A couple of good women friends of mine suffer from thin hair. Both are over 55 and considered “senior citizens”. They get so frustrated because their wispy hair shows their scalp or doesn’t hold a set. Everyday they have to tease their hair to give it volume and shape.

It’s socially acceptable for men to loose their hair, but for women to look “bald” naturally, or to have “bald” spots from hair loss, is overwhelmingly disheartening.

What causes thin hair in older women? How many hairs have we lost to the proverbial hairbrush?

The medical profession states that 50-100 hairs are lost each day. When we’re younger, the head hair follicles give back a new root, much like body hair if we tweeze or wax. As we age, the growth slows or stops entirely. Sometimes it’s hereditary. Sometimes it’s medical. Sometimes, it’s just natural.

Human hair consists of many nutrients. Nitrogen is one. Protein is another.

Because of nitrogen content in human hair, I used to gather the clippings from beauty parlors to add to my organic compost pile. It was great!

Due to the protein content in human hair, it is our responsibility to maintain a healthy intake of protein in our diets for our hair to remain healthy.

Minerals in the diet are necessary for overall growth, including the hair on the top of our heads. As we age and our habits of life change, we often change the way we eat to accommodate our simpler lifestyles. Iron supplements may need to be considered.

In our younger days, we may have broken our hair due to twisting or braiding; ironing, heating, or chemical treatments. Damage done in early years cannot often be undone.

So, what is a woman to do??

For the most part, acceptance places a key role. Attitude plays another important role.

We accept the fact we’re getting older. With age, comes numerous physical factors of which I will not necessarily mention here. However, we tend to accept the idea we aren’t what we used to be. Energy levels are down. Veins show up. Weight increases. Skin becomes flabbier, etc.

But, we CAN maintain a healthy attitude about our appearances, thin hair and all. We CAN feel good about the way we look, often by changing our attitudes alone.

What is the first thing people notice when they meet a stranger? For me, it’s the eyes (do they twinkle?) or their smile (does it make me want to smile back?)

I was watching Wheel Of Fortune and was noticing Vanna White. Her hair is long and straight. Her hair is not her most valuable asset – but her smile? Her smile stands out.

Hair-dos and maintaining a simple clean-cut, easy-to-care-for style is important for emotional health regarding our hair’s appearance to others.

TIP: Thicken hair by adding 2 sugar packets to a 20-oz bottle of water to create a natural volumizing spray. (from Oscar Blandi, N.Y.C. hairstylist)

Or, get into the habit of using a name-brand volumizing shampoo, followed by a handful of mousse.

My local hairdresser friend may recommend a weave to those women who want to add volume to their hair. Weaves can be somewhat expensive, often starting around $150 and need to be re-done on a regular basis – usually six weeks between appointments.

Herbal remedies claim to add volume to one’s hair. These treatments can add nutrients to the hair when taken on a daily basis over a long period of time. Don’t expect overnight miracles for something that took years to develop. Same is true for prescription medications.

Grafts are remedies that also take time. Hair patches are most likely taken from where the hair is fullest or near the neckline where it’s the least noticeable. They require time to thicken and multiply. Hair grafts cost around $5 per. For a completely new head of hair, expect the cost to be upwards of $5000.

A wig is something many women find humiliating if required to wear on a daily basis, yet we don’t hesitate to wear other daily apparel that give a “false impression”. Again, attitude can be everything. Appearances are something women can change and get by with, depending on the occasion.

Having a healthy attitude is by far, the most flattering of all; and to all who know us and meet us. A healthy attitude is gotten by knowing who we are . . . knowing our positive features and points. Smile. Hold the shoulders back. Put the twinkle back in the eyes. Feel good, even if we have to “fake” it.

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