Key Takeaways
- Hair also ages due to genetics, hormones, and external factors.
- UV rays, stress, and bad habits accelerate hair damage.
- Common signs of hair aging: gray hair, hair loss, dryness, and less volume.
- A holistic approach is key, combining medical and cosmetic treatments in hair care.
Introduction
Hair aging is a natural and inevitable process that occurs over time and affects its appearance and health. Just as our skin ages, so does our hair. The onset of this process can vary depending on internal and external factors. However, understanding its causes, recognizing its early signs, and adopting an appropriate care routine can make a significant difference in its health, appearance, and vitality.
Why does hair age?
From a medical perspective, hair aging is related to biological processes such as:
- Oxidative stress in hair follicles.
- Alteration of the hair growth cycle.
- Chronic low-grade inflammation.
- Mitochondrial damage to follicle stem cells.
These biological processes, in turn, can be influenced by various internal and external factors.
Intrinsic (Internal) Factors:
- Genetics: Hereditary and ethnic factors.
- Hormonal Changes: Menopause and andropause impact sebum production, hair growth, and pigmentation.
- Decreased Melanin Production: Melanin is the pigment that gives hair its color and is created by cells called melanocytes, which become less active with age.
- Decreased Keratin Production: Keratin is the main protein that makes up the hair structure.
- Decreased Blood Flow to the Scalp: This can limit the supply of essential nutrients to hair follicles, affecting hair growth and overall health.
Extrinsic (External) Factors:
- UV Exposure: UV rays can damage the hair's cuticle, the protective outer layer, making it dry, brittle, and dull. It can also accelerate discoloration.
- Environmental Pollution: Polluting particles and free radicals present in the air can damage the hair structure and scalp.
- Stress: Chronic stress can trigger hormonal imbalances and negatively affect the hair growth cycle, and can even contribute to premature hair loss and graying.
- Poor Hair Care Habits: Excessive use of heat tools (hair dryers, flat irons, curling irons), harsh chemical treatments (dyes, perms, straighteners), rough brushing, and the use of inappropriate products can damage the hair fiber and accelerate the signs of aging.
- Poor Diet: A diet lacking in essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins can affect hair health and growth.
Signs of Hair Aging
Recognizing the signs of hair aging is the first step to better care for your hair. Some of these signs may be obvious, while others you can only notice.
Changes in hair color (the appearance of gray hair) occur due to hair follicles producing less melanin, resulting in hair growth in different shades of gray and even white.
- Decreased hair volume and thickness.
- Drier, finer, and more brittle hair.
- Loss of shine and elasticity.
- Increased hair loss.
How to Care for Aging Hair
Adopting a specific routine for mature hair is essential to prevent deterioration:
- Intensive moisturizing: once a week.
- Avoid excessive heat: Reduce the use of heat tools or apply heat protectants.
- Scalp massages: Stimulate blood circulation and promote hair growth.
- Balanced diet: Eat foods rich in biotin, zinc, iron, and omega-3.
- Regular trims: Removing split ends keeps hair looking better and healthier.
- Sun protection for hair.
Recommended treatments and products
Recent studies highlight the need for holistic strategies that combine medical and cosmetic treatments to maintain hair health throughout life.
We focus on treatments with natural and clinically validated active ingredients such as:
- Plant peptides (quinoa, lentils, chickpeas).
- Antioxidant extracts (calendula, horsetail).
- Emollient and nourishing oils (argan, jojoba, avocado, coconut). Deeply nourishes without leaving a greasy residue.
LEDA Swiss creates hair formulas based on several of these clinically proven plant-based ingredients, designed to nourish, protect, and provide antioxidants to brittle or dry hair. Its products utilize plant-based keratin to restore strength, oils like argan and jojoba for softness and protection, calendula to soothe the scalp, and alpenrose with mango butter to defend against environmental aging and UV rays.
