Does hair texture change with age?

The Truth About Changes in Hair Texture with Age

Our hair, just the same as skin, undergoes changes as age catches up with us. All these changes start in our 30s and mature through the ensuing years. In most cases, this really causes a lot of frustration. However, the million-dollar question is, What exactly brings about the change in hair texture as one gets older? Can we do anything to prevent or slow it down?

Why the Change in Hair Texture with Age?

Genetic component majorly controls hair texture. However, during the progression of age, some factors may interplay to cause changes in hair. These include:

Hormonal Changes
Hormonal changes are big influencers of your hair texture. As we age, our body produces less estrogen and progesterone, causing hair thinning, dryness, and brittleness. These hormonal changes can also make more hair grow in unwanted areas such as the chin and upper lip.

Nutrient Deficiencies
A poor diet with the deficiency of many essential vitamins and minerals may alter hair texture. For example, having a lack of iron or vitamin D would definitely thin your hair and make it very brittle because these are what keep the hair follicle healthy.

Environmental factors
That might make hair become dry, weak, and break easily, which means any force would cause it to fall. Further, your hair turns brittle when exposed to these same environmental elements: sun, wind, and pollution. Constant damage from styling products or heat tools wears out the hair with time.

Illness or medication
Specific diseases or medications can cause a change in your hair's texture. An example is chemotherapy; it may thin and weaken a person's hair. Conditions such as thyroid disorders can lead to hair thinning or falling out.

Common Changes in Hair Texture with Age
Understanding the reasons behind the changing of hair texture with age will enable us to know the most common changes to expect:

Thinning
This is a condition where the volume of the hair decreases. Thin hair with senior age is caused by the shrinking of hair follicles. It is a very common problem in women, and it can result from hormonal change, poor nutrition, or genetics.

Graying
Gray hair is part of the normal aging process. With age, people's hair follicles do start to produce less pigment, and this turns their hair gray or white. Genetics mostly determines when and how rapidly graying takes place. Although it can be accelerated by stress and illness, it is controlled by genes.

Dryness
As people grow older, the condition of our hair becomes drier and more breakable. Decreased production of oils in the scalp results in dry, easily broken hair.

Coarseness
Some feel their hair has become coarser and wirier with age. The change in the hair shaft reduces elasticity, which enhances the likelihood of your hair frizzing or becoming rough.

Can You Prevent or Reverse Changes in Hair Texture?
While some changes in hair texture cannot be prevented with aging, measures can be adopted to keep healthy and shiny hair. These include the following:

Having a Healthy Diet
An intake of iron, vitamin D, and biotin promotes healthy hair growth without thinning and breaking.

Using Gentle Hair Care Products
Start by using gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner recommended for your hair. Avoid using harsh hair care products that take away natural oils from the hair and cause harm to it.

Protecting Your Hair from Damage
Also, protect your locks from the environment and heat appliances by wearing hats or scarves while outdoors and reducing the amount of heat tools like curling irons or straighteners.

Treat Underlying Medical Conditions
If your hair texture has been affected by an underlying health condition or medication, consult with your doctor as to whether this may be reversed with treatment.

Conclusion

This can be frustrating, but texture changes in your hair are simply a part of aging. Knowing what causes them and being proactive about taking good care of your hair mean that you can have beautiful, vibrant hair no matter what your age.

https://bit.ly/4bT140u