Who said that at 50 you have to say goodbye to the long hair? Although Carolina Herrera is a style icon, fortunately there are no unbreakable rules about how our hair should look at a certain age. What is true is that, with the passage of time, hair ages and can lose its vitality. The key is to understand why it happens and how we can nurture it to keep it healthy, bright, and full of life.
Miriam Quevedo, an expert in hair care, points out that hair aging is not exclusive to age. Factors such as pollution, stress and poor diet also weaken the hair. However, starting with perimenopause, hair faces additional challenges due to hormonal changes.
Dr. María Penalba, a specialist in hair dermatology, explains the relationship between menopause and hair. The drop in estrogen and progesterone levels shortens the hair growth phase (anagen) and prolongs the hair loss phase (telogen). This, coupled with increased sensitivity to androgens, can cause follicular miniaturization, causing hair to become thinner.
Other factors that influence hair aging are nutritional deficiencies (lack of ferritin, zinc, vitamin D), thyroid disorders, and autoimmune diseases, which are more common with age.
The impact of sleep on your hair
One of the most common problems in menopause is insomnia, which affects up to 70% of women at this stage. Inadequate rest disrupts hair growth cycles, as about 90% of hair regrowth processes occur while we sleep.
Jos Cardona, Olistic's director of innovation, points out that lack of sleep, coupled with high levels of cortisol (the stress hormone), is inevitably reflected in the hair, affecting its health and vitality.
Signs of Hair Aging at 50
When a dermatologist analyzes hair health at 50, the signs of aging are clear:
Finer and drier hair: Hair loses thickness, volume and shine.
Sensitive scalp: The skin on your scalp may become more irritable.
Loss of density: The number of hairs per follicle is reduced.
Prevention: The Best Anti-Aging Secret
According to Miriam Quevedo, the most common mistake is to start taking care of your hair only when the damage is evident. The key to spectacular hair at any age is prevention. "We must start taking care of the scalp and hair from the age of 20, just as we do with the skin," she says.
Hair Handbook at Any Age: Products & Routine
It doesn't matter if you prefer a long head of hair like Cindy Crawford's or a shorter cut; The essential thing is that your hair is healthy and hydrated. To achieve this, experts recommend a care routine that focuses on the scalp, the foundation of healthy hair.
Here are some key steps:
- Weekly scalp exfoliation: This often forgotten step helps oxygenate the follicle, releases impurities and improves hair anchorage.
- Mild and non-aggressive shampoos: From the age of 50, opt for sulfate- and silicone-free formulas that respect the balance of the scalp and combat dehydration.
- Don't skip the conditioner: This product softens, protects and strengthens the hair without detracting from its volume, controlling frizz.
- Concentrated serums: Like the face, the scalp benefits from anti-aging serums that strengthen and rejuvenate the hair from the root.
- Capillary sun protection: The sun dehydrates and weakens the hair. Use multi-function mists with SPF to protect it.
- Help from within: Supplements such as Night Booster, from Olistic, which contain ingredients such as zinc, melatonin and magnesium, are designed to promote rest and enhance nighttime hair regeneration.
Conclusion
Hair aging is a natural process influenced by multiple factors, from hormonal changes to sleep quality. However, it is not a sentence. By adopting a skincare routine focused on the scalp and prevention, you can maintain a vibrant, healthy mane at any age. Cuts and styles are a personal choice; Healthy, shiny and hydrated hair is the true sign of beauty and vitality.