Everything we need to know about hair ageing

Nowadays, we are very aware of skin ageing. But what about hair ageing? Yolanda Izquierdo, Hair Expert at Montibello, explains how age and other factors affect our hair and what we can do to tackle this natural process and keep our hair healthier and younger-looking for longer.

What is hair ageing?

Just like the skin, hair also undergoes the process of ageing. Age becomes the primary factor, but there are other significant causes that contribute to the deterioration of our hair, such as hormonal changes during adolescence and menopause. Our lifestyle, diet and stress levels also play a role. And, of course, the way we care for and treat our hair matters too.

What does it involve?

Let’s take a closer look at the main factors that influence hair ageing:

• Age: just as the skin experiences changes like wrinkles or sagging, age also takes its toll on our hair. The main signs that reveal the passing years include thinner hair, reduced volume, and even changes in pigmentation, which result in the appearance of grey hairs.
• Hormonal changes: during stages of significant hormonal shifts, changes occur in the hair. In adolescence, when cell regeneration and hormonal changes are at their peak, we might notice excess sebum or scalp hyperhidrosis, leading to oilier hair. The structure and shape of our hair can also change during this stage, often becoming straighter, curlier or frizzier. In contrast, during menopause, the opposite happens: reduced blood flow means the hair is less nourished, resulting in thinner, weaker hair with less volume. Hair loss also increases at this stage, and there’s a noticeable rise in grey hairs.
• Lifestyle: stress, diet, drinking enough water, and getting sufficient sleep are all factors that affect and accelerate hair ageing.
• Hair care: it’s incredibly important to maintain the health and condition of our hair. We need to provide it with the right care by choosing the most suitable shampoo, conditioner, mask and finishing products. To do this, there is nothing better than getting advice from a hair professional by going to a hairdressing salon. No one is better equipped to recommend specific products tailored to your needs. It’s also crucial to avoid overusing heat tools (straighteners, hairdryers) and to protect the hair with an appropriate product before applying heat. And, of course, always protect your hair in the summer with hair sunscreens, as the sun also contributes to its deterioration and ageing.

At what age does it become noticeable and what symptoms appear?

The most significant changes from hair ageing start to appear from the age of 40, when the hair begins to receive fewer nutrients and cellular oxidation speeds up. These factors result in thinner hair with less volume, density and thickness. This is also when grey hairs become more prominent.

Structural alterations also occur and it is in this decade when we will begin to notice a loss of shine and smoother or frizzier hair, as it is weaker.

Is it related to skin ageing?

Absolutely. Although there is still not much awareness of hair ageing, unlike skin ageing, which we are very aware of. But, as we have said, just like the skin, hair also loses elasticity and becomes more rigid and fragile.

While we can’t stop the passage of time, the good news is that nowadays we can delay the signs of ageing in our hair with a good hair care routine, just as we do with our skin.

What can be done to combat it?

The key is to maintain a healthy lifestyle, including a varied and rich Mediterranean diet with legumes, cereals, proteins, and more. These foods provide the vitamins and trace elements needed to keep our hair strong and healthy.

On the other hand, a hair care routine tailored to our specific needs is also essential, ideally using natural ingredients.

I recommend Montibello’s Hop range, which is vegan and made with up to 97% natural ingredients. This range bases its effectiveness on the bioscience of algae, multiplying the results and effectively combating the 8 signs of hair ageing: hydration, nutrition, balance, strength, colour protection, frizz, volume and shine. Depending on your hair type and needs, you can choose the most suitable option from the range.

Its formula contains powerful anti-ageing actives commonly used in skincare, such as:

• Peptides and amino acids: replenish the cortex and strengthen the hair.
• Antioxidants: fight external aggressors and free radicals.
• Nutrients: energise and revitalise follicles (hair roots) for strong, healthy growth. • Essential lipids: restore the hair fibre, add elasticity and rebalance the scalp.

With consistent hair care using professional products, we can maintain the vitality and youthfulness of our hair for much longer.