How often should a 60 year old wash her hair?

As women age, their hair often undergoes changes that can impact how frequently they need to wash it. By the time a woman reaches 60, she may notice that her hair is drier, thinner and more fragile. Determining the ideal hair washing frequency for a 60 year old requires taking into account her unique hair type and scalp condition. With some adjustments to hair care routines, women over 60 can keep their hair clean, healthy and beautiful.

What causes hair to change at 60?

There are a few key factors that cause hair to change as women enter their 60s:

  • Lower estrogen levels: Estrogen helps keep hair shiny and healthy. As estrogen drops with menopause, hair often becomes drier.
  • Decreased production of natural oils: The sebaceous glands produce less oil (sebum) as women age. Less sebum leaves hair dry and brittle.
  • Higher percentage of gray/white hairs: Gray and white hairs are coarser and tend to be drier than pigmented hairs.
  • Scalp produces less collagen: Collagen supports healthy scalp tissue. With less collagen, the scalp becomes thinner.
  • Slower hair growth: Hair grows more slowly leading to thinning hair over time.

These age-related changes mean that hair needs to be washed differently in a woman’s 60s compared to her younger years. The frequency of washing needs to strike a balance between keeping hair clean and avoiding excessive dryness or damage to the hair and scalp.

How often do dermatologists recommend washing hair at 60?

Most dermatologists recommend that healthy women in their 60s wash their hair no more than 2-3 times per week. Washing hair any more frequently than this can strip away the natural oils and lead to brittle, frizzy hair.

Here are general hair washing frequency guidelines from dermatologists for women over 60:

  • Straight, fine hair – 2 times per week
  • Curly, thick hair – 2 times per week
  • Oily hair/scalp – 3 times per week
  • Color-treated hair – 2 times per week
  • Dry, damaged hair – 1 time per week

As these recommendations demonstrate, hair type makes a difference in ideal wash frequency. Women experiencing scalp dryness or hair breakage may find washing just once a week beneficial. Those with very oily scalp and straight, fine hair that becomes limp may prefer washing 2-3 times weekly. Washing less often requires using dry shampoo to absorb oil between washes.

Tips for washing hair in your 60s

When showering in your 60s, be gentle and strategic about how you cleanse your hair:

  • Use warm water instead of hot, which can dry out hair and scalp.
  • Apply shampoo only to the scalp area, not hair lengths. Thoroughly rinse.
  • Use a moisturizing, sulfate-free formula to minimize drying effects.
  • When conditioning, avoid roots and focus only on mid-shaft to ends.
  • Gently blot wet hair with a towel; avoid vigorous rubbing.
  • Use a wide-tooth comb to detangle hair when wet.
  • Limit use of hair dryers, hot tools and hairsprays.

Being mindful of these tips while washing and styling can prevent unnecessary damage caused by over-washing or harsh techniques.

Picking the best shampoo and conditioner

Choosing products designed for aging hair is key for maintaining healthy hair in your 60s. Look for the following ingredients and properties when shopping for shampoo and conditioner:

  • Moisturizing oils – Plant oils like argan, coconut and avocado nourish hair and increase softness.
  • Hyaluronic acid – Attracts moisture to hair strands and prevents dryness.
  • Keratin – Strengthens existing keratin in hair to reduce breakage.
  • Natural extracts – Botanical ingredients like aloe vera and chamomile soothe the scalp.
  • Protein – Vegetable proteins reinforce hair’s structural integrity.
  • Sulfate-free lathering agents – Provide cleansing without harsh detergents like sulfates.
  • Emollients – Ingredients like shea butter smooth down the cuticle layer to increase shine.
  • Antioxidants – Neutralize damaging free radicals from environmental causes.

Avoiding products with sulfates, parabens, phthalates and strong fragrances can help prevent irritation on the aging scalp. Seek out brands using natural, safe ingredients.

Caring for hair as it turns gray

By age 60, over half of all women will have at least 50% gray hair. Embracing this natural shift in hair color is part of aging gracefully. But gray and white hair has special needs when it comes to ideal washing frequency.

Melanin gives hair strength and moisture retention. As melanin fades with graying, the hair cortex loses some of its protective barrier which can leave hair dry, brittle and prone to tangling.

Dermatologists recommend that women with graying hair:

  • Wash hair no more than twice weekly.
  • Use a moisturizing shampoo and conditioner for color-treated hair.
  • Apply a deep conditioning hair mask weekly.
  • Brush hair gently using a wide-tooth comb.
  • Reduce heat styling to avoid damage to delicate gray strands.

While aging brings changes to hair, being attentive to proper cleansing and hydration can keep gray hair soft, shiny and healthy.

