Our hair changes texture as we age, and for women over 50, maintaining healthy, full hair often requires a little extra care and attention. If you’ve noticed a distinct lack of volume or signs of shedding, these common hair mistakes could be to blame.
1. Not Eating Enough Nutrients
Your hair reflects your overall health, and nutritional deficiencies can directly impact strength and density. Women over 50 often lack essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and biotin, which are crucial for hair growth. To support healthier, thicker hair, incorporate foods rich in these nutrients, such as leafy greens, nuts, and eggs, or consider supplements if recommended by your doctor.
2. Overusing Heat Styling Tools
Blow dryers, curling irons, and straighteners can weaken hair follicles over time, especially when used daily without heat protection. As hair ages, it becomes more fragile, making it prone to breakage from excessive heat. Try air drying when possible, or use tools on a lower heat setting. Always apply a heat protectant spray to shield your strands from damage and reduce long-term thinning.
3. Skipping Your Salon Visit
Avoiding trims to grow out your hair can backfire, leading to split ends that travel up the shaft and cause breakage. Over time, this damage can make hair appear thinner. Even if you’re aiming for length, regular trims every 6-8 weeks keep ends healthy and prevent further loss by minimizing breakage and maintaining the overall strength of your hair.
4. Ignoring Scalp Health
Many women over 50 focus solely on their strands but neglect the scalp—the foundation for healthy hair growth. Buildup from products, dead skin, and oil can clog follicles and stunt growth. Incorporate a gentle scalp scrub or exfoliating treatment once a week to boost circulation and clear buildup. A healthy scalp is essential for thick, vibrant hair.
5. Using the Wrong Haircare Products
Using products unsuitable for aging hair can strip essential oils and weaken delicate strands. Clarifying shampoos or those with harsh sulfates can over-cleanse, leaving hair dry and brittle. Switch to formulas designed for thinning or mature hair, often including hydrating and strengthening ingredients like biotin, keratin, or collagen to support growth and maintain volume.
6. Washing Your Hair Too Often
Washing your hair too often can strip it of natural oils, leaving it dry and prone to breakage. As you age, your scalp produces less sebum, which means overwashing can cause your hair to become more brittle. Aim to wash every 2-3 days, or use a dry shampoo in between washes to keep your hair looking fresh while preserving its natural moisture.
7. Putting Excessive Tension on Strands
Tight ponytails, buns, or braids can place excessive tension on the hair follicles, leading to traction alopecia—a form of hair loss caused by pulling. Over time, this can weaken follicles and cause permanent thinning, especially along the hairline. Opt for looser styles or use hair ties made from gentle materials like silk or fabric to reduce stress on your strands.
8. Not Protecting Your Hair
Prolonged sun exposure can damage hair and scalp, causing dryness and weakening follicles. Many women forget that UV rays can be just as harmful to their hair as they are to their skin. Protect your locks by wearing a hat outdoors or using hair products with built-in UV protection. This simple step can prevent damage that contributes to thinning.
9. Being Heavy-Handed with Styling Products
Overloading your hair with styling products like gels, mousses, or sprays can weigh it down and lead to buildup. This buildup can clog follicles, making it harder for hair to grow and potentially accelerating loss. Use lightweight products sparingly, focusing on volume-enhancing or root-lifting formulas that won’t suffocate your strands or scalp.
10. Forgetting Deep Conditioning Treatments
Aging hair loses moisture and elasticity, making it more susceptible to breakage. Skipping deep conditioning treatments leaves hair dehydrated and vulnerable. Treat your locks to a weekly deep conditioning mask with hydrating ingredients like argan oil or shea butter. This restores moisture, strengthens strands, and reduces the likelihood of breakage-induced thinning.
11. Not Engaging in Stress Management
Chronic stress is a major contributor to hair loss in women over 50, as it can disrupt the hair growth cycle and trigger conditions like telogen effluvium, which causes excessive shedding. Incorporate stress-relief practices like yoga, meditation, or simply spending time outdoors to improve overall health and support hair growth.
12. Subjecting Hair to Harsh Chemical Treatments
Frequent use of dyes, perms, or relaxers can weaken hair and lead to significant damage over time. Harsh chemicals strip the hair of its natural protein structure, leaving it brittle and prone to breakage. Opt for ammonia-free or semi-permanent color treatments, and give your hair a break from harsh chemicals whenever possible to allow it to recover.
13. Failing to Hydrate Adequately
Dehydrated hair becomes brittle, leading to breakage and the appearance of thinning. Women over 50 often experience dryness due to hormonal changes. Incorporate hydrating oils like argan or coconut oil into your routine, or use leave-in conditioners to maintain moisture levels. Well-hydrated hair is less prone to snapping, making fuller, healthier strands appear.
14. Brushing Hair Wet
Wet hair is more fragile than dry hair, and brushing it roughly can cause significant breakage. Instead of using a traditional brush, opt for a wide-tooth comb or a detangling brush designed for wet hair. Always start at the ends and work your way up to minimize tugging and preserve the integrity of your strands.
15. Not Stimulating Your Scalp
Scalp massages stimulate blood circulation, promoting healthier hair growth by delivering nutrients to the follicles. Many women over 50 overlook this simple but effective practice. Use your fingertips or a scalp massager to stimulate your scalp for a few minutes each day gently. Pair it with a nourishing oil like castor or rosemary for added benefits.
16. Ignoring the Underlying Issues
Hair thinning or loss can sometimes signal an underlying health issue, like hormonal imbalances or thyroid problems, common after 50. Ignoring persistent hair loss can delay necessary treatment. Consulting a dermatologist or trichologist can provide insights into your hair health and create a tailored plan to address your needs.
17. Using the Wrong Brush
Using old, rough, or incorrect brushes can wreak havoc on aging hair. Bristles that tug and snag can lead to unnecessary breakage. Switch to a boar-bristle or detangling brush, which is gentler on fragile strands and distributes natural oils evenly for healthier-looking hair. Treat your hair with care to keep it strong and resilient.