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Hair Aging in Different Races and Ethnicities
Mayra B C Maymone1,2,3,4,5, Melissa Laughter1,2,3,4,5, Samara Pollock1,2,3,4,5
1Drs. Maymone, Goldberg, and Vashi, Ms. Pollock, and Ms. Khan are with the Department of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine in Boston, Massachusetts.
The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology
|February 15, 2021
Summary
Hair aging varies significantly across different ethnicities, impacting graying onset and damage patterns. Understanding these unique characteristics is crucial for culturally sensitive hair care recommendations.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Trichology
- Aging Research
Background:
- Aging affects hair and skin, necessitating a deeper understanding of hair aging processes.
- Increasingly diverse aging populations highlight the importance of studying hair aging variations.
- Hair aging involves complex biological and external factors influencing hair structure and appearance.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing literature on hair aging characteristics.
- To focus on differences in hair aging based on ethnic background.
- To consolidate information on hair structure changes over time across diverse populations.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted.
- Sixty-nine publications were selected for review.
- Data on hair structure, aging, and ethnic variations were collected.
Main Results:
- Hair graying onset differs by race: Caucasians (mid-thirties), Asians (late thirties), Africans (mid-forties).
- Damage patterns vary: Caucasians/Asians show distal shaft damage; African-Americans exhibit root-proximal damage.
- Postmenopausal women experience reduced frontal anagen hairs, slower growth, and thinner hair shafts.
Conclusions:
- Limited research exists on hair aging across all racial groups.
- Ethnic-specific hair aging characteristics are vital for culturally sensitive approaches.
- Further research is needed to address the paucity of literature on diverse hair aging patterns.
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