basic hair consulting appointment and a good scalp and shampoo treatment to kick start the programme.
The Hair Coach, Shirley recommends specific shampoos and treatments for Older Women: If You’re Over 40, you will need Shampoos and scalp treatments that Will Help Revive Thinning, Dry, or Brittle Hair
Aging is a magnificent journey, but it comes with changes— including in our hair and scalp.
As we grow older, our hair naturally becomes thinner, drier, and more fragile due to factors such as hormonal shifts, reduced oil production, and years of exposure to styling, colouring, and environmental stressors. This can leave many women feeling frustrated, searching for the right haircare routine to restore strength, shine, and volume.
The good news? The right shampoo can make all the difference. A formula tailored for mature hair can nourish your scalp, reinforce weakened strands, and enhance overall hair health—giving you back the confidence that comes with full, vibrant locks.
In this guide, Hair Coach, Shirley helps to navigate the hundreds of shampoos and treatments and tells us what to look for in a shampoo for older hair and share her top picks.
HOW AGING AFFECTS YOUR HAIR?
• Weakened cuticle layers, making hair more susceptible to environmental damage
• Decreased keratin and lipid levels, which normally help retain moisture and smoothness
Dryness is especially noticeable in grey and white hair, which has a coarser texture due to a lack of melanin (the pigment that also helps retain moisture).
3. LOSS OF VOLUME & ELASTICITY Full, bouncy hair is often associated with youth, but aging hair loses its natural elasticity and lift because: • The production of collagen and elastin declines, leading to weaker hair strands
• Hair follicles shrink, making each individual hair strand finer and less voluminous
• The scalp’s blood circulation decreases, slowing down the delivery of essential nutrients that support strong hair growth
This results in hair that feels limp, flat, and less resilient, making styling more challenging.
4. INCREASED HAIR SHEDDING While some hair shedding is normal, excessive hair loss can become more noticeable with age. Factors contributing to this include: • Hormonal changes (especially post-menopause) • Nutrient deficiencies, such as low levels of iron, biotin, and vitamin D
• Stress-related hair loss (telogen effluvium), which can be triggered by major life changes, illness, or medication
Thinner, weaker hair combined with excessive shedding can leave hair looking sparse, particularly around the temples and crown.
5. COLOUR CHANGES & GREYING Greying is a natural part of aging, caused by a decrease in melanin production in hair follicles. While grey hair is completely normal, it comes with some additional changes: • Coarser, wiry texture due to structural differences in the hair shaft • Increased dryness as melanin also plays a role in moisture retention
• More prone to yellowing from product buildup, pollution, and UV exposure
Aging doesn’t just affect our skin and body—it also has a profound impact on our hair’s texture, strength, and overall health. These changes are driven by hormonal shifts, reduced nutrient absorption, and years of environmental exposure. Here’s a closer look at what happens to aging hair:
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1. HAIR THINNING & SLOWER GROWTH One of the most common concerns among older women is hair thinning. As we age, our oestrogen and progesterone levels decline, leading to shorter and weaker hair growth cycles. This results in: • Slower hair regrowth after shedding • Shorter, finer strands replacing previously thicker hair • More visible scalp as hair follicles shrink Additionally, increased sensitivity to androgens (male hormones) can cause hair to grow thinner over time, especially along the crown and parting line.
2. INCREASED DRYNESS & BRITTLE TEXTURE You might notice your hair feels coarser, drier, and more prone to breakage as you get older. This is due to: • Reduced sebum (natural oil) production by the scalp, leading to drier strands
Aging hair isn’t just about colour loss—it requires extra care to maintain softness, smoothness, and vibrancy.
6. SCALP CHANGES & SENSITIVITY A healthy scalp is the foundation of strong hair, but with age, the scalp undergoes changes that can lead to discomfort and slower hair growth: • Reduced oil production, leading to dryness, flaking, and irritation • Thinner skin barrier, making the scalp more sensitive to harsh ingredients
• Lower circulation, which affects how well hair follicles receive nutrients
Using a gentle, scalp-friendly shampoo with hydrating and nourishing ingredients can help maintain a balanced scalp environment.
The Hair Coach - Shirley Thornhill
If you have any questions about your hair or hair rituals, feel free to contact Shirley at Enso Hair Rituals Worcester
T: 01905 964174 @thehaircoach @ensohairrituals
LIVE24-SEVEN.COM 37
FASHION, HEALTH & BEAUT Y THE HAIR COACH
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