Problems With Aging Hair
Hair is a huge part of someone’s identity, but just like the rest of the body, hair changes with age. The most common changes in aging hair are greying, texture, density, and thinning at the crown or hairline.
There are ways to address aging hair and keep your hair healthy and full as long as possible. Below we highlight problems most people will encounter with aging hair.
Graying
Finding that first strand of white hair on your head can be terrifying. Gray hair happens when hair follicles stop producing pigment, and it is the first sign of aging hair. The average person will notice their first gray hair in their 30s and most people by their 40s. By 50, fifty percent of people have gray hair.
Going grey is a normal part of life, so you are not alone. If it is a concern, many people choose to color it, but more and more, others decide to rock the silver look. As tempted as you are, never pluck a gray hair. Doing this can cause them to become rougher than the rest of your hair.
Thinning
It’s normal to lose about 100 hairs per day, no matter your age. It is also normal for hair to thin with age in both men and women. But aging hair follicles can create thinning hair, which can make someone appear as though they are going bald when they are not.
For women, hormonal changes can affect hair growth patterns. It’s not uncommon for menopausal women to experience both hair thinning and hair loss. Hair growth might also be affected differently in different places on the body. For example, there might be less hair growing on the legs but more hair growing on the chin or upper lip.
As we age, hair follicles get smaller and smaller, producing hair strands that are hard to see. This is why men can look like they are balding when they are not. Most men will have a change in their hairline as they age, to some extent.
If thinning hair is a concern, try using myoxin. It helps strengthen existing hair while making it look fuller. Also, try to minimize breakage in your remaining hair. When hair breaks faster than it grows, the length is lost, and this leads to thinning.
Dry Hair
Most people assume dryness, brittleness, and loss of shine would be from too much heat or the wrong products, not from aging. But aging actually causes the oil glands to shrink and not produce oil efficiently, so the natural oil does not coat the hair like it used to. In a young person, oil naturally travels down the hair follicle and coats the hair. An older person is not producing as much oil, which leaves their hair much drier than it used to be, through no fault of their own.
The best way to fix this is to put oil in your hair. Those who remember having to wash their hair every day to avoid limp, oily hair might cringe at this, but it is truly the best way to return moisture to dry hair. Nowadays, many hair oils are weightless. An excellent choice would be argan oil, which is incredibly hydrating and gives shine. Avoid high heat and aggressive hairstyling techniques that strip the hair of natural oil.
Texture Changes
Aging hair can go through several changes, especially hair texture. Did you know that the hair’s texture alters naturally every five to seven years? The exact cause is unknown, but hormones are thought to be one of the biggest reasons. Hormonal fluctuations can occur from pregnancy or menopause, and also from an illness or chemotherapy.
Texture can also change because people dye their hair more often as they age, to get rid of grey hair, and to gain shine. This can also contribute to a drier, wirier texture. Try using a deep-conditioning or glossing treatment weekly to gain back softness.
You may also notice products that once restored your hair now seem ineffective. It's not your imagination. This change happens because the cuticle layer of hair thins as we age, which causes it to be unable to lock in moisture like it once did. The only remedy is to move on from what used to work for you and find a hair care regimen that works for your current hair.
If you're concerned about aging hair, Nashville Hair Clinic provides several hair options that produce lasting results. Contact us today or call 615-994-7130 for a comprehensive evaluation.