Why Didn’t Anyone Warn Us About the Changes in Our Aging Hair?

My grandmother had stunningly dark hair that remained unchanged throughout her life—no dye, no tricks. She was a rarity.

The Reality Check

Most of us will embrace grey hair eventually, which is no surprise. However, what might catch us off guard are the myriad transformations that occur as we age. While the specifics can differ based on genetics and ethnicity, many of us (especially those of European descent) will likely notice some common changes.

Starting around the age of 25, our hair’s texture may begin to shift. It could become coarse, curly, wavy, or even thin—essentially, anything goes. Beyond texture, the unfortunate reality is that our hair often becomes more brittle over time, resembling a fragile flower rather than the robust locks we once had.

Volume tends to diminish, with individual strands thinning out, and the shine we once took for granted might fade away. Even more disheartening is the possibility of experiencing female pattern hair loss, which can start as early as 12. Yes, hair loss isn’t just a male issue, and it can strike earlier than we expect.

The Factors at Play

Various factors contribute to these changes. Some are self-inflicted, such as poor nutrition, heat styling, and excessive product use. Others are unavoidable, including medications, pollution, and hard water. We also face uncontrollable circumstances like illness, pregnancy, or chemotherapy. Additionally, stress, hormonal fluctuations, family history, and aging play significant roles.

The Lack of Warning

While I accept the natural evolution of my hair, I find it frustrating that no one ever warned me about these changes. Our mothers provided us with pamphlets about puberty and the changes to expect, yet they overlooked the inevitable hair transformations.

We were prepared for grey hair, but the reality of our once-vibrant beachy waves turning into limp strands? That caught me off guard. The notion of hair breaking off and leaving us with sparse locks was also not on my radar. I wish someone had mentioned that, at least I could have been better prepared.

In our youth, we may have had hair that was too thick for a single braid, but as time passes, we might find ourselves with just enough for a single-strand twist. I never thought I’d look back on my once unruly hair with longing. What happened to those days?

Thinning hair was often seen as a male issue, a misconception that many of us held. By the time we reach 50, around 40% of women will experience hair loss, particularly at the crown. I remember seeing women in church with thinning hair, assuming it was solely due to their styling choices. Little did I know that heredity plays a significant role.

A New Perspective on Grey

As our bodies change, so does our hair—some changes are beautiful, while others are less than desirable. Muscle loss and vision issues aren’t welcome, and neither is wiry, thinning hair. However, many women are growing more comfortable with grey hair, and even embracing it. The 50-50-50 rule suggests that by age 50, about half of the population has around 50% grey hair.

Some choose not to fight it; hiding grey hair can be tedious. We see confident women rocking their natural grey, breaking the stereotype that grey hair is merely a sign of aging. Celebrities like Helen Mirren and Lady Gaga showcase how attractive grey hair can be.

Though we might never fully embrace thinning, coarse, or lackluster hair, we can certainly prepare future generations. Let them know that their hair will undergo some unwanted changes, and it’s never too early to explore preventative measures. If you’re curious about ways to address these transformations, you can find some useful tips in this blog.

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Summary

As we age, our hair undergoes a variety of changes that many of us are unprepared for. From texture shifts to thinning and greying, these transformations can be surprising. While societal norms around grey hair are evolving, many still struggle with the realities of aging hair. It’s important to discuss these changes openly and prepare the next generation for what lies ahead.