As we get older, it’s natural for our hair to undergo changes in color, texture, thickness, and overall appearance. While we can’t completely stop the aging process, understanding what causes these changes and taking proactive steps in our hair care routines, lifestyles, and nutrition can help prevent premature aging of the hair and keep it looking its best through the years.
What Causes Hair to Change Color and Texture As We Age?
The two main factors that cause hair to change color and texture with age are:
Decrease in Melanin Production
As we age, the pigment cells in hair follicles gradually produce less melanin, the pigment that gives hair its color. The hair turns gray and eventually white when there is little to no melanin left. Genetics largely determine when this process starts, which can be as early as the 20s for some.
Changes in Hair Structure
Hair is made up of keratin protein strands. Over time, the hair strands become finer and the protective outer cuticle layer gets thinner, making hair coarser, drier, and more prone to breakage and split ends. The hair growth cycle also shortens, causing hair to fall out faster and be replaced with finer hair.
Other factors like hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, certain medications, and environmental damage can also impact hair color and texture changes.
How Can Lifestyle Choices Impact Hair Aging?
Our day-to-day lifestyle habits can play a significant role in how quickly or slowly our hair ages over time. Some key lifestyle factors include:
Diet
Eating a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals provides the nutrients needed for optimal hair growth and health. Some important nutrients for hair include:
- Protein: Hair is made of keratin protein, so adequate protein intake is crucial. Good sources include meat, fish, eggs, beans, and nuts.
- Iron: Iron deficiency can cause hair loss. Iron-rich foods include red meat, spinach, and lentils.
- Vitamin C: Helps the body absorb iron. Found in citrus fruits, berries, and leafy greens.
- Omega-3s: Help keep the scalp hydrated. Found in fatty fish like salmon, nuts, and seeds.
Stress
Chronic stress can disrupt the hair growth cycle and contribute to thinning hair and hair loss as we age. Managing stress through relaxation techniques, exercise, and good sleep habits can help minimize its impact on hair health.
Sun Exposure
UV rays from the sun can damage the hair cuticle, leading to dryness, brittleness, and color changes. Wearing a hat or using hair products with UV protection when out in the sun can help prevent damage.
Smoking
Studies suggest smoking may restrict blood flow to the scalp and alter hair follicle function, contributing to hair loss and premature graying. Quitting smoking can help slow down age-related changes in the hair.
What Hair Care Routine Should I Follow to Prevent Aging Hair?
Adopting a hair care routine tailored to your aging hair’s needs can help keep it healthy, strong, and vibrant. Key steps include:
Wash Hair Less Frequently
Washing too often strips the scalp of its natural oils, leading to dryness and brittleness. Aim to wash 2-3 times per week with a sulfate-free, moisturizing shampoo suited to your hair type.
Condition Well
Using a rich, hydrating conditioner after every wash helps replenish lost moisture and makes hair softer and more manageable. Leave-in conditioners and hair masks provide extra nourishment.
Be Gentle on Wet Hair
Hair is most fragile when wet. Gently squeeze out excess water with a microfiber towel and use a wide-tooth comb to detangle, working from the ends up. Avoid rough towel-drying or brushing wet hair.
Limit Heat Styling
Frequent use of hot tools like hair dryers, straighteners, and curling irons can damage the hair cuticle and cause breakage. Air dry when possible and always use a heat protectant product when heat styling. Keep the temperature on the lower side.
Get Regular Trims
Trimming off dry, split ends every 6-8 weeks helps keep hair healthy and prevents splits from traveling up the hair shaft. Keeping hair well-maintained can help counteract the dryness and coarseness that comes with age.
How Can I Protect Aged Hair From Environmental Damage?
Exposure to environmental stressors like sun, wind, pollution, and hard water can exacerbate the signs of aging hair. Some ways to protect your hair:
Use UV Protection
Applying a leave-in conditioner or serum with UV filters creates a barrier against damaging sun rays. Wearing a hat or scarf when out in direct sunlight also shields the hair.
Clarify the Scalp
Pollution particles and product buildup can clog hair follicles and impede healthy hair growth. Using a clarifying shampoo or scalp scrub once a week removes buildup and keeps the scalp environment clean and balanced.
Install a Shower Filter
Minerals in hard water can leave a film on the hair that causes it to look dull and feel dry and stiff. A shower filter helps remove excess minerals for softer, shinier hair.
