Your Hair & Scalp is aging 5 x faster than your face!
by Pernima Fernando
on Mar 20 2024
Just like the rest of your skin, the production of collagen and elastin in the scalp slows down as we age.
This results in the scalp becoming thinner and less elastic.
As time goes on, the scalp struggles to retain moisture as effectively as before, leading to quicker dehydration. Additionally, the scalp becomes dry because oil glands produce less sebum. The production of melanin, which gives hair its colour, also decreases, along with the hair follicle growth cycle. These changes occur naturally due to ageing, influenced by genetics. However, environmental factors such as pollution, sun exposure, smoking, stress, and frequent chemical and heat treatments all contribute to and worsen scalp ageing.
What are the signs of scalp ageing?
Scalp ageing primarily occurs beneath the surface, but its effects are visible in changes to the colour, texture, thickness, shine, smoothness, and softness of your hair.
- One of the initial indications of an ageing scalp is the appearance of white hair. As melanin production diminishes, hair follicles become transparent, resulting in grey or white hair. While grey hairs may start to show in your 30s, premature greying can be triggered by extreme stress or traumatic events.
- Thinning strands, where each hair becomes thinner due to shrinking follicles, is another sign of scalp ageing.
- Dry and brittle hair is also a symptom of scalp ageing, as the lack of sebum leads to a loss of moisture and the glossy appearance of the hair. Without proper conditioning from moisture and sebum, hair becomes more prone to breakage, especially when exposed to UV rays, pollution, heat, and chemical styling.
- Hair loss; Although losing around 100 strands of hair daily is normal, a slower hair growth cycle means it takes longer for new hair to replace the fallen strands, making hair loss more noticeable.
Despite the challenges of scalp ageing, there are ways to mitigate its effects. Using the right products, treatments, and making lifestyle changes can help slow down scalp ageing and manage its impact on hair health.
Adjust Your Diet and Lifestyle
- Nourish your scalp internally with a diet rich in proteins, antioxidants, zinc, and magnesium to strengthen the scalp and reduce oxidative stress.
- Managing stress and reducing chemical and heat styling can also slow down scalp ageing.
- Protecting your scalp (and hair) with a hat or cap that has UV protection when outdoors can help prevent sun damage and keep the scalp hydrated.
Cosmetic Treatments
- Incorporate a Hair Tonic into Your Haircare Routined like our Sneha Hair Oil; Just as you would use a serum to combat ageing on your face, consider using our hair oil for your scalp.
- Also consider derma rolling to improve the absorption of scalp-nourishing nutrients into the upper and deeper layers of the scalp.
Anti-ageing effects of Hair Oil on your scalp and hair:
1. **Moisturisation**: Hair oil helps to moisturise the scalp and hair, preventing dryness and brittleness that can be common signs of ageing. Keeping the scalp and hair well-hydrated can improve the overall health and appearance of your hair.
2. **Nourishment**: Hair oils are rich in nutrients that can nourish the scalp and hair follicles, promoting healthy hair growth and reducing the effects of ageing. Essential fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants in hair oils can help strengthen the hair and prevent damage.
3. **Scalp Health**: Massaging hair oil into the scalp can improve blood circulation, which in turn can promote a healthy scalp environment for hair growth. A healthy scalp is essential for maintaining strong, vibrant hair.
4. **Protection**: Hair oil can create a protective barrier on the hair shaft, shielding it from environmental damage such as pollution, UV rays, and heat styling. This protection can help prevent premature ageing of the hair and scalp.
5. **Anti-inflammatory**: Some hair oils have anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe scalp conditions like dandruff or irritation, which can contribute to scalp ageing. By reducing inflammation, hair oil can support a healthier scalp environment.
When choosing a hair oil for anti-ageing benefits, look for oils that are lightweight and easily absorbed to avoid weighing down the hair. Oils such as argan oil, coconut oil and jojoba oil are popular choices for their nourishing and moisturising properties. Incorporating a hair oil into your regular haircare routine can help combat the signs of ageing and promote healthier, more youthful-looking hair.