We’ve talked about what happens to your hair in your 50s, but the truth of the matter is, your hair is changing differently with each passing decade. Today, we’re talking hair changes you can expect in your 60s and the best ways to handle them. At Calista, we believe that aging hair should never stand in the way of embracing your beauty, so take these tips as a helpful guide for working with the changes as they come and continuing to love 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 60s, 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 60s, 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?
DENSITY
The thickness of your hair is subject to change in your 60s. While in your 50s you can expect some thinning, your hair may really start to lack density as you move into your 60s. 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 produce 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:
- Avoid excessive heat styling (and always use SAFE tools when you choose to heat style)!
- 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 (we love Embellish Texturizing Foam for this)!
MOISTURE
Aging hair tends to lack the shine and body that it once had and can instead be replaced by brittle, dull strands with plenty of frizz and flyaways. This is because over time, our scalp produces less oil than in those younger years. Those same oils that affect the density of your hair also keep the hair soft and smooth.
Ways To Work With The Change:
- Avoid unsafe styling tools that further dry out your hair.
- Use hair serums or a hydrating hair mask to keep your hair hydrated.
- Use shampoos and conditioning products free of parabens and sulfates so your hair isn’t further stripped of its natural oils.
TEXTURE
You can also expect the texture of your hair to change in your 60s. The general appearance of your hair is becoming much more irregular. One hair may appear smooth and another has a strange kink to it. 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 heat-safe styling tools that let you change up your style without compromising the integrity of your hair.
- 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.)
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