What Really Happens to Your Hair as You Age?

With age comes wisdom and confidence…but also physical changes that might not be as welcome. Just like our skin, muscles, and bones undergo various transformations through the years, our hair also evolves with age. Understanding these changes and adapting your haircare strategies accordingly can help you maintain healthy locks for the long haul.

How Does Your Hair Change as You Age?

As we age, our hair undergoes a series of changes that can affect its texture, thickness, and color. Here are some common ones:

• Thinning Hair: One of the most noticeable changes is the thinning of hair. Hair follicles may gradually shrink, resulting in finer strands. Additionally, the growth cycle of hair follicles becomes shorter, leading to reduced hair density.

• Graying Hair: The pigment cells in hair follicles gradually decrease with age, causing a decrease in melanin production. As a result, hair loses its natural color and turns gray or white.

• Reduced Oil Production: Sebaceous glands, responsible for oil production in the scalp, become less active over time. This can lead to hair becoming drier, more brittle, and more susceptible to damage.

Why Do You Lose Hair as You Age?

Hair loss is a common concern as we age, for both men and women. By age 50, over 85 percent of men will experience hair loss, and over half of women will experience thinning hair during their lifetimes. Several factors contribute to this phenomenon, including:

• Hormonal Changes: Fluctuations in hormone levels, particularly during menopause in women, can contribute to hair thinning and loss. Hormonal imbalances affect the hair growth cycle, leading to shorter growth phases and longer resting phases.

• Genetic Predisposition: Genetics play a significant role in determining hair loss patterns. Androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as male or female pattern baldness, is often hereditary and results in progressive hair thinning.

How to Maintain Healthy Hair for Years to Come

Even though age-related hair changes are inevitable, there are steps you can take to keep your hair looking shiny, healthy, and strong: 

1. Wash less frequently. Frequent shampooing can strip your hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness and damage. Opt for shampoos free of sulfate detergents (which can be drying) and limit hair washing to 2–3 times per week.
2. Choose the right products. Look for shampoos and conditioners that optimize scalp health, nourish hair with moisturizing ingredients, and create the look of fullness—like our Thickening Shampoo and Thickening Conditioner.
3. Try a hair volumizer. If your hair is fine or thinning, these products can help you achieve more volume. Our Volume Enhancing Foam is a physician-developed formula that adds body and boosts hair’s vitality. It’s made with our proprietary BioPeptin Complex®, which helps condition, strengthen, and soften hair while defending from breakage and brittleness.
4. Eat a healthy, protein-rich diet. A well-balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals is crucial for healthy hair. Include foods such as lean meats, fish, eggs, fruits, vegetables, and nuts in your daily meals.

Aging hair is a natural part of life's journey. By understanding the changes hair undergoes and adopting a holistic approach to hair care, we can embrace its unique beauty at any age. Here’s to healthy, luxurious locks for years to come!