Can your scalp age faster than your skin? 5 signs that show it does

If your scalp is not healthy, your hair becomes thinner, grows slower, and the centre parting becomes wider (Image: Pexels)

• Scalp ages faster than facial skin, leading to issues like dryness and thinning
• Premature scalp aging signs: dryness, thinning, frizz, greying, sensitivity.
• Care with quality ingredients and protection can help maintain scalp health

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Many of us worry about our skin, layering serums and moisturisers to keep it healthy and rejuvenated. But what we don’t realise is that our scalp ages six times faster than our face, according to research. So if you notice reduced hair density, thinning, dryness, increased hair fall, and other issues, the trouble is more likely in your scalp than in your hair strands.

5 signs your scalp is ageing prematurely

While skin and its problems are visible, they are not the same for the scalp. Thus, being aware of these 5 signs can help you catch the problem early and cure it.

Also read | Dandruff, itchy scalp, hair fall: 8 quiet ways your hair is giving out warning signs of bigger health problems

Dry and itchy scalp

Growing up, if excess oil on the scalp was a concern, forcing you to wash your hair every other day, it turns around in your 30s, but not for good. The estrogen shift causes sebum, the natural oil produced by skin glands, to decrease, causing an itchy and dry scalp. This happens even when you haven’t washed your hair for days. This implies the scalp is unable to hydrate itself sufficiently.

Hair thinning

If you are scared of hair fall, then it’s not the only sign of concern. What’s even worrisome is when your scalp doesn’t grow hair the way it should. This is due to "follicle miniaturisation,” where hair follicles gradually shrink due to reduced collagen and elastin. It becomes evident as your hair becomes thinner, grows slower, and the centre parting becomes wider. This indicates a loss of hair density besides the shredding.

Also read | Scalp care is the new skincare: Tips for hair thinning & healthy microbiome

Wiry and frizzy strands

With age, blood circulation slows down, making it harder for nutrients to reach the scalp. This alters the texture of your hair, evident in white strands poking out and frizzy hair that refuses to be tamed. While a conditioner or blow dryer may help, you can still feel the rough texture.

Grey hair at the temples

It may be a natural process that should be embraced, but premature greying, particularly around the crown hair, is unwelcome. While we protect our faces with SPF, the effects of UV rays and pollution are often overlooked when it comes to hair health. This has repercussions on the pigmentation of hair follicles.

Sensitive scalp

Ageing makes the scalp more sensitive, especially in cases of poor lifestyle and environmental factors. It becomes thinner and more vulnerable, with reduced cellular turnover. Some of the obvious signs include sensitivity to hairbrush, sun, or stinging sensation due to products.

What you should do?

It is essential to look after your scalp with as much care as your skin. Using high-quality ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, peptides, and salicylic acid can help. Covering your head when you step out of the house also helps protect it from environmental damage.

Disclaimer: This article only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific diagnosis.