What You Need to Know About Hair Care Over 40

Hair changes are a natural part of aging. Changes in thickness, texture, and color slowly creep up on us as we enter our forties. From the years of heat styling to hormonal fluctuations during menopause, our hair eventually becomes weathered. Just because your hair has changed, doesn’t mean achieving healthy strong locks is impossible.

With a few adjustments to your hair-care routine, you can regain the shine, volume, and movement your mane once had. Below you will find everything you need to know about hair care over 40.

Why Does Hair Change with Age?

Oftentimes, the inevitable signs of aging hair appear in your 40s. As you age, your hair has a shorter life cycle, causing thin, fine hairs to fall out. Menopausal hormone fluctuations also may contribute to hair thinning and hair loss.

During menopause your levels of estrogen, the hormone that promotes hair growth, diminishes, giving rise to testosterone. Testosterone shortens the hair growth phase, which makes the hair grow slower and finer. Aging hair changes 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 you age, your scalp’s cell regeneration slows, which impairs its 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 introducing a scalp exfoliator to your routine. A scalp exfoliator will unclog your pores by removing dead skin cells, oil, and product buildup. Clear pores will make way for stronger, healthier hair growth.

You may also give yourself daily scalp massages to increase blood circulation to your scalp. Increased blood circulation ensures your follicles derive the essential nutrients to support the hair-growth cycle.

Don’t Over Wash

Daily washes will do no favors to dry and brittle aging strands. Over-washing your hair strips your scalp of its natural oils that hydrate and protect your tresses. Also, washing your hair too much can make roots greasier.

Your scalp produces more oil to replace the oil that is stripped from over-washing your hair. It is recommended to only wash your hair 2-3 times a week. It may take a few weeks to train your hair, so wear a hat or reach for the dry shampoo!

Invest in a Deep Conditioner

A deep conditioner is a perfect pick-me-up for dry, brittle locks. Deep conditioners are packed with natural oils and butter that offer your hair an intense level of hydration.

Deep conditioning is especially helpful to bring heat and color-damaged hair back to life. It supplies the hair with nutrients that are vital to repair the damage. A deep conditioner will act as a protective layer by locking in moisture and preventing breakage.

Use Hot Tools Sparingly

The years of excessive heat-styling may catch up to you in your 40s. With age, hair becomes prone to dryness and breakage, so it is best to skip the heat whenever possible. Excessive heat strips the hair of its moisture and causes the hair cuticle to open, leaving your hair susceptible to damage.

Heat damage can exaggerate the appearance of split-ends and frizz. It may be time to show your strands some love by embracing your natural texture or trying a few no-heat hairstyles.

On bad hair days when skipping the hot tool isn’t an option, be sure to use an alcohol-free heat protectant. Also, use the proper heat setting on your hot tool—it is unnecessary to exceed 350 degrees.

Be Gentle

One of the simplest ways to take care of aging hair is to be gentle. Your strands are more fragile than before, so they must be brushed and styled with extra care. After your shower, avoid rubbing your wet hair with a cotton towel. Instead, try wrapping your wet hair in a microfiber towel and then gently blot the excess moisture from your strands.

To carefully work through tangles, brush your ends first and then make your way to your roots. Additional ways to treat your hair gently include using fabric-covered hair ties and sleeping on a silk pillowcase.

Your Diet Matters

The condition of your hair is an outward reflection of internal health. Your hair requires essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to grow strong and healthy. Frizzy, dry, and broken hair may be a sign that your diet is imbalanced.

Include the following nutrients into your diet to strengthen your tresses:

Protein: chicken, turkey, fish and dairy products

Iron: broccoli, kale, and lentils

Vitamin A: carrots, pumpkins, and sweet potatoes

Vitamin C: blueberries, citrus fruits, sweet potatoes, and strawberries

Biotin: egg yolks, raspberries, nuts and bananas

Omega-3: salmon, sardines, trout, avocado, and walnuts

You may also take a daily supplement rich in the necessary vitamins to boost your hair’s health.

Make Time for Routine Trims

There is no magical cure to fuse split ends—once they’re split, they’re split. Split ends occur when the hair separates from the shaft. If frayed ends are left unattended, they can split further up the shaft, causing even more damage. A routine trim, every 6-8 weeks, will keep your hair looking fresh and vitalized. Regular dustings serve as damage control, to reduce split ends.

Keep Stress at Bay

Stress can be a culprit of hair thinning and hair loss. High stress levels are commonly associated with a type of hair loss called telogen effluvium. In telogen effluvium, stress pushes the hair follicles into a resting phase, so they don’t produce new strands. Within a few months of your follicles remaining in the resting phase, hair can fall out. Unwind from a long day by taking a walk outside or reading your favorite book.

Conclusion

Hair changes with age just like many aspects of your body. Luckily, there are plenty of tips and tricks to keep your strands lively and youthful. Enhance your hair-care routine with a scalp exfoliator and deep conditioner and prioritize a well-balanced diet to achieve healthy hair in your 40s and beyond.