We’ve talked about what happens to your hair in your 40s, but the truth of the matter is, your hair is changing differently with each passing decade. Today, we’re getting into the 50 and fabulous years of your life and telling you what you can expect as your hair ages during this era of life. We’re breaking down the three main ways you can expect your hair to change and the best ways to work with those changes and continue feeling like your BeautyBrave self!

Why Do You Lose Hair as You Age?

Before getting into the changes you’ll experience with the hair on your head in your 50s, we feel it’s important to note that hair loss is common with aging. This can be due to everything from DNA to thyroid issues (all of which should be handled by a medical professional). However, by the time we reach our 50s, our hair is spending less time in the growth phase and more time in the resting phase, meaning it not only grows a little more slowly, but also may not be able to grow as long as it could in years past. As you age, the hair follicles that were once thick will become thinner, lighter, and finer. Additionally, every time one of your hair follicles repeats the growth cycle, the hair that grows in may be a little weaker. This causes your hair to be more prone to breakage, preventing you from growing past a certain length.

What Hair Changes Should You Expect as You Age?

PIGMENT

As you age, your hair color is going to change. While you can expect your hair to go grey, your natural color may also continue to appear in a more faded manner. Your hair follicles produce melanin, which gives your hair its natural pigment. As this process starts to slow down, there is less and less melanin being produced, causing your hair to become lighter, leading to graying and lightening that usually stats at your temples and slowly extends to your crown.

Ways To Work With The Change:

• Color your hair (have your hair professionally colored and maintain it with root touch-up)
• Embrace your grey or new color.
• Use shampoos and conditioning products free of parabens and sulfates so your hair isn’t further stripped of its natural oils.

THICKNESS

The thickness of your hair is also subject to change in your 50s. It’s incredibly common for your hair to start thinning as you age. This has to do with the changing hair growth cycles, but also with your body’s natural oil production. As with anything else, our bodies product less of these natural oils as we age. The decline in natural production results in hair that is less thick and strong.

Ways To Work With The Change:

• Don’t overbrush your hair and cause more hair loss.
• Go for a shorter style or layering that can give hair a fuller look.
• Use styling products that plump up strand and make hair appear thicker.

TEXTURE

You can also expect the texture of your hair to change in your 50s. Hair will often lose some of its smooth and shine, become a little more brittle, and can even appear wiry. This is because your hair follicles often shrink with time, which affects the structure of your hair shaft. This can make it more difficult for hairstyles to last, can make curly hair fall flat, and even cause formerly straight hair to develop a little curl.

Ways To Work With The Change:

• Use hair serums or a hydrating hair mask to keep your hair hydrated.
• Embrace your new texture and style to your strengths (texturize your curls, smooth your straight).
• Play around with styles that suit your new look (pixie cut, bob, layers, etc.)