When you think of an older woman’s hair, I bet you picture a frail, elderly lady with grey strands scattered sparsely on top of her head, right? I bet you definitely don’t picture the likes of Jane Fonda, using her hands to proudly indicate the number of decades old she is, as she shows off her full, vibrant locks.
The truth is there are many ways in which your hair can age you and going grey is not all that you need to worry about – as Jane Fonda knows. If you think this sounds like a pretty bleak glance into the future, then you’ll be pleased to know that there is a way to battle ageing hair. You just need to be equipped with all the right products…
AGEING HAIR CONCERN #1: Weak, brittle strands
Just as your skin needs to be assisted with cell turnover to look healthy and youthful, your hair also needs help to repair itself and withstand damage from things such as heat styling and environmental elements as you get older. This is the very reason it’s so important to nourish your hair with the relative proteins and nourishing ingredients it needs in order to repair damaged hair follicles.
HOW TO FIX IT:
Look for products that are rich in antioxidants and can help to ensure your hair feels soft, healthy and strong, such as Wella Professionals Age Resist Strengthening Foam. If you find your hair is losing substance and vitality, search for products that contain specific ingredients to counteract that. Kérastase Age Recharge Masque contains Vita-Ciment®, which works to strengthen the hair from within while replicating the hair structure.
AGEING HAIR CONCERN #2: Thinning hair
The main reason for hair thinning is genetics. If you’re curious to know about your hair’s future, looking at your mother, aunt or grandmother will provide a good insight. If their hair is on the thin side, it’s always better to take action sooner. Prevention is better than a cure, after all.
HOW TO FIX IT:
Start by effectively treating the foundation of your hair, your scalp. A healthy scalp can help to ensure strong, healthy locks and is definitely worth treating with a product like Aveda Invati™ Scalp Revitalizer, which can help to energise and rehabilitate your scalp, providing nourishment for your hair as a result. If you want to target your hair loss as it’s beginning, using a product like évolis® topical hair loss treatment could be beneficial, as it works to inhibit FGF-5, a protein that triggers the hair to fall out.
AGEING HAIR CONCERN #3: Limp hair
As you age, you may stop producing as many hairs, which means that as they fall out, they won’t be replaced as quickly as they are now – or at all. This means that you have to make the most of what you’ve got, just like Jane Fonda has. Many older women choose to cut their hair, as this instantly gives a fuller appearance, but regardless of whether or not you go the chop, there are products you can use to inject volume back into your limp locks.
HOW TO FIX IT:
Products containing collagen work much the same in hair products as they do in skin products, by effectively “plumping up” the roots of your hair. L’Oreal Paris Elvive Volume Collagen Texturising Shampoo and Conditioner contain collagen and also work to restore volume to fine, limp hair without weighing it down. For an instant root-lifting effect, try shaking a volumising powder like Schwarzkopf Extra Care Instant Volume Powder into your roots and work it through with your fingertips.
AGEING HAIR CONCERN #4: Dull hair
As you get older there’s a good chance your hair will begin to lose its shine, favouring instead a dull, muted hue that’s completely shot of any lustre. This is due to the fact the older we get, the more everything starts to slow down; cell turnover, our metabolism – and, of course, our hair’s ability to repair itself. Damaged hair can give the appearance of dryness and dullness and is heavily to blame when your hair begins to lose its lustre.
HOW TO FIX IT:
While simple gloss treatments and shine sprays may provide a temporary solution, improving your hair health is the only way to optimise natural hair radiance. Try using a nourishing oil that promotes hair shine, such as label. m Therapy Age-Defying Radiance Oil ($45.95, 02 93802059.) This amazing smelling oil also features Rejuven-8™ Complex, which features eight of the most technologically advanced anti-ageing ingredients. If you’re worried about the dulling effects your daily hair styling has on your hair, try using The Body Shop Rainforest Radiance Shampoo and Conditioner, which works to remove dulling residue from your locks and reduces colour fade.
AGEING HAIR CONCERN #4: Greying hair
One of the most obvious sign of ageing, greying is an indication that your hair is losing its pigment. It occurs when the keratin-producing cells in your hair start to die and the pigment cells become less active. The age and rate that you begin to go grey can be determined largely by genetics, but factors such as smoking, anemia and insufficient B vitamins have also been linked to greying hair.
HOW TO FIX IT:
Besides ensuring you consume a well-rounded diet and don’t smoke, there’s unfortunately nothing you can do to prevent greying hair. The best solution is a good quality hair dye that offers 100 per cent grey hair coverage. John Frieda Precision Foam Colour has a foam formula that ensures the colour is evenly spread over your hair, catching every little strand. It also promises vibrant shine and long-lasting results. If you’re after something with a little extra nourishment, Garnier Olia is a great choice. Formulated with an oil delivery system, this vibrant at-home hair colour replaces ammonia with high oil content that effectively propels colour deep into the hair fibre and covers grey hairs with ease.
What is your best tip for making your hair look more youthful? Have you ever battled a major hair concern? What are your tips to fix it?
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