My grandmother had hair as dark as night until her last days, without resorting to boxed dye or my grandfather’s hair products (not that he had any, being bald). She was a true outlier.
The Reality Check
In reality, most of us will eventually go grey—and we’re likely aware of that. However, what’s often overlooked is that as we age, our hair undergoes numerous changes beyond just color. While the specifics can differ based on genetics and ethnicity, here are some transformations many will face, particularly among Caucasians.
Around the age of 25, we may begin to notice our hair’s texture shifting. Over time, it could become coarse, curly, thin, straight, or wavy—essentially, the possibilities are endless. Even if our hair’s texture doesn’t change drastically, it’s likely to become more brittle. You know the phrase “delicate like a flower, but tough like a bomb”? Unfortunately, our hair is veering towards that of a fragile flower—or, more fittingly, a broken toothpick.
Many of us will likely experience a loss of volume (individual strands thinning) and luster, but the harshest reality is that a significant number of us will face female pattern hair loss, which can start as early as age 12. Yes, hair loss isn’t exclusive to men, and it can strike much earlier than we anticipate.
What’s Behind These Changes?
Numerous factors affect our hair’s condition. Some are self-inflicted: poor diet, excessive heat styling, product buildup, and smoking. Others are beyond our control, such as medications, pollution, and hard water. Then there are unavoidable aspects of life: stress (both physical and emotional), hormonal fluctuations, family history, and the passage of time.
Where to Place the Blame?
I’m not opposed to the natural changes my hair goes through; I’m frustrated that no one ever warned me—loudly—that these changes were on the horizon. Our mothers provided pamphlets about the transformations of our adolescent bodies and cautioned us against sunbathing with baby oil. They might have mentioned unwanted hairs and bunions, but no one ever alerted us about the rollercoaster our hair would face.
We were prepared for the grey—it’s hard to miss. Over the years, our once-beachy waves may have devolved into limp strands, which is already disappointing. But the reality of our hair resembling a bad perm is something I never saw coming.
And if that wasn’t enough, how about hair breakage? The days of voluminous styles are long gone—any attempt at fashioning a trendy look could leave us with a clump of hair in the sink. I would’ve appreciated a heads up about that; at least I could have had a dustpan ready.
We often diagnose our dull hair as needing a special treatment with mayonnaise and vinegar, or blame cheap shampoo for the lack of shine. The truth is, our hair can simply grow out looking sad and lifeless. Had someone warned us, we could have saved ourselves the hassle.
Once, we may have sported hair too thick for a single braid, and now we find ourselves reminiscing about those tangled locks. We might have thought that thinning hair was a male issue, and while it’s true that women deal with other ailments like hot flashes, by the time we hit 50, around 40% of us will find our hair thinning, especially at the crown.
I remember looking at older women in church with thinning hair and assumed they were to blame for their hair woes. I would have thought differently had I known their family history. My mistake for judging? Maybe, but it’s also someone else’s fault for not informing me that genetics can be harsh.
Concluding Thoughts on Grey Hair
As women, our bodies evolve throughout our lives, and while some changes are wonderful, others are not so pleasant. Thinning hair falls into the latter category, alongside muscle loss and changing vision.
However, many of us embrace grey hair; we accept the notion that “50% of the population has about 50% grey hair by age 50.” Perhaps we’re tired of the fight against it, as disguising those grey strands can feel tedious. In fact, we’re often surrounded by inspiring grey-haired women who exude confidence. I admire a friend at my local pool who embraced her natural grey at 34.
In recent years, the grey hair trend has gained traction among younger individuals, with hashtags like #GrannyHair appearing on social media, complete with how-to guides. What was once seen as a sign of aging has been redefined by icons like Helen Mirren and Lady Gaga, showcasing how stunning grey hair can be.
While we may never fully embrace thinning, coarse, or dull hair, we can at least prepare future generations of women: your hair will likely change in ways you don’t expect, and it’s never too early to start looking for remedies. For further insights and tips, check out one of our other blog posts here.
For more information on the topic, you can also visit this authority site or explore this great resource about pregnancy and home insemination.
Search Queries:
- What causes hair thinning in women?
- Tips for maintaining healthy hair as you age
- How to embrace grey hair with confidence
- Understanding female pattern hair loss
- Best products for aging hair
Summary
Aging hair is a reality that often comes with unexpected changes beyond just going grey. Many women face texture changes, brittleness, and even hair loss as they age, often without prior warning. While some of this can be attributed to lifestyle factors, genetics also play a significant role. Embracing grey hair has become more popular, with many women finding confidence in their natural looks despite the challenges that come with aging hair. It’s essential to share this knowledge with future generations to ensure they are better prepared for the hair changes that await them.