Changing Hair Routines As You Age.

 

If you pay any attention to your hair, you'll notice that it undergoes changes, some minor, some larger as you get older.  Your hair can change colors, become thinner, or even quit growing as you age. In addition, in our society, it is fine for men to go gray because gray is associated with wisdom but when women go gray, they are seen as "old". 

Realistically, we usually see our first gray hair in our 30's but it doesn't really become noticeable until we reach our 40's and by the time we are in our 50's and 60's, we suffer from multiple things. 

As you get older, the cycle of hair growth gets shorter.  In addition, the width of the hair strands gets narrower, and the scalp becomes dryer.  These factors effect the look and feel of the hair you are growing.  

Your hair becomes dryer due to the decreasing production of lipids. The lipids is what is responsible for shine, softness, and the smoothness of the hair.  In addition, changes in your hormones can change the diameter of the hair strand. If you have curly, coiled, or heavily textured hair, you will experience more dryness because these types of hair begin dryer. It is also noted that curly, real wavy, and coiled hair is seldom uniform and will get even more when we are older.  

As far as aging goes, we associate that first "grey" hair with getting older.  It is telling us that our bodies are no longer producing as much melanin in the hair follicle. The decreased melanin production means our hair becomes more transparent which is seen as grey or white. Unfortunately, grey hair is more sensitive to external factors such as weather or pollution. Consider using a shampoo and conditioner designed for silver or gray hair as they hydrate, boost shine, and make it less brassy. 

Another side effect of aging is an increased amount of hair loss.  It is considered normal to lose up to 100 strands a day but when our hormones fluctuate, we could lose more than that.  It is the hormones that effect our scalp and hair health throughout our lives.  Even the smallest shift in hormones can lead to severe hair loss and there are so many factors that effect our hormone levels including medicines, hair care products and practices, and life such as menopause and pregnancy.  Furthermore, as we age our body no longer produces all of the hormones at the levels it had been so our hair thins and some hair follicles even stop producing hair so we have fewer strands of hair growing. 

If you are one of those folks who love being out in the sun without sunscreen or a hat, your hair could be effected. Too much sun can dry the hair or change its texture.  In addition to sun, hair styling, use of heat, or chemical issues such as coloring, bleaching, or perming can also change the texture, or make your hair dryer, or damage it significantly. 

So as you age, you need to change your routine to accommodate all these changes.  The way we handle them will change around the age of 45 or so. First off, stay away from products that are heavy like a balm or oil because it can weigh down finer hair.  Choose light weight serum that is easily absorbed instead so the hair is hydrated without being weighed down.  

In addition avoid any texturizing product with salt in them and avoid dry shampoos because they can make your hair dryer and rougher.  If you love your products, just use less of them if you can't give them up. Read the ingredients list, looking for restoring lipids, cetyl alcohol and stearyl alcohol and keratin. Check out products designed for older women so you get what you need for your hair.  

Aging is a normal process and begins in your late 20's and early 30's but it isn't noticeable till around 40 or so.  Stay one step ahead of things by changing products to prevent the damage.  Don't be afraid of it since it happens to everyone.  Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear.  Have a great day.