From the Guidelines
Hair deterioration at the age of 39 is likely due to a combination of hormonal shifts, decreased oil production, and natural aging processes, with vitamin D deficiency potentially playing a role, as suggested by studies such as 1 that found an association between vitamin D levels and alopecia areata. To improve hair health, consider the following:
- Using sulfate-free shampoos and deep conditioning treatments weekly
- Products containing biotin, keratin, or hyaluronic acid may help
- Minoxidil (Rogaine) can help with thinning, applied as directed on the package (typically 1ml twice daily)
- Prescription options like finasteride (1mg daily) may help men with pattern baldness
- Nutritional support through a balanced diet rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins (particularly B vitamins, vitamin D, and iron) can improve hair health
- Reducing heat styling, chemical treatments, and tight hairstyles will minimize damage These changes occur because aging decreases collagen production and sebum output, while hormonal fluctuations (decreasing estrogen in women or testosterone conversion to DHT in men) affect hair follicle health. Stress and environmental factors can further impact hair quality, so addressing these underlying factors alongside topical treatments provides the most comprehensive approach to improving hair condition. Additionally, ensuring adequate vitamin D levels, as vitamin D has established roles in the normal hair follicle, as shown in studies such as 1, may also be beneficial.
From the Research
Hair Deterioration Causes
There are no direct research papers that specifically address the causes of hair deterioration at the age of 39. However, the provided studies discuss various treatments for hair loss and androgenetic alopecia, which may be related to hair deterioration.
Related Factors
Some studies suggest that androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a common cause of hair loss in both men and women, which may contribute to hair deterioration 2, 3, 4, 5. The exact causes of AGA are not specified in the provided studies, but they discuss various treatment options, including topical minoxidil, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and oral minoxidil.
Treatment Options
The studies compare the efficacy of different treatment options for AGA, including:
- Topical minoxidil alone or in combination with PRP 3, 4, 5
- Oral minoxidil 5
- PRP monotherapy 3
- Low-level laser therapy and laser-assisted drug delivery 2
Key Findings
Some key findings from the studies include:
- Minoxidil 5% topical twice-daily monotherapy is a cost-effective treatment for men with AGA 3
- Combining minoxidil 5% with PRP provides cost-effective treatment at a higher willingness-to-pay threshold 3
- Topical minoxidil 2% solution alone is effective in treating female pattern hair loss (FPHL) 4
- Low-dose oral minoxidil is an effective alternative to topical minoxidil for treating AGA 5
- Combining topical minoxidil with PRP may provide additional benefits in treating AGA 5