Aging and wisdom go hand in hand, but old age also brings with it some unwanted problems, such as thinning hair.
According to a new study conducted by Thai scientists, more than half of women over the age of 50 experience some degree of hair loss. The study also found that hair loss results in a 60 percent decrease in self-esteem, underscoring the importance of early treatment.
It’s easy to lose confidence when your hair doesn’t look as bright and thick as it once did in your twenties or thirties, but don’t despair. There are some useful tips to help improve the health of your hair and avoid further damage.
The aging of hair follicles leads to a shortening of their life cycle, which leads to hair loss. The hair that is replaced is usually thinner.
Postmenopausal women often experience thinning hair, usually caused by decreased levels of female sex hormones such as estrogen. As a result of decreased levels of these hormones, some hair follicles stop producing new hair, resulting in hair thinning.
As we age, our hair begins to turn gray. Most people reach for a bottle of hair dye, but you should try not to dye your hair too often, as the chemicals in the dye can further damage fine hair. Other causes of hair loss can be thyroid problems and lack of nutrients.
It’s easy to lose confidence when your hair no longer looks as vibrant and thick as it did in your 20s and 30s, but don’t despair! There are some helpful tips that can help you boost your hair health and avoid further hair breakage.
Stimulate hair growth and strengthen your hair follicles
Whether you’re pre or postmenopausal, you should follow healthy living habits to ensure your hair follicles get the best care, says dermatologist Dr. Wilma Bergfield.
Such habits may include eating more nutritious foods, such as plenty of protein, such as fish and some red meat. These foods increase omega-3 and iron levels: vital components for hair growth.
Increase the amount of protein in your Diet for Thinning hair
Lack of protein is linked to hair loss. Hair follicles are made up of a protein called keratin, so it makes sense to eat more protein-rich foods to increase nutrient intake and help repair damaged follicles.
Try to consume more oily fish such as salmon, herring and mackerel: they contain many omega-3s that promote hair growth and density. Fatty fish is also rich in EPA and DHA, fatty acids that help improve brain, eye and heart health.
Eggs are also a great source of protein. They can be added to any meal to increase their nutritional value. They also contain other nutrients, including biotin, which is essential for building hair protein.
Eat more dark leafy greens
As we age, vegetables should become an even more important part of our diet. Spinach is a great vegetable choice to combat thin, brittle hair and boost hair growth. It is full of beneficial nutrients: folate, iron, vitamins A and C. Kale and collard greens are also good sources of these nutrients.
The combination of these vitamins leads to strong and healthy hair.
Numerous studies have shown that iron deficiency is associated with hair loss, so it is a very important nutrient to include in your diet. Vitamin A is useful for strengthening and maintaining healthy sebum, an important oil that moisturizes the scalp and protects hair from damage.
Fruits and berries
Try to consume more fruits and berries that are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, such as blueberries, raspberries, cranberries, oranges, cherries and other fruits. These foods are great for increasing collagen levels in the body, which in turn produces proteins to strengthen hair.
Eat more nuts and seeds
Nuts are rich in protein, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals that do wonders for the mind and body. They are also great for preventing hair loss and stimulating the growth of strong and healthy hair.
Brazil nuts are a rich source of selenium, a mineral that promotes hair growth, making them an ideal choice for older people with thin and brittle hair.
According to celebrity nutritionist Nmami Agarwal, just four Brazil nuts a day provide a daily allowance of selenium. Other healthy nuts include walnuts, almonds, flax seeds (they must be ground for maximum nutritional benefits) and chia seeds.
Use natural, high-quality hair products
Try to avoid chemical hair products that contain phthalates, sulfates, and parabens, as they increase your chances of developing cancer and disrupt normal hormone production in the body.
Some studies have even found a link between parabens and scalp irritation, which ultimately leads to hair loss because these chemicals are easily absorbed through the skin. Stay away from sulfates, as their excess can strip your scalp and hair of its natural oils, leading to hair loss.
What better way to keep your hair healthy than making your own DIY shampoo? You can find many recipes online that are suitable for different hair types. This recipe from Hairguard is a particularly simple but effective hair cleansing recipe using ingredients that are easy to find at home.
DIY Shampoo Recipe
This recipe is great for normal hair types. It contains carrot seed essential oil, which has excellent antifungal properties and improves circulation, stimulating hair growth.
Ingredients:
- Castile liquid soap (half cup),
- maple syrup (2 tablespoons),
- carrot seed essential oil (5-10 drops),
- castor oil (10 drops).
Simply mix all the ingredients in a container and store in a bottle for easy use. Pour onto wet hair and rub into your scalp for a few minutes, then rinse off. According to Hairguard, maple syrup is very nourishing to your hair and also has antibacterial properties.