Caring for an aging scalp

For women over 60, taking care of the scalp is just as important as caring for the hair itself. Some age-related scalp conditions include:

  • Dry scalp – Scalp produces less oil leading to flaking and itching.
  • Thinning scalp – Scalp becomes thinner with less fat and collagen.
  • Scalp sensitivity – Detergents and chemicals can cause irritation.

To keep the scalp in optimal health, be sure to:

  • Use shampoos labeled “gentle” or “for dry scalp.”
  • Apply olive, coconut or almond oil to moisturize the scalp.
  • When washing, massage the scalp gently with fingertips only.
  • Choose hair products with natural, non-toxic ingredients.
  • Avoid scalp scrubs, exfoliants or harsh brushing.
  • See a dermatologist if severe itching, redness or irritation occurs.

Paying attention to scalp comfort and moisture levels helps minimize irritation during hair washing and styling.

Health conditions affecting hair washing

Some chronic health conditions become more common as we reach our 60s. Certain illnesses and medications can impact hair health and ideal washing frequency. Being aware of these connections can help women adjust their hair care routines accordingly.

Thyroid disorders

Thyroid disease is more common in women over 60. Hair is very sensitive to thyroid hormone fluctuations. Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can cause hair thinning and dryness.

Managing thyroid levels is imperative. With hormone levels stabilized, washing hair just 2-3 times weekly alongside a nourishing conditioner helps restore moisture and minimize shedding.

Diabetes

Over 25% of women over age 60 have diabetes. Hair loss and dry, brittle hair can be side effects of diabetes. The mechanisms are not fully understood but may relate to insulin resistance, poor circulation or nutrient deficiencies.

Getting blood sugar under control through diet, exercise and medication can help improve hair quality. A healthy hair care regimen focused on gentle cleansing and deep conditioning can aid growth and moisture levels.

Cholesterol medication

Drugs like statins used to treat high cholesterol are commonly prescribed in a woman’s 60s. Hair shedding or loss is an occasional side effect as these medications interfere with estrogen production and lead to vitamin deficiencies.

This side effect is temporary for most. To counteract drying or shedding, try washing hair only 2x per week during this transition period while taking cholesterol medication.

Menopause treatments

Hormone replacement therapy drugs contain forms of estrogen to lessen menopausal symptoms. However, estrogen treatment can initially provoke telogen effluvium – a shifting of hair follicles into a synchronized shedding phase.

Continued hair loss on hormone therapy may indicate estrogen levels are too high. But mild shedding usually resolves within six months. Using a volumizing shampoo and conditioner helps disguise any thinning during this time.

The effects of hair washing frequency

How often hair is washed produces noticeable differences in the hair’s condition over time. Knowing what to expect can help women choose a schedule that suits their needs and preferences.

Washing hair daily

Washing hair every day has some disadvantages:

  • Removes natural oils, leading to dry, brittle hair
  • Can irritate and dry out the scalp
  • Increases chances of frizz and tangling
  • Damages and fades color-treated hair faster

Exceptions are women with very fine, oily hair/scalp or those using only conditioner daily. For most hair types, daily washing is too frequent for women over 60.

Washing hair 3 times a week

Washing hair every 2-3 days strikes a balance for many women in their 60s:

  • Maintains clean hair and scalp
  • Prevents buildup between washes
  • Better for oilier hair types
  • May still require some dry shampoo for roots

For hair that tends toward oiliness or product buildup, washing every 2-3 days is ideal. Use a gentle shampoo and be diligent about conditioning.

Washing hair once a week

Washing hair only once per week has advantages and disadvantages:

  • Good for dry or damaged hair
  • Minimizes manipulation and breakage
  • Maintains natural oils and moisture
  • Can lead to product buildup on scalp
  • Roots tend to look greasy between washes

If hair is extremely dry or fragile, a once-weekly wash may be beneficial. Use dry shampoo liberally through the week to soak up grease and freshen hair.

Making the most of aging hair

While some thinning and drying are inevitable with age, women can take proactive steps to keep their hair looking its best in their 60s. Here are some tips for maximizing hair health as you get older:

  • Get regular trims to prevent split ends and keep hair’s hemline strong.
  • Take hair supplements like biotin, vitamin E and iron to nourish hair from within.
  • Use thickening shampoos and volumizing styling products to disguise thinning.
  • Protect hair from sun damage with scarves, hats or styling products with UV filters.
  • Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water to keep hair supple.
  • Consider trying hair extensions or wigs for fullness and flexibility with styling.

While hair needs change with age, being gentle and focusing on moisture can keep your hair looking beautiful and healthy well into your later years.

Conclusion

Finding your optimal hair washing frequency in your 60s comes down to hair type, scalp health and lifestyle factors. Most women at this age can maintain clean, soft hair by washing 2-3 times per week with moisturizing hair care products. Managing health conditions, protecting fragile gray strands and using volumizing treatments helps hair stay strong and vibrant for decades to come.

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