Hair After 50: Why It Changes and How to Make It Look Great Again

As you age, hair gets thinner, drier, or frizzier. Learn how to keep it healthy, strong, and beautiful after 50.

Hair ages just like the rest of your body — it loses pigment, becomes thinner, and lacks elasticity. This can lead to graying, breakage, slower growth, and a duller appearance. But don’t worry: with the right care and products, your hair can still be strong, vibrant, and beautiful well into your 50s and beyond.

• Graying of hair: By the time we reach 50, about half of us will have 50 to 100 strands of gray hair. This happens as melanin production slows down. Gray hair can often appear dull or lifeless, and mineral buildup or sun exposure may cause unwanted yellow or “brassy” tones. The good news? Purple shampoos and conditioners can help neutralize those tones and bring back brightness and shine.
• Hair thinning: Hair thinning after 50 is often linked to a drop in estrogen levels. It’s not that you have fewer hairs, but each strand becomes finer — making your hair look thinner and less voluminous. Check if you're low in iron or vitamin D, both of which are essential for healthy hair growth. Using a shampoo formulated for fine or thinning hair can help restore bounce and body. Popular options include products like Olaplex.
• Hair loss: It means losing more than 50 to 100 hairs per day. Products with minoxidil or Alpecin caffeine shampoo may be effective.
• Change texture: Hair can be drier and fluffier after washing if you don't use oil or leave-in conditioner.
• Fragility: Hair loses elasticity and becomes more fragile, which is manifested by breakage.
• Slower growth: Hair growth slows down with age.

• Take care of your scalp:
• A healthy scalp is the foundation for strong, thick hair.
• Using quality cosmetics:
• Shampoos, conditioners, masks, and serums with nourishing ingredients can help restore and strengthen hair.
• Nutrition:
• Make sure you're getting enough essential nutrients that support hair growth and vitality.
• Head massages:
• Scalp massage can promote blood circulation and hair nourishment.
• Deep nutrition: Hair oils and masks can help restore hair from within.
• Limitation of harmful effects: Avoid unnecessary thermal, mechanical and chemical exposure to your hair.
• Healthy lifestyle: Special hair care is important, but don't forget about an overall healthy lifestyle that also benefits your hair.
• Dietary supplements: Vitamins and minerals can promote healthy hair growth and reduce hair loss.
• Specific tips: Use conditioner: It helps lock in moisture and leaves hair soft.
• Careless washing and combing:  Wet hair is more susceptible to damage, so it needs to be handled with care.
• Avoid sleeping with wet hair: Hair can rub against the pillow while you sleep, leading to breakage.
• Search for products with nanotechnology:  Some manufacturers use nanotechnology to more effectively transport nutrients to the hair.

Various remedies and vitamins are recommended in traditional medicine and dietary supplements to slow down hair graying and overall hair aging.

Black sesame is widely used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to promote hair health, including slowing graying. It is believed to strengthen the kidneys and liver, which are organs associated with hair health in TCM.

• B vitamins: Biotin (B7) in particular, but also other B vitamins, are important for healthy hair growth.
• Minerals:
  • Zinc: Important for the growth and renewal of hair cells.
  • Selenium: An antioxidant that protects cells from damage.
  • Copper: It plays a role in the production of melanin, the pigment that gives hair its color. A copper deficiency can contribute to premature graying.
• Antioxidants: Vitamins C and E, as well as other antioxidants, protect hair follicles from oxidative stress, which can contribute to hair aging.
• Keratin: It is the main protein component of hair. Keratin supplements can help strengthen hair and improve its structure.
• PABA (para-aminobenzoic acid): Some studies suggest that it might help with hair repigmentation, but the results are inconclusive.
• Herbal extracts: In addition to black sesame, other herbs are also used in some cultures, such as Amla (Indian gooseberry), He Shou Wu (Polygonum multiflorum) or Saw Palmetto.

If your hair seems limp, try the following tips to add volume:

• Blow drying for volume: For blow-drying and lifting hair from the roots try it Rowenta CV5831F0 Studio Dry Glow with ionization, or compact Philips BHC010/10.. Philip Kingsley recommends leaning forward at the end of blow-drying and letting your hair fall to the floor, brushing it gently and blow-drying behind it.
• Styling products: Mousse is a great styling product for thinning hair because it is light and fluffy, lifting and holding hair without weighing it down. Lightweight mousse for volume offers, for example, Alcina Volume Mousse – ideal for fine hair, or Brelil Volume Mousse Spray with simple spray application.
• Dry shampoos and volumizing sprays: They are a quick solution. For quick volume without washing reach for K18 AirWash dry shampoo or Cheaper version from Balea, which gives hair density and strength.

The summer months are a real test for hair, as it is exposed to sun, chlorine, salt, sand, wind and free radicals. These factors can dry out hair, damage it and cause breakage and split ends.

• Protect your hair from the sun: Wear a hat, scarf or use a special UV hair spray. Gray hair is especially at risk because it lacks protective melanin. Don't forget to protect your scalp too, for example with a transparent spray.
• Use special summer cosmetics: Choose a shampoo and conditioner designed for summer care that contain UV filters. These products also help remove salt and dirt and moisturize the hair.
• Get rid of salt and chlorine from your hair: After swimming in the sea or pool, rinse your hair thoroughly and use a shampoo to help remove salt and chlorine. Soak your hair in fresh water before swimming so it doesn't absorb chlorinated or salt water.
• Hydrate and nourish hair: Hydration is key in the summer. Use hydrating masks and oils at least once a week. Hair oils add shine, keratin and collagen, and protect from the sun.
• Limit heat treatment: Avoid unnecessary blow-drying, ironing and curling, which dry and damage your hair. Let your hair dry naturally. If heat styling is unavoidable, always use a special heat protection product.
• Regenerate damaged hair: Use regenerating masks and oils to restore a healthy appearance.
• Replenish nutrition from within: Consider supplements with biotin, keratin, zinc, selenium, and B vitamins.
• Don't forget your scalp: Hydrate it and protect it from the sun.
• Regular drinking regimen: Water helps regenerate the skin, hydrates the body and keeps hair healthy and beautiful.
• Trim your ends before summer: Give your hair deep care and get your ends trimmed.

• Do not use strong chemical products: In the summer, it is better to choose gentle and natural products that do not dry out the hair.
• Don't underestimate hydration: Hair needs more hydration in the summer, so it's important to use moisturizing products.
• Washing too often: Washing your hair every day can dry out your hair and scalp, causing breakage and frizz. Try washing your hair less often and using dry shampoo.
• Leave the coloring for the fall: Hair color changes with the sun. If you need to dye, focus only on the roots and only tint the lengths.

With these tips, you can keep your hair beautiful and healthy all year round, even in the hot summer months!