As we get older, so does our hair. “Most women notice a combination of increased shedding, reduced density, and dryness after the age of 50,” says Mona Mislankar, MD, a FAAD board-certified dermatologist and founder of the Cincinnati Skin Center. This is why adopting a hair care routine for women over 50 is key, because the changes go far beyond gray hair.
To help you find the right products, we spoke with dermatologists, trichologists, and hairstylists for tips on treating aging hair and scalps. Keep scrolling for the best hair care routine for women over 50, according to the experts.
What happens to hair as we age?
After you turn 50, a few things happen to your hair. First, strands become thinner, which is largely driven by declining estrogen levels. “The growth phase of the hair cycle also shortens; hair may not grow as long or as quickly as before,” says Dr. Mislankar. She goes on to explain that some women also notice changes in their curl pattern (like flattening or becoming wiry) as well as losing color and turning gray.
Kenna Kennor, a hairstylist based in New York City, says that as hair feels finer or more fragile, it’s common to see increased dryness, frizz, and loss of natural shine. “Scalp health can also change, becoming drier and more flaky, which affects how the hair grows,” she adds.
How to adjust your hair care routine after 50
While the important hair care basics still stand (using heat protectant, washing regularly, and maintaining good scalp hygiene), all of these changes warrant a little more attention to hydration and scalp health, says Dr. Mislankar.
1. Start at the roots
Hair health for women over 50 starts with the scalp. Similar to our skin care routines, scalps require more attention as we age, says Jay Small, trichologist and founder of Arey. “Most routines include washing to cleanse the scalp and conditioning to nourish the strands, but adding a scalp serum provides the essential moisture and actives needed to support the area from the surface down to the hair follicle,” he says. It not only provides immediate relief (especially if you’re experiencing inflammation or dandruff), but also long-term hydration, regrowth, and pigment preservation.
2. Use a scalp treatment
But how to choose the right one? Small recommends an oil-free serum with active ingredients (like BHAs and AHAs) that’ll penetrate the scalp and exfoliate without weighing down hair. Dr. Mislankar recommends “gentle exfoliation with an AHA-based treatment or a salicylic acid-based treatment once a week to help with buildup without disrupting the barrier.” Just be sure to check the instructions to see how often to use it, and whether to apply it to wet or dry hair.
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