The
most obvious sign of aging in the hair is changing color.
As we get older our hair begins to produce less melanin…
yes, the same melanin that gives our skin its color. This
causes the hair to become gray.
However,
aging affects our hair in other ways as well. As we age
our hair tends to become drier, and therefore needs more
moisture than before. Older hair also loses some of its
elasticity and as such the texture changes. Some women
will notice that their hair has become thinner and
lifeless, for others it drier and coarse. This happens
because as we age, the size of hair follicles diminishes
and hair growth slows. As a result there is not much new
growth to replace what is lost.
Sebum (oil
produced naturally by the skin) becomes less as the body
ages, thus our hair as a result loses its natural sheen
and softness. Additionally, during menopause the
production of keratin slows. This protein fiber is
important in keeping hair strong and healthy.
In men,
there is the issue of going bald, thinning hair and of
coarser looking hair, especially facial hair. The tips
below are also helpful. Additionally there are products
manufactures specifically for me.
Keeping your Hair Healthy Whatever your Age
Keeping
hair healthy as we age, not only helps to keep us looking
younger, but helps hair maintain its strength and glow.
The following tips are useful in helping to care for our
hair as we age:
·
Choose the right type of hair color to hide gray hair, but
do not go more than two shades darker or lighter than your
natural hair color. If you use do dark a color it will may
emphasize a dull complexion.
·
If you want to keep your gray hair, make sure to use a
shampoo and conditioner that is formulated especially for
gray hair
·
Moisturizing / conditioning is vital for older hair. A
once per week deep conditioning treatment is recommended
for aging hair. This helps to maintain the moisture.
·
Sun protection is also necessary if you have thinning
hair. You can opt to use a moisturizer with sunscreen.
·
As we age our hair loses its elasticity and this makes it
harder to style, but using a protein treatment at least
once per month will help.
·
For both men and women, thinning hair can be given the
look of fullness by using volumizing products such as
conditioners and mousse.
