AARP Hearing Center
Have you started seeing globs of hair in your brush or shower drain? If so, you’re not alone.
By the age of 50, as many as 85 percent of all men have experienced a thinning of their hair, according to the American Hair Loss Association, a consumer organization dedicated to the prevention and treatment of hair loss. Women, too, often see hair loss as they age, with as many as 40 percent of all women experiencing hair thinning. For women, the most common cause is female pattern hair loss (FPHL), a condition that affects millions, especially those 50 and older, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
AARP Membership— $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal
Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine.
The reasons for hair loss vary. It can be caused by childbirth or other stressful events. Heredity, thyroid levels and even frequent use of a flat iron can also be to blame. Since hair loss is less socially acceptable for women than it is for men, it can take a toll on a woman’s emotional well-being and level of confidence, experts say. Even so, loss of hair can be unsettling for both sexes.
But the good news is that not all hair loss is permanent. By increasing your intake of foods rich in certain nutrients, you may be able to strengthen your strands.
Here are five good-for-your-hair foods that you might want to add to your diet.
Carrots
Carrots are rich in beta-carotene, which, in the body, gets converted into vitamin A. Vitamin A not only helps preserve good vision and boosts your immune system, it’s also good for your hair and skin. In addition, carrots contain biotin, which helps promote hair growth. Other good sources of beta-carotene are sweet potatoes, spinach and kale.
