60s …
“My hair feels different and won’t grow!”
Grays are the gift that come with the privilege of growing older, and we embrace them. (Jose Luis Palaez Inc.)
The most prevalent hair issue women in their 60s face is the change in texture. Hair may begin to be coarser, especially if your hair is turning gray. Grays are the gift that come with the privilege of growing older, and we embrace them. Whether you choose to become the silver fox, leave a streak or cover them completely, these lighter hairs behave differently. In a nutshell, your hair becomes gray because the body produces less melanin or pigment cells. This process can start at any age, which is largely genetic.
Gray hair can also be the symptom of a copper deficiency, says Amerson, who confirms this by studying hair under a special microscope. Gray hair is more porous, too, which inhibits it from holding on to hair dye or good things that you put on it. It may be the reason why your old conditioners, styling agents and hair color aren’t giving you the same stunning results. As gray hairs are popping up faster than ever during this decade, the growth rate of your hair is noticeably slowing down.
One common cause of the halting growth in men and women are follicles that are sensitive to dihydrotestosterone, commonly known as DHT. Doctors agree that it takes years of exposure of the DHT in our bodies before a hair follicle responds by shutting down. So, if you are genetically prone to be more sensitive to this hormone, this is the time when symptoms such as hair loss and slow growth may become excessive.
What to do:
Internally: A healthy, vitamin-rich diet and exercise nourish the hair from the inside out. Have your doctor screen you for a copper deficiency to rule out any problems. Also have your dermatologist test the DHT levels in your bloodstream to determine if steps should be taken to counter the negative effects that high levels could have on your hair growth.
Externally: Argan oil is packed with fatty acids and vitamin E, which are both essential for healthy hair. Argan oil is also known for its hair-softening abilities. Massage a little onto your scalp and hair, or opt for conditioners containing the oil. You’ll find plenty at your drugstore or beauty supply store.
Try to manipulate your hair less, too, and opt for sulfate-free shampoos, which are gentler on strands and are less drying. Lengthen the time between washes with the dry shampoos. A little goes a long way with ones such as Klorane’s Dry Shampoo with Oat Milk ($19.50, kloraneusa.com).
Dry shampoos are ideal for quickly refreshing your hair without water. For us, they work best on hair that is relaxed or blown out because you can brush the product through strands thoroughly to avoid leaving behind any powder residue. It’s also good for refreshing your scalp if you wear braids.
