How to Treat Hair Loss in Elderly Adults

Hair loss in elderly adults is one of the more annoying parts of aging. Whether or not you lose hair as you age, or how much hair loss you experience, is largely based on genetics and is unfortunately considered a normal part of aging. Hair thinning and hair loss can also be caused by hormonal changes or illnesses. 

It is normal to lose between 50 and 100 strands of hair per day, as new hair is growing all the time. But when the hair loss feels excessive or like it is not growing as quickly as it is falling out, it may be time to talk to your doctor. Male-pattern baldness tends to start at the front of the head or around the temples, while women tend to notice hair loss near the middle part first. 

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How to Treat Hair Loss in Elderly

Because of the way hair loss appears on the head, it is often more noticeable in men. But hair loss in elderly women is equally as common and as frustrating. Hair loss treatment for elderly women and men mainly consists of medicated or foams used directly on the scalp. While elderly hair loss can generally not be reversed, it can be slowed, or some hair can be regrown. 

One medication used to treat hair loss is minoxidil, more commonly known by the brain name Rogaine. Minoxidil comes in liquid, foam, and shampoo forms and typically needs to be used once a day for women and twice a day for men. The product will need to be used for at least six months before any noticeable changes to the hair, and then will need to continue to be used indefinitely to maintain the hair growth. 

Finasteride is another medication, this one in pill form, that sometimes helps slow hair loss in men. Similar to Rogaine, once you see results, you need to stay on the medication to maintain the hair growth. 

There are many vitamins and supplements that claim to be helpful for hair loss. Taking biotin vitamins was particularly popular for the many women who experienced hair loss after Covid. While none of these supplements are inherently harmful, there is also no scientific research proving their efficacy. When experiencing hair loss, speaking to your doctor or a board-certified dermatologist will help you get the best advice to slow or reverse your hair loss. 

Some other at-home methods to keep your hair healthy and keep on it your head, especially for women, can include:

• Avoid doing any at home hair treatments – including hot oil, bleaching, coloring, perming, chemically straightening, and relaxing the hair. These can all be damaging to the hair, and having a professional stylist handle these treatments will help make sure they are doing what is best to keep your hair healthy and strong. 
• Use lower or cool settings on your hair dryer to avoid heat damage, and limit the use of hot tools like straightening irons or curling irons. When you do need to use these tools, use a heat spray to help protect your hair. 
• Brush your hair gently, and make sure pony tails and other up-dos are not too tight. Very tight pony tails and other similar styles can pull the hair out. 
• Eat healthy and make sure you are getting all the vitamins and nutrients you need. Hair thinning or loss could be a sign of a vitamin or mineral deficiency, which your doctor can check for with a blood test. 

Even though it is a normal part of aging, hair loss can be treated and slowed, if not stopped completely. The key is speed – talk to your doctor or dermatologist as soon as you notice the hair loss. Once the hair follicle is gone there is no getting it back.