Age-related hair loss often starts at the temple and crown in men but is more pervasive but less visible in women. You will learn everything there is to know about how aging affects hair loss in this article, including solutions.
In this article, we will discuss the relation between age and hair loss, optimal age for hair loss and other factors responsible for hair transplant surgery.
Age and hair loss
The ideal age at which someone begins to experience hair loss is impossible to determine. In most cases, hair loss can start as soon as a person enters their teenage years, or it may not happen till they retire.
Usually, persons in their 30s and 40s begin detecting indications. Significant hair loss does, however, occasionally occur later in life.
Hair thickness change
Hair thickness change is a natural process that occurs as we age. Our hair is made up of many protein strands, and each strand has a normal lifespan of between 2 and 7 years.
During this time, the hair falls out and is replaced with new hair. The number of hairs we have on our scalp is determined by our genes, and not everyone experiences hair loss with aging.
However, the growth of our hair can vary, and the thick, coarse hair of a young adult eventually becomes thin and light-colored with age. It is because the hair follicles gradually stop producing new hairs.
One of the most common signs of aging hair is baldness, which can be seen by the time individuals reach 30 years old. Men, in particular, are more prone to baldness, with nearly all men experiencing some degree of baldness by the age of 60.
This type of baldness is often related to the normal function of the male hormone testosterone and is called male pattern baldness. It typically starts with receding hairlines or thinning at the temples or the top of the head.
Hair Loss in Your 20s
In your 20s, the majority of cases of androgenetic alopecia, the most common form of hair loss, begin. Around 20% of men have at least some visible hair loss by the age of 20.
Experiencing hair loss at such a young age can have a significantly related to malnutrition and genetics.
If you’re concerned about your hair loss, it’s important to address it and take action.
Hair Loss in Your 30s and Beyond
As you enter your 30s and beyond, the likelihood of displaying some balding increases. Men will have some noticeable hair loss by the age of 30, and by the age of 50, around 50% of men will have experienced some level of hair loss.
By the time men reach 60, two-thirds of them will either be bald or have a balding pattern. Hair loss becomes more common as you get older, but it’s never too late to address the issue.
The optimal age for a hair transplant
The most popular remedy for all balding and hair loss issues are a hair transplant. Numerous people are unsure of the best age for hair transplant surgery. We’ll go into great detail about the best age for hair transplants.
Generally, a hair transplant can be performed on anyone above the age of 18, but a recommended age of 25 years or above is often suggested by experts.
One reason is that in the early 20s, the patient tends to experience ongoing hair loss even after the transplant due to the natural progression of hair loss with age. It can result in an unnatural appearance and dissatisfaction with the results.
Additionally, at an early age, the severity or pattern of their hair loss may not be fully determined, making it difficult for the surgeon to plan the transplant effectively.
On the other hand, waiting until around the age of 20-30 or above is believed to be the best time for a hair transplant, as the pattern and extent of hair loss are usually more stable by then.
There are certain considerations for specific age groups. For example, getting a hair transplant at the age of 21 may not be advisable because individuals of this age may not have fully determined their pattern of baldness.
Waiting until the age of 25 allows for a more accurate assessment of the hair loss pattern and provides a better understanding of future hair loss progression.
Getting a hair transplant at the age of 60 or 70 is also possible, provided that the individual’s general health is good. The recovery period may take longer, and the hair follicles might take more time to settle.
However, with suitable overall health and a donor area that can support hair growth, a hair transplant can still be a viable option.
It is recommended to get approval from a General Practitioner before undergoing the operation at such advanced ages to ensure that the body can support the hair growth and handle the surgical procedure.
Factors to consider before hair transplant surgery (overall health, hair loss pattern, etc.)
The overall health of an individual plays a crucial role in determining the success of a hair transplant procedure. Also, understanding the pattern of hair loss is essential for designing a personalized transplant plan that addresses specific areas of baldness and ensures natural-looking results.
