The Dry Hair Dilemma: Hormones, Water & Secrets to Silky Strands

Aging is a journey—one filled with wisdom, growth, and, let’s be real, a few unexpected beauty curveballs. Lately, I’ve been deep in conversation (both personally and with clients) about one particular culprit: dry, brittle, aging hair. You know the feeling—your once-lustrous locks now look dull, feel rough, and seem to have lost their bounce. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

I see it all the time. Clients in their 40s, 50s, and beyond suddenly deal with hair that won’t cooperate, no matter how much oil, conditioner, or wishful thinking they throw at it. So what’s happening here? Let’s break it down.

The Root Cause(s) of Dry, Brittle Hair

Our hair directly reflects what’s happening inside and outside our bodies, like our skin. As we age, several factors come into play, stripping our hair of its moisture, resilience, and shine.

1. Hormonal Changes

Ah, lovely hormones—the ever-shifting tide that influences everything from our skin to our mood to our hair health. As estrogen levels decline (especially during menopause), our scalp produces less sebum, the natural oil that keeps hair soft and supple. This means strands become drier, weaker, and more prone to breakage. Pair that with a slowing hair growth cycle; suddenly, our hair feels aging faster than we are!

2. Los Angeles Water Woes

Living in LA means basking in sunshine, but it also means dealing with some of the hardest water in the country. Hard water is packed with minerals like calcium and magnesium, which build up on the hair shaft, making it feel dry, weighed down, and even brittle. If you’ve ever noticed that your hair feels soft after a trip to another city but straw-like at home, blame the water! Hard water also prevents moisture from penetrating the hair shaft, leaving it perpetually thirsty. Ugh.

3. Diet & Nutrient Deficiencies

What we put in our bodies is just as important as what we put on our hair. Diets lacking in essential fatty acids, collagen, and vitamins like biotin, iron, and vitamin D can leave hair looking lifeless. Plus, dehydration—something we Angelenos deal with more than we admit—can contribute to parched locks.

4. The Structure of Hair & Why It Matters

Understanding hair structure is key to understanding why it becomes dry. Each strand of hair is made up of three layers:

• The cuticle (the outermost layer) protects and locks in moisture.
• The cortex (middle layer) contains keratin, which determines strength and elasticity.
• The medulla (the innermost core) is present in thicker hair types but absent in finer strands.

When the cuticle becomes damaged due to age, hard water, heat styling, or chemical treatments, the hair loses its ability to retain moisture. Think of it like shingles on a roof—when they lift and crack, water gets in (or, in this case, out), leading to dryness, frizz, and breakage.

The Jolie Showerhead: A Simple (and Game-Changing) Fix

Now, let’s talk solutions. Recently, my daughter’s bestie introduced me to Jolie, a shower filter that removes chlorine, heavy metals, and hard water buildup before it even touches your hair and skin. And let me tell you—this simple switch has been a game-changer.

After installing Jolie, her hair went from rough and lifeless to silky and hydrated. Not only that, but her skin startedlooking clearer, too. (Which makes sense—if your skin is being bombarded with hard water minerals every day, it’s bound to react.)

Why I’m Obsessed with Jolie (and Why You Should Be Too)

1. It Softens Water & Reduces Mineral Buildup – No more hair that feels stiff and unmanageable.
2. It Helps Retain Natural Oils – Your scalp can finally do its job without fighting against chlorine and heavy metals.
3. It’s a Skin Savior, Too! – Less irritation, fewer breakouts, and improved hydration? Yes, please.
4. It’s an Effortless Upgrade – Just install it once and enjoy the benefits daily.

Other Tips for Reviving Aging Hair

If you’re struggling with dry, brittle hair, here’s what I also recommend:

• Hydration, Inside & Out – Drink plenty of water and use hydrating hair products that replenish moisture.
• Silk Pillowcases & Microfiber Towels – Reduce friction and breakage while sleeping and drying.
• Scalp Care Matters – Massage with nutrient-rich oils (like castor or rosemary) to boost circulation and nourish the follicles.
• Support Your Body with the Right Nutrients – Consider collagen, omega-3s, and a biotin-rich diet.

Aging hair doesn’t have to mean giving up on having healthy, beautiful strands. It just means working with your body,instead of against it, and making small, powerful changes—like filtering your shower water with Jolie~!

Have you noticed changes in your hair as you age? Let’s talk about it! Drop a comment or send me a message—I’d love to hear what’s been working (or not working) for you.

Stay hydrated, stay radiant, and keep glowing—inside and out.

With love,

Karina