Scalp close-up showing dandruff and hair texture

     If your hair feels thinner, weaker, or more fragile than before, your scalp might be the reason. Ageing scalp health affects how strong and lively your hair looks. Yet, most people focus on the strands and forget that the scalp ages too. Just like your skin, it changes with time, hormones, and daily habits — and these changes can quietly weaken your roots.

How Ageing Affects the Scalp

Your scalp is living tissue, not just a surface where hair grows. Underneath, there is a network of hair roots, oil glands, and blood vessels. They all work together to feed and protect your hair. As we age, several changes start to appear.

  • Less collagen and firmness: The scalp loses its flexibility, just like facial skin. As a result, hair may not anchor as firmly, and roots can feel loose.

  • Slower blood flow: With less circulation, fewer nutrients reach the hair roots. This may slow growth and make hair finer.

  • Changes in oil production: Oil glands become less active. Therefore, the scalp often feels dry, tight, or flaky.

  • Small amounts of irritation: Pollution, UV rays, and harsh products can stress an ageing scalp. Over time, this weakens hair roots and affects growth.

These natural shifts make the scalp less resilient and more sensitive. In turn, your hair starts to lose volume and shine.

Early Signs of an Ageing Scalp

You don’t need to wait for visible thinning to notice changes. Some early signs include:

  • Persistent dryness even after conditioning

  • More hair shedding when brushing

  • Flat or dull hair that won’t hold shape

  • Sensitivity or itchiness after shampooing

  • Flaking that persists despite dandruff care

If you notice two or more of these, your scalp may already need extra care.

How to Renew and Protect Your Scalp

Woman Using Scalp Massager on Wet Hair

The good news is that you can refresh your scalp at any age. Small, consistent habits make a big difference.

1. Boost Blood Flow

Gently massage your scalp for two minutes every day. This simple step improves blood flow and helps your follicles absorb nutrients. You can also try a caffeine or rosemary tonic to energise the roots.

2. Exfoliate Weekly

Old skin and styling residue block hair roots. To prevent this, use a mild scalp scrub or a product with a gentle acid like salicylic acid once a week. This keeps the scalp clean and balanced.

3. Moisturise and Shield

Middle aged man applying hair tonic treatment spray on scalp loo

Look for lightweight scalp serums with hydrating ingredients like niacinamide, peptides, or panthenol. In addition, protect your scalp from UV rays by wearing a hat or using sunscreen mist when outdoors.

4. Feed Your Roots

Your diet also matters. For instance, foods rich in protein, iron, and omega-3s strengthen hair from within. Add eggs, leafy greens, and salmon to your meals for better scalp support.

5. Be Gentle

Woman Holding Hair with Soap

Avoid over-washing, tight hairstyles, or too much heat. Instead, choose low-tension styles and use a soft brush to protect the scalp surface.

Professional Scalp Treatments to Try

Using hair growth oil with a scalp massager

Sometimes, home care isn’t enough. If your scalp feels persistently dry or weak, consider professional treatments that target root strength.

  • Scalp facials: Deep cleanse, hydrate, and soothe sensitive skin.

  • Microneedling: Tiny micro-channels boost collagen and improve product absorption.

  • PRP therapy: Uses your body’s natural growth factors to renew hair roots.

  • Laser therapy: Gentle red-light sessions improve blood flow and encourage regrowth.

Scalp Laser therapy

A trichologist or dermatologist can assess your scalp and recommend what’s best for you. As always, seek expert advice before starting advanced treatments.

Age Gracefully — Starting from the Roots

Woman massaging scalp

Your scalp is the foundation for healthy hair. Even though ageing changes it, you can slow that process with mindful care. Regular cleansing, moisture, and nourishment can renew mature scalps and keep your hair looking strong and full. Remember — beautiful hair starts with a healthy scalp. PRIME

Author

  • PRIME is a bi-monthly health and lifestyle magazine for those aged 40 and above. Published since 2006 by Spring Publishing, it features inspiring cover stories of celebrities, as well as other health and lifestyle information. Prime has also featured leading celebrities such as Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Tom Hanks, Julia Roberts, Angelina Jolie, Kate Winslet, Mary Buffett, and many others.

    Each issue contains a Special Feature that covers a specific theme or topic, a Cover Story, an Ask the Doctor section (where doctors answer readers’ questions), Nutrition and Well-being segments, and Leisure and Lifestyle content.

    Celebrate your best years with Prime today!

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