right hair products can help control excessive hair fall and age-related hair thinning. Massaging the scalp daily with the above-mentioned hair oils in circular motions and eating protein-rich foods like spinach, other green leafy veggies, lean meats, nuts, etc., are good practices to improve hair growth. Drinking sufficient water, not stressing mentally, exercising regularly, etc., are other lifestyle changes that should be implemented for effective reduction of hair thinning
FAQ
Are Ageing and hair thinning natural?
Yes, hair thinning occurs as we age, as the hair follicles do not stay strong anymore. Weaker roots lead to hair breaking off easily. Hair thinning is the outcome of other medical conditions like hormonal changes and scarring scalp defects like Androgenetic alopecia and Alopecia Areata.
What is ageing related hair thinning in humans?
Along with ageing, the hair on the scalp often tends to get thinner, and baldness is seen in many individuals. Male pattern baldness is often seen as ‘M’ shaped baldness on the scalp, and female baldness can occur in patches. Greying of hair is due to a decrease in melanin production by hair follicles.
What is the biggest cause of ageing and thinning of hair?
Hormonal changes, illnesses, and not eating healthy are what cause ageing and hair thinning in the ageing process.
How do I stop ageing and hair thinning?
Practicing de ageing technology methods like caffeinated shampoos, regular scalp massages, essential oils, and protein-rich foods can control and reverse hair thinning.
