Do you look in the mirror and see scalp where thick, lush strands used to be?

If so, you’re in good company.

From subtly widening parts to shiny bald pates—and many things between—millions of us live with visibly thinning hair. In fact, as many as half of men and up to one-quarter of women will experience some degree of androgenetic alopecia by age 50.¹ This hereditary condition is more common the older we get. But it’s not the only age-related factor linked to hair loss, either. Medications, health conditions, hormone levels, and diet all can play a role. Taken together, these factors increase our chances of losing at least some of our locks as we mature.

“Nobody enjoys hearing this,” said Gretchen Dueñas-Tanbonliong, Associate Director of Health and Wellness at NCOA. “And we enjoy seeing it happen even less. Losing our hair can remind us of passing youth, and that can be distressing. Especially when we’re bombarded with images of celebrity peers whose hair looks as vibrant as it did several decades ago.”

It's important to remember these celebrities are exceptions to the rule, Dueñas-Tanbonliong pointed out. Some people do have the great fortune of keeping the hair they were born with. Others, she said with a wink, have the means to buy it.

As for everyone else?

“Knowledge is power,” she said. “Far more of us will lose our hair than won’t. The more we learn about why this happens and how many people it affects, the better we can learn to navigate it with our confidence and self-esteem intact.”

Keep reading to learn more about hair loss and what treatment options may be available.

Common types of hair loss in older adults

1. Androgenetic alopecia (AGA)

Also called age-related pattern baldness, AGA is the most common hair loss cause in men and women alike. Up to 80% of men and 50% of women will experience AGA during their lifetimes.² And the likelihood increases the older we get.

Researchers still don’t fully understand AGA and its triggers. It’s both genetic (inherited from one or both of your parents) and associated with hormone levels.3 Specifically, if one hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) interacts with another hormone called androgen in a particular way, you likely will lose your hair. That’s because your follicles begin to shrink and eventually fail.

Men who are susceptible to AGA may begin noticing changes to their hairline as early as their late teens. Women usually experience this type of hair loss later, and it tends to happen around menopause. But there’s no hard and fast rule, which can make it particularly challenging to diagnose and frustrating to live with.

Still, the way your hair loss looks can provide a clue. Men with AGA usually have a receding hairline, a bald spot, or both. Women don’t lose their hairline but do have noticeably thinning hair across the top of their scalp.

2. Telogen effluvium

This type of hair loss is temporary. Still, it can be alarming. Seemingly without warning, you experience diffuse (spread all over your scalp) and significant shredding. One day, you step in the shower and your hair clogs up the drain. Or you run a brush over your scalp and dozens of strands come out at once.

Telogen effluvium gets its name from one of the three phases that hair follicles go through. (Hair follicles are the structures that grow hair). The first phase, called anagen, is a period of active hair growth. During the second phase, catagen, hair growth starts to slow. And the third phase, telogen, is a period of rest.⁴ Anagen is the longest phase and can last years. Catagen usually lasts a few weeks. Telogen can vary from a few weeks to many months, depending on the type of hair (eyelashes are different than scalp hair, for instance).

Normally, these phases are staggered—and only about 10-15% of your hair follicles are in telogen at any given time.⁴ Telogen effluvium happens when something forces many more of those follicles into rest all at once. For example, you may have heard of (or experienced yourself), the “post-partum shed.” This is telogen effluvium, triggered by hormonal changes following childbirth. There are many other causes, too, including viral illnesses; surgery; severe stress; low vitamin levels; and exposure to toxins.

Anyone—children and adults alike—can lose their hair this way. As we get older, though, certain things make telogen effluvium more likely. Some prescription medications can cause it. So can menopause and malnutrition. Researchers also are working to understand the role chronic conditions might play, but their findings so far are limited.⁵

The good news? Telogen effluvium is usually reversible. Once you can identify and eliminate the trigger, your hair follicles naturally will recover and “re-set” to their normal production cycle. This can take time; how long depends on the type and duration of the trigger.

