How to Prevent Hair Loss in Your 40s

Notice your hair becoming thinner or seeing larger clumps falling out? Sadly, it may not be all in your head. Female pattern baldness is a common part of the aging process. While growing older may bring the promise of more wisdom and heightened self-confidence (to name a few perks!), it’s natural to worry about your appearance and seek tips on how to prevent hair loss. Fortunately, there are ways to strengthen your lock seven after turning 40.

Excessive hair fall can manifest during puberty or around menopause. Usually, it worsens with each passing decade. While genetics are a factor, hormones are the biggest culprits because they control the hair’s life cycle. Estrogen keeps the strands in the active (growth) phase, where the follicles produce hair fiber. During perimenopause, the estrogen levels dip, forcing the follicles to enter the resting phase, also known as the shedding period.

Illnesses and fluctuations in weight can also play a role in hair thinning. As hair is considered a non-essential tissue, it's often the first to suffer when your diet lacks vital micronutrients such as iron, protein, and zinc. In addition, high levels of stress can decrease your body's ability to absorb essential vitamins.

From over-the-counter products to lifestyle changes, these tips can help you strengthen your hair and prevent further thinning. They may not turn back the clock, but they can make you more confident about the state of your tresses — that’s one less thing to worry about!

Don’t forget to give your scalp the same TLC you give your hair. It is delicate and prone to inflammation and dryness, so avoid overwashing it or using harsh shampoos that can strip its natural oils.

If you’re wondering how to prevent hair loss, start with an honest assessment of your haircare products. Look for ones with ingredients for hair loss, like primrose oil, like Dove Botanical Anti Hair Fall Shampoo Silicone Free Primrose. Made with 100% botanical oils, it strengthens hair and moisturizes the scalp without leaving it greasy. Use Dove Botanical Selection Anti Hair Fall Hair Conditioner Primrose next to protect your hair from breakage and brittleness.

A sleek ponytail or chignon looks elegant and screams powerful businesswomen, but these tight hairstyles worsen hair fall. Loosen up the ties and clips to give your mane a breather. Try more relaxed and protective hairdos, such as messy low buns with face-framing tendrils and French braids. If you don’t have the time (or motivation) to pull an intricate hairstyle, wearing your hair down and adding cute accessories like a silk headband can work. 

Aside from being super easy to recreate, these looks also disguise widening hair parts. But camouflage is only a temporary solution. Add more body to your sparse scalp by using Sunsilk Strong & Long Shampoo. It has biotin and aloe vera, which help support the natural growth of hair.

Embracing the salt-and-pepper look is inarguably good, but it’s okay to color your hair when you want to change things up or decide that gray is not your shade. The problem is most box dyes use ammonia to lift the hair cuticles, so the pigment seeps into the hair cortex. During this process, the hair’s pH levels go up, which irritates the scalp and weakens the hair follicles. Hence, the burning sensation.

Choose ammonia-free hair dyes with organic and vegan ingredients. However, always do a patch test since vegan products can trigger allergies, too. Better yet, visit your go-to hairstylist for a professional coloring session.

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day for your locks. Hair cells are most active in the morning and need a consistent supply of energy to grow. According to a study published by Cambridge University, those who skip breakfast miss out on these essential nutrients that keep the hair full and healthy. Exactly how many nutrients do you need? Think of it this way: the hair is always the last to receive the ayuda. The body distributes energy to other organs first and the leftovers go to your strands.

Make it a point to enjoy a meal before starting your day. However, don’t feel too guilty if your schedule is too packed to have breakfast. What’s important is to optimize your nutrient intake during lunch and dinner. Loading up on food rich in iron, protein, and zinc might help your hair loss prevention journey.

Seeing your hair running down the drain is heartbreaking and stressful. These tips on how to prevent hair loss can help minimize shedding or reverse its effects. Falling hair is as common as laugh lines, so don’t worry – you’re not alone. And remember that no one in their 40s has the same hair they had in their 20s.