A Haircare Guide for Your Hair at Different Life Milestones

Hair is not immune to the aging process; just like the rest of our body, it changes as we get older. Strands very gradually get finer in diameter and are unable to grow as long as they once could. The degree of change is in large part down to the genetic hand we are dealt, but it is also reliant on hormones, diet and general health.
 
30s
20s and 30s are the most common time for women to have children, and this can impact the hair. 6 - 12 weeks after giving birth, approximately 50% of women experience a type of hair shedding known as ‘post-partum hair fall' – and this is in fact one of the most common hair concerns for women in their 30s. However, it can happen to a woman of any age who is having a baby.

While the overall thickness of the hair can drastically decrease, post-partum hair loss is temporary; the shedding should stop and growth resume as usual. Eating a healthy diet and managing stress levels can help the hair to recover as fast as possible.
 
30s/40s
Ferritin (stored iron) deficiency is also a common issue for women in their 30s and 40s – and remains common up until menses stops at menopause. Ferritin is needed by the body to produce hair cell protein and a deficiency can cause excessive daily hair shedding, as well as loss of length – particularly around the temple areas. To improve and maintain ferritin levels, try to eat red meat at least twice a week. Dietary supplements containing Iron, Vitamin C and Vitamin B12 can also be very helpful such as Philip Kingsley Tricho Complex – and are essential where ferritin levels are already below normal levels.
 
40s
Volume reduction can occur at any age, but for the majority of women it usually becomes noticeable in their 40s. It is not that woman in this age group have less hairs in number than they used to, each hair is simply slightly finer. Daily application of stimulating anti-androgenic scalp drops can help to slow down the thinning of individual strands. To immediately improve the appearance of thickness, use a thickening protein spray when styling.
 
50s
The average age of menopause is around 52. While subtle changes to the hair can and often do occur long before this, menopause speeds up these changes. As the body produces less oestrogen, and the percentage of androgens (male hormones) increase, the hair's diameter and the length to which it will grow gradually decreases. Again, daily application of stimulating anti-androgenic scalp drops can help to slow down the thinning of individual strands – and applying thickening protein sprays throughout the length of the hair can give the appearance of more body.

Finer hairs are weaker, so it is important to take extra care when styling so as not to snap strands. Choose a brush that is gentle – the best are cushioned at the base with rounded, plastic prongs.
 
60s +
Sebum (oil) secretion tends to diminish in our 60s and 70s plus and this can make the hair dry and brittle. To restore moisture, strength and elasticity, use a weekly intensive pre-shampoo conditioning treatment.

Hemoglobin levels also tend to decrease during our 60s+ and this can affect the hair. Improve hemoglobin levels by taking a daily supplement containing Iron and Vitamin C.
 
This article first appeared on ukhairdressers