3. Scarring alopecia

Also called “cicatrical alopecia,” scarring alopecia is a broad category that includes several diverse disorders with two things in common: inflammation contributes to it, and permanent hair loss results.⁶

Anyone can develop scarring alopecia. But this type of hair loss generally is pretty rare—affecting an estimated 3% of people worldwide.⁶ Some scarring alopecias are standalone; others are associated with conditions that involve multiple organs, like systemic lupus erythematosus. And they don’t all look the same, or follow a predictable hair loss pattern, either. Some people who develop scarring alopecia don’t have any symptoms; others have painful, itchy heads. Hair loss can be subtle or obvious, diffuse or patchy. All of this means that scarring alopecia can be complicated to diagnose.

Still, two forms of scarring alopecia tend to cause hair loss in older adults more so than others:

• Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA). This condition typically affects post-menopausal women over age 50.⁷ If you have FFA, you lose your hair along the front and sides of your hairline; often, the skin in these areas becomes shiny and smooth. Autoimmune conditions, hormones, heredity (your genes), and certain environmental factors like viral infections and medications can contribute to FFA.
• Lichen planopilaris (LPP). This condition can affect people of all ages, but more commonly appears in women between ages 40-60.⁸ If you have LPP, your hair loss typically is patchy and the areas where it happens are noticeably sensitive. No one fully understands what causes LPP, though most likely it’s an autoimmune disorder.

4. Nutritional deficiencies

As we grow older, we need fewer calories to fuel our body’s daily functions. That means the food we do eat needs to pack a nutritional punch. But healthy food can be expensive.

At the same time, age-related changes to our digestion—as well as some chronic diseases and medications—can make it harder to get the vitamins and minerals we need.9 And certain deficiencies are linked to hair loss. The most common ones among adults age 65 and older include:^9,10,11

• Protein. Abnormally low protein levels can cause brittle hair and hair shedding.
• Iron. Low levels of iron can lead to anemia; anemia can cause hair loss.
• Vitamin B12. Low levels of B12 also can lead to anemia and its related hair loss.
• Calcium. Low calcium doesn’t cause hair loss directly, though it may be related.

If you’re concerned about your diet and whether it may be causing hair loss, nutritional counseling might be helpful.

5. Medications

Certain prescription drugs cause hair loss. Most commonly, this hair loss is temporary and reversible.

Drugs ranging from antidepressants to cancer chemotherapy can cause hair loss in people of all ages. Still, it’s helpful to know which prescriptions many of us take can lead to medication-induced hair loss. These include:¹²

• Blood thinners—commonly prescribed for A-Fib and other heart arrythmias.
• Statins—used to lower high cholesterol.
• Anti-hypertensives—taken for high blood pressure.

Hair loss and your emotional well-being

Hair loss can impact your mental health in many ways. It can be devastating to your self-esteem and confidence—but there are proactive steps you can take to help you cope.

First, be open and honest with friends and family about how you’re feeling; they can be a welcome source of comfort and support. Make time and space for healthy lifestyle habits and self-care, which can help reduce stress and other hair loss triggers. And consider professional support—like online mental health counseling—if you need it.

Other factors that contribute to age-related hair loss

As we age, we’re more likely to go through physical and emotional experiences that can trigger different types of hair loss. For example, life changes such as retirement or the loss of a loved one can result in significant stress—which is a known cause of telogen effluvium. Age-related hormonal changes due to menopause and andropause can contribute to AGA, FFA, and LPP. And our chances of developing health conditions like heart disease, cancer, and malnutrition increase with age. Both the conditions themselves, and some of their treatments, can make us lose our hair.

Diagnosing and treating hair loss

When it comes to losing our hair, we’re usually the first to know. But knowing why? That’s a little more complicated.

The first step is to consult a medical professional. This could be a dermatologist (someone who diagnoses and treats skin conditions) or a trichologist (someone who diagnoses and treats hair and scalp conditions). If possible, find a provider with specific expertise in geriatric hair loss.

Depending on your symptoms and overall health, your provider may run a series of different tests to uncover the reason(s) for your hair loss. These include but aren’t limited to:

• Reviewing your medical and social history. Have you started a new prescription? Did you recently have surgery? Have you been ill with COVID or other viral illness?
• Ordering blood tests. How are your iron, B12, and protein levels? Are you anemic? Do you have markers for autoimmune or inflammatory conditions?
• Performing a scalp biopsy. What do your hair follicles look like? Do you have an infection? Is there scarring?

Patience is key. Figuring out why you’re losing your hair can take time. You may need several visits with your doctor to pinpoint the cause.

