From a scientific point of view, hair contains a wealth of information about what is going on deeper in the body. From a social point of view, it represents a distinctive element of a person’s appearance.
Thinning hair occurs naturally over time and is rarely a cause for concern, but rather a sign of hormonal changes in the body. However, it can affect self-confidence if it becomes more and more noticeable.
While a quick internet search will yield tons of treatment options for dry hair, the biggest differences can be made with a new and improved hair care routine.
Causes of hair loss after 50
Speaking to GB News, Dr. Ray Kleinfelder, a board-certified dermatologist at Lux Dermatology, explained that reduced estrogen production in the ovaries is a major cause of postmenopausal hair loss.
The solution to thicker and shinier hair may be a few extra steps in the shower.
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At this stage, women have a “relative hormonal balance with an increased influence of testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (male sex hormones), which leads to changes in the skin and hair, including hereditary hair loss,” the expert noted.
According to Dr. Kleinfelder, this drop in hormones not only leads to baldness, but can also rob the hair of its shine.
Can hair loss be reversed?
When asked whether reversal was possible, Dr. Kleinfelder replied: “If detected early, reversal is possible.
“To achieve the desired look, it is extremely important to nourish existing hair and maximize its thickness.
“This can be achieved in [several] Options ranging from topical formulations to prescription medications, lights, lasers, injections and more.”
The basics of hair care for over 50s
Basic hair care rules include regular trimming to keep the ends blunt, as split ends spread up the shaft.
However, if the focus is on densification and enhancing shine, additional elements must be considered.
First and most importantly, not all products can deliver the desired results.
The most important recommendation is to use shampoos and conditioners specifically designed for thinning hair, i.e. clarifying shampoos.
These thoroughly cleanse the scalp and remove product buildup, dead skin cells, dirt and other impurities that could clog hair follicles.
Nutrition tips
Healthy eating is an important building block for everything related to hair and skin, so it’s no surprise that special attention needs to be paid to diet when their condition worsens.
“A balanced diet is essential for hair, regardless of menopause,” explains Dr. Kleinfelder.
An adequate supply of proteins, vitamins and minerals such as zinc, selenium, copper and vitamin D is essential.
Biomedical expert Kashish Golani emphasizes that omega-3 fatty acids and polyunsaturated omega-6 fatty acids are equally important.
“Biotin is a fantastic supplement for hair, skin and nails,” the expert noted. “You can get biotin from foods like eggs, so you need to include plenty of biotin-rich foods in your diet in addition to the supplements you take.”
“The most important thing to remember is that hair grows in 90-day cycles, so you should be consistent with all of these diet and lifestyle changes to see visible results.”
Head massages in the shower promote blood circulation in the scalp
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Scalp care
Erim, aspiring trichologist and founder and CEO of hair and beard care brand ByErim, recommends using an exfoliator in the shower to enhance shine.
“Exfoliating the scalp with the right AHAs and a chemical exfoliant with natural ingredients helps cleanse the scalp so that products (hair oils, serums) are better absorbed, contributing to thicker and shinier hair,” the expert told GB News.
“Exfoliating the scalp should not be a daily ritual,” warned the expert, explaining that one treatment per week is sufficient if you leave the peeling in for five minutes before washing.
“If used sparingly and as needed, there is no harm,” noted Erim. “The last thing you want is to overdo it and leave your scalp dry and brittle.”
Erim likes to do a deep oil treatment the day after exfoliating her scalp and then washes the oil out with shampoo and conditioner.
Of course, consistency is key to effective, long-term change, so the sooner you incorporate these exercises into your daily routine, the better.