Change is one of the most constant things in life. It is the essence of life and a major indication of growth and decay. While some changes are desirable and others aren’t, the human body, especially the hair, undergoes several physiological changes as we age.
Unfortunately, most people don’t pay close attention to these changes until it becomes evident. But, if you do, and you’re wondering how our hair ages or you’re curious about the processes of change that bring the effect, you’re at the right place. This post will clarify all your curiosity as we’ll examine how our hair ages and give a few insights on what to do as our hair ages.
As it ages, the hair experiences multiple changes. It is a complex process triggered by a reduction in melanocytic activity in the skin. That is a reduction in the production of melanin. Once this starts, it begins to show several signs.
What Happens as Our Hair Age?
Many things show our hair is aging. These signs go from changes in size to texture, then color. The following are some of the things that happen:
Color Change
The color change is the foremost and most evident signal that indicates our hair is aging. Normally, the hair gets its color from combining two pigments: eumelanin and pheomelanin. Once these pigments fail to blend, there’s a stop to melanin production in the hair root.
At this point, new hair grows, but there’s a change in its color. For most people, the color changes to gray, then turn white after a period. As much as this color is identified with old age, it can begin at a younger age from 25 – 30 years. However, a white or gray hair strand is hereditary for some people, and it can show at any time of their life.
Hair Thinning
Another thing that shows hair is aging is hair thinning. Hair thinning can be a result of several other things like over-treating the hair, using searing products, stress, and so on. But it is an indication for hair aging.
Whether you’re born with thick hair or not, it’ll get thinner as it ages, and this is partly due to its short life cycle. Usually, once the hair falls, it gets replaced when you’re younger. But as you age and the hormone which facilitates the follicle that produces hair diminishes, the hair becomes thinner, and sometimes growth stops.
Change in Texture
As the hair ages, it becomes frizzy, and you’ll begin to have flyaways. Also, no matter how curly your hair might be, it loses the strength to maintain its initial pattern because the fibers around the hair also lose their conformity. So, these combine to affect the hair texture.
Dryness
One of the many markers of youthfulness concerning hair is the excessive production of oil. However, once the hair starts to age, the hair follicles produce smaller oil that’ll be sufficient for the hair itself and the scalp, the implication of which is dryness. So, as much as you can manage dryness with products that improve the hair’s moisture, dryness is inevitable.
Baldness
After every one of the effects mentioned above has taken a due course, if baldness doesn’t happen in-between, it is the ultimate end that shows our hair is aging. It happens way earlier for men, while women experience it later. However, both genders can experience baldness due to hair aging regardless of when it happens.
How Should You Care for Your Hair as it Ages?
As hair aging is almost unavoidable, you can adopt lifestyle changes that support hair maintenance and growth. These includes:
Washing less often
As strange as it might seem, washing your hair less often can save it from dryness. The sebum produced from your scalp is very important to your hair’s health, and constant washing can deprive you of the value of this natural oil. So, it’s okay to go 2-3 days without lathering your hair.
Eating foods that are rich in protein
As hair follicles are made of protein, it’s in your best interest to add a decent amount of protein to your diet. Several foods make a good option. For example, you can take eggs, spinach, red meat, avocados, berries, and so on. You can also add some multivitamins, which would supply nutrients you won’t get from food.
Using the right products
While there are so many easy-to-use hair products out there, it’s important to use the services of a stylist. A professional stylist can help determine the right products and the best that befits your hair type. Additionally, avoid heating your hair, and if you must, use a heat protectant before use. Heat protectant works as a shield for your hair strands against the effect of heat.
Using a volumizer and hair conditioner
A volumizer does a good job against hair aging. It plumps and strengthens every strand of the hair, giving it a very youthful look. Also, you’re required to use shampoo a few times. Ensure you use hair conditioners afterward. It adds moisture to the hair and replenishes the sebum that the shampoo might have washed off.
Checking Your Prescribed Medications
You must seek your doctor’s opinion on your medication. For example, some medications affect hair growth and might worsen your aging hair. So, ask for help on how to counteract the bad effects of these medications on your hair.
When Should You See A doctor?
While all the care suggestions mentioned above guarantee a considerable level of potency, it might not be the solution when there’s an underlying health condition. As such, it’s important to always visit the doctor for a professional opinion on any changes like sudden hair loss, whether from combing or washing.
Final Thoughts
As you already know, hair aging is inevitable. It is a part of the change our bodies experience throughout our lives. But this doesn’t mean aging hair can’t be managed. Hence, the need to follow the steps mentioned above.