Changes in your hair and nails as you get older

Over time, your skin, hair and nails are affected by the ageing process and begin to change. For example, your skin loses volume, elasticity and density.

Your hair and nails, which help to protect the body, also undergo changes. In this article we tell you about the most noticeable changes that occur in your hair and nails due to ageing.

Changes in your hair

The main changes that affect your hair, usually after you turn 30 (especially in men), are as follows:

• Its colour changes as it loses its pigment called melanin, which is produced in the hair follicles. These, which are responsible for hair production and hair growth, produce less melanin and this leads to grey hairs.  This process generally starts at the temples and spreads to the top of the scalp. As a result, the colour of the hair becomes increasingly lighter, until it is finally white. This also occurs with body and facial hair, which turns grey, although the process generally starts later than on the scalp, and in areas such as the armpits, pubic area or chest it may not happen at all.

• Changes in hair thickness. Hair is made up of protein fibres and (usually) has a lifespan of between 2 and 7 years. Afterwards, the hair falls out and new hair is formed. Additionally, depending on your genes, as you get older hair loss tends to occur because the hair fibres become smaller and many hair follicles stop producing new hairs.

But when do these changes occur? Men are more likely to suffer from hair loss (in some cases baldness) and greying, although women may also experience them, but this is less common.

Another change that occurs with age, especially in women, is that hair is lost and the remaining hair may become coarser, usually on the chin and around the lips. In men, the hair on the eyebrows and in the ears and nose becomes longer and coarser.

Changes in your nails

Although changes in the nails are less noticeable, they also occur over time:

• They grow more slowly.
• Fingernails become pale and brittle, but can also turn yellowish and dull.
• Toenails can become hard and thick.
• Longitudinal ridges may develop on the fingernails and toenails.

In addition, as we age, it is common for more nail-related conditions to develop, like ingrown toenails, fungal infections, pitting, changes in their contour, etc., problems related to iron deficiency, kidney disease or nutritional deficiencies.

How can I minimise the changes to my hair and nails?

To prevent and minimise these changes, it is important that hair and nails receive a minimum of care:

• Hair: avoid overusing hair dryers, stylers, dyes or sprays and get the ends trimmed from time to time.
• Nails: it is better to file them than to cut them; keep them well hydrated and do not wear nail varnish all of the time, as they need to breathe.

You should also look after your diet, as it provides the minerals and vitamins needed to keep hair and nails strong and healthy. Consume antioxidants, vitamins A, B, C, K, etc.

In upcoming posts we will take a closer look at how to achieve strong and healthy hair and nails.