With age, it is common to grow fewer and finer hair fibers. This is because hair has less internal strengthening components (proteins) and is more vulnerable to damage. Also with age, the once tried and true styling routine seem to no longer delivers the same results. Make sure the right care steps are built into a daily regimen to keep hair strong and protect against damage. How can you tell what is right for your hair? The simple steps below and a few tips from the pros should get you started.
Repair Starts in the Shower
The path to restoring hair's health begins in the shower. To restore hair's luster, use shampoos and conditioners rich in dimethicone, a shine enhancer and cetyl alcohol, a moisturizing agent. "All hair texture changes with age, therefore hair care products and styling need to adapt accordingly," describes Celebrity Hairstylist Kristan Serafino. "As an example, aging hair requires shampoos and conditioners with a high level of moisturizing agents."
Condition Regularly
"Hair needs more nourishment as it ages. It gets drier overall. As grays come in, the hair becomes coarser because gray hair has a completely different texture. The more luster and softness you can add, the better, for a youthful look," emphasizes Oribe, co-founder and creative director of Oribe Hair Care.
"Certainly, a mask is important to have when hair feels extra-damaged or lifeless. A good moisturizing cream or leave-in conditioner can also help keep hair healthy and glossy."
Limit Chemical Processing
Limit the amount of chemical processing like dying, highlighting, straightening and perming. Excessive use of chemicals can breakdown hair follicles and the natural protein fibers that live in the hair and hair shaft. Excessive chemical processing can be harmful, especially to aging hair, and may exacerbate any thinning that is already happening.
Use a Thermal Heat Protectant
"Exposing hair to heat from blow-dryers or hot tools without proper protection is the most damaging thing women can do to their locks on a daily basis," cautions Diana Conte, Stylist, Bumble and bumble Downtown Salon. "It can harm the cuticle of hair strands, leading to dryness, brittleness, and reduced shine." A product with light weight, heat-protectant properties, rich in polymers and silicone, is essential in preventing damage before it begins. Use this product before styling hair with any hot tools.
Turn Down the Heat
Reduce the use of hot tools to no more than three times a week to limit damage, which can cause thinning. "Large barrel round brushes and a blow-dryer create soft, flowing styles with less heat than curling irons or flat irons," explains Jeni Thomas, PhD, Senior Scientist for Pantene. "To use as little heat as possible, let hair air dry for as long as possible, then use the heat of the blow-dryer to take hair from just damp to dry -- it is this transition when the style takes shape."
Look Don't Tug
Tight ponytails, rollers, weaves and braids pull on the root of hair. This constant pulling can be permanently damaging because of the way these styles tug on hair strands. This can cause hair to be unable to reproduce hair that is lost. "Most people aren't blessed with "wash and wear" hair. Styling is key, even if you want a "natural" look," according to Conte. "It is important to learn proper styling and product usage techniques."
Get Frequent Haircuts
As women age, they tend to avoid haircuts, thinking that more hair on their head, the younger and youthful they appear. This is a myth. Hair in need of a cut is wrought with split ends and has a ratty, unkempt look. "In reality, the more you get your hair trimmed and cut the healthier it is and so grows fuller and longer," stresses Stefanie Henriquez, Frederic Fekkai stylist at the Mark Hotel in New York.
References
- Stefanie Henriquez, Fekkai stylist, Fekkai Salon at The Mark Hotel in NYC.
- Oribe, co-founder and creative director of Oribe Hair Care
- Jeni Thomas, Ph.D, Senior Scientist for Pantene
- Diana Conte, Stylist, Bumble and Bumble Downtown Salon
- Kristan Serafino, Celebrity Hairstylist
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