Why Your Hair Behaves Differently After 40 - And What To Do About It
You’re Not Imagining It - Your Hair Is Definitely Changing
Have you noticed that your hair feels drier, looks duller, grows at a snail’s pace and even sheds much more, now that you are over 40? You’re not alone - millions of women are experiencing the very same thing and guess what, it’s not simply “hair type” or “bad products”.
When a woman reaches the age of 40 and over, her body goes through significant biological and hormonal changes that affects both her scalp and her strands. That can be very frustrating and even scary.
However, understanding these changes and adapting her diet, lifestyle and haircare routine to support growth and retention, puts her in a more comfortable position to tackle it with ease and grace.
Let’s unpack what’s happening and what to do next.
The 3 Major Changes In Hair After 40
Hormonal Fluctuations Heavily Affect Growth Cycles - estrogen is a hormone primarily responsible for the development and regulation of the female reproductive system. It is also responsible for the sexual characteristics like breast and hips. It plays an important role in menstrual cycle regulation, bone health, hair growth, mood and skin elasticity.
As estrogen begins to decline, especially during perimenopause (stage before menopause) and menopause, the phase where the hair grows, shortens, called the Anagen Phase. This causes more follicles to shift into the stage where the hair sheds, called the Telogen Phase.
This can create noticeable thinning of the hair where you see a more visible scalp, or your partings become wider and slower hair regrowth.
2. Sebum Production Decreases - Dry Hair - Sebum is an oily, waxy substance produced by the sebaceous glands which are found in the skin - especially on the scalp, face and upper body. Its main functions are to moisturize and protect the skin and hair. It also creates a barrier against bacteria, environmental damage and maintains the skin’s pH and microbial balance.
Estrogen plays a key role in regulating the skin’s sebum production. As estrogen level drops during perimenopause and menopause, sebum production decreases. The consequences are skin dryness and itchiness, dry scalp and hair, weakened skin barrier, loss of elasticity and firmness and thinner more brittle hair.
3. Grey Hair Acts Differently - The hair follicles produce cells called melanocytes. These melanocytes produce melanin, which is the pigment that gives hair its color. With age, the melanocytes become less active or die. Consequently, melanin level drops and hair turns grey. Grey hairs therefore are coarser, wirier and drier than pigmented strands, causing them to be prone to breakage.
What You Can Do About It:
Have a Moisture Routine Tailored To Your Hair needs - combatting hair dryness is one of the most important aspects of maintaining a lusturous head of natural hair, especially after 40 years and over. A moisture routine that includes moisture products, a moisturizing schedule, tools and protective styling, to fit your hair need and goals, will not only add moisture to your strands but also help it to retain moisture better and for a longer period of time.
Be Gentle With Your Scalp - avoid harsh shampoos that strip the scalp of moisture. Use gentle cleansers that support a healthy scalp microbiome. Massage your scalp regularly, using natural oils that are both anti-fungal and anti-bacterial, to stimulate blood flow and foster follicle health.
Focus On Hair Length Retention - we have learnt that after 40 years and over, our hair growth rate naturally slows due to hormonal changes, etc. Hence, focusing on maintaining the length and volume of our strands will help us to achieve realistic hair goals. We can do this by:
* Having a moisture routine tailored to our hair needs.
* Protective styling (low manipulation styles).
* Reducing direct heat
* Deep Conditioning to strengthen strands and assist with moisture retention.
Focus On Internal Health - eating nutritious foods that support hormonal balance, brain health, scalp and hair health is very important, especially in dealing with menopausal symptoms. Managing stress, having a good sleep pattern and prioritizing emotional and spiritual health, is not only necessary for hair and scalp health but wholesome, holistic functioning.
