2 Surprising Tips for Minimizing Hair Issues in Your 50s and 60s
Over the decades, our hair, like our skin, suffers a number of issues. I’m not just talking about the trials and tribulations sometimes associated with going grey.
As your hormones fluctuate and eventually disappear, everything from your hair’s thickness to its moisture levels can vary. Your hair may become much thinner, lighter and turn grey, because your hair follicles produce less melanin.
Most people experience some hair loss as they grow older and the rate of hair growth slows as well. Your scalp may become visible, but hopefully your eyesight will have deteriorated, so you don’t notice.
So how do you keep your locks looking thick and healthy as you age?
Read Hairstyles for Women Over 60 with Fine Hair.
In Your 50s
The average age of menopause is around 52, and although subtle changes to the hair can and often do occur long before this, menopause speeds up the changes.
As your levels of oestrogen drop and your level of testosterone increases, the length and the diameter to which your hair will grow decreases.
Read Nurturing Youthful Hair at Any Age: Overcoming Common Challenges and Embracing Vibrant Haircare.
Caring for Thinning Hair
Use a good quality shampoo that is formulated for aging hair or permed/styled hair. If the shampoo is good, you only need to use ½ to 1 teaspoon. Too much shampoo can make your hair dry and frizzy. Use a good conditioner, and only apply it on the hair, not on the scalp.
Thinning hair is often finer and therefore weaker, so it is important to take extra care when styling so as not to snap strands. Choose a brush that is cushioned at the base with rounded, plastic prongs.
DeVille 100% Boar Cushion Brush
Read 10 Best Shampoos for Thinning Hair.
In Your 60s+
When you hit your 60s, and as you move into your 70s, oil (sebum) secretion diminishes. This can make the hair dry and brittle and is the most likely time for thinning hair and hair loss to surface.
Go to your doctor and have your hemoglobin levels checked. These tend to decrease during this time of life, and lowered iron levels can affect hair growth and diameter. Read this excellent article on the benefits of taking iron.
Read 6 Products to Help Make Your Fine Hair Look Full and Thick.
Caring for Your Hair When Iron Levels Are Low
Once a week, use a weekly intensive pre-shampoo conditioning treatment. It will restore moisture, strength and elasticity.
To improve hemoglobin levels, take a daily supplement containing iron and vitamin C or your doctor may prescribe one for you.
Iron Supplement Plus Vitamin C, Coated Tablets
As many as 60 percent of women over age 70 are affected by hair loss to a greater or lesser extent. Your head has more than 100,000 hairs; every day you lose 50 to 200. They are replaced by new hairs, but the replacement slows and even stops as we age.
Hair loss that accompanies aging is not usually reversible. Proper hair care may help slow the process. Feed your hair every couple of weeks with something like Jojoba Oil or Coconut Oil to condition and smooth the hair from the outside.
A daily hair brushing really does stimulate the circulation in the scalp and gives your hair an instant polish! Use an oval, paddle shaped hair brush with natural or nylon bristles. Neither can hurt, and they will help.
Medical Consultation for Hair Loss
If significant hair thinning or loss occurs, consulting a healthcare provider or dermatologist is crucial. They can identify causes like hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, or thyroid issues through blood tests and scalp exams.
Treatment Options:
- Topical Treatments: Minoxidil stimulates hair regrowth; corticosteroids help autoimmune-related loss.
- Oral Medications: Hormonal therapies or supplements like iron, zinc, or biotin address deficiencies.
- Scalp Therapies: PRP injections or low-level laser therapy encourage follicle stimulation.
Read Best Hair Growth Products for Women Over 60.
Further read, 6 PRODUCTS TO HELP MAKE YOUR FINE HAIR LOOK FULL AND THICK.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
Do you have hair loss and hair thinning issues? What have you done to try and combat the problem? We would love to know if anything you tried has worked so please share your tips in the comments below.
My hair is thinning on the top especially. I have very fine hair. I have been using along with good quality shampoo and conditioners the Higherdose Red Light Therapy Cap. I have seen some new growth in the top park area. It has be very encouraging. Blessings to you from Texas.
My thinning hair has improved since I started drinking water more often. Not really fond of the stuff. Usually washed away on a tide of tea but I have to say my hair is better for the water.
After menopause my hair became finer and wavy but I still have lots of hair. On the other hand my son and uncle both got very curly hair at puberty.
One of my friends treats her hair with coconut oil every 2 weeks for an hour or so then shampoos her hair and she says it really makes a difference.
Hormones or lack of can really wreak havoc on a person body.
Does combing hair give the same benefits as a brush?
Hello, I was recently diagnosed with alopecia and it was rapidly affecting my hairline and crown. I went to a dermatologist and she prescribed an oral medication that has actually reversed the loss (not Minoxidil). It is not a fast process, but I am happy that my thinning hair is now thick again. She told me that I will be on this medication for the rest of my life. I am grateful that I have no side effects. I may not regain my eyebrows or eyelashes, but I have had significant gains elsewhere.
Will you please share the name of the medication? I am currently on oral Minoxidil and Dutasteride and not seeing much improvement after 2 years
Please, please what is the name of your medication? I have tried minoxidil to minimal effect, many shampoos, had my blood taken by my internist, dermatologist and an endocrinologist who could not help.
My bio hair is fine and thin, with more hair loss after menopause. Then two surgical procedures on my scalp left bald spots where hair stopped growing over time. I used Minoxidil for years, with minimal effect. I wore hats, headbands and eventually discovered human hair toppers. But now my hair is so thin that I can’t properly clip them in. So eventually I made my first wig purchase. They have changed a lot over the years. Since my bio hair was naturally thin I wear low density wigs with lace fronts that look very natural. There are many helpful videos on YouTube if you are interested in getting moral support and valuable tips on your hair loss journey.
Did you ever find out the name of what oral medication they gave Nicole?
Is it propecia the medication