10 Hair Care Tips for Men Over 40

Gray, flaky, or dry hair? It is quite normal in old age. We’ll show you what you need to pay attention to and which products are important

Hair is important to most people. Why else do they spend so much time and effort trying to get the perfect part or a successful swing in front of the mirror? Many people are proud of their hair but often take it for granted. But what do you do if you notice that your hair is changing? First of all, don’t panic!

Changes in your hair are completely normal. In many ways, hair is a reflection of what is going on in the body. Like everything else, hair changes as it ages. However, that doesn’t mean there’s nothing you can do about it.

What happens to your hair in your 40s?

As you get older, the hormones in your body change. Testosterone levels drop, especially in men. These fluctuations “affect how our bodies function and ultimately impact hair,” explains trichologist Bridgette Hall. One result is a reduction in blood flow to the scalp, which can make it drier and more flaky.

Dermatologist Dhaval Bhanusali emphasizes that dry scalp and hair can also be linked to age-related loss of oils. These and other signs, such as the appearance of gray hair, can begin as early as age 30, but “get more severe the closer you get to your 40s,” he says. The most common problem among men in their 40s is hair thinning.

Men report hair loss as early as the age of 35, and this percentage continues to increase with age. “Even if you don’t have actual hair loss, people often notice that their hairline is receding a little or becoming weaker,” says Bhanusali. “Even those who have the best hair genes can experience thinning.”

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Thinning is not the same as clear-cutting

The most common complaint from men in their 40s is that their hair is thinning, explains Dr. Bhanusali. The life cycle of hair is divided into three phases. Every hair goes through the growth phase (anagen phase), the transition phase (catagen phase), and the resting phase (telogen phase).

As this cycle slows down as we get older, the telogen phase becomes longer, the anagen phase becomes shorter, and the hair naturally thins. But just because you notice your hair thinning doesn’t automatically mean you’re going bald. Thinning and baldness are not the same thing.

There are various reasons why hair loss can occur: age, genetics, diet, medication, and stress. According to a study in Nature Medicine magazine, hair loss may also be linked to pandemic-related stress. Thinning hair due to stress or diet is not the same as androgenetic alopecia-type male pattern baldness (hormone-related hair loss).

“There are certain things we look for in male pattern baldness,” explains Dr. Bhanusali, “like loss in the temporal areas, front scalp, and on the middle of the head.” It is also important to take into account how quickly and how much hair falls out. If you notice a high loss in a very short time, we recommend that you have an examination by a specialist.

1: Care for your scalp

“Your scalp is like fertilizer for healthy hair,” explains Dr. Bhanusali. Well-groomed hair can only grow reliably from a healthy scalp. In addition, deposits such as dead cells or styling product residue can make hair growth difficult or cause dandruff or dryness. That’s why it can help to remove it from your hair once a week. You can use shampoo with salicylic acid for this.

Regular massages of your scalp can also promote blood circulation. “More blood flow invigorates the tissue, and the scalp receives more nutrients,” explains Hall. A concentrate used before shampooing, for example, the Rene Furterer Complexe 5 Scalp Treatment, can stimulate the scalp without destroying it.

2: The right choice of shampoo

If you notice any changes in your hair, especially dryness or dandruff, the first thing you can do is change your shampoo. Dr. Bhanusali explains that combating dry scalp and dandruff not only improves your well-being but can also help manage hair loss. “Shampoos like Head & Shoulders do a great job,” he recommends, as well as shampoos that contain ketoconazole. The shampoo itself won’t directly affect hair loss, but ensuring your scalp is in the best condition possible is an important part of treating hair loss. It is important to be patient and use the shampoo long enough for its effect to become apparent.

How often you wash your hair can also affect your scalp, especially if your scalp is dry. “Avoid overloading the hair with surfactants,” advises Hall, as these can often be very aggressive on the hair and scalp. It is worth using mild or even pH-neutral shampoos here. Hall recommends only washing your hair every few days or using a hair tonic that can cleanse the scalp without drying out the hair itself.

