HOW TO THICKEN & VOLUMIZE AGING HAIR. ON A BUDGET.

HOW TO THICKEN & VOLUMIZE AGING HAIR.

ON A BUDGET.

Almost every makeover consists of a hair do over.

Why?

Because your hair is as much a part of your personality and charm as your million dollar smile. Hair is underrated. We think nothing of losing a few dozen to hundreds every day.

But if you’re reading this blog, you’re probably starting to care. And want to ensure that your flowing tresses stay your crowning glory.

Fear not .. cause that’s exactly what this blog will do for you.

The Axe of Time: How Hair Fall Changes With the Years.

The cycle of hair growth and loss is a natural process experienced by all individuals.

Young women typically have about 100,000 to 150,000 hair strands and shed around 50-100 strands daily, a number comfortably balanced by new growth.

However, for women over 50, this equilibrium often shifts.

Due to hormonal changes, particularly around menopause, the rate of hair loss can increase while the speed of hair growth decreases.

Studies have shown that women over 50 can lose significantly more hair strands per day (up to 300), while the regrowth rate slows down, leading to thinner hair over time.

The Emotional Toll Of This Shift:

The emotional impact of hair loss in women, particularly those over 50, is significant.

For many women, hair is closely tied to their identity and femininity, making hair loss a deeply personal and distressing experience.

Women facing hair loss often report feelings of grief, anger, embarrassment, anxiety, and a sense of inadequacy or unattractiveness, which can trigger a type of midlife crisis.

Moreover, a study has highlighted that 52% of women with hair loss feel extremely distressed, a higher percentage compared to men.

This distress manifests in various forms, including depression, anxiety, and social phobia - deteriorating the quality of their relationships, their satisfaction with life, and even their leisure time.

Investigating the Change: How Hair Quality Is Impacted?

Trichologists believe aging hair is assaulted by:

Inflammation
UV radiation
Smoking
Genetic factors
Oxidative stress
Poor diet & nutrition

Inevitably leading to:

Thinning Hair: This is mainly due to a reduction in the number of active hair follicles. Hormonal changes, particularly a decrease in estrogen, play a significant role.

Fine Hair: Aging hair often loses its diameter or girth, making it appear finer. This change is attributed to decreased keratin production, a protein essential for hair strength and thickness.

Graying Hair: Melanin production declines with age, leading to graying. Often this can be accompanied by a natural decrease in the quantity of sebum produced by the scalp, giving the impression that graying hair is coarser.

Did You Know About Your Scalp Microbiome?

The scalp microbiome, an ecosystem of bacteria, fungi, and viruses living on the scalp, plays a crucial role in maintaining scalp health and, by extension, supporting hair growth. Here are some key ways in which the scalp microbiome contributes to healthy hair growth:

Maintaining Scalp Health: A balanced scalp microbiome helps maintain the scalp's pH, moisture levels, and sebum production.

Protecting Against Pathogens: The beneficial microorganisms in the microbiome act as a defense system, protecting the scalp from harmful pathogens that could disrupt scalp health or damage hair follicles.

Nutrient Absorption: The scalp microbiome can influence the absorption and effectiveness of various nutrients that are applied topically or naturally produced by the skin.

Nutrients like biotin, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins A, C, and E keep this microcosm thriving.

That’s why a balanced diet rich in these nutrients can significantly benefit hair health in women over 50.

50-Friendly Hairstyling Tips For Voluminous Tresses:

Layered Cuts: Adding layers can create an illusion of volume and movement.

Volumizing Products: Lightweight volumizing shampoos and conditioners produce lift by adding three-dimensional body to flat hair strands.

Blow-Drying Techniques: Upside-down blow-drying or using a round brush can lift the roots and add body. But be mindful of the intensity of heat you use on mature hair. Moderation is key.

Thickening & Volumizing Hair Care Routine For Women Over 50.

Gentle styling tools are important. So invest in brushes that don’t tug and pull at weakened hair roots. And keep the vigor in check when you come across knots or tangles. Easy does it.

Scalp Massage. Your fingers are the unsung hero of your beauty routine. Legend has it that French courtesans used to massage their own faces and necks with their fingers, every morning. Something about the body on body heat and pressure works wonders to rejuvenate skin as well as unclog lymph nodes.

Giving yourself a scalp massage is no different. Lack of sebum production, and poor absorption of nutrition are two culprits holding mature hair hostage. Massage improves the situation.
Gentle Cleansing. Go sulfate & paraben free. Opt for shampoos that can clean, thicken, and add volume. Real thickness comes from stimulating dormant hair follicles back to life. Volume (as already discussed) is the forte of clean, residue-free hair (not flattened by the weight of products) well nourished by biotin (improves structure of hair strands, providing girth) and jolted to life by stimulators like caffeine.

3. DIY Hair Masks.

Ingredients: 2 tablespoons of virgin coconut oil, 1 tablespoon of honey.

Instructions:

Mix the coconut oil and honey in a bowl.
Apply the mixture to your hair, focusing on the ends and avoiding the scalp if you have fine or oily hair.
Leave the mask on for 20-30 minutes.
Rinse the mask out with shampoo and conditioner.

This mask is popular for its moisturizing properties, with coconut oil helping to hydrate and strengthen hair, while honey adds shine.

The journey of maintaining voluminous and thick hair over 50 can be challenging but is certainly achievable with the right care and knowledge.

Understanding the biological changes that occur with aging is crucial in adopting a hair care routine that addresses these specific needs.

With attention and care, women over 50 can proudly flaunt their tresses, reflecting their beauty and confidence.