Unraveling the Frizz Factor: Smooth Solutions for Aging Hair

Have you noticed that as you get older, you seem to have more “frizzy hair” days? If you’re nodding your head, you’re not imagining things. Just like everything else that makes up the human body, your hair is not immune to the effects of aging, including changes in hair texture that can lead to the frizzies. Let’s explore the "whys" behind these changes and look at ways you can keep your hair healthy and vibrant.

The Journey of Aging Hair

1. Natural Graying: Why do people go gray as they age? It's all about melanin, the pigment responsible for your skin, hair, and eye color. As you age, your body produces less melanin, resulting in hair that has less and less color until it turns white or gray. But, contrary to popular belief, the change in hair texture does not arise from this loss of melanin.
2. The Role of Hormones: A key player in your hair's texture is sebum, a natural oil that keeps your scalp moisturized. Curly hair tends to be drier than straight hair because it is more difficult for sebum to penetrate the hair shaft along its length. As you age, and especially with menopause, women produce less sebum leading to hair that's more brittle or, simply put, frizzy.
3. Environmental Culprits: Age also makes your hair less resilient to oxidative stress, which arises from factors like sun damage, pollution, and chemical exposure. This stress harms your hair follicles, affecting the quality of hair your follicles are able to generate.

Giving Your Hair the Care It Deserves

1. Nourish from within: Think of your hair as a plant. Just how plants thrive with the right combination of nutrients, your hair needs vitamins, minerals, and hydration. In addition to a balanced, nutritious diet, you may want to also consider supplements that target hair health. 

   Hair follicles are rooted in the skin’s dermal layer and rely on healthy blood supply to provide a nutrient-rich, strong and healthy environment. Marine collagen for hair growth works to enhance blood flows and build higher levels of collagen in the dermis around the hair follicles.  Improved nutrient delivery to the area surrounding the follicles makes follicles healthier and improves the strength, hydration and appearance of hair.

    Furthermore, many of the age-related changes that occur in our bodies are caused by the destructive action of free radicals in our body. Research has shown that free radicals can damage hair follicles resulting in hair loss, thinning and hair damage.  Collagen is a well-studied antioxidant with the ability to neutralize free radicals. This action combined with a more nutrient-rich dermal environment, is thought to have a protective effect on the hair follicle and improve the look, health and thickness of hair.  Collagen Peptides also supply our bodies with the amino acids necessary to make Keratin, the main structural protein in hair and nails.

2. Re-think Your Washing Routine: Hair care isn't one-size-fits-all, as the frequency of hair washes should vary according to the individual. Instead of washing your hair on a strict schedule, gauge when your hair genuinely needs it, which can be when dirt and product residue builds up. Some people find that they need to wash their hair less frequently when taking hair-nourishing supplements.
3. Product Choices Matter: If coloring is your thing, opt for treatments that are scalp-friendly, as there are many gentler, more natural coloring products on the market. Regardless of whether you color or not, ensure your shampoos and serums don't have harmful chemicals like sulfates and parabens. Also, make it a habit to apply deep conditioners and hair masks as part of your regular routine and concentrate these products on the tips of your hair where natural scalp oils are less likely to reach.
4. Don’t Hesitate to Seek Professional Help: If you observe sudden or drastic changes in your hair, consult a doctor. Sometimes, your hair can offer clues about your overall health, especially with such conditions as thyroid problems.

Embracing Change with Confidence

Hair changes might make you feel like you’ve embarked on a one-way journey to less attractive hair, but remember, while you might not be able to reverse time, you can lessen its effects by nourishing and caring for your hair. A balanced diet, proper hydration, and the right hair care regimen can bring life and shine back to your hair, as healthy hair begins from within. By understanding these changes and adopting the right habits, you can embrace every strand, silver or not, with grace and confidence, and hopefully, less frizz!