Who coined the expression ‘age is all in the mind?’ Honestly, I have no idea, but I suspect it was a twenty-something lifestyle writer with gorgeous skin and a head of hair so thick it could house a family of sparrows. That’s because citizens with a few more years on the clock know that age might well be in the mind, but it’s also in the hands, the face and the hair.
That’s not to say that the show’s over when you hit middle age. Scroll down for tips to help you keep your hair thick well beyond your middle years. When it comes to your tresses, maturity doesn’t have to mean sparsity!
Why Does Our Hair Thin as We Age?
There are several reasons why our hair begins to thin as we get older. Pattern baldness, for example, becomes more noticeable in both men and women as the years go by. For women, hormonal changes are a huge factor. Levels of the female sex hormone oestrogen begin to decline as a woman reaches her middle years, particularly when menopause kicks in. As this hormone plays a role in keeping your hair thick, some thinning is inevitable.
Nutritional deficiency is another factor worth considering. Our bodies become less efficient at processing food as we age. This may mean that our scalp and hair follicles are not getting the necessary vitamins, minerals and proteins they need to produce healthy hair.
So, what can you do to keep your hair thick? Here are four points to consider.
Adopt the Right Style
Rule number one is, don’t wear a hairstyle that draws attention to your thinning strands. For men, that includes a comb-over designed to hide a balding area. Much better to keep your hair cut short instead. Women should avoid centre partings, if possible, as thinning is most obvious in this area. A deep side part, on the other hand, can make your hair look thicker simply by stacking all your hair up one side. Layering your hair is another option. Get advice from a professional stylist about hairstyle options that will transform your appearance.
Use the Right Products
There are plenty of products on the market designed specifically to make thinning hair look thicker. Volumising shampoos and conditioners are just two examples. Choose products that won’t strip your hair of oil and moisture. Try and avoid products containing ingredients that may cause your thinning hair more damage; alcohol, sulphates and silicone fall into this category.
Hair serums provide your strands with protection from environmental factors. The right serum will also improve the shine and texture of your hair, making it look denser in the process. Choose a serum with ingredients such as caffeine, niacinamide, ginger and panthenol. These provide nutrition for your hair and can increase the diameter of your strands, making them appear thicker.
Don’t Punish Your Hair!
Modern haircare routines often involve the use of too many of the wrong products, too much heat and too much vigorous pulling and tearing with a hairbrush. This approach will simply exacerbate the problem of thinning hair. Use only products that will nourish and thicken your hair. Ease off on the straighteners, curling irons and hairdryers. Buy a wide-tooth comb and detangle your hair with a gentle touch; stop brushing your hair like you’re trying to pull it out by the roots!
Clean up Your Lifestyle
Your health and wellbeing depend largely on your lifestyle. If you don’t pay attention to your diet, how you sleep and your daily exercise, your health will eventually pay the price. What applies to your general health, applies equally to the condition of your hair.
Diet is crucial if you want to have strong, healthy tresses. Eat sardines, avocados, salmon and walnuts to load up on omega-3 fatty acids. Walnuts are also good for biotin. Meat, black beans, dairy products and chickpeas will supply your body and hair with protein. Supplements can also be a help but don’t embark on a course without first taking medical advice; sometimes overloading on a particular vitamin or protein can cause toxicity.
Sleep patterns vary between individuals, but if you are concerned about disrupted sleep, seek medical advice. For exercise, just make walking a daily habit. You don’t need to turn yourself into a gym bunny or an endurance athlete to get the benefits of this.
Conclusion
Middle age can be a time when your health, hormones and lifestyle start to take a toll on your hair. That doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do to fight back and keep your tresses thick and healthy-looking. Hopefully, this article has given you a few ideas about how to do just that.
If you are experiencing hair loss or thinning and it’s causing you real concern, Vinci Hair Clinic can help. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to all our new clients. Vinci is one of the world’s leading hair restoration companies, and we have clinics worldwide. Just make contact and book an appointment!