Overall Health
There are various circumstances where the surgery cannot be completed. Others may be able to do it, but there is a higher chance of postoperative problems and unsuccessful treatment.
Here, we’ll go through all the situations in which a hair transplant is either not appropriate for you or, even if it is when it won’t produce satisfactory results.
Mental Illness
Mental health conditions can also contribute to hair loss. Stress, anxiety, boredom, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are known to have an impact on the overall health of individuals, including their hair. Stress-induced hair loss, known as telogen effluvium, can result in excessive shedding of hair.
Poor Scalp Health
Chronic illnesses can have a significant impact on scalp health and contribute to hair loss. Conditions such as psoriasis, lupus, or eczema can affect the scalp and lead to hair loss.
If you have alopecia areata, which is characterized by patchy hair loss, along with pattern baldness, it may not be suitable to undergo hair transplant surgery.
Pregnancy
Pregnancy is a time when women experience numerous hormonal changes, which can have an impact on hair growth. While hair loss during pregnancy is relatively common, it is generally temporary and resolves after childbirth.
However, it is chief to avoid hair transplant procedures during pregnancy as they may be harmful to both the mother and the baby. The recovery process after surgery is not easy, and it can negatively impact the health of the mother and fetus.
Diabetes and Thyroid
Diabetic patients may experience reduced responsiveness to conventional hair loss treatments. Additionally, wound healing and blood clotting may be impaired in individuals with diabetes, making them unsuitable candidates for hair transplant surgery.
People with thyroid disorder often experience hair loss when they brush it.
Cardiovascular Diseases
Individuals with cardiovascular diseases may be taking blood-thinning medications, which can pose risks during and after surgery. Hair transplant procedures involve making small incisions in the scalp, which may cause more bleeding in individuals taking blood-thinning medications.
Therefore, they may not be suitable candidates for hair transplant surgery. Additionally, individuals with high blood pressure may also face complications during the procedure.
Allergic to Anesthesia
Hair transplant surgery typically requires the use of anesthesia. Individuals who have a history of adverse reactions to anesthesia or are known to be allergic to it may not be suitable candidates for the procedure.
It is essential to disclose any known allergies or adverse reactions to anesthesia to the dermatologist or surgeon during the consultation process.
Hair loss pattern
The hair loss pattern plays a significant role in hair transplant surgery. Here are the key points related to how the hair loss pattern affects the procedure:
Temporary Hair Loss
Temporary hair loss can occur as a result of various health conditions, and it is important not to panic if you notice an increased amount of hair fall. In most cases, the hair is likely to grow back within a matter of months once the underlying condition is treated.
If you are experiencing excessive hair loss, it is advisable to consult a dermatologist who can diagnose the specific cause.
The dermatologist will examine your scalp to determine if it is a case of androgenic alopecia, which is a common form of hair loss. They will also assess the pattern of hair loss to determine if it is consistent with this condition.
In some cases, if you have lost more than 50% of your hair, it may indicate an underlying health issue such as an autoimmune disease, chronic illness, and side effects of certain medications, rapid weight loss, or undergoing chemotherapy.
Hair Loss Has No Stable Pattern
One essential aspect to understand about hair loss is that it does not follow a stable pattern.
While certain areas of the scalp may be more affected by the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is responsible for hair loss in androgenic alopecia, there are also regions that are relatively unaffected.
This demarcation is crucial when considering hair transplant procedures. The donor area, which is typically the back of the scalp, is usually unaffected by DHT and can be used for transplantation to the balding areas.
Other Candidates for Hair Transplant
Apart from individuals with male or female pattern baldness, hair transplant surgery can also benefit the following groups:
- Women with specific patterns of hair loss.
- Individuals with hair loss resulting from scarring, scalp injuries, or previous cosmetic surgery procedures.
- Individuals looking to restore or thicken eyebrows, mustaches, or beards.
- Individuals who have had prior hair restoration procedures and seek further improvement.