In some cases, your hair loss will be permanent. In others, you may be able to reverse it using a combination of topical and oral treatments. These include:

• Minoxodil (brand name Rogaine). Available over-the-counter as topical liquid, gel, or foam that you apply directly to your scalp.
• Nutritional supplements. If your hair loss is related to your diet, over-the-counter vitamins and minerals may help.
• Laser. Initial studies show that low-level therapy potentially can treat pattern baldness and even increase hair density in men and women.

As knowledge continues to evolve in the field, new hair loss drugs and therapies evolve with it. Some of them are even “off-label.” For example, researchers currently are investigating how low-dose Naltrexone—used to treat opioid and alcohol addiction—can be effective for AGA, FFA, and LPP.13

Before you start any new hair loss drug or treatment, it’s important to speak with your dermatologist, trichologist, and your primary care provider, too. They can help you understand potential side effects and interactions with other medications you may be taking so you can make an informed decision.

Finally, you may consider adding home treatments for your hair loss. These can range from scalp massage to specialized hair care products to silk pillowcases and more.

FAQ

Why is my hair falling out?

Many older adults experience thinning hair—and there are many possible reasons for it. Some hair loss is age-related; other triggers can include diet, stress, or an underlying medical condition. A specialized health care provider can help you figure out what’s going on and whether it’s normal.

It’s typical to lose between 50 and 100 hairs each day. You probably won’t even notice this hair loss because you have other strands growing in at the same time. If you’re seeing more hair in your brush than usual, or new bald patches, check with your doctor.

When should I seek professional help for my hair loss?

In short, always. Hair loss can be a complex condition; specialized providers like dermatologists and trichologists are trained to look for the many different underlying causes. But if you experience any of the below symptoms, call your doctor right away:

• Sudden or rapid hair loss
• Intense scalp pain, redness, or itching
• Hair loss after starting a new medication

How can I regrow thinning hair?

Some hair loss is permanent. Other types may respond to treatment.

Sources

1. American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Androgenetic Alopecia. Found on the internet at https://www.aocd.org/page/AndrogeneticAlopecia

2. Alessia Villani, et al. Hair Aging and Hair Disorders in Elderly Patients. International Journal of Trichology. Nov–Dec 2022. Found on the internet at https://journals.lww.com/ijot/fulltext/2022/14060/hair_aging_and_hair_disorders_in_elderly_patients.1.aspx

3. American Hair Loss Association. Androgenetic Alopecia. Found on the internet at https://www.americanhairloss.org/types-of-hair-loss/androgeneticalopecia/

4. Ezra Hoover et al. Physiology, Hair. National Library of Medicine, StatPearls. July 30, 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499948/

5. American Hair Loss Association. Effluviums. Found on the internet at https://www.americanhairloss.org/types-of-hair-loss/effluviums/

6. American Hair Loss Association. Scarring Alopecia (Cicatricial Alopecia). Found on the internet at https://www.americanhairloss.org/types-of-hair-loss/scarring-alopecia/

7. Cleveland Clinic. Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia. Found on the internet at https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23316-frontal-fibrosing-alopecia

8. Cleveland Clinic. Lichen Planopilaris. Found on the internet at https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24537-lichen-planopilaris

9. Aimra Kassis et al. Nutritional and lifestyle management of the aging journey: A narrative review. Frontiers in Nutrition. Jan. 23, 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/nutrition/articles/10.3389/fnut.2022.1087505/full

10. Kelly Burch. How Vitamin Deficiency Causes Hair Loss. March 22, 2025. Found on the internet at https://www.verywellhealth.com/which-vitamin-deficiency-causes-hair-loss-8404859#

11. Cleveland Clinic. Low Protein in Blood (Hypoproteinemia). Found on the internet at https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/low-protein-in-blood-hypoproteinemia

12. Stephanie Watson. Medications That Can Cause Hair Loss. Sept. 18, 2024. Found on the internet at https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/hair-loss/drug-induced-hair-loss-2

13. American Hair Loss Association. Low-Dose Naltrexone: A New Frontier in the Battle Against Hair Loss. Found on the internet at https://www.americanhairloss.org/low-dose-naltrexone-a-new-frontier-in-the-battle-against-hair-loss/