What is involutional alopecia?

Involutional alopecia is a common form of hair loss that occurs as people age. It is a natural process in which hair growth gradually declines and the hair follicles enter an extended resting phase. This condition is often characterised by a gradual thinning of the hair, making the scalp more visible and the hair look thinner.

What are the causes of involutional alopecia?

Involutional alopecia develops gradually, as hair follicles become less active over time. These changes manifest themselves in two main ways. First, hair follicles spend more and more time in the resting phase, during which no new hair is produced. This results in less active hair growth and eventually a decrease in the total amount of hair on the scalp. Secondly, the diameter of each individual hair strand gets smaller over time. This makes the hair appear thinner and less voluminous, potentially making the scalp more visible. These gradual changes in hair growth are characteristic of involutional alopecia and differ from other forms of hair loss, such as androgenetic alopecia, which involve hormonal and genetic factors.

Involutional alopecia or androgenetic alopecia (AGA)?

The main difference between involutional alopecia and AGA is that AGA is caused by hormones, genetics and other factors, while involutional alopecia is mainly a natural consequence of ageing.

Men and alopecia

Involutional alopecia in men often manifests itself in a gradually thinning hair as they age. This natural process of hair loss is characterised by a decrease in hair density on the scalp, causing the hair to appear thinner and finer. Unlike androgenetic alopecia (AGA), where hair loss usually starts with a receding hairline and bald patches on the crown, involutional alopecia is often more evenly spread across the scalp. Hair follicles become more inactive as men age, resulting in less new hair growth and a gradual decline in overall hair density.

Women and alopecia

For women, the distinction between involutional alopecia and androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is less clear. Involutional alopecia in women can manifest as diffuse hair thinning similar to AGA. However, unlike AGA, which involves hormonal changes and genetic factors, involutional alopecia is purely the result of the ageing process. Female AGA can occur after puberty and often occurs up to about 40 years of age, while involutional alopecia is usually seen in women over 60. In involutional alopecia, the hair becomes thinner, and the scalp appears more visible between the hairs. The hair strands become shorter and finer as women age, resulting in a decrease in hair density on the scalp.

Is involutional alopecia treatable?

Involutional alopecia is a natural part of ageing and cannot always be treated. However, understanding the differences between involutional alopecia and other forms of hair loss can help in finding the right treatment and determining the best way to cope with hair loss.

Treatments for involutional alopecia focus on lengthening the hair's growth time and thickening the hair strand, as the cause of the condition is characterised by a shorter growth time and thinning of the hair strand. Effective products that we recommend are:

• Neofollics tablets: These tablets contain various ingredients that prolong the hair cycle, promoting hair growth time.

Neofollics shampoo

Contains 1% Piroctone olamine, also effective against dandruff seven powerful plant extracts including Ecklonia cava and Raspberry ketone the hair growth molecules Caffeine and Niacinamide Argan oil and Cinnamon oil to care for the scalp and hair

Order

• Spectral.RS lotion: This lotion contains Procyanidin B2, which extends hair growth and creates thicker hair, and copper peptides, which stimulate keratin growth and production and thicken hair.

Spectral.RS lotion

Spectral.RS is designed for thinning hair, diffuse hair loss and volume reduction due to non-hereditary causes. The lotion can be used by both men and women. Improves hair quality and makes hair thicker and healthier.

Order