The hairy side of aging

As the years go by, many of us dread the experience of finding that first gray hair – which actually occurs because hair loses protein and melanin with age. But, unfortunately, silver strands aren’t the only change. After the age of 40, hair may become thinner, less shiny and more prone to breaking or damage. These changes can be caused by several factors including:

• Hormonal changes. Over time, the body produces lower levels of the hormones necessary for hair growth. Hormonal fluctuations post-menopause may also cause many women to experience thinner hair later in life.

• Sluggish cell regeneration. As we age, the rate at which hair is able to grow slows down, resulting in thinner tresses. Over time, hair loses its elasticity, hair follicles shrink, growth slows and sebum and keratin production diminishes, so strands can become brittle and dull.
• Genetics. Genetics play a significant role in determining the quantity and quality of your hair. While most people experience some hair loss with aging, the extent of hair loss is often determined by genetics.
• Medications. According the American Academy of Family Physicians, certain medicines may contribute to hair loss. These medications include those used to treat gout, high blood pressure, depression and heart problems related to blood pressure and cholesterol. Changes may be long term or temporary. Be sure to discuss potential side effects with your doctor.

Changing your hair habits

What’s the best way to combat the signs of aging hair? Create an anti-aging hair care routine. Here are some tips to help you get started:

• Update your do. For starters, a new cut or color can work wonders on the appearance of aging hair. A new cut can also eliminate split ends, helping hair look and feel healthier.

• Avoid chemicals. Avoid over-exposure to harsh chemical processes such as perms and color treatments that can strip hair of its protective outer layer, leaving it looking brittle and dull.
• Sidestep snags. As hair ages, it becomes less resilient to damage and breakage. Keep hair healthy and intact by using snag-free ponytail elastics or smooth clip barrettes to hold hair off the face.
• Avoid heat. In addition, be cautious with hot tools, such as blow-dryers, rollers, curling irons or flat irons. If used improperly, or too frequently, these appliances can seriously damage and weaken the hair shaft.

Before blow-drying hair, towel dry your tresses to reduce the amount of time needed to blow-dry and always use the lowest heat setting. Before using any hot tool, apply a protective styling cream like Frederic Fekkai Coiff Defense Pre-Style Thermal/UV Protectant.

• Protect from the sun. UV rays can damage hair right down to its core, making it appear faded, dry, brittle or frizzy by eliminating precious moisture and reducing shine. Protect your hair with a hat or use a leave-in conditioner such as Rene Furterer Carthame Day Time Moisturizing Conditioner - Leave In that incorporates ingredients that’ll defend your locks from the sun.
• Beware of brushing. Excessive brushing can cause hair to break, so only brush when styling your hair. Also, reduce the amount of damage that daily brushing can cause by using a natural bristle brush that’s designed to gently smooth and detangle hair. Frederic Fekkai Classic Brush boasts natural boar bristles to protect your locks as you style.
• Invest in the right products. Everyone’s hair ages differently. Remember, healthy hair appears younger, so depending on your hair’s needs, invest in products that nourish, condition and protect. Start with a weekly deep-conditioning hair mask to replenish lost moisture and protect the cuticle. Philip B White Truffle Nourishing Hair Conditioning Crème is infused with nutritious botanicals, healthy amino acids and soothing vitamin E to restore your hair, giving it body and a healthy shine.

Start in the shower

Shower habits can make or break your hair. Avoid doing damage in the shower with these hair-healthy habits.

• Incorporate healthy ingredients. Dealing with dull, lifeless hair? For shiny strands, seek out shampoos and conditioners containing the following moisturizing ingredients:
  • Shea butter
  • Panthenol
  • Hydrolyzed yeast extract
  • Sweet almond oil

• Shampoo less. Consider cutting back on the amount of times per week you wash your hair, opting for once every two to three days. Daily shampooing can cause the hair to become overly dry, making it appear parched and dull.
• Pick products according to your concerns. The shower is the perfect time for a hair pick-me-up. Consider the needs of your locks, and pick accordingly.
• Moisture. To infuse your hair with healthy hydration, use Alterna Caviar Anti Aging Volume Shampoo and Conditioner Duo. Formulated with advanced technology that uses polymers and resins, this duo delivers moisture-rich volume and luminous locks.
• Shine. For the shiniest hair ever, try Alterna Hemp with Organics Shine Shampoo, followed by Alterna Hemp with Organics Shine Conditioner. Both contain a certified blend of organic botanicals, strengthening strands and making hair more vibrant overall.
• Repair. Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Hair Masque is a nutrient-rich treatment that uses an innovative blend of enzymes to reconstruct and protect hair from inside out.
• Thicken. DS Laboratories Revita Hair Growth Stimulating Shampoo enlarges the diameter of each hair strand and invigorates follicles to improve scalp vitality while Jan Marini Age Intervention Hair Revitalizing Conditioner promises to reveal fuller, thicker hair after two weeks.

A hair-healthy diet

A diet with nutritional deficiencies can cause sudden hair loss or thinning. Strive to eat well-balanced meals to maintain a full, healthy, vibrant head of hair. You can nourish your hair by adjusting your diet to embrace foods with the following:

• Protein. A diet that lacks protein can cause hair to become thin and dull. Increasing the amount of protein in your diet can enhance hair growth and strengthen your locks.
• Fatty acids. Nutritious fats — think omega-3 fatty acids — are needed for a healthy scalp and well-nourished hair. To combat a dry scalp or dull hair, increase your intake of these healthy fats by incorporating nuts, seeds and fish into your daily diet.
• Vitamins A and C. Your body needs ample amounts of vitamins A and C to generate sebum — which is produced in the hair follicles to keep your tresses conditioned. Consider eating carrots, pumpkins and greens every day.
• Iron. Because iron deficiency is often responsible for hair loss in women, consult your physician to get your iron levels assessed. If you're not getting adequate iron in your diet, you may want to consider taking a supplement.

Unfortunately, as we age, we have to contend with various hair concerns, like thinning strands, dryness and dullness. But a few simple skincare changes can help. Add the above tips to your daily routine now, and you’ll strip away the years to achieve younger, healthier hair!

See also:

Natural Options for Healthy Hair Growth

6 Hair-Saving Tips for Damaged Locks

Hair Loss and Women