3: Use hair conditioner

Good moisture is essential for healthy and shiny hair, especially when the scalp’s natural oils decrease. If you have long hair, you can use conditioner after washing your hair. It moisturizes and keeps hair healthy. “When you start showering, try applying it and leaving it in so it’s the last thing you rinse,” recommends Hall. Choosing the right conditioner is also crucial. Rule of thumb: “The finer the hair, the more water-based the product should be.”

4: Use hair treatments regularly

If hair thins as a result of the natural aging process (and other problems are excluded), it is because the hair life cycle is slowing down. The hair loss phase becomes longer and the growth phase becomes shorter, which can lead to general thinning. To combat this, Hall recommends using hair treatments regularly. Products such as the “Rene Furterer Triphasic Reactional Kur” and the “Grow Gorgeous Daily Growth Serum” extend the growth phase. New serums that nourish the scalp overnight (e.g., Nutriplenish Replenishing Overnight Serum from Aveda).

5: Use oils as additional care

If your hair dries out quickly despite regular care, Hall recommends regular use of a deep-conditioning mask like the Briogeo Be Gentle, Be Kind Avocado, and Kiwi Mega Moisture Superfoods Hair Mask. This allows natural oils to be stored and the hair to be moisturized. Another tip from expert Dr. Bhanusali: “Use argan oil or coconut oil every few weeks or even once a week (depending on how dry your hair is).” You can use these oils instead of conditioner or in addition to it.

6: Develop a hair loss prevention routine

If you notice your hair thinning or other abnormalities, such as hair loss, it may be helpful to start active treatments, advises Dr. Bhanusali. Such active ingredients are, for example, minoxidil or finasteride. However, seek medical advice before taking action yourself. Although the medications are effective, they can cause side effects.

7: Adjust your hair styling products

As your hair changes, whether it’s thinning or drying out, the shampoos or styling products you’ve been using may no longer work as well. It’s time to switch up and look for lighter products that meet your hair’s needs. Thick pomades and gels can make thin hair look even thinner, while heavy oils and waxes can weigh down the hair.

You can get a natural hold using a volume powder, for example. Hall also recommends using mousse: “It’s easy to shape, soft and fluffy, but still makes the hair look fuller.” Apply a mousse to damp hair and shape it with a blow dryer. Other water-based volume products and texture sprays are also ideal for thin hair. They can add volume and texture to the hair.

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8: Treat gray hair, especially

Gray hair is natural and occurs because the body’s production of the responsible dye decreases. However, depending on how much gray hair you have, this may affect how you should care for his hair. Gray hair is usually wirier and more porous than other hair. It tends to absorb minerals and contaminants more easily.

These minerals usually show up as yellow tones in gray hair. The best way to combat this and keep gray hair looking fresh is to use a silver shampoo and deep conditioning mask specifically designed for gray hair, says Hall. “Not only does it contain moisturizing agents, but it also contains violet-based pigments that cancel out any tones that make gray hair look less vibrant,” she points out.

9: Dietary supplement as a hair care extension

Changes in your hair are a natural part of the aging process because your body changes. You can also counteract hair loss or thinning through your diet. Hall recommends foods rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory products. A dietary supplement for the hair can also be useful.

Important vitamins and minerals include biotin, zinc, selenium, and copper. But: Dietary supplements are not a panacea for hair care, but they can be part of a strategy. “For healthy hair, we need to take into account all anti-hair growth and hair cycle factors, and this also includes nutrition,” explains the expert.

10: Visit a dermatologist

Any time you notice changes in your hair and before taking a new supplement or over-the-counter hair loss medication, you should make an appointment with a dermatologist or trichologist. Hair loss could be a symptom of a larger problem like psoriasis, which could have broader effects, warns Dr. Bhanusali. It could also be a side effect of medication or diet. Dermatology professionals can determine the source of the problem before creating a treatment plan.

Conclusion: There is a suitable solution for every hair change

As you age, your body changes, and so does your hair. But no matter whether you have dry, flaky, or gray hair, thanks to our expert tips, you now know exactly what you need to pay attention to when caring for your hair after 40 and which products could be important for you to make your hair shine again.