We all know that grey hair starts to show up in your 40s, but did you know that your hair and scalp go through a lot of other changes, too? Just like we change our skin care routine to fit our changing skin, it’s important to know about changes in your hair so you can give it the right care. Next, we’ll talk about the most common hair problems and changes you can expect in each decade. We’ll also give you some expert tips on how to take care of your hair.
- Celebrity hairstylist and Hairapy Haircare brand ambassador TerraRose Puncerelli
- Lindsay Johnson is a hair stylist who works in Madison, Connecticut.
- Stylist and owner of Studio Linea, Alanah Kenyon
In your 20s
In your 20s, you can try new things in almost every area of your life, including your hair. Your hair changes a lot because you try out new shapes and styles, use bleach, colour, extensions, and heat styling and more. That being said, you should focus on keeping your hair healthy and strong in your 20s.
TerraRose Puncerelli, a celebrity hairstylist and brand ambassador for Hairapy Haircare, says, “If you use too many chemicals, cheap products, or too much heat, you’re going to destroy the hair follicles, and it becomes a whole mission to restore that.” “To keep your hair healthy, you should get regular trims hair treatments, and chemical services only when you really need them. You should also use sulfate-free products.”
You might also have an oily scalp in your 20s. Our skin is naturally oilier when we’re teens and 20s Wash your hair regularly, but don’t overdo it You may have used too much shampoo if your hair or scalp feels dirty, oily, or itchy. When used in moderation, products like dry shampoo that help soak up oiliness can work.
Main Changes and Worries
- Damage from chemical processing
- Damage from heat styling
- Alopecia due to tight hairstyles or extensions
- Scalp and strands that are oily
Your 30s
Hormonal changes can cause your hair and scalp to change in density texture, and even colour as you get older. “Women in their childbearing years can expect some crazy changes to their hair,” says hairstylist Lindsay Johnson. “During pregnancy their hair may become beautiful, shiny and thick, but it may start to fall out three to six months after giving birth.”
“Based on what I’ve seen in clients and what I’ve been through myself hair goes back to ‘normal’ about a year after giving birth.”
You also start to notice grey hairs more often in your 30s. Genetics are the most important factor, but stress, diet, and some health problems can also make things worse. That being said, greying is a perfectly normal part of life. It happens as people get older because the hair follicles stop making melanin.
Puncerelli says, “This is also the age when I suggest starting to use a shampoo and conditioner that thickens hair.” “The reason this is important is that we want to encourage hair growth when you’re young so that you don’t lose your hair when you’re older.” You may notice that your scalp is less oily and/or a little drier as you get older This makes your hair look duller though.
Main Changes and Worries
- Possible loss of volume as a result of natural ageing
- Telogen Effluvium (temporary hair loss caused by changes in hormones or the body)
- Grey hair starts to grow (this depends on genetics and other life factors)
- Possible dryness on the scalp and dullness as a result
- Hair growth is slower.
Your 40s
You really start to notice changes in your hair in your 40s. It could feel drier, a little more brittle, or not as full as it used to. Alanah Kenyon, a stylist and owner of Studio Linea, says that oil production slows down a lot.
“Some people start to lose a little hair, especially around the temples and crown.” Kenyon says that this is also when grey hairs tend to show up more. “The most important thing is to stay hydrated. To keep everything in balance, think about shampoos that add moisture, deep conditioning treatments, and scalp care.
She likes to use semi-permanent hair colour on her clients because it makes it easier to blend and hide grey hair She also says that a great haircut that works with how your hair changes texture can make a big difference, especially if you want to blend your greys instead of fully covering them.
Puncerelli says that you should add a restorative scalp serum to your routine You should also use shampoo, conditioner, and treatments that are rich in moisture to keep your scalp and hair bouncy, strong, and shiny.
Main Changes and Worries
- Greying that is more noticeable
- Changes in hormones can make hair thinner.
- Less oil production makes the scalp drier and the hair more brittle.
- Hair grows more slowly
- More likely to get hurt by chemical processing and heat styling
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Your 50s
Your 50s are a continuation of the problems you may have had in your 40s, and they may get worse because of the hormonal changes that come with menopause Your hair gets thinner, greyer, and your scalp gets drier more easily as you get older. All of these changes can have an effect on how your hair grows and shines.
“This is where taking care of your scalp really matters. Kenyon says that regular massages exfoliation, and treatments that improve circulation can help keep hair healthier and stronger. “If you colour your hair, now is the time to go for softer, more dimensional colours or glossing treatments to keep things looking new and bright without having to do a lot of work.”
Also, using hydrating serums, light oils and gentle cleansing routines can help keep your scalp balanced and your hair looking fuller It’s also a great time to try out soft layers or cuts that fit your body and add volume and movement.
Main Changes and Worries
- More grey hair (by the end of the decade, about 50% of your hair will be grey)
- Changes in texture, like strands that break easily or a wiry feel, are caused by hormonal changes and a drop in keratin and natural oils.
- Slower hair growth and more shedding can make hair thinner and less full.
- Scalp that is dry and hair that is dull
- Still sensitive to damage from heat styling or chemical processing
Your 60s and beyond
As you get older, your hair naturally gets thinner, and grey hair often feels coarser or wiry. Kenyon says that many people choose to embrace their tinsel at this point. A clear or tinted gloss can keep your strands shiny and bright. A purple toning shampoo can also help keep your hair from turning yellow or brassy.
“At this point, staying hydrated is everything. Kenyon says that deep conditioning, using lightweight but nourishing products, and getting regular trims will help keep hair looking and feeling its best. “Taking care of your scalp is also very important. Taking care of your scalp is the first step to having healthy hair. It helps your hair look fuller and more vibrant.
As you get older, your hair changes. Changing your routine can make a big difference in how healthy and good your hair looks. Using ultra-hydrating shampoos and conditioners, scalp serums and protective styling techniques can help keep your hair from breaking and make it feel soft. If you’re worried about your hair getting thinner look into volumising cuts or gentle styling methods that add lift without putting too much stress on your delicate strands.
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Main Changes and Issues
- Less volume and thinning hair
- As your strands get drier, they become more porous and rough, which makes your hair feel coarse or wiry.
- Yellow or brassy greys can be fixed with toning treatments. White and grey
- Taking care of your scalp is very important for better growth and shine.
- Still sensitive to damage from heat styling and chemical processing
