Can Your Hair Type Change with Age?

Key Takeaways

• As you age, straight hair may become more wavy, and if you have wavy hair, you might see new wave patterns in each section of your head.
• Over time, those with curly hair may notice looser curls or new curl patterns.
• If you have coily hair, it’s possible for it to become frizzier as you age.

Jump to

• Why Does Hair Type Change with Age?
• Hair Type Changes
• Other Hair Changes
• How to Manage Hair Type Changes

Can Your Hair Type Change with Age

You might notice changes in your hair as you get older, and that’s completely normal. While it’s well-known that many people start getting gray hair as they age, you might not realize their hair type can change, too. Learn more about how your hair type can change over time.

Why Does Hair Type Change with Age?

There are a few different reasons your hair type can change over time. All of the following can affect your hair type as you age:

• UV light exposure
• Genetics
• Inflammation
• Smoking
• Stress
• Hormonal changes
• Oxidative stress (an imbalance between antioxidants and free radicals)

Hair Type Changes

What kinds of hair changes could you experience? Whether you have straight, wavy, curly, or coily hair, here are some changes you may notice over time:

Straight Hair

If you have straight hair, your hair may become slightly curlier as you age. This is because the shape of hair follicles changes over time.

Wavy Hair

Your hair’s wave pattern can also change. You might notice different wave patterns in each section of your head as you age.

Curly Hair

If you have curly hair, your curl pattern can change because of hormonal changes. Your curls may loosen, drop, or create a new curl pattern.

Coily Hair

In general, the structure of coily hair makes it harder for it to retain moisture. As you age, coily hair may become even drier since your body produces less sebum. Coily hair also may become more prone to breakage. Your hair may also appear frizzier and be harder to style.

How Does Hair Texture Change with Age?

As you age, your hair can become finer, meaning each strand is smaller in diameter. This is the result of new hair growth cycles. During the anagen growing phase of your hair cycle, your hair shaft is actively generated. But as you get older, the anagen growing phase shortens, making it possible for you to notice finer hair strands.

The softness and smoothness of your hair can also change over time. For example, your hair may feel dry, coarse, and wiry as you get older due to less sebum production.

Other Hair Changes

Your hair may become thinner over time, meaning there is less hair on your head. Everyone has hair follicles—they’re tiny pocket-like holes in skin that grow hair. As you get older, some hair follicles may shrink, grow fewer strands, or stop growing hair.

How to Manage Hair Type Changes

Even if your hair type changes, your shampoo and conditioner don’t have to. OLAPLEX® shampoo is compatible with all hair types, whether it’s straight or coily. If you’re looking for a shampoo that will gently cleanse, hydrate, nourish, and strengthen your hair, you’ll love Nº.4 Bond Maintenance® Shampoo. Pair it with Nº.5 Bond Maintenance® Conditioner to moisturize, hydrate, and repair your hair. When you use No.4 and No.5 together, your hair will look healthier with every wash.

If you have gray hair that’s becoming brassy, put Nº.4P Blonde Enhancer™ Toning Shampoo to the test. This highly concentrated purple shampoo cleanses, tones, and repairs while keeping your hair hydrated from roots to ends. Finish with Nº.5P Blonde Enhancer™ Toning Conditioner to strengthen, smooth, and hydrate your hair while neutralizing brassiness.

Learn more about how to take care of gray hair or take the Hair Quiz to get a personalized OLAPLEX routine.

Sources

1. https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/how-your-hair-changes-as-you-age-plus-what-to-do-about-it
2. https://www.healthline.com/health/oxidative-stress
3. https://www.byrdie.com/how-to-care-for-gray-hair-5077505
4. https://www.healthline.com/health/hair-follicle
5. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/causes/18-causes
6. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/24538-sebaceous-glands

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