By Tania Lane.
For many women, hitting our 40s can be an absolute nightmare for our hair. As we approach our 40s, our bodies start to go through some changes, and many of those drastic changes effect our strands.
For the majority of women like me, the hair starts to feel much drier or more brittle. The hair also gets progressively thinner and less manageable. We experience more aggressive shedding, and less growth, which can be a real worry.
As a woman, the last thing you'd want to lose is your hair. Our hair is what makes us feminine. It gives us an identity, and without it, it can destroy our confidence. If you are experiencing thinning hair, then fear not, because you are not alone. Many women in their 40s are experiencing similar changes, and in a big way.
Changes come in waves, some slow and subtle and others make you feel like you’re a different person overnight. So, when the hair starts to change, it's natural for you to feel scared. What was once thick and lustrous may have started to become dull and grey. And even if you always had thinner hair, it’s hard to ignore there’s even less there to gripe about.
What causes women to lose hair in their 40s?
To treat the problem effectively, you must first identify what is causing it. Estrogen levels steadily decline as women reach their 40s and head towards menopause (I know, this isn't sounding any better, but bear with me).
As a result, testosterone levels (the same sex hormone in men) start to take control. Although high testosterone levels is something that is usually associated with men, isn’t all bad for women, because it actually can help us live longer, but it does come with a price, and that often means drying, dulling, and thinning hair.
The hair growth rate naturally slows down with age, that’s to be expected. More significant hair loss is attributed to changes in hormone levels, especially as women approach their 40s, and then reach menopause. An under active thyroid is often another major cause. In essence, it’s not so much that you’re losing hair, you’re just not growing more hair than you’re shedding.
It is estimated that over 50 percent of women will experience some stage of hair loss by the age of 45, and up to 80 percent of women will lose considerable amounts of hair by the age of 60. Female baldness is most definitely a problem, and it's not about to go away any time soon.
Other causes of hair loss in women include pregnancy, giving birth, menopause, and seasonal hair loss. All these types of hair loss tend to be temporary, but they can become long term problems if they occur in conjunction with mature shedding.
The first thing you should look at is what styling products you use on your hair. Over-styling can lead to breakage and damage to your strands, which isn't ideal if you are already suffering from natural shedding.
It is estimated that over 50 percent of women will experience some stage of hair loss by the age of 45, and up to 80 percent of women will lose considerable amounts of hair by the age of 60. Female baldness is most definitely a problem, and it's not about to go away any time soon.
Other causes of hair loss in women include pregnancy, giving birth, menopause, and seasonal hair loss. All these types of hair loss tend to be temporary, but they can become long term problems if they occur in conjunction with mature shedding.
How can female hair loss be treated?
The first thing you should look at is what styling products you use on your hair. Over-styling can lead to breakage and damage to your strands, which isn't ideal if you are already suffering from natural shedding.
While your instinct is to style your way out of lacklustre hair, you are in fact adding to the problem. The worst styling products you can use are chemical based formulas, and heat-based devices such as hairdryers and straighteners. If these can be avoided, then do so.
Taking the right vitamins can help you get the very best out of your hair. Vitamins A, C, and E all help promote cell and tissue growth. B Vitamins like Biotin and Folic Acid are also excellent hair growth promoters, and add to that a healthy diet of foods rich in calcium, antioxidants and Omega-3 fatty acids and you have a recipe for success.
Multi-vitamin supplements such as HR23+ offer an excellent solution for women who suffer from thinning hair. Multi-vitamin supplements contain a blend of hair loss prevention additives and hair growth promoters, which in turn, can help stump excess shedding, and support healthy, thicker hair growth. What's more, these types of products are safe, and free from negative side-effects.
You can, in fact, eat your way to better locks, which will reduce your risk of over-styling and further damaging your hair. High protein foods sch as eggs, fish, and lentils will not only benefit your hair, but also your whole body. And don’t forget the obvious counter punch to dry, brittle hair - stay hydrated with plenty of water!
We each face different issues with our hair as we get into our 40s, but there are perfectly valid steps you can take in order to minimise its impact on your life and on your appearance. For some, the challenge is greater than others, but no matter what the end result is, the most important thing to remember is – don’t stress over it too much.
Look at your diet, and also asses what you are putting into your hair. Look for natural, healthy solutions that can help reduce unnecessary shedding.
Taking the right vitamins can help you get the very best out of your hair. Vitamins A, C, and E all help promote cell and tissue growth. B Vitamins like Biotin and Folic Acid are also excellent hair growth promoters, and add to that a healthy diet of foods rich in calcium, antioxidants and Omega-3 fatty acids and you have a recipe for success.
You can, in fact, eat your way to better locks, which will reduce your risk of over-styling and further damaging your hair. High protein foods sch as eggs, fish, and lentils will not only benefit your hair, but also your whole body. And don’t forget the obvious counter punch to dry, brittle hair - stay hydrated with plenty of water!
To conclude...
We each face different issues with our hair as we get into our 40s, but there are perfectly valid steps you can take in order to minimise its impact on your life and on your appearance. For some, the challenge is greater than others, but no matter what the end result is, the most important thing to remember is – don’t stress over it too much.
Look at your diet, and also asses what you are putting into your hair. Look for natural, healthy solutions that can help reduce unnecessary shedding.
The problem most women have is that, yes, they're going through a phase of excess shedding, but certain things are accentuating this. The priority should be to first slow down the shedding, and then try and maintain the healthy growth of hair.
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