Protect Hair While Swimming
Chlorine and salt water can dry out hair and cause color fading. Wetting hair with clean water or applying a leave-in conditioner before swimming helps prevent it from absorbing too much chlorine or salt. Rinsing hair thoroughly after swimming and using a clarifying shampoo removes any residue.
What Professional Treatments Are Available for Aging Hair?
If at-home solutions aren’t providing the results you want, an in-salon professional treatment can give aging hair an extra boost:
Glossing Treatments
A gloss or glaze treatment uses a semi-permanent color to enhance shine and luster, soften coarse grays, and correct brassiness or yellowing. The effects typically last 4-6 weeks.
Deep Conditioning Treatments
A professional strength deep conditioning mask nourishes dry, brittle hair with concentrated doses of hydrating and strengthening ingredients. Doing a deep conditioning treatment every month can dramatically improve the look and feel of aging hair.
Scalp Treatments
Healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp. Professional scalp treatments help remove buildup, unclog follicles, and nourish the scalp with ingredients like oils and antioxidants to create an optimal environment for hair growth.
Keratin Treatments
A keratin treatment infuses hair strands with keratin protein to make hair smoother, shinier, and more manageable for up to 3 months. While not a permanent solution for aging hair issues, it can provide a confidence boost.
What Are the Best Hairstyles for Aging Hair?
The right haircut, color, and styling techniques can take years off your look and make aging hair appear fuller, healthier, and more youthful.
Flattering Haircuts
- A bob or lob that falls somewhere between the chin and collarbone is universally flattering and creates the illusion of density and volume.
- Soft, face-framing layers add movement and texture while lifting the hair away from the face for a more youthful appearance.
- Bangs can disguise thinning at the front of the scalp and draw attention to the eyes.
- Pixie cuts minimize the appearance of thinning hair and require little styling.
Hair Color
- Sticking within 2-3 shades of your natural color is most flattering as hair loses pigment. Subtle highlights can add depth and dimension.
- Warmer tones are more forgiving on mature skin than cooler tones.
- Lowlights or shadow roots can camouflage grays and create a more blended, natural look as hair grows out.
Styling Tips
- A volumizing shampoo and conditioner plumps up the hair shaft for fuller-looking hair.
- Applying a thickening spray or mousse at the roots and blow drying hair upside down creates instant volume.
- Velcro rollers add lift and body to limp hair. Sleep in them overnight or pop them in while doing your makeup.
- A sprinkle of volumizing hair powder absorbs oil and adds texture and grip to fine hair for more volume and hold.
How Do Hormones Affect Hair Aging?
Hormones, particularly androgens and estrogens, play a significant role in regulating hair growth and the aging process of the hair follicles.
Androgens
Androgens like testosterone and DHT can shrink hair follicles and shorten the hair growth cycle, leading to finer, thinner hair. This is especially true for those with a genetic predisposition to follicle sensitivity. In men, this typically manifests as male pattern baldness, with a receding hairline and thinning at the crown. In women, androgens can cause thinning all over the scalp after menopause.
Estrogens
Estrogens have a protective effect on hair follicles, helping to keep them in the growth phase longer. During menopause, estrogen levels decline sharply, which can cause the hair growth cycle to shorten and lead to overall thinning and hair loss.
Thyroid Hormones
Both an overactive and underactive thyroid can disrupt the hair growth cycle and cause diffuse hair loss and changes in hair texture. If sudden hair changes occur, checking thyroid hormone levels can rule out an underlying thyroid issue.
While we can’t control hormone changes as we age, being aware of how they affect hair can help us adjust our hair care routines and seek out treatments that target hormone-related hair thinning, like medications containing estrogen or anti-androgens.
What Are the Best Products for Aging Hair?
Using the right products for your aging hair’s specific needs can help combat dryness, dullness, thinning, and other common concerns. Look for products that contain:
Antioxidants
Antioxidants like vitamins A, C, and E help protect the hair and scalp from free radical damage that can accelerate aging. Green tea, resveratrol, and superoxide dismutase are other potent antioxidants to look for.
Hydrating Ingredients
As hair loses moisture with age, ingredients that attract and lock in hydration become crucial. Hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and aloe vera deliver lightweight moisture, while oils like coconut, argan, and jojoba nourish and soften dry, coarse hair.
Thickening Ingredients
Ingredients like panthenol (vitamin B5), biotin, and niacinamide (vitamin B3) help strengthen and thicken hair strands. Rice protein and keratin also bulk up fine hair for a fuller appearance.
