Skin care tends to dominate the anti-aging conversation, but hair tells its own story. Starting around 40, a combination of hormonal shifts, slower cell activity and reduced oil production changes how hair looks, feels and behaves. Strands become finer. The scalp gets drier. Growth slows. For many people, these changes arrive gradually and without much explanation.

The experts who contributed to this guide are all over 40 themselves, and they offered specific, practical advice on navigating each of these shifts.

Start with scalp health

A healthy scalp is where the work begins. As the body ages, sebum production declines. Sebum is a lipid-rich oil that keeps skin lubricated and the scalp surface balanced. Without it, the scalp becomes drier, more sensitive and prone to irritation. Reduced circulation can also put added stress on the hair follicles.

Dermatologists recommend keeping the scalp clean and free of product buildup, which can clog follicles over time. A gentle exfoliating scrub used once weekly helps remove residue while improving circulation. For people who want lighter coverage, scalp serums with ingredients like rosemary oil, biotin and niacinamide absorb easily and support follicle health without leaving behind greasiness. The scalp, like the face, is also exposed to UV rays, so SPF protection in the form of a hat or an SPF mist is worth considering during time outdoors.

Shampoo matters more than you think

Aging hair is drier hair, and what you wash with affects how much moisture it retains. Sulfates are surfactants that strip oil from the scalp, creating a rich lather but leaving hair feeling depleted. Sulfate-free formulas use milder cleansing agents and produce less foam, but the trade-off is a gentler wash that supports moisture levels over time.

The CeraVe Gentle Hydrating Shampoo, developed with dermatologist input, incorporates ceramides and hyaluronic acid to hydrate the scalp alongside the strands. For those dealing with dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, CeraVe’s Anti-Dandruff Hydrating Shampoo addresses those conditions while still supporting a healthier growth environment.

Conditioner is not optional

Skipping conditioner becomes a more costly habit as hair ages. Conditioner closes the hair cuticle, adds softness and reduces the frizz that comes with dryness. A richer formula works best for aging hair. Ingredients worth looking for include keratin, jojoba oil, coconut oil and amino acids, all of which strengthen and smooth the strand.

For thinning hair specifically, the Nutrafol Strand Defender conditioner uses vegan proteins and glucose fibers to work at multiple levels of the hair cuticle. Leave-in treatments are another option for added moisture between wash days.

Supporting hair growth takes consistency

Hair’s growth phase shortens with age. Strands spend less time actively growing and more time in resting or shedding phases, which leads to reduced density and wider part lines. Addressing this requires patience. Topical treatments with proven ingredients, applied daily with a two-to-three minute scalp massage, make a measurable difference over months of consistent use.

A 5% minoxidil foam or serum remains one of the most studied options for stimulating and prolonging hair growth. Although these products are frequently marketed toward men, they are considered safe and effective for women too. Dermatologist-developed serums containing biotin, peptides and amino acids offer additional scalp support by calming inflammation and creating a more favorable environment for follicle function.

Working with texture changes

Hormonal shifts, particularly around menopause, can significantly alter hair texture. Strands become finer and more prone to breakage as follicles shrink. What looks like hair loss is sometimes a change in texture or growth pattern rather than actual shedding. Volumizing and thickening sprays add body and grip to hair that tends to fall flat, giving the appearance of fuller, more lifted strands without weighing them down.

A weekly hair mask rounds out the routine

Brittle, aging hair responds well to deep conditioning. Hairstylists recommend incorporating a hair mask at least once a week, choosing formulas with keratin, proteins and oils such as coconut or avocado. Some people substitute their regular conditioner entirely on mask days. The K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask works particularly well for high-porosity hair, meaning strands that absorb moisture easily but struggle to keep it.