If you have dry and brittle hair, we recommend taking the same amount of liquid Castile soap, as well as half a cup of water, one-third cup of aloe vera gel, one teaspoon of olive oil, two to three teaspoons of almond oil and finally 10 drops of geranium essential oil.
Aloe vera is an excellent plant ingredient that strengthens hair follicles due to its abundance of vitamins and fatty acids. Some researchers also believe that aloanine, a chemical compound found in this plant, may promote hair growth.
Avoid flat irons and blow dryers for thinning hair
Using heat on dry, brittle hair can further damage fine hair, causing it to fall out. Try to avoid using flat irons often, as the high heat can severely damage your hair. Air drying is a gentler way to dry your hair.
If you have to use a blow dryer or flat irons, be sure to buy a styling spray or heat protectant to apply to your hair first – this will minimize damage and create a protective barrier.
Minimize exposure to ammonia and peroxide
Many people want to color their hair to cover up gray hair. Try to avoid using aggressive permanent hair dyes that contain ammonia and peroxide, as they over-dry and damage fine, brittle hair.
Semi-permanent dye often contains none of these ingredients, making it a safer alternative to permanent hair dye because it does not alter the hair shaft but still provides color.
The color may fade after four to twelve washes, but it is much more gentle on the hair. You can even choose a semi-permanent silver shade that blends with your natural gray, creating clarity and shine.
Other coloring alternatives include using natural dyes such as henna, a traditional cosmetic product used more than 5,000 years ago by the ancient Egyptians. It was also popular in India, Africa, the Middle East and even the Roman Empire at that time! In various cultures, henna is often used to decorate the body with intricate temporary drawings at weddings and festivals, and as a natural hair dye.
Using henna has many benefits: it helps strengthen hair follicles, prevents thinning and excessive hair loss, and gives hair shine and luster. It is also considered a permanent hair dye, which makes it a great alternative to chemical dyes to cover gray hair.
Henna colors hair orange-red, but it can be mixed with other natural dyes, such as indigo, for a darker shade. If a little amla powder is added to the henna and indigo mixture, the mixture works like a natural toner, removing all copper tones and creating a natural, cool brunette hue.
Henna can stain skin and clothing, so be careful when applying! Be sure to test for allergies before full application, as some people have reported allergic reactions to the henna plant.
Try new hairstyles and embrace your silver strands
Hair graying is a natural occurrence. Try changing the way you look at your new condition and embrace it instead of hiding your gray hair with harmful hair products. There are many trendy hairstyles that can help accentuate your silver strands and give you a soft, youthful look.
Consider a layered bob cut to create the appearance of thicker, more voluminous hair. Adding bangs will also help frame your face. If you have wavy or curly hair, embrace it! Ask for a mix of short and long layers to complement your natural waves and give them volume and definition.
Finally, if you’re feeling very daring, try a short, edgy pixie cut. This haircut is a great option for those who want manageable hair that is easy and quick to style, and it will also make you look much younger.
Gray Hair Care of Thinning hair
Gray hair tends to become coarser and drier, so try to use moisturizing shampoos to increase the moisture level in your hair. If you often have very dry hair, it could be caused by chemicals in your everyday hair products, which causes your hair’s pH levels to change.
If you are looking for a simple but effective way to restore moisture to your hair, try doing an apple cider vinegar rinse. Apple cider vinegar is one of the main ingredients in the kitchen that most households have.
If you live in an area with hard water, it’s likely the cause of your hair’s dryness because it changes its pH. Using apple cider vinegar helps restore balance, reduces frizz, removes product residue and adds shine. It’s even said to help hair growth!
To make an apple cider vinegar hair rinse, simply pour one to four tablespoons of apple cider vinegar into a bottle and mix with one to two cups of distilled or filtered water.
The amount of apple cider vinegar can be varied depending on your hair type.
If you have oily hair, take four tablespoons. If you have very dry hair, use less.
After washing your hair with shampoo and conditioner, apply the rinse to your scalp and hair. Leave it on for two to three minutes, then rinse it off. Comb your hair and let it dry naturally. Depending on how your hair responds to the rinse, you can use it anywhere from once a week to twice a month.
Some people wear a silk cap after rinsing with apple cider vinegar, as it helps their hair be smooth and shiny. If you are particularly sensitive to the smell of apple cider vinegar, you can add a few drops of your favorite essential oil, such as lavender or rosemary, to mask the unpleasant scent.
Another way to take care of silver tresses is to avoid excessive UV damage. Gray hair lacks coloring pigments, so it is more susceptible to the sun’s rays than dark hair. Using a UV protection product for your hair can provide some protection.
Finally, consider purchasing a water filter for your shower. This will remove harsh and drying contaminants like chlorine, fluoride, lead and other chemicals in the water, making your hair cleaner, healthier and less prone to breakage.
Follow the nutrition and hair care tips above to strengthen your hair follicles and put an end to hair thinning!