Scalp-Nourishing Ingredients
A healthy scalp equals healthier hair growth. Look for products with ingredients like zinc pyrithione to reduce scalp inflammation, salicylic acid to exfoliate and unclog follicles, and peppermint or tea tree oil to stimulate circulation.
Some standout products for aging hair include:
| Product | Key Benefits |
|---|---|
| Alterna Caviar Anti-Aging Replenishing Moisture Shampoo | Gently cleanses while delivering intense moisture |
| Klorane Strengthening Shampoo with Quinine and B Vitamins | Strengthens and thickens fine, thinning hair |
| Briogeo Don’t Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask | Deeply hydrates and repairs damaged, brittle hair |
| Oribe Serene Scalp Thickening Treatment Spray | Nourishes the scalp and plumps up hair at the root |
| Better Not Younger Superpower Fortifying Hair & Scalp Serum | Delivers key nutrients to the scalp to optimize hair growth |
How Can I Maintain a Healthy Scalp As I Age?
Scalp health is often overlooked, but it’s essential for growing healthy, youthful-looking hair as we age. Some tips for maintaining a healthy scalp:
Exfoliate Regularly
Dead skin cells, oil, and product residue can build up on the scalp and clog hair follicles, impeding healthy hair growth. Using a scalp scrub or brush 1-2 times per week sloughs off buildup and unclogs follicles. A clean, clear scalp provides the ideal environment for hair to grow.
Massage the Scalp
Regularly massaging the scalp for 5 minutes per day stimulates blood flow and brings oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles. This can help increase the thickness of each hair strand and may even help reduce hair loss. Use your fingertips and gentle, circular motions.
Don’t Neglect Scalp Sun Protection
The scalp is just as susceptible to sun damage as the rest of the skin, and a burnt, inflamed scalp can lead to hair thinning. Applying a sunscreen powder or spray along the part and any exposed areas protects the scalp from harmful UV rays. Wearing a hat is also great protection.
Treat Flaking and Irritation
If you notice persistent flaking, itching, or redness, you may have an underlying scalp condition like dandruff or psoriasis. Using an over-the-counter medicated shampoo with ingredients like zinc pyrithione, salicylic acid, or ketoconazole can help control flaking and calm irritation. See a dermatologist if the issue persists.
Consider PRP Treatments
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy involves injecting a concentrated solution of your own blood platelets into the scalp. The growth factors in the platelets stimulate the hair follicles and promote new hair growth. PRP can be especially helpful for treating age-related hair thinning and hair loss.
What Nutritional Changes Can Support Healthy Hair Aging?
While topical products and treatments can improve the outward appearance of aging hair, nourishing your hair from the inside out is equally important. Some dietary changes that can support healthy hair aging include:
Boost Protein Intake
Hair is primarily made of protein, so getting enough in your diet is key for strong, resilient hair. Aim for at least 45-55 grams per day, with high-quality sources like eggs, fish, lean meats, beans, and nuts.
Eat More Omega-3s
Omega-3 fatty acids help keep the scalp hydrated and may even help reduce inflammation that contributes to hair thinning. The best sources are fatty fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel. Plant-based sources include flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts.
Load Up on Antioxidants
Antioxidants help fight free radical damage that can accelerate hair aging. Colorful fruits and vegetables are packed with hair-healthy antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta-carotene. Some top choices include berries, leafy greens, sweet potatoes, and bell peppers.
Consider Supplements
If you’re not getting enough of certain nutrients from diet alone, supplements can help fill in the gaps. Some to consider for aging hair:
- Biotin: Also known as vitamin B7, biotin plays a role in the production of keratin, a key protein that makes up hair. Biotin deficiency is rare but can potentially lead to hair loss. Many hair supplements contain biotin.
- Iron: Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies, especially among women, and can contribute to hair shedding. Taking an iron supplement can help correct a deficiency.
- Vitamin C: Vitamin C is needed for the absorption of the hair-healthy mineral iron. It also acts as an antioxidant and is required for collagen production, which can impact hair structure.
- Vitamin D: Some studies have linked vitamin D deficiency to hair loss. Vitamin D may help create new hair follicles and regulate the hair growth cycle.
- Zinc: Zinc is involved in hair tissue growth and repair. Zinc deficiency can lead to hair shedding, so a zinc supplement may be beneficial for some individuals.
- Protein: Hair is predominantly made of protein, so getting enough protein from foods like meat, eggs, beans, and supplements like collagen peptides is important for hair growth.
It’s also important to have realistic expectations when taking hair supplements. They may help provide nutritional support for healthier hair growth, but results can vary and take several months to become noticeable.
