Hair Care Over changes are a natural portion of aging. Changes in thickness, texture, and color gradually creep up on us as we reach the age of forty. From years of heat styling to hormonal fluctuations during menopause, our hair becomes shabby. Just because your hair has changed doesn’t mean it’s impossible to achieve healthy, strong locks.
By making a few changes to your hair care repetitively, you can restore shine, volume, and movement to your mane. Below, you will find everything you need to know about caring for your hair after 40.
Why Does Hair Change with Age?
Usually, the inevitable signs of aging hair appear after 40 years. As you age, your hair’s life cycle shortens, leading to thinning and hair loss. Fluctuating hormones during menopause can also contribute to hair thinning and loss.
During menopause, levels of estrogen, the hormone that promotes hair growth, decrease, triggering the production of testosterone. Testosterone shortens the hair growth phase, making hair grow slower and thinner. Age-related changes in hair can also be the result of genetics, medications, and bad hair care habits.
Scalp-Care Makes a Big Difference
Scalp care is the new buzzword in the hair industry. As we age, scalp cell regeneration slows, impairing the scalp’s ability to retain moisture and deliver nutrients to the follicle. A clean scalp promotes good cell turnover and supports healthy hair growth.
To improve your scalp care, consider adding a scalp exfoliator to your daily routine. A scalp exfoliator cleanses pores by removing dead skin cells, oil, and product residue. Unclogged pores will pave the way for stronger, healthier hair growth.
You can also give yourself a daily scalp massage to recover blood flow in your scalp. Increased blood circulation ensures that your follicles receive the necessary nutrients to support the hair growth cycle.
Don’t Over Wash
Daily washing will not improve the condition of dry and brittle strands. Overwashing your hair strips your scalp of natural oils that moisturize and protect your hair. Moreover, washing your hair too often can make your roots thicker.
The scalp produces more oil to replace the oil produced by over-washing your hair. It is recommended to wash your hair only 2-3 times a week. Prepping your hair can take a few weeks, so wear a hat or invest in some dry shampoo!
Invest in a Deep Conditioner
Deep conditioner is ideal for dry, brittle curls deep conditioners contain natural oils and butter that provide your hair with intense levels of hydration.
Deep conditioning is especially beneficial for restoring heat-damaged hair and color. It supplies hair with the nutrients it needs to repair damage. A deep conditioner will act as a protective layer, locking in moisture and preventing breakage.
Use Hot Tools Sparingly
Years of over-styling can still catch up with you in your 40s. As you age, your hair becomes prone to dryness and breakage, so it’s best to avoid heat if possible. Excessive heat strips hair of moisture and causes the hair cuticle to open, leaving hair vulnerable to breakage.
Heat damage can increase the appearance of split ends and frizz. Maybe it’s time to show your strands some love by enhancing their natural texture or trying heat-free hairstyles.
On bad hair days when you can’t resist using a hot tool, be sure to use an alcohol-free heat protectant. Also, use the correct heat setting on your hot tool—no need to go above 350 degrees.
Be Gentle
One of the easiest ways to take care of aging hair is to be gentle. Your strands are more fragile than ever, so they should be combed and styled with extra care. After showering, do not rub wet hair with a cotton towel. Instead, try wrapping damp hair in a microfiber towel and then gently wringing excess moisture from your strands.
To thoroughly remove tangles, comb the ends first and then work down to the roots. Additional ways to take good care of your hair include using fabric hair ties and sleeping on a silk pillowcase.
Your Diet Matters
The condition of your hair is an external reflection of your internal health. For hair to grow strong and healthy, it wants essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. Frizzy, dry, and damaged hair can be a sign that your diet is unbalanced.
To strengthen your hair, include the following nutrients in your diet:
- Protein: Chicken, turkey, fish, and dairy.
- Iron: Broccoli, cabbage and lentils.
- Vitamin A: Carrots, pumpkin, and sweet potatoes.
- Vitamin C: Blueberries, citrus fruits, sweet potatoes and strawberries.
- Biotin: egg yolks, raspberries, peanuts and bananas.
- Omega-3: salmon, sardines, trout, avocados and walnuts.
You can also take a daily supplement rich in essential vitamins to improve the health of your hair.
Make Time for Routine Trims
There is no magical cure for split ends: if they split, they split. Split ends occur when the hair separates from the hair shaft. If not taken care of, broken ends can split the shaft, causing further damage. Regular trimming every 6-8 weeks will keep your hair looking fresh and vibrant. Regular dusting helps control damage and reduces split ends.
Keep your stress under control.
Stress can cause hair thinning and loss. High levels of stress are usually associated with a kind of hair loss named telogen effluvium. With telogen effluvium, stress causes hair follicles to enter a resting phase, so they do not produce new strands. Over several months, when your follicles remain in the resting phase, your hair may fall out. Unwind from a long day by taking a walk outside or reading your favorite book.
Conclusion
Hair changes as you age, as do many aspects of your body. Luckily, there are sufficient tips and tricks to keep your locks looking vibrant and youthful. Upgrade your hair care routine with a scalp exfoliator and deep conditioner, and eat a balanced diet for healthy hair in your 40s and beyond.
