Did you know your scalp ages just like your face? That's why making scalp care a priority is as important as skin care. Exposed to the same stressors and environmental aggressors as your face, your scalp needs regular exfoliation, purification and protection to target signs of premature scalp aging.

As you get older, hair thins and becomes sparse, and (unfairly) men seem to get away with it. These days, when a ‘comb-over’ no longer looks good, men can shave it all off, no matter their age, and shaved heads are in style; they embody a stylish, minimalistic look. But having a good head of hair is both pride and joy for women, and therefore, shaving the locks is rarely on the menu for the ladies.

Can you thicken ageing hair?

Ah, the million-dollar question! A nutritious diet containing healthy fats, protein, and vitamins can help thicken thinning hair, and there are cosmetic thickening treatments available: some have caffeine, biotin, and niacin that are said to get inside the hair fibre to lend support from within; then polymers attach to the outside of each strand for additional structure. One Scandinavian growth serum showed the clinical evidence for their product in a study: with reduced hair loss, increases in hair density, and increases in the growing phase of hair follicles. But not all serums are created equal, so beware.

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Skincare for the scalp

The Centre for Skin Sciences at the University of Bradford confirm that hair growth is directly affected by age-related changes in the scalp, and that healthy hair follicles sit deep within the fatty layer of the scalp, surrounded by blood vessels, lymphatics and sebaceous glands. As cell turnover slows with age and the scalp loses its ability to hold water and keep collagen fibres intact, the fatty layer gets thinner and less elastic, and follicles are pushed into the dermis above, where the hair production becomes thinner and weaker. To make it worse, if there are excessive amounts of sebum collecting on the scalp, this reacts with airborne pollution particles and leads to inflammation and ‘free radical change’.

Now the good news

I’m not suggesting this is a cure, but you have to pay attention to the science, don’t you? As with skincare, the simplest measures are often the most effective. A solid scalp-care protocol can help maintain shine as we age and prevents ends from being brittle. Double shampooing (washing twice) will help if multiple products are used on your hair. Most scalp treatments contain active ingredients that promote blood flow to the hair follicles, aiding in nutrient delivery, and will also protect the scalp from free radicals, while offering anti-inflammatory benefits to maintain the health of the hair follicles.

For a dry scalp, hydrating products that do not strip the scalp of natural oils should be used, such as aloe vera and vitamin E, to moisturise and reduce irritation and itching. For an oily scalp, it is said that alpha-hydroxy, beta-hydroxy acids, and glycolic acid will work to gently remove any excess oils from the scalp.

Scalp TLC
Giving your hair a little TLC whenever you do something extra for your skin is an easy approach, and there are many scalp treatments available. Go for products with antioxidants, collagen boosting nutrients, hyaluronic acids, etc., and after a few months of regular treatment, you may see a change in your hair quality. Some scalps require special products to remove excessive amounts of build-up, and some might even require medication. But if caught early enough, a simple scalp treatment applied regularly can promote the growth of thicker, healthier hair.

Japanese Head Massage

Perhaps also try a traditional Japanese Head Massage, to balance the body’s energy and promote relaxation - a blissful, gentle, rhythmic massage to stimulate blood flow, which can also help reduce headaches, stress, and fatigue. It might include a hot steam application to open up the hair follicles, followed by a deep cleansing shampoo, and maybe a treatment mask to address specific hair concerns, such as damage from styling products.

Diligent scalp care is a must – with or without hair!


Author

Marilyn writes regularly for The Portugal News, and has lived in the Algarve for some years. A dog-lover, she has lived in Ireland, UK, Bermuda and the Isle of Man. 

Marilyn Sheridan