As you become older, your body undergoes different changes. Each part of your body can be affected, including your hair.
Major hair changes typically begin around age 50. During this period, your hair growth gradually slows, while shedding increases.
There is also less volume and a loss of pigmentation in your hair, which leads to it becoming gray or white. Frizz is more likely as well, and your hair may not retain moisture as well as your younger years.
There are several steps you can take to preserve your hair, even at an older age. Some are straightforward, such as changing the products you use, while others involve adapting new techniques or even making changes to your diet.
Finding the right strategy is key, as using too many products can cause damage to your hair. Listed below are some tips and routines to consider for caring for your mature hair.
Choosing the Right Diet
You may be surprised by how much your diet impacts your hair health. If you are having trouble growing hair, you may have a protein deficiency or not getting enough water.
Protein is commonly found in lean meats, but you can also improve your protein intake by eating more eggs, seafood, beans, pasta and lentils. There are also protein supplements if you are unable to consume protein rich foods because of dietary restrictions.
There are additional supplements you can take to keep your hair healthy. Vitamin C, E, B7 and B3 all play a role in hair growth. You can also try iron and zinc supplements to help with your hair.
Because these vitamins affect other parts of your health, make sure to consult with your doctor first.
Changing your Style
One consideration when you get older is whether you want to change your style. Many people opt for a shorter haircut as they age because it is easier to manage.
This is largely because as you age, your hair loses some of its volume and does not retain its shape as well. Switching to a shorter style can make it easier to layer your hair and give it a voluminous look.
Longer Hair Techniques
Maintaining longer hair as you age is still possible. Investing in a good conditioner is a necessity if you want longer hair.
It may initially seem counterproductive but consider washing your hair less. Washing your hair too frequently gets rid of the natural oil your body produces.
Excess oil is bad for your hair, but if you keep washing it, you risk drying out your hair and even causing damage to your scalp. Aim for washing your hair once or twice a week.
There are a few products you can use to keep your hair healthy while showering less. Dry shampoo and hair powder are great alternatives to use between showers. These typically only need to be applied once a week and will prevent excess oil from building in your hair while leaving enough to help your hair retain moisture.
Even if you want a longer style, it is still important to get occasional trims. Try to cut an inch or two from your hair every three or four months.
This can help prevent split ends, which are more common with mature hair. If you have curly hair, consider getting a trim every two to three months instead.
Heat Issues
Another change to preserve your mature hair is limiting how often you use hot tools. Curling irons and blow dryers may seem convenient, but the warm temperatures can be bad for your hair.
Excessive heat reduces keratin proteins, which keep your hair from becoming dry and brittle. It also leads to an increase in tangles and breakage.
Hairspray can also be bad for mature hair. While it may help your hair retain volume, the ingredients in the spray get rid of oils and dries out your hair.
You can still use some heat products, but look for lower temperatures, around 200 to 300 °F. The thinner your hair, the lower the temperature should be. There are also some conditioners that protect your hair against heat.
Heat damage can also occur from hot showers. Steam baths and hot showers may be comfortable, but it gets rid of your natural oils and leads to dry hair. Lukewarm and room temperature showers are recommended for preserving mature hair.
Moisture is Key
Many problems with mature hair come down to dryness. You can combat dry hair by keeping it hydrated and moisturized.
The most common signs of dry hair include split or brittle ends, tangling and frizzing. There are many ways you can keep your hair moisturized.
One option is to switch to a hydrating shampoo. These shampoos are typically creamy and contain oils, with avocado, almond and apricot being the most common.
You want to pair your shampoo with a good conditioner. Make sure to apply conditioner at least twice a week. Apply conditioner to the middle and ends of your hair, as these are the parts that experience the most dryness.
The top of your head and scalp still benefit from conditioner, but your body naturally produces oils to keep the top of your head hydrated.
When you are drying your hair, use a microfiber towel. These towels are much softer and gentle on your hair. They also soak up excess water faster without increasing the friction on your hair.
Invest in a Good Brush
Whether you have short or long hair, a good brush can make a significant difference when caring for mature hair.
Your scalp produces an oily chemical called sebum, which helps your hair retain moisture. With a quality brush, you are not only straightening your hair and removing tangles, but also evenly spreading sebum throughout your hair.
Boar bristles are often recommended for seniors because they are good for medium and coarse hair. If your hair is thinning, nylon brushes may also be a good alternative.
You also want to be gentle when you brush. As with showering, it is possible to overbrush and do damage to your hair.
Avoid brushing your hair when it is overly wet. While hydration is important to your hair, brushing it when wet can cause the strands to become brittle and break apart.
By Admin –
