Involutional alopecia refers to hair loss which occurs as a result of aging. Ever since birth, hair keeps growing and shedding. This is a rejuvenating process of the body similar to that of the skin cells. Old hair falls off and is replaced by new, healthier hair. On average people shed 50 to 120 hairs per day. Around the age of 40, most men and women notice an increase in hair loss. This is because an increasing number of hairs go into a resting phase called telogen.

The remaining hair becomes few and sparse. This condition usually begins around the 40’s and accelerates around 60. This is called involutional alopecia. This is a permanent condition. Loss of growth hormones and sex hormones with age may play a role in the development of this condition. Some research shows that replacement of the testosterone hormone and growth hormone in male patients above 50 years of age, results in better hair growth.

 This indicates that diminishing hormone levels could play a role in the development of this condition. There are products available in the markets which promise to reduce hair loss. But these are effective only in younger people. People who suffer from involutional alopecia may go in for hair transplantation to cover up this condition.