Differences in hair growth between different races and ethnicities

While aging is an inevitable biological process with many influencing factors that lead to visible changes in the hair, there is limited literature examining the age characteristics of hair throughout the races. Now a new study outlines the unique characteristics of hair growth among different races that the authors hope will help in a culturally conscious approach when making recommendations to prevent hair damage during a person’s lifetime.

Findings include: the beginnings of hair vary by race, with the average age for Caucasians in the mid-30s, for Asians in the late 30s, and for Africans in their mid-40s. Caucasians and Asians typically experience damage to the distal hair shaft, while African Americans see damage occur closer to the root of the hair. Postmenopausal changes include reduced anagen hair (active or growing) in facial scalp, lower growth rates and smaller hair diameter.

Like skin, hair’s age involves both aging, which includes the natural physiological changes that occur over time, and aging, or changes related to environmental exposures and physical stress caused by everyday wear.

Despite a similar chemical composition, the structural properties of hair differ from different races and, as a result, the age of hair grows differently as well. As the population grows older and more diverse, it is more essential to understand the process of hair growth in different hair types. “

Neelam Vashi, MD, Associate Author, Associate Professor of Dermatology, Boston University School of Medicine and Director of Boston University Cosmic and Laser Center at Boston Medical Center

The researchers conducted a literature review among 69 publications to review what we know about changes in hair structure over time, focusing on the differences in hair age by background. ethnicity. Information was collected on hair structure, aging characteristics and responses to sexual damage along with differences between races and races.

According to the researchers, the role of hair for both protection and cosmic development makes it very important for the physical and mental well-being of those. “A detailed understanding of the unique characteristics of growing hair among different races and ethnicities is essential for the proper management of mature patients,” Vashi adds.

These findings appear online in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology.