Exploring the intricate impact of ageing on our hair, the transformational role of NAD+, and how understanding this relationship can pave the way to optimal hair health in our twilight years.
Before we launch ourselves on this follicular journey of unravelling the enigma of hair ageing, let's take a breather and ask ourselves a poignant question: Have you ever wondered why our hair experiences dramatic changes over time?
With age, why do some of us find ourselves staring back at a reflection capped by a mop of stark white?
Or perhaps you've found yourself running your hands through your hair, only to find it less luxurious than it once was. Well, it turns out; there's more to these transformations than meets the eye[1].
As we age, changes in hair texture, colour, thickness, and growth patterns are inevitable.
After all, they're as predictable as the Aussie sun rising from the east and setting in the west.
But what if I told you that there's a single compound, NAD+, intimately associated with this ageing process? Intriguing, right?
So, hang on to your hats or rather, hair, as we delve into the mystery of ageing hair changes and the role of NAD+ in influencing your crowning glory[2].
A Closer Look at Ageing Hair: Understanding the Transformation
Typically, hair aging involves four striking changes[3]:
- Greying or Whitening: Ever found yourself plucking out an errant white strand only to find ten others in its place? This change is brought on by a decline in melanin production, the pigment that gives our hair its colour.
- Thinning: As we age, it's not uncommon to find that our hair might not be as thick and voluminous as it used to be. This process is a result of hair follicles getting smaller and producing thinner, less pigmented hair strands.
- Changes in Texture: If you find that your once sleek and smooth hair has become more coarse or even wiry, you've got aging to thank for. This shift in texture is primarily dictated by the shape of the hair follicle.
- Altered Growth Pattern: Noticing that your hair isn't growing as fast as it did in your salad days? That's because the growth phase of your hair's life-cycle shortens as you age.
Enter NAD+: The Unsung Hero in The Aging Hair Saga
But where does NAD+ fit into this hair-rising tale? NAD+, or Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide, is a coenzyme found in all living cells. It has a rather fancy job - it's crucial for energy metabolism, regulation of DNA repair, cell survival, and, you guessed it, aging [4].
Research suggests that diminished levels of NAD+ contribute to the aging process, resulting in the multitude of hair changes we see [5].
Consequently, boosting NAD+ levels might be the key to maintaining optimal hair health, even in our twilight years.
But be mindful which NAD ….
FAQs
- What is the primary cause of hair greying with age? Greying occurs due to a natural decrease in melanin production within the hair follicle.
- How does NAD+ contribute to hair aging? Lower levels of NAD+ correlate with the aging process and, as such, the transformations seen in hair characteristics.
- Can boosting NAD+ levels reverse or halt hair aging? While more research is necessary, preliminary findings suggest that maintaining NAD+ levels could support overall hair health.
In essence, understanding how your hair changes over time and the role that NAD+ plays can equip you with the knowledge to support your hair health as you age.
So whether you're dealing with the greys, battling thinning hair, or wrestling with texture changes, remember that it's all a natural part of the aging process.
And hey, who said there's no wisdom in those silver strands of experience or character in those touch-me-not curls[6]?
Reference
[2] Sinclair, R. (2011). Healthy Hair: What is it? Journal of Investigative Dermatology Symposium Proceedings. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18004288/
[3] Trüeb, R. M. (2005). Aging of hair. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1473-2165.2005.40203.x
[4] Imai, S., & Guarente, L. (2014). NAD+ and sirtuins in aging and disease. Trends in cell biology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24786309/
[5] Braidy, N., et al. (2019). Role of Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide and Related Precursors as Therapeutic Targets for Age-Related Degenerative Diseases. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29634344/