Hair ageing and quality of life for women of African descent living in the UK

This study explored the age-related changes to hair management and styling techniques and related measures of satisfaction and quality of life (QoL) of women of African and Afro-Caribbean descent of age over 60 living in the UK. An online survey, including a QoL questionnaire was conducted (n=46).86.9% of the survey participants were between 60 and 69 years old, whilst the remaining group were between 70 and 80 years old. All identified their natural hair as curl type 6,7,8, with curl type 6 being most common n=16. 78% reported completely natural hair (shorter than 10cm=21; longer than 10cm=15). A preference towards natural styles past menopause was demonstrated with hair length, texture and colour being associated with positive attitudes. However, the perception of decreased hair manageability could be related to the requirement to complete more haircare and hairstyling tasks at home and more frequently than if the hair was subjected to long-lasting styling techniques such as relaxing or weaving. Overall, these changes to appearance, styling and personal effort increased satisfaction with hair but had no impact on the quality of life of the participants.