Getting to the Root of Hair Aging

Hair loss affects both men and women, albeit in different patterns and due to varying causes. Male pattern baldness, or androgenetic alopecia, is the most common type of hair loss in men, affecting 30-50% of men by age 50 [8]. This condition is characterized by a receding hairline and thinning at the crown, ultimately leading to partial or complete baldness. The primary culprit is dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a derivative of testosterone that binds to hair follicles, causing them to shrink and eventually stop producing hair.

Women also experience androgenetic alopecia that’s characterized more by thinning across the scalp rather than baldness. About one-third of women will experience hair loss at some point, and up to two-thirds of postmenopausal women experience hair thinning or bald spots [13]. Hormonal changes, particularly during menopause, play a significant role in female hair loss. A decrease in estrogen and progesterone levels causes hair to grow thinner and more slowly. This drop in hormones also triggers an increase in androgens, male hormones that can shrink hair follicles and cause hair loss.

There are different types of hair loss, and not all hair falls out in the same way. Some types of hair loss involve patchy hair loss or sudden hair loss, where hair falls out in patches or unexpectedly, which may indicate a more serious issue.

Several studies have explored the underlying mechanisms of hair loss. One study suggests that inflammation around the hair follicles contributes to hair miniaturization and loss. In contrast, another study found that oxidative stress caused by free radicals can damage hair follicles, accelerating hair loss [14, 15].

Some people may lose hair due to medical conditions. An underlying medical condition, such as thyroid disorders or autoimmune diseases, can cause hair loss and often requires treatment from a healthcare professional.

When considering treatment and prevention, it is important to consult a board certified dermatologist or other board certified healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment. Early intervention can help prevent further hair loss and address the underlying causes effectively.

Typically, graying begins in the mid-30s for Caucasians, late 30s to early 40s for Asians, and mid-40s for African Americans [16]. While some view gray hair as distinguished, many go to great lengths to cover it up. Hair graying occurs due to a gradual decrease in melanin production, the pigment that gives hair its color. As we age, hair contains less melanin, which results in lighter or white hair. Melanocyte (cells that produce melanin) activity decreases, leading to gray or white hair. But what triggers this reduction in melanin production? After scalp hair starts to gray, facial hair and nose hair can also turn gray with age, though these changes are often less noticeable.

One study identified 18 genes that influence hair traits, including the first gene linked with hair graying [17]. Notably, this “graying gene” was found exclusively in individuals of European descent and was associated with lighter hair colors. While this doesn’t imply that only those with lighter hair or European ancestry go gray, it highlights the genetic factors that may contribute to graying in these populations.

A study revealed that graying hair results from hydrogen peroxide accumulation in hair follicles, obstructing melanin production [18]. But where does this hydrogen peroxide originate? Surprisingly, not from the salon. Our hair cells naturally produce small amounts of hydrogen peroxide, which gradually builds up and inhibits melanin synthesis, the pigment responsible for our hair color.

Additionally, research on mice proposed that hair may turn gray due to “stuck” melanocyte stem cells (McSCs). McSCs originating within the hair germ (the lower part of the hair follicle that signals hair growth and hair follicle regeneration) either turn into short-lived pigment cells in growing hair or revert to stem cells near the hair’s bulge (the middle of the hair follicle). They found that although all McSCs initially start to turn into pigment cells, those that move to the bulge can revert into a stem cell state. This ability of the McSCs to switch roles is crucial for hair pigmentation. However, as mice age, more McSCs get “stuck” and lose this ability, possibly explaining why hair loses color with age [19].

An interesting concept in the prevention of premature graying is pseudocatalase. Catalase is an antioxidant enzyme that can break down hydrogen peroxide to protect cells from oxidative stress. A topical cream known as PC-KUS, which functions as a pseudocatalase, has shown significant promise in treating vitiligo—an autoimmune condition characterized by loss of skin pigment. Researchers believe both vitiligo and the graying of hair are caused by excessive hydrogen peroxide in the body, which leads to oxidative stress and depigmentation.

One study found that vitiligo patients experienced a return of skin and eyelash pigmentation after applying PC-KUS [20]. This success suggests the potential for pseudocatalase in addressing other hydrogen peroxide-related conditions, such as gray hair. However, it is important to note that no studies have evaluated PC-KUS’s effectiveness in restoring natural hair color or preventing graying.

Maintaining healthy hair as you age involves adopting a holistic approach that addresses various contributing factors. Supporting your immune system and addressing nutritional deficiencies can help prevent hair loss and promote overall hair health.

Our hair is primarily made of keratin, a type of protein. Therefore, prioritizing protein intake may support healthier, thicker hair. One study found that protein malnutrition was associated with hair thinning and loss [21]. While optimizing protein intake is essential for maintaining hair health, excessive protein intake won’t increase hair growth. 

While scalp massages certainly sound like a relaxing form of self-care, research shows they could also boost hair thickness. One study found that 4-minute scalp massages per day with a scalp massage tool resulted in a significant increase in hair thickness (but not hair growth) in men [22]. 

It’s important to get annual bloodwork from your physician, who can investigate nutritional deficiencies. Maintaining normal levels of vitamins and minerals is essential for supporting hair health and preventing issues such as premature graying. This is especially important if you’re experiencing premature graying, which can result from copper or iron deficiency [23].

High levels of the stress hormone cortisol can impact hair growth [24], so focusing on managing stress may help support healthy hair growth. Some science-backed ways to manage stress include physical exercise, yoga, time in nature, meditation, deep breathing, and ensuring you get 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Want a quirky way to reduce stress? If you’re scrolling through social media (which, ideally, you wouldn’t be doing), you might as well turn on some funny animal videos, which were shown to reduce stress by up to 50% [25]. 

Research shows that the health of our scalps impacts both hair growth and hair loss via oxidative stress [26]. Therefore, supporting a healthy scalp can also support healthy hair. One way this study recommends doing so is by using hair care products containing zinc pyrithione, which has been shown to reduce premature hair loss, as well as treat certain dermatological scalp conditions [26]. 

One study found that berberine, an ingredient in Tally’s cellular booster, Amplify, preserves hair quality in aging mice. Berberine-fed mice had glossier, fuller coats compared to controls [27]. Vitality, our foundational longevity supplement, also includes three key ingredients that have been shown to improve hair health in both human and animal models.

Spermidine boosts the number of hair follicles in humans, while alpha-ketoglutarate mitigates hair loss in mice. Additionally, quercetin has been shown to protect against hair loss in mice 28, 29, 30]. It is important to note that too much biotin can interfere with laboratory testing and does not provide additional benefits for hair growth, so supplementation should be balanced.

Magnesium-containing supplements, such as Restore by Tally Health, make getting enough magnesium convenient. When choosing a magnesium supplement, it is important to look for products that have undergone third party testing to verify their quality and safety. Restore contains 250mg of elemental magnesium (in the form of magnesium bisglycinate chelate complex) to help improve sleep quality, sleep quantity, and to help you wake up feeling rejuvenated.