_edited.png)
What you need to know about hair changing as you age
& What can you do about it
As your dedicated hair care expert, I understand that your hair, like a fine wine, evolves over time. The tight curls may mellow into relaxed waves, or that luscious volume might refine itself into a whole new texture. It's all-natural, and it's uniquely yours.
Today I'll dive deep into the world of aging hair. From the reasons behind texture changes to the secrets of managing color shifts, we've got you covered.
And, as we unravel these mysteries, we'll introduce you to the transformative power of our hair care products and hair growth supplements, your allies in embracing aging hair with confidence in the "What can I do about it" at the end of each section.
So, sit back, let your hair down, and join us on this enlightening journey through the transformations of aging hair!
How can aging affect your hair?
The hair can change as you age in several ways.
Hair thinning
As you age, one transformation your hair may go through is a change in texture. You may notice your hair looks duller and thinner than usual, or may even experience hair loss.
According to dermatologist Janiene Luke, MD, this has to do with changing hair growth cycles. Luke notes that the anagen-growing phase, or the period when the hair shaft is actively generated and extended, becomes shorter.
Additionally, some follicles may stop producing new hair altogether. This can cause hair density to decrease.
“The diameter of the hair becomes smaller,” says Luke. “Sebum, your body’s natural oil production, declines with age, which results in hair that is not as shiny, soft or smooth.”
In short, the anagen phase can become less effective and produce thinner hair.
Hair loss
Aging is one of the most common causes of hair loss, also known as alopecia areata. That’s because hormone levels change as you age.
It’s normal to lose between 50 and 100 hairs a day because your body continually grows new hair and sheds old hair. This rate stays stable throughout life, though hair growth declines.
Male and Female pattern baldness is similar, except that the hair loss usually occurs in different patterns.
Stress can also contribute to hair loss, whether it’s emotional stress or the result of a life-changing event.
“Stress molecules, such as cortisol, can target and damage the hair follicles over time”, explains Simone Thomas, founder of Simone Thomas Wellness Clinic. “These aspects may encourage hair loss as we age.”
Symptoms can include hair shedding or bald patches.
What You Can Do About It:
There are a number of treatment options based on the severity of hair loss, and if you're concerned about how much hair you're losing, it's always best to consult with a board-certified dermatologist or trichologist to discuss a treatment plan.
First, there are over-the-counter options, including topical minoxidil treatments like Rogaine and supplements like Viviscal and Nutrafol. A laser therapy cap is another route, which helps stimulate growth and strengthen hair.
In-office, Dr. Ziering administers a treatment he calls Z-Factors (a cocktail of growth factors factors, cytokines, extracellular vesicles, peptides, proteins, and hyaluronic acid) topically to the scalp to help reverse some of the hair loss and thinning. PRP injections are another in-office procedure that's common.
But hair transplant surgery is the only permanent solution for hair loss. "It's best to preserve the hair you have first because there's a limited supply of what you can move for the transplant," Dr. Ziering says. "We like to use medicines and/or treatments at least to stop or slow down the progressive nature of genetic hair loss. When we know a patient is committed to a program, we would resort to the hair restoration because it's the only permanent solution."
Graying hair
As you age, your hair can also become gray as it loses melanin.
Melanin is a pigment-producing component that produces melanocyte cells. These cells play an important role in the color of your hair.
Gray hair is thought to be the result of a decreased number of melanocytes, As we age, our cells don’t produce as much melanin which results in gray hair—or white hair when melanin is absent.
The texture of your hair is also associated with natural curl, shine, softness, and smoothness—all of which may change as you age.
What You Can Do About It:
Because gray hair tends to be more sensitive to external factors like weather or pollution, it can be drier and frizzier. Opt for a shampoo specifically designed for silver stands like Young Again by Kevin Muphey, which hydrates and boosts shine. And if you aren't ready to go full-on gray consider light blending highlights or Lowlights to blend the color in over time.
Why Does Hair Texture Change with Age?
Have you ever wondered why your hair takes on new textures as you age? The answer lies within your hair follicles. As time goes on, follicles often shrink, affecting the thickness and structure of your hair shaft.
This can enhance your curls or, on the flip side, make your once-curly hair lose some of its bounce. It's like a makeover happening in your hair follicles, giving your locks a new style as you age.
When Does Hair Growth Slow?
Typically, in our 30s and 40s our hair growth decides to take a more leisurely pace. Yes, that once-rapid growth now slows down, leading to less volume and length. It's like your hair is sipping on a chilled glass of relaxation.
How Hair Color Changes with Age
Ever wonder why our hair changes color as we get older? It's all about the melanin, the magic ingredient in our hair follicles. As we age, melanin production decreases causing graying to occur!
Some people spot their first grays in their 30s or 40s, but it's different for everyone.
Tresses Through Time: Your Hair's Evolution
In Your 30s and 40s: Early Signs of Aging Hair
Texture Changes: Your once predictable curls might start playing hide-and-seek, going from curly to straight or hair becoming curly and thin.
Gray Whispers: Silver strands start making their debut.
Proactive Care: Time to introduce nourishing products into your routine, like our Ultimate Duo By Goldie Locks.
In Your 50s and Beyond: From Silk to Silver
Pronounced Changes: Thinning becomes more pronounced, and graying accelerates.
Holistic Hair: Consider our Hair Growth Supplements - inside-out approach to holistic hair health.
Silver Celebration: Embrace the silver linings, literally. Each silver thread tells a story of resilience and growth.
Tackling Change: Solutions for Specific Hair Shifts
As we wrap up this journey into the mysteries of aging hair, remember, that these transformations are a natural part of life's beautiful journey. Embrace your hair, whether it's showcasing new silver strands or adapting to a different texture. Visit our Salon for more hair personalized hair advice and consider booking g with one my our experts at TruReflection Salon
SOURCES:
