You might have your anti-aging skincare routine perfected to a T – but do you put as much thought into your hair regime? Just like our skin, our hair goes through major changes as we get older, and thinning only continues to become more of a risk with each passing year. Thankfully, a preventative routine can help slow down the hair loss cycle so you can maintain your mane. Here are the key details you need to know about how hair evolves as we age, as well as how to prevent hair fall after 40.
Hair Changes Women & Men Can Expect In Their 40s
Over time, both internal factors (like hormonal shifts, nutrition, and genetics) and external factors (like harsh treatments, pollution, and UV exposure) take a toll on our hair. While everyone is different, there are a few common hair changes that both men and women can expect in their 40s and beyond.
As we age, our natural levels of keratin decline.1 The decrease of this protein (which makes up the hair’s structure) leads to weaker and less elastic hair. Sebaceous glands also produce less sebum (oil) as we get older, which can lead to drier and frizzier hair. As we all know, hair can also start to lose color around this time. The older we get, the less pigment there is in the hair’s keratin, which eventually leads to gray hair.2
Of course, there’s one more major question we haven’t touched on yet: is hair loss a part of aging? The short answer is yes. Both men and women should be aware of androgenetic alopecia (also known as female-pattern and male-pattern baldness), which is one of the most common types of hair loss.3 For women, signs of female-pattern baldness typically emerge sometime in the 40s, 50s, or 60s.4 This often coincides with menopause, when the decline in estrogen can lead to hair loss. Male-pattern baldness can start as early as the late teens, but more often appears later.5 It’s believed that approximately 85% of men experience significant loss by age 50.6
Thinning vs Balding
It’s important to recognize the difference between thinning and complete balding. Female-pattern baldness rarely leads to total (or near total) baldness, and is instead characterized by hair thinning, particularly around the center part. With male-pattern baldness, actual baldness is much more common, particularly around the crown and the hairline.
It’s also worth noting that, even if you don’t face androgenetic alopecia, the rate of hair growth generally slows down as we age, and the strands become smaller. This can cause hair to appear finer than it once was.
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Hair Care Routine If You’re In Your 40s
In your 40s and beyond, there are a few types of products you can use to help fight the effects of aging. When washing your hair, use a hydrating shampoo and conditioner to help counteract some of the loss of natural moisture. It’s also smart to look for sulfate-free formulas, as they tend to be gentler and less drying. After washing your hair, follow up with a leave-in conditioner, which will continue to keep your hair soft and moisturized.
In order to best tackle hair loss in your 40s and beyond, consider adding a targeted hair serum to your routine. The Foundation Skincare Hair Serum was created to address hair loss from a variety of conditions. A blend of proven ingredients nourish the hair follicles and cuticles to help encourage growth and slow down hair loss.
Many people focus on external products when creating their hair care routine, but it’s just as important to consider how you’re caring for your hair from the inside-out – especially when it comes to anti-aging. The Foundation Skincare UnTangled Supplement gives your body the building blocks it needs to help increase keratin production and support growth. This formula also contains key vitamins, herbs and minerals that are necessary for hair health, helping to ensure there aren’t any nutritional deficiencies that are leading to preventable hair loss.7
Hair Loss Treatment Tips
In addition to creating a well-rounded anti-aging hair care routine, there are a few extra tips and tricks you can implement in order to best care for your hair and prevent loss. Since hair loses strength as we age and is more prone to fall, take a gentler approach to your grooming routine. This includes limiting use of hot tools, harsh treatments, and tighter styles that pull at the hair. Similarly, you’ll want to avoid overwashing the hair, which can strip it of its natural moisture and aggravate the skin.
Last but not least, it’s important to stay consistent with any hair loss treatments you’re using, whether they be topical formulas or supplements. Regular use of these solutions is essential for combatting hair loss and keeping your hair health in top shape. Being consistent with both your treatments and your overall anti-aging hair care routine is the best thing you can do in your 40s and beyond to counteract the many effects that aging can have on the hair.
