What happens to our hair as we age? What can we do to help our hair age gracefully?
Changes with our aging hair:
As we age, both our hair and scalp undergo noticeable changes. These include a decrease in melanin production leading to graying, thinning hair, slower growth, and a change in texture, often becoming drier and more brittle. Additionally, hair follicles may produce less sebum, the scalp's natural oil, causing dryness and increased susceptibility to damage. Hair that was thick when we were younger, may become thinner and may fall out more frequently. Hair strands may become smaller.
What causes these aging changes of our hair and scalp?
Family history (heredity). The most common cause of hair loss is a hereditary condition that happens with aging. This condition is called androgenic alopecia, male-pattern baldness and female-pattern baldness. It usually occurs gradually and in predictable patterns — a receding hairline and bald spots in men and thinning hair along the crown of the scalp in women.
Hormonal changes and medical conditions. A variety of conditions can cause permanent or temporary hair loss, including hormonal changes due to pregnancy, childbirth, menopause and thyroid problems. Medical conditions affecting the immune system can cause patchy hair loss and scalp infections such as ringworm. Hormonal changes can also cause a hair-pulling disorder called trichotillomania (trik-o-til-o-MAY-nee-uh). Both male and female hormones affect hair growth.
Menopause is the time in a woman's life where her monthly menstrual cycle stops. When this happens, it lowers the production of estrogen and progesterone. These hormones help hair grow faster and stay on the head for longer periods of time. When there’s less of the hormone, there is less hair.
Male hormones are known as androgens, a category that includes testosterone. Androgens stimulate hair growth on the face and body and create fuller, thicker hair on the head.
Medications and supplements. Hair loss can be a side effect of certain drugs, such as those used for cancer, arthritis, depression, heart problems, gout and high blood pressure.
Nutritional deficiencies. Consuming a diet lacking the right nutrients can lead to hair loss.
Radiation therapy to the head. The hair may not grow back the same as it was before.
A very stressful event. Many people experience a general thinning of hair several months after a physical or emotional shock. This type of hair loss is temporary.
Hairstyles and treatments. Excessive hairstyling or hairstyles that pull your hair tight, such as pigtails or cornrows, can cause a type of hair loss called traction alopecia. Hot-oil hair treatments and permanents also can cause hair to fall out. If scarring occurs, hair loss could be permanent.
What can we do to prevent damage to our hair and additional hair loss as we age?
When it comes to hair coloring you should consult your stylist who is specially trained to choose the product that is the best fit for your scalp and hair type. Your stylist can also help you choose the hair care and styling products that will work best with your hair type. Below is some brief information to get you started and help you understand the different products available.
Shampooing hair less frequently - It's generally not necessary, and for some, it can even be detrimental, to wash your hair every day. While daily washing may be appropriate for those with very oily hair or those who sweat heavily, most people can benefit from washing less frequently. Over-washing can strip the hair of its natural oils, leading to dryness, breakage, and an irritated scalp.
Focus on products that provide hydration, nourishment, and protection. Look for shampoos and conditioners with moisturizing and strengthening ingredients like keratin, biotin, and argan oil. Hair masks, leave-in treatments, and serums can also be beneficial for maintaining youthful-looking hair.
Use conditioner and volumizer - Using a conditioner after you shampoo your hair can help add moisture to replenish hair’s sheen and natural oils that may have been stripped away. You can add volumizers to strengthen each strand of hair, plumping it up and adding more volume overall.
Volumizing Products: Purpose: Combat thinning and loss of density, making hair appear fuller.
Look for: Products containing volumizing ingredients like biotin, caffeine, or thickening agents.
Example: R+Co Dallas Biotin Thickening Shampoo.
Scalp Treatments: Purpose: Promote a healthy scalp environment for optimal hair growth and vitality.
Look for: Scalp serums with ingredients like caffeine, saw palmetto, or peppermint oil, which can stimulate the scalp and hair follicles.
Example: Better Not Younger Superpower Fortifying Hair & Scalp Serum.
Hair Masks:
Purpose: Deeply nourish and hydrate, providing intense moisture and revitalization.
Look for: Masks with moisturizing and illuminating properties, like the Kérastase Chronologiste Intense Masque.
Oils:
Purpose: Add shine, tame frizz, and provide deep conditioning.
Look for: Argan oil, coconut oil, or other nourishing oils.
Example: Inoar Argan Oil Hair Treatment Oil.
Try to avoid daily heat styling tools - like blow dryers, curling wands, and flat irons. Using these tools occasionally is usually fine. However, if you use them every day it can be extremely damaging to your hair. If you do use heat-styling tools, apply a heat protectant to your hair before you use them. This can add moisture and give your hair a protective coating.
Eat a protein-rich diet - As you age, it’s common to start eating less. Sometimes, this may lead you to become nutritionally deficient. Because hair follicles are made mostly of protein, it’s important to include protein into your diet.
Vitamins for Hair Growth - Adding vitamins & supplements such as fish oil, zinc, B-complex vitamin, vitamin C, iron, vitamin D, Saw Palmetto, vitamin A, Ashwaganda and other supplements have had promising results in improving hair thickness and growth.
Before adding any vitamins, supplements or over-the-counter medications, always consult your doctor to be sure they do not interfere with your current medications or will not cause complications to any of your current medical conditions.
Check your medications - Some medications can interfere with hair growth or loss. Your doctor can advise you on how to help counteract the negative effects.
The above information has been referenced from Google search and the following sources:
References
Axe, D. (2024, October 2). Best Supplements and Vitamins for Hair Growth. Dr. Axe. https://draxe.com/nutrition/vitamins-for-hair-growth/Contributors, W. E. (n.d.). How to Maintain Hair Growth After 50. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/maintain-hair-growth-after-50
Google. (2025). Google. Google.com. https://www.google.com/search
Mayo Clinic. (2019). Hair loss - Symptoms and causes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hair-loss/symptoms-causes/syc-20372926