Care For Your Hair: How To Support Your Aging Hair

So, how is your hair doing these days? Many of us spend a lot of time, energy, and money on skin care products and makeup, yet hair is one of the most visible aspects of who we are and how we are perceived. As beauty editor Valerie Monroe recently wrote in Allure, “Hair is among the top 3 features (along with height and weight) used in describing others and one of the features most often recalled after a social interaction.” We notice people’s hair, and apparently, we have for all recorded time. Even the ancient Egyptians fussed over hair color and hair appearance. And did you know, locks of hair from famous people are coveted items, some even available for viewing in the collection of the NY Public Library! As was recently stated on the Instagram site of Ageism is Never in Style, “Hair is deeply personal. And it can be one of the most visible ways we express who we are.”

So how are you expressing yourself these days, with your aging hair? While we’ve previously highlighted (no pun intended) gray hair and hair loss, the reality is, no matter your hair color, texture, or thickness, older hair requires different management than when you were younger. For example, a recent post in Newsweek reviewed the changes to hair washing routines that should happen as you get older. In particular, changes in your scalp and reduced oil production likely mean you need less hair washing as you get older, but it also means you have less protection of your scalp, so it may get more irritated. That means that some hair products will need to be tossed because your scalp can no longer tolerate them, and you may need more gentle products to care for your hair and scalp. Good Housekeeping also recently put the spotlight on scalp care, suggesting that scalp massage techniques and a scalp massage brush can remove dead skin cells from your scalp, increase hair density and hair growth, and feel great in the process! In fact, a recent post in the journal Cosmetics & Toiletries described how reduced scalp thickness, altered scalp microbiome, and lower scalp oil production all contribute to visible signs that your hair is aging. As the post stated, “The future of hair care lies in treating the scalp with the same attention and innovation as facial skin care.” For some of the best recommended products for your scalp, grab your massage brush and click here.

And while you’re minding your scalp, you may want to consider recent data from Consumer Reports on the toxins and chemicals that can seep into your scalp from the use of hair dye. While apparently all dyes contain some level of irritants and contaminants, the article highlights brands and products that are of particular concern for scalp irritation and may even raise your cancer risks. 

Finally, if you’re looking for a full review of hair care for older women, you won’t go wrong in studying the most recent report from Vogue, Hair Care Over 50: How to Get Thicker, Healthier Strands According to the Pros. With product recommendations covering shampoo to scalp serums, and conditioners to collagen, you should find a wide array of suggestions that should help your hair leave a lasting impression, no matter where you go or with whom you meet. As the saying goes, “You should invest in your hair, it’s the crown you never take off.”