Why Your Hair Texture Changes After 40 (& How To Reverse That)

Dr. Andrea Suarez shows us how:

The follicle freshener routine

As we get older, our aging scalp biology can reduce ceramides, barrier function, sebum, collagen, and elastin, leading to drier, more brittle, wiry hair, increased shedding, and more visible scalp.

Additionally, hair follicles gradually shrink, producing shorter, finer, less pigmented hairs (i.e. more gray) while shortening the growth phase and lengthening the resting phase, which can also alter texture and make hair feel coarser.

It’s not just about the passage of time; oxidative stress, reduced blood flow, microinflammation, stem cell damage, hormonal shifts, collagen loss, and scalp barrier decline all contribute to weaker follicle function.

Some things may be counterintuitive, for example aging reduces moisture retention and sebum, so overcleansing, harsh shampoos, shampoo residue, and hot water itself can worsen dryness and irritation, and on the flipside, maintaining your scalp’s acid mantle and microbiome can help reduce inflammation.

Alas, most “anti-aging” scalp serums primarily improve temporary softness or shine rather than meaningfully reversing follicle aging, as many ingredients don’t even effectively reach the follicle.

So, what does work? The strongest evidence remains for minoxidil, red light and/or low-level laser therapy, ketoconazole shampoo, and zinc pyrithione shampoo, with caffeine and scalp massage featuring lower on the list.

Lifestyle factors are also important: adequate protein, fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains are all very good things to enjoy, and non-dietary lifestyle factors such as good sleep and stress management are important too, because hair growth is metabolically demanding and sensitive to systemic changes.

For more on all of this, enjoy:

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Take care!