Turning gray is just one of the many changes your hair goes through as you age.
These changes can be more subtle but no less distressing for some people.
Over time, the follicles themselves may produce thinner, smaller hairs, or none at all.
This is referred to as senescent alopecia, an otherwise natural part of the aging process.
What you might Do
Many products claim to counteract the effects of aging on hair.
Popular options include:
Other products claim to protect the hair against UV radiation.
When blow-drying, keep the dryer at least six to 12 inches from your head.
Generally, the lighter your skin is, the sooner your hair will turn gray.
One theory suggests that graying is the result of oxidative stress.
This could explain why hair tends to become coarser as it grays.
Melanocytes are closely connected to the cells that build keratin in the hair shaft, called keratinocytes.
Both reside in the basal layer of the epidermis and are subject to the same exposure to free radicals.
This is usually the result of hormonal changes that occur with age, although smoking can also contribute.
Women, meanwhile, can experience “female-pattern” baldness, resulting inthinning hairand a visible scalp.
What it’s possible for you to Do
Currently, there is no cure for baldness.
The results of these treatments can vary from one person to the next.
Hair transplants are another option.
This involves the grafting of tiny plugs of healthy scalp from thicker patches of hair to areas of balding.
It is an expensive solution that requires many treatments, but the results are permanent.
In rare cases, it may be a sign ofovarian canceror adrenal cancer.
If the cause is unknown, speak with your healthcare provider about further investigations.
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