While we typically think of skin as the most visible outward sign of aging, some of us know that the real proof lies on our heads and in our brushes: thinning hair that breaks and is brittle, changing texture that leaves us confused as to how to style our hair, and even wispy flyaway strands that defy attempts to keep them in place. It’s a jungle up there, and a definite source of frustration, especially for older women. And as we’ve previously discussed, the pandemic did us no favors when it comes to stress and aging hair. While it’s been reported that as many as 80% of all women see some hair loss by age 60, it appears that pandemic stress may have even further exacerbated this process. And new research out of Harvard recently confirmed that chronic stress impairs hair follicle stem cells, so it’s not just your imagination.

When your body is under stress, it produces the hormone cortisol, which can not only wreak havoc by causing inflammation but can also interfere in the process of hair growth. Couple that with the impact of stress on your diet, sleep, or physical activity and it’s no surprise that hair loss has become a significant issue for so many. In fact, it’s said that the scalp ages 6 times faster than the skin, so it’s a wonder that some of us have any hair left at this point! Moreover, products to deal with aging hair have been missing compared to the number of lotions and potions available to deal with every conceivable aspect of aging skin.

However, new products are now on the market that pay specific attention to the hair care needs of older women. First, Proctor and Gamble recently began selling a new haircare line called Hair Biology, available at such retailers as Target and Amazon. As well, supermodel Cindy Crawford, already in the beauty business with her line of skincare products under her brand Meaningful Beauty, has just come out with a line of hair care products to address the concerns of older women. Targeting such problems as thinning hair, scalp health, and hair breakage, her products are intended to specifically address aging hair issues. As she has said, “Women expect their face to age but no one tells us that our hair will age.” To find out more about her development of these products, pull out your old Vogue magazines and click here.

Finally, even with thinning or brittle hair, it’s possible to create beautiful hairstyles that enable older women to remain modern and confident (unlike the older ladies of yore, with their blue hairstyles!). For some on-trend ideas, book an appointment with your stylist and look here.