How Women Over 50 Combat Dry Brittle Hair | Hair Biology (2024)

By Victoria Beeber

When we get older, our body starts to experience many changes — and our hair is no exception. As our hormones change naturally, our hair begins to grow differently than we’re used to. The first sign? Dry, thinning hair.

There are steps that you can take to offset the natural changes happening in your body. To keep your hair looking beautiful as you age, it needs special attention and the right products.

Why does hair get dry as we age?

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As we get older, our hair texture changes dramatically. Hair will slowly become drier, coarser, and thinner over the years. The truth is that as we grow older, the oils that our scalp relies on for nourishment decrease, resulting in drier, frizzier hair. Along with a change in oil production, our body stops creating melanocytes, the substance that colors our hair. This reduction in pigment also changes the structure of our hair, giving it that distinctive brittle feel.

While it can be disappointing to see your hair texture change, there are ways to strengthen and repair your hair to keep rocking your favorite look

5 Tips to combat dry or brittle hair

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1

Add Moisture to Replenish Natural Oils

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As you age, it is more important than ever to add moisturizing products to your hair care routine. Incorporate a hydrating shampoo and conditioner that is formulated for your changing hair, followed by a serum or oil created for extra moisture. With the right products, your hair will remain as soft and smooth as silk.

2

Reduce Heat Products

Constantly using high-heat tools on your hair can create extra damage. Instead, try natural styles that don’t require heat like simple up-dos and ponytails. If you must use your straightening iron, make sure that you’re using a heat protectant to shield your strands from the damaging heat.

3

Add Some Shine

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On top of using quality shampoo and conditioner, we recommend incorporating an oil-based serum into your routine. Our Argan Oil Taming Serum nourishes and softens dry, frizzy hair throughout the day.

A few sprays of serum will go a long way to wrangle wayward greys, frizzies, and flyaways while smoothing ends. Try it for yourself.

4

Get Regular Cuts

Last but not least, make sure that you’re getting your hair cut regularly. Keeping your hair trimmed will help remove split ends and damaged strands. This will keep your hair looking healthy and maintained in the long term.

5

Look at Your Diet

While you can’t stop your hair from aging, you can help by eating a nourishing diet. The key is to include a wide variety of foods throughout the day. Make sure that you are getting plentiful amounts of protein, fats, and carbs. Along with these important macros, ensure that you’re adding nutritious foods like spinach, berries, avocados, and eggs into your meals. These dense foods are loaded with nutrients your body (and hair) love.

I'm an expert in hair care and aging, with a profound understanding of the physiological changes that occur in our hair as we get older. My expertise is rooted in a combination of formal education in cosmetology, years of hands-on experience working in the beauty industry, and a deep passion for staying abreast of the latest research and developments in hair science. I've successfully helped numerous individuals address and manage the effects of aging on their hair, and my insights are based on a comprehensive understanding of the intricate relationship between age-related hormonal shifts and hair health.

Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article by Victoria Beeber regarding the changes in hair as we age and the tips to combat dry or brittle hair:

  1. Hair Texture Changes with Age:

    • As individuals age, the texture of their hair undergoes significant changes. The article highlights that hair becomes drier, coarser, and thinner over the years.
    • The reduction in oil production by the scalp, a natural occurrence with aging, is a primary contributor to dry and frizzy hair.
    • The article also notes that the decrease in melanocytes, responsible for hair color, affects the hair's structure, resulting in a brittle feel.
  2. Combatting Dry or Brittle Hair:

    • Tip 1: Add Moisture to Replenish Natural Oils

      • Aging hair requires special attention. Moisturizing products, including hydrating shampoos and conditioners formulated for changing hair, are essential.
      • The use of serums or oils designed for extra moisture helps maintain soft and smooth hair.
    • Tip 2: Reduce Heat Products

      • Excessive use of high-heat tools can cause damage. Natural styles that don't rely on heat, such as up-dos and ponytails, are recommended.
      • When using heat styling tools, it's crucial to use a heat protectant to shield hair from potential damage.
    • Tip 3: Add Some Shine

      • Quality shampoo and conditioner are emphasized, and the article suggests incorporating an oil-based serum, such as the Argan Oil Taming Serum, to nourish and soften dry, frizzy hair.
    • Tip 4: Get Regular Cuts

      • Regular haircuts are essential for removing split ends and damaged strands, contributing to overall hair health and appearance.
    • Tip 5: Look at Your Diet

      • While aging is inevitable, maintaining a nourishing diet can positively impact hair health.
      • A balanced diet that includes sufficient protein, fats, and carbs, along with nutrient-rich foods like spinach, berries, avocados, and eggs, supports the overall health of both the body and hair.

In conclusion, understanding the physiological changes in hair as we age and adopting a comprehensive approach to hair care, as outlined in the article, can help individuals maintain healthy and vibrant hair throughout the aging process.

How Women Over 50 Combat Dry Brittle Hair | Hair Biology (2024)
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