We all know about the gray hair that starts popping up right around your 40s, but did you know that your hair and scalp goes through all kinds of other shifts, as well? In the same way we adjust our skincare routine to accommodate a changing complexion, it’s important to be aware of hair changes so you can make sure your strands are getting the right TLC. Ahead, we’re covering the most common hair concerns and changes you can expect in each decade, and offering some expert advice on taking care of your mane.
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- TerraRose Puncerelli, celebrity hairstylist and brand ambassador for Hairapy Haircare
- Lindsay Johnson, hair stylist based in Madison, Conn.
- Alanah Kenyon, stylist and owner of Studio Linea
Your 20s
Your 20s are a season of exploration in almost every category—and that includes your hair. From experimenting with new silhouettes to dabbling in bleach, color, extensions, and heat styling, your hair tends to go through lots of change. That said, your primary focus for your hair in your 20s should be maintaining health and integrity.
“If you're using too many chemicals, cheap products, or excessive heat, you're going to destroy the hair follicles and it becomes a whole mission to restore that,” says TerraRose Puncerelli, celebrity hairstylist and brand ambassador for Hairapy Haircare. “Regular trims, hair treatments, infrequent chemical services, and the use of sulfate-free products are all worthy practices in maintaining the integrity of your hair.”
Another issue you may experience in your 20s is an oily scalp. Our skin is naturally more oily in our teens and 20s. Shampoo regularly, but try to avoid overwashing. If your hair or scalp feels dirty, oily, or itchy, you’ve probably pushed your shampoo too far. Products that help absorb oiliness, like dry shampoo, can be effective when used in moderation.
Primary Changes and Concerns
- Chemical processing damage
- Heat styling damage
- Traction alopecia (from tight hairstyles and/or extensions)
- Oily scalp and strands
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Your 30s
As you move into your 30s, your hair and scalp may undergo some changes in density, texture, and even color thanks to hormonal shifts. “Women in their child-bearing years can expect some wild changes to their hair that may include gorgeous, shiny, thick hair during pregnancy, followed by possible shedding three to six months postpartum,” notes hairstylist Lindsay Johnson. “From what I’ve seen in clients—and personally experienced—hair returns to ‘normal’ around a year after birth.”
Your 30s are also a time when you start to notice gray hairs popping up with more frequency. Genetics play the biggest role here, but stress, diet, and certain health conditions can also contribute. All that said, graying is a completely normal fact of life, and it occurs as a natural part of aging as melanin production in hair follicles slows down.
“This is also the age I also recommend beginning to use a densifying shampoo and conditioner,” Puncerelli says. “The reason this is important is because we want to promote hair growth at a young age to prevent hair loss at an older age.” The oiliness from your 20s may start to subside for a more balanced scalp and/or a bit more dryness, though this causes hair to appear more dull, too.
Primary Changes and Concerns
- Possible volume loss due to natural aging
- Telogen Effluvium (temporary hair loss from hormonal/physical changes to the body)
- Gray hair starts developing (varies depending on genetics and life factors)
- Possible scalp dryness and more dullness as a result
- Slower hair growth
Your 40s
Your 40s are when you really start noticing changes in your hair. Maybe it’s feeling drier, a little more brittle, or not as full as it used to be. That’s because oil production slows down quite a bit, says Alanah Kenyon, stylist and owner of Studio Linea.
“Some people start experiencing mild thinning, especially around the temples and crown. This is also when grays tend to show up even more,” Kenyon says. “The key here is hydration. Think moisture-rich shampoos, deep conditioning treatments, and scalp care to keep everything balanced.”
For blending and concealing grays, she likes to keep her clients low maintenance with semi-permanent hair color. She adds that a great haircut that works with your hair’s changing texture can make a huge difference, too—especially if you choose to blend your grays instead of fully covering them.
Puncerelli suggests incorporating a restorative scalp serum into your regimen, and it’s also a good idea to use moisture-rich shampoo, conditioner, and treatments to keep your scalp and strands bouncy, strong, and shiny.
Primary Changes and Concerns
- More noticeable graying
- Increased hair thinning from hormonal changes
- Drier scalp and brittle hair due to reduced oil production
- Slower hair growth
- More sensitivity to damage from chemical processing/heat styling
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Your 50s
Your 50s are a continuation of the issues you may experience in your 40s, exacerbated by the hormonal shifts associated with menopause. Hair thinning becomes more noticeable, graying is par for the course, and your scalp also tends to get drier more easily. These changes can all affect your hair growth and shine.
“This is where scalp care really comes into play. Regular massages, exfoliation, and treatments that boost circulation can help keep hair healthier and stronger,” Kenyon says. “If you color your hair, now’s the time to lean into softer, dimensional tones or glossing treatments to keep things looking fresh and vibrant without feeling high maintenance.”
Additionally, hydrating serums, lightweight oils, and gentle cleansing routines can help maintain a balanced scalp and keep hair looking fuller. It’s also a great time to experiment with soft layers or tailored cuts that add volume and movement.
Primary Changes and Concerns
- More graying (about 50% of your hair will be gray by the end of the decade)
- Textural changes, including brittle strands or a wiry texture due to hormonal shifts and a decrease in keratin and natural oils
- Slower hair growth and increased shedding, which can cause hair to become thinner and less full
- Dry scalp and dull strands
- Continued sensitivity to damage from chemical processing/heat styling
Your 60s and Beyond
Once you hit your 60s and beyond, hair naturally becomes finer, and grays take on a new texture—often feeling coarser or wiry. Kenyon says that a lot of people choose to embrace their tinsel at this point, and a clear or tinted gloss can keep your strands shiny and bright. A purple toning shampoo can also keep yellow or brassiness at bay.
“Hydration is everything at this stage. Deep conditioning, lightweight yet nourishing products, and regular trims will help keep hair looking and feeling its best,” Kenyon adds. “Prioritizing scalp health is also huge. Healthy hair starts at the scalp and keeping it in top shape helps maximize fullness and vibrancy.”
As hair continues to change with age, adjusting your routine can make a significant difference in maintaining its health and appearance. Opting for ultra-hydrating shampoos and conditioners, incorporating scalp serums, and using protective styling techniques can help prevent breakage and keep strands feeling soft. If thinning becomes a concern, look into volumizing cuts or gentle styling methods that add lift without causing stress on delicate strands.
Primary Changes and Concerns
- Thinning hair and reduced volume
- Coarse or wiry texture due to increased dryness as your strands often become more porous and rough.
- Yellow or brassy grays, which can be fixed with toning treatments Gray and white
- Scalp health becomes a big priority to promote better growth and shine
- Continued sensitivity to damage from chemical processing/heat styling
