Aging Hair: Understanding How Your Hair Changes and What To Do About It

When it comes to tackling aging, it’s natural to turn your attention to your skin care routine. However, aging is not only reserved for your skin. Aging hair is real, and it’s a topic you may want to get acquainted with.

Just as you can’t prevent your skin from aging, aging hair is a fact of life. However, also like your skin, you can follow an anti-aging routine to help prevent and reduce the signs of aging. Locking down a solid anti-aging hair-care routine allows you to give your locks the TLC that they need in order for you to maintain a healthy-looking mane. Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about aging hair and how to manage it.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF AGING HAIR?

Caring for aging hair comes with its own set of challenges. The first step, however, is easy: identifying signs of aging. These signs may not be news to most, but it’s important to know what to look out for. Here are four indicators of aging hair, courtesy of the Cleveland Clinic.

1. Gray hair. You definitely know this one. It happens to some people in their 20s and others in their 30s, but eventually, there are natural pigment changes that occur in hair as you age. The pigment cells decrease in production, which leads to your natural hair color fading and eventually turning gray.

2. Hair loss. It’s also common to see hair loss become your new normal. Per the Cleveland Clinic, as your hair ages, it has a shortened life cycle. This leads to shorter, finer hair falling out. However, the hair is usually replaced with new, even finer strands. Keep in mind, there are a variety of reasons why hair loss becomes a factor during aging, such as hereditary, reduced hormonal support, and nutritional deficiencies.

3. Hair production stops. Once menopause starts, the hormones that help stimulate follicle fibers are diminished and can cause a slight dominance of testosterone. This leads to eventual thinning and halts hair follicles from producing more hair, according to the Cleveland Clinic.

4. Change in hair texture. Does your hair suddenly not just look different but feel different, too? Per the Cleveland Clinic, your hair naturally changes its texture over time. This can also be a result of menopause.

CAN I STOP MY HAIR FROM AGING?

Like it or not, there is no escaping aging hair. Keep in mind, that doesn’t mean you can’t take the proper steps to achieve and maintain healthy-looking locks. As we mentioned, it’s all about finding the right anti-aging hair-care routine along with a few tweaks to stay ahead of the game. Speaking of which…

6 WAYS TO MANAGE AGING HAIR

Now that you have a bit of background on aging hair, it’s time to put your knowledge to use and incorporate the following five tips into your anti-aging hair-care routine.

1. CUT BACK ON WASHING YOUR HAIR

You may love to wash your mane every chance you get, but it’s not the best idea for aging hair. The Cleveland Clinic notes that washing too frequently can cause hair to become dry and brittle. Be sure not to go overboard with shampoo, but focus on washing your scalp at least twice a week. You should also always remember to use a shampoo that complements your hair type.

2. USE THE RIGHT HAIR-CARE PRODUCTS

It’s smart to opt for hair-care products that will do your aging mane justice. This means reaching for ultra-nourishing formulas. Keep things simple and try the L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Shampoo and L’Oréal Paris EverPure Moisture Conditioner. This sulfate-free duo is formulated with rosemary to deeply replenish dry hair with moisture. You’ll be able to score soft strands with luminous shine.

3. MAKE VOLUMIZING STYLING PRODUCTS YOUR BFF

It’s common to find that thin hair can boast a limp and dull-looking appearance. This is where volumizing products can work in your favor. Per the Cleveland Clinic, volumizers work like a splint to strengthen each strand of hair. Grab a volumizing spray such as the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle BOOST IT High Lift Creation Spray. This beauty staple gives your locks instant fullness and body for a textured look.

4. FORGO DAILY HEAT STYLING

Hot tools may be your go-to for styling, but they can adversely affect your aging strands. The Cleveland Clinic states that you should limit your heat usage to one or two days a week. This will help hair bounce back from the damage they inflict quicker. Of course, when you do break out your curling wand or straightener, you should make it a point to always use a heat protectant. Try the L’Oréal Paris Advanced Hairstyle SLEEK IT Iron Straight Heatspray, which works to seal in shine, calm frizz, and protect your hair from heat damage.

5. CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR

If you notice that you’re still experiencing hair loss or shedding, it may be time to talk with your doctor. According to the Cleveland Clinic, you may be taking medications that are contributing to your hair falling out. A dermatologist can help you look into ways to counter these effects.

Next: Now that you know how to manage aging hair, it’s only right to step things up with your skin care routine. Click through to our article, 7 Aging Skin Concerns and How to Address Them, for some pointers.