This Is What It Means When You Start Noticing Changes in Your Hair Texture

Changes in our hair as we age can be unnerving. And although there are numerous reasons texture changes happen, there are just as many solutions. To gain a better understanding of hair texture changes, I reached out to a few medical professionals and hairstylists who know exactly what to do. Below, find their sage advice (and a few product recommendations) to help remedy the situation. 

From the loss of collagen to hard water, keep scrolling to learn about the potential causes of (and solutions for) changes in your hair texture.

A Loss of Collagen

"As you get older, collagen starts to disappear from your skin and your scalp," says L.A.-based stylist Philip Berkovitz, "and you produce less of the conditioning scalp oils that help keep your hair smooth and manageable. Great hair comes from a greater scalp." Unfortunately, age can sometimes complicate matters.

Change in Hormones

"Women experience many hormonal changes in their lifetime, primarily during puberty, menstruation, pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, a change in birth control, and aging," notes Ariane Goldman, the founder of maternity resource Hatch. "In the aging process, your hair follicles get smaller causing a reduction in follicle density and a loss in hair thickness." The change in hormones, especially estrogen, can affect the way hair grows by shortening the growth part of the hair cycle, leading to increased fallout.

"A great TLC remedy for aging hair is Hatch's Mama Strength & Shine Daily Fortifying Hair Oil," says Goldman. "It's a luxurious formula enriched with plant- and seed-based oils with the highest amounts of linoleic acid, in addition to added vitamins and nutrients from power-packed superfruits. It's the perfect, natural way to help replace moisture and strengthen existing hair, making it look fuller while minimizing hair breakage. The added bonus, it coats the hair shaft protecting your hair from high heat and hairstyling tools."

Low-Protein Diet

"Not getting enough protein in your diet for healthy hair and skin to function is a big thing," says Michelle Blaisure, a certified trichologist and product and technical specialist with Bosley Professional Strength. The lack of protein can cause your hair to change in texture as it requires high levels of nutrients to reproduce, she tells us. The same goes for essential fatty acids, especially omega-3s. To boost your intake, make sure you're getting a good amount of salmon, avocado, oysters, and eggs in your diet. If you're vegan, opt for Brussels sprouts, chia seeds, and walnuts.

Change in Environment

Pollution in the air can adhere to and effect your hair texture, shine, and growth. In addition, those exposed to cigarette smoke (smokers or otherwise) may have greater hair loss than those who aren't. So, if you live in an urban area, this may be the culprit for your change in hair texture.

"Finish with a pH spray or anti-pollution drops," Berkovitz suggests. "Toner is as important to your hair as it is to your skin—even more so as you get older. Here's why: Tap water generally has a pH balance of 7.9. Your hair's pH is 5.5. That difference in pH explains why your hair feels smooth in the shower but tangles once you're out. The pH of the water blows open your hair cuticle (another word for the tiny shingles that make up the outer layer of each strand). With those 'shingles' flaring open, your hair feels rougher and tangles easily. By using a pH-balancing spray, you seal the cuticle, making it smoother and more manageable, and less vulnerable to pollution."

Product Buildup

"There's the product buildup issue," Berkovitz says, "which is huge. Say you're shampooing your hair every three days or so. Over that time, your hair collects buildup from styling products, dead cells, and pollution. Together, they leave your hair looking dull and take away its silky feel. Think of how easily your hair absorbs the smell of cigarette smoke—it's amazing what your hair picks up as you move throughout your day."

Washing your hair infrequently is fine, as long as you're doing something to remedy the sometimes damaging buildup from your favorite products. "Start with a weekly reset," Berkovitz recommends. "That means doing a clarifying oil treatment to keep your hair light, silky, bouncy, and shiny. Begin by working some botanical oil into your hair (I use my Rejuvenating Oil, $35, as it's made with light plant and flower oils, which is helpful for breaking down heavy scalp oils and the dulling residue that styling-product plasticizing agents leave behind)."

He continues, "Leave the oil on your hair for at least 20 minutes. You can even use a blow-dryer to warm the oil, helping it absorb into each strand and moisturize your hair from the inside out. Next, wash your hair with a gentle clarifying shampoo. I use Peppermint Avocado Shampoo ($34) for a therapeutic dose of pure peppermint oil, which helps to lift away any excess oil from your hair and leave your scalp tingly clean. Then use conditioner as usual."

Medication

Another cause of thinning hair that you likely have no control over is medication. In most of these cases, it's actually a prescription medicine that you should be taking for a medical condition that is the main culprit. While some medications cause only minimal loss, others (when combined with the condition you're taking it for) can lead to more serious cases.

It's worth discussing your medication use with your physician to see if an alternative medicine would be helpful. But be sure and consult with your doctor before you go making changes on your own.

Heat Abuse

Much like the chemical abuse from relaxers, color treatments, and other processing, heat abuse is another cause of hair thinning and texture changes that's completely preventable.

When heat is the culprit, you usually notice thinning toward the ends of the hair instead of the roots—this is because some women tend to "bump" their ends frequently with curling or flat irons. Along with thinning, you'll probably also notice dryness and brittleness. This is a cause you can easily remedy: just cut back on the heat styling, consider letting your hair air-dry from time to time, and when you do use heat, be sure to use protective products as well.

Hard Water

Although it might not be the first thing that comes to mind, hard water can also contribute to a change in your hair's texture. Hard water has more minerals in it than bottled water and can add to the buildup that may already be present in your hair. Plus, hard water is notorious for not rinsing properly, meaning it could also leave residue from shampoo and conditioner in your hair. If you can, look into installing a filter in your shower or faucet to "soften" your water.