Thanks to famous women who went gray (and made it a cultural phenomenon), hair care for women over 50 is more on the mind than ever before. Recognizing the need to meet needs, now is a fruitful time to consider how hair thickness and texture can be nurtured through aging, rapid hormonal changes, stressful periods, etc. Here are three experts on hair care for women over 50 about what happens to your hair as it ages, and how to get it to fuller, softer, shinier length. explains in detail what to do.
What happens to your scalp and hair as you age?
It’s inevitable: Over time, your hair will begin to change gradually. You’ll get more white and gray hair,” explains Debra Lin, Ph.D., hair science expert and principal scientist. Director of hair care brand Better Not Younger. In addition to the effects of aging, many women are affected by the transition to menopause, which generally occurs between her 45th and her 55th years. As estrogen levels decline, a potential increase in DHT (dihydrotestosterone) sensitivity, which may be associated with thinning hair and hair loss. As Hill emphasizes, even minor changes in hormones can lead to chronic and serious changes in the scalp. “The aging scalp leads to deterioration of the hair follicles,” Hill explains.
How can I optimize my strength and growth?
When it comes to hair health, it is important to think holistically, taking into account scalp care, hair protection, and ensuring proper dietary nutrition. , exfoliating, moisturizing) are essential at any age, but especially important as we age. “Hair is an extension of the scalp,” says Hill. “The more we keep our scalp microbiome and skin barrier stable, the better it functions. [lessening] Undesirable scalp conditions and possible hair loss. To clear blockages (such as build-up of natural oils and styling products), gently massage the scalp with a brush, such as Manta’s Healthy Hair Brush, or with your fingertips, gently massage as needed. Cleanse thoroughly with a gentle shampoo. Hair scientist and certified hair practitioner Dr. Gabby Longsworth, founder of the natural hair blog Absolutely Everything Curly, says hair tends to become more porous with age, which can lead to more breakage. Therefore, we recommend avoiding shampoos containing sulfates as much as possible. “Causes and exacerbates frizzy, dry, yellowing of gray hair.”
To help rejuvenate your scalp, then consider applying a lightweight, supercharged scalp serum like Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Anti-Hair Fall or Rene Furterer’s Tonucia Natural Filler Concentrated Youth Elixir. For extra moisture and protection, adding a lightweight, hydrating leave-in treatment to your strands can help repair and smooth the cuticle. Good: “Be gentle with your hair and scalp and don’t overuse the product,” says Lynn. “Spreading the product lightly through your hair before applying or spreading the product on your hands will reduce the chances of it weighing down your hair and allow you to reapply if needed. A little product goes a long way!” If you haven’t started embracing your natural gray yet, there are many benefits to transitioning and focusing on enhancing what you have. By dyeing more naturally, you can maintain length and thickness while maintaining a healthy scalp. Finally, nutrition through a balanced diet and/or nutritional supplements can help provide the building blocks, essential vitamins and minerals, and energy needed for healthy hair. Foods rich in B vitamins and omega 3 are most commonly associated with stronger and longer hair. To address nutritional deficiencies, Longsworth recommends taking a daily multivitamin and collagen supplement, the latter especially considering that by your mid-fifties, your body is producing 50% less collagen. It’s worth doing.
What’s the best way to style aging hair for lift and volume?
“Gray hair has more space in the cuticle, and because of this, conditioner molecules can penetrate more quickly and in greater amounts,” says Longsworth. , suggests avoiding or going light on heavy conditioners and leave-in treatments. adds, stresses that fine hair types are better off sacrificing volume definition. “Aging hair often becomes brittle, dry, and thin. Alternatively, consider a lightweight, flattening or straw hair dryer designed for your hair type and texture. Look for products that don’t make you feel like you’re bloating. Thickening products like Better Not Younger’s Lift Me Up Spray and R+Co’s Bleu Magnifier Thickening Spray are packed with volumizing ingredients like biotin to instantly plump your hair. help. Of course, you can also use heat styling tools to add volume, but proceed with caution. A gentle towel dry or a blow dryer on low with a heat protectant spray will help protect the hair from the heat and soften and condition the strands.
