The psychological and aesthetic impact of age‐related hair changes in females

Abstract

Background While dermatologists focus on practices to promote anti‐aging, thinning hair that frames a more rejuvenated face can affect age perception and cosmesis. Objectives To characterize the effects of age‐related hair changes on age determination and perceived attractiveness. Methods A search was conducted for articles on intrinsic and extrinsic aging as it relates to hair. Key studies on the hair aging process and its effects on self‐perception, confidence, and anti‐aging were reviewed. Results According to several studies, hair density peaks about 27 years of age or earlier and then decreases from the mid‐thirties onward. This serves as an opportunity to prevent or treat hair loss in a similar way we treat aging skin. Without optimizing appearance of hair, overall cosmesis to foster self‐perception can be curtailed despite multiple efforts to rejuvenate and restore the aging face. Conclusion The discrepancy between rejuvenated faces and thinner appearing hair that frames the face highlights the importance of a holistic approach to the anti‐aging consultation. To more comprehensively address the aesthetic patient, we need to promote awareness of the onset of these hair changes in order to incorporate prevention and therapeutic strategies to preserve hair to complement overall appearance.

Evaluation of the efficacy and safety of cow placenta extract lotion versus minoxidil 2% in the treatment of female pattern androgenetic alopecia

“…Female pattern AGA is considered a common hair disorder that starts in the third decade of life, reaching its peak after the age of 50 years. AGA may affect up to 40% of women at some point in their life, with significant effects on quality of life ( Ahluwalia and Fabi, 2019 ). Different medications, such as minoxidil (2% or 5%), flutamide, dutasteride, finasteride, and spironolactone, as well as cosmetic hair procedures, including hair transplantation, are the existing treatment options for AGA.…”

A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of a Nutraceutical Supplement for Promoting Hair Growth in Perimenopausal, Menopausal, and Postmenopausal Women With Thinning Hair

“…[1][2][3][4][5] A recent review on psychological and aesthetic impact of age-related hair changes in women showed hair loss to demonstrably affect a woman's perceived age and psychosocial wellbeing. 6 Increasing with age and menopause, 7 the most commonly diagnosed alopecia is female pattern hair loss (FPHL), also known as androgenetic alopecia (AGA), which affects an estimated 40% of women over 60. 8 The complex pathophysiology of FPHL is not yet fully elucidated, but is now considered to be only partly related to androgens, with growing evidence suggesting it's multifactorial.…”

“…7,10 There are likewise age-related changes in hair diameter and density that are independent of menopause, but occur at approximately the same time, compounding the perception of hair loss for middle-aged women. 6,11 Hair loss and thinning in women is polygenic and multi-factorial, with contribution from environmental factors such as aging, stress, and inflammation. 4,6,9 Nevertheless, there is a paucity of controlled studies assessing interventions for hair thinning in menopausal women.…”

“…6,11 Hair loss and thinning in women is polygenic and multi-factorial, with contribution from environmental factors such as aging, stress, and inflammation. 4,6,9 Nevertheless, there is a paucity of controlled studies assessing interventions for hair thinning in menopausal women. Options are limited and have been developed to address singular targets, as exemplified by androgen-inhibiting therapies (eg, finasteride, spironolactone, etc), which are often used off-label for women after childbearing years.…”

“…Options are limited and have been developed to address singular targets, as exemplified by androgen-inhibiting therapies (eg, finasteride, spironolactone, etc), which are often used off-label for women after childbearing years. 6,9 So far, results from studies on finasteride and spironolactone have been inconsistent, showing varied efficacy in post-menopausal women. 6,9 Currently, the only FDA-approved drug for treatment of hair loss in women is topical minoxidil, which has potential side effects and many women find difficult to incorporate into daily haircare routines.…”