| Hair As It Ages |
| Karen Marie Shelton |
| Revised Date: 01/17/07 - Original Publication Date: 6/23/00 |
Introduction
Science and history have both proven that age
definitely impacts and affects the ultimate behavior of
hair.
While the hair of a newborn infant is soft and downy, it differs
greatly from hair for children and adults at different points in
their life.
During the first year of life a child's hair may
change in color, texture and type. Babies will
full heads of blonde curls may transition to straight
hair that gradually turns darker.
For most babies, their hair makes major changes just
about the time they lose their baby teeth and as
permanent teeth grow in. This generally happens
between the ages of four to six.
Not only does the type and texture change, the hair
may become more difficult to manage.
It is generally not recommended that children under
the age of 12 have chemical hair treatments. This
is because the chemicals can be harsh for the sensitive
scalps.
It is also known by many hairdressers that chemical
curl and straightening treatments do not hold
effectively or for extended periods when applied to
younger children.
During teen years the hair will change again.
During this period it will often lose its resiliency and
become softer. It is often reported that as teen
hair matures it becomes easier to manage which also
tracks with the fact that teens become more interested
in dealing with their hair during this point.
Hair may change for women during pregnancy and
childbirth and due to illness. Men may start to
experience hair loss challenges due to heredity, health
challenges or other life experiences.
Hair makes its final change at the onset of old age.
Hair may again change texture moving from coarse to fine
or fine to coarse. |