Once a woman passes the age of 40, she often finds that her body goes through changes, some of which develop gradually and seem
shocking when they are finally noticed. This is especially true of the hair. I’m talking about normal changes that are associated
with the aging process and in many cases, menopause. For many women, knowing what to expect can ease the stress of experiencing
the changes. In addition, there are ways to cope with these changes that can take some of the stress out of growing older.
Let’s address some of the common issues and discuss possible causes and options for each:
Loss of Density
When it comes to growing older, one of the more frightening changes women begin to notice is thinning of the hair. Hair loss is for
most women a more traumatic prospect than going gray. However, the majority of women will experience some level of hair loss as they
get older. In most cases, the loss will be minor, but some women may find they are able to see their scalps easily through their
hair, particularly at the perimeter areas.
One common cause of hair loss is low thyroid function, which occurs commonly in women experiencing menopause. However, the fluctuations
in hormone levels of women during menopause can also cause some loss of hair, as can the emotional and physical stress that many women
deal with as they get older. In addition, as we age, the growth rate of the hair slows down, meaning that when hairs are shed, they
are more slowly replaced.
If you feel that your hair loss is somehow atypical, you should speak to your doctor about it. He or she will be able to determine
whether your problem is the result of thyroid conditions or if you might perhaps benefit from Hormone Replacement Therapy. You may
also want to pursue homeopathic treatments using soy products, which have been shown to help with hormone levels in menopausal women
without the use of sometimes risky synthetic hormones.
Furthermore, if your hair is significantly thinner than in the past when you determined your “best look”, you may want to talk with
your hair dresser to find a new look that is more flattering for you now that your hair’s density has changed. For most women with
thinning hair, a shorter, layered style is much more flattering and is easier to style. You may want to learn techniques of styling
to add fullness to the hair as well. Adding curl and root lift products can make a world of difference.
You also want to bear in mind that your hair’s loss of density means that heat styling is harsher. That half-inch thick slice of hair
that you wrap around the curling iron has fewer strands than it used to have and therefore less hair to distribute the heat too. This
makes the hairs that are left bear the brunt of the heat and they can be damaged easily if you don’t compensate by using lower heat
settings. The loss of density affects everything from blow-drying (use less heat and a wide tooth brush to gently direct the hair),
and curling irons, flat irons and hot rollers (all of which should be used on much lower heat settings to prevent overheating the hair).
Loss of Condition/Changes in Texture
After a certain age, many women note that their hair becomes drier, and the texture seems coarser and more brittle than before. This
is in part because the body’s production of sebum, a naturally-created lubricant of the skin and hair, slows down. The hair may become
more porous and lose its elasticity as a result. Sebum production is estimated to decrease by 10% for every decade we live.
