As we age, it’s normal for our bodies to go through many different changes. Hair changes are part of the process, as it naturally changes colour and texture with time.
How hair changes with time:
Hair has an average life of 2 - 7 years and is composed of protein strands. The life cycle of hair shortens as we age, making the shorter and finer hair strands fall out. Due to ageing and environmental changes, some hair follicles stop generating new hair, and hair fibres eventually become thinner and fall out.
With time, hair follicles start producing less pigment and causes hair to turn grey. The thickness of hair strands are also affected, becoming more fine and thin over time.
The root cause of many of these changes occur during menopause, which is when a woman's monthly menstrual cycle stops. The main hormonal occurrence is the lowering of oestrogen and progesterone production, which helps hair grow faster and prolongs its lifespan. When there’s less of the hormone, there is less hair.
“The hormonal changes associated with menopause can impact sebum production, which may lead to increased dryness of the scalp and brittleness in hair, and a potential increase in DHT (dihydrotestosterone) sensitivity, which may be linked to hair thinning and hair loss as oestrogen levels decrease”, explains Lin. As Bridgitte Hill, certified trichologist and founder of Root Cause Scalp Analysis
How to Care for Your Hair as You Age
When it comes to hair health, it’s important to think holistically, factoring in caring for the scalp, protecting strands, and ensuring proper dietary nutrition.
1. Washing less frequently
Washing your hair too frequently can cause it to become dry and brittle. Don’t shampoo too much, but keep your scalp clean by washing it at least twice per week.
2. Replenish Natural OilsAdd moisture to replenish natural oils as you age, by incorporating a hydrating serum or oil such as Hair Repair Oil for extra moisture. With the right products, your hair will remain as soft and smooth as silk.
3. Quite the dye
Getting grey hair is more than normal. Once you begin dyeing them with henna or chemical dyes, it leaves the hair strands brittle and vulnerable to breakage. Replenish your hair with essential vitamins A, B3, C and E to retain length and thickness while nourishing your scalp with the Nourishing Hair Mist.
4. Avoid daily heat styling
Using tools like blow dryers, curling wands, and flat irons every day can be extremely damaging to your hair. If you do use heat-styling tools, apply a heat protectant to your hair before you use them to add moisture and give your hair a protective coating which will help cut down on breakage and the drying effects.
The best method for healthy hair is to gently towel dry or using a blow dryer at low heat with a heat protectant spray to help shield hair from heat while softening and conditioning strands. For a style that does not put too much strain on your hair or scalp - compared to that of elastics and hairbands - we recommend the claw clip for chic and effortless updos or half-up-half-down styles. If you want a hair tie, swap the traditional one for a silk scrunchy, as it is gentler that can prevent excess breakages and tearing.
Due to hair follicles being made mostly of protein, it’s important to include protein in your diet. Foods like red meat, green leafy vegetables, eggs, berries, and avocados are all great options. It can also be helpful to take a daily multivitamin to make up for the nutrients you may not be getting in the foods you eat, as well as a collagen supplement, as your body is producing 50% less collagen by your mid-50s.
6. Get Regular Cuts
As we age hair, gets drier, thinner, and less dense. As such, it's important to properly care for hair strands and prevent damage when possible with a hair trim every 6 - 8 weeks; this will keep your hair looking healthy and maintained in the long term.
7. Scalp care
This could be the root of many hair-related grievances, from flakiness to hair loss and dull-looking lengths, so don't neglect it in your hair care routine. Incorporating a scalp scrubber or Root Boost Hair Oil can help stimulate the follicles and hydrate the skin against dryness.
