From age 50 onwards, your hair also needs therapy

 Who says you have to say goodbye to long hair at 50? 

While Carolina Herrera is a style icon, thankfully there are no hard and fast rules about how our hair should look at a certain age. What is true, however, is that hair ages and can lose its vitality over time. The key is understanding why this happens and how we can nourish it to keep it healthy, shiny, and full of life.

Hair aging: Beyond the years

Miriam Quevedo, a hair care expert, points out that hair aging isn't solely due to age. Factors such as pollution, stress, and poor diet also weaken hair. However, starting in 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 shedding phase (telogen). This, combined with increased sensitivity to androgens, can cause follicular miniaturization , making hair 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 during menopause is insomnia, which affects up to 70% of women at this stage. Inadequate sleep disrupts hair growth cycles, since approximately 90% of hair regeneration processes occur while we sleep.

Jos Cardona, director of innovation at Olistic, points out that lack of sleep, combined 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:

• Thinner and drier hair: Hair loses thickness, volume, and shine.
• Sensitive scalp: The skin of the scalp may become more irritable.
• Loss of density: The number of hairs per follicle is reduced.

In contrast, young hair is usually homogeneous in thickness and has high density.

Prevention: The best anti-aging secret

According to Miriam Quevedo, the most common mistake is only starting to care for your hair when the damage is obvious. The key to a spectacular mane at any age is prevention . “We should start caring for our scalp and hair from our 20s, just like we do with our skin,” she says.

Hair Care Guide for Any Age: Products and Routine

Whether you prefer long 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:

1. Weekly scalp exfoliation: This often-forgotten step helps oxygenate the follicle, releases impurities, and improves hair anchoring.
2. Gentle and non-aggressive shampoos: From age 50 onwards, opt for formulas without sulfates or silicones that respect the balance of the scalp and combat dehydration.
3. Don't skip the conditioner: This product softens, protects and strengthens hair without reducing volume, controlling frizz.
4. Concentrated serums: Just like the face, the scalp benefits from anti-aging serums that strengthen and rejuvenate hair from the root.
5. Hair sun protection: The sun dehydrates and weakens hair. Use multi-function mists with SPF to protect it.
6. Help from within: Supplements like 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's not a death sentence. By adopting a scalp-focused and preventative care routine, you can maintain vibrant, healthy hair at any age. Cuts and styles are a personal choice; healthy, shiny, and hydrated hair is the true sign of beauty and vitality.