Life Stages in Locks: How Women's Hair Changes Over Time

Just like most things in her life, a woman's hair changes over the years. From the first strands of baby fuzz to the silver threads of age, a woman's hair is a testament to the journey of her life. Her story is deeply intertwined with the ebb and flow of hormones that shape a woman's body through the different stages of her life. This year for International Women's Month, we are discussing how your hair changes as you develop.

Genetics, environment, nutrition, stress, and exposure to heat and chemicals all have an impact on the health and appearance of hair. Maintaining healthy hair is a matter of finding a routine and products that suit you, but it isn't a 'pick one and stick with it forever' decision. Don't worry! TIY hair ties will be there at every turn.

Childhood

During childhood, hair is typically softer and finer compared to adult hair. The texture and curl pattern can vary widely among children and with each strand. More susceptible to tangling, dryness, and damage, children's hair requires maintenance to stay healthy. It also grows more slowly and is often lighter in color because less melanin is produced by their bodies.

TIY hair ties don't damage delicate hair and are terrific for a young girl's accessory kit. Use one loop for kids with fine hair for an all-day hold that won't come out on the playground.

How to Tie a Baby Loop

Puberty

When puberty hits, usually between the ages of 8 and 13 for girls, hair changes come fast and furious. Androgens (sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone) activate and stimulate hair follicles. Hair grows darker, faster, and more consistently. The texture becomes thicker, courser, and denser. Often it becomes more curly or wavy and can hold natural styling better. Young women at this age need hair care products that tackle oil and grease. Regular washing is required to keep hair healthy and free of dandruff.

In this preteen and teenage era of life, girls are getting into sports and physical activity. The right gear makes a big difference in performance, including hair equipment. Make sure TIY hair ties are in her bag with her uniform for every game, match, meet, or tournament.

Read more: Back to School Sports: Elevate Your Game With TIY.

Before and After Baby

During pregnancy, as early as 15 weeks, a woman's hair begins to change because her body is producing so much more estrogen. It causes hair to stay in the growing phase longer. Less hair falls out than usual, making it feel thicker and more voluptuous. Though experiences vary greatly from person to person, hair usually grows much faster and darkens. Some women's hair becomes smoother and shinier, while others experience increased frizz or dryness. Staying hydrated is important for many reasons during pregnancy, but also because it helps keep hair healthy.

After childbirth, estrogen levels drop and hair enters the resting phase of growth. Three to four months into the postpartum period, women experience excessive hair shedding that can last for six months to a year. Texture will change due to hormonal fluctuations, stress, breastfeeding, nutrition, or lack of regular care because of the demands of mom life.

New moms need support in several areas after baby, including the emotional challenges that come with watching her gorgeous pregnancy hair fall out. Thankfully, the hair loss is not permanent and new hair grows as soon as the old strands fall out. After a few months or a couple of years, depending on the person, hair typically returns to its normal state.

If you or someone you know is suffering from Postpartum Depression, contact PSI (Postpartum Support International) or another resource for help.

A great gift for a new mom or mom-to-be, TIY hair ties are perfect for her. They are customizable and adjustable for size and strength. For the thicker or thinner hair that comes with the pregnancy experience, TIY is there for you.

Read more: Why TIY Is Perfect for Moms.

Cancer

Hair changes and loss during cancer treatment are a common and often emotional side effect. Chemotherapy targets rapidly growing cells, including hair follicles. The extent of hair loss ranges from thinning to complete baldness, and it can occur within a few weeks of starting treatment. Hair regrowth typically begins three to six months after treatment ends. The new hair may have a different texture or color, and it might be curlier than it was before because of the medicine's impact on hair follicles.

It is recommended that women be extra gentle with their hair while undergoing cancer treatment. Instead of pulling hair and causing a hair headache like traditional hair ties, TIY hair ties give your hair a strong, tight hug that doesn't hurt. As hair thins and changes, the loops can be adjusted as needed.

Read more: Experience with Hair Loss and Regrowth After Chemotherapy.

Menopause

Around the age of menopause, estrogen and progesterone levels plummet. This causes women's hair to lose volume and length because hair is not in its growth phase for as long. Hair often becomes drier and frizzier as reduced oil in the scalp's glands leads to less moisture. New hairs that are produced are finer and more fragile. The strands may enter resting cycles prematurely, causing irregularities and uneven growth. Most women experience overall thinning, but some have noticeable bald spots during this time. Melanin production also slows down with menopause, causing hair to lose its vibrancy and natural shine. 

Gentle yet strong, TIY hair ties are a great solution for menopausal women who need to take it easy on their hair. A balanced diet, gentle hair care products, and nourishing treatments help keep hair as healthy as possible.

No matter what life throws at you in every stage, focus on overall health and well-being. Taking care of yourself from the inside out will radiate through your hair and enhance your natural beauty.