Women have been forever searching for the fountain of youth (myself, included). Having beautiful and healthy hair is a sure sign not only of youth but also vitality. Let’s face it. It doesn’t matter if you’re a celebrity or a stay-at-home mom, the hair we wear is our ultimate crown. Read on for my favorite anti-aging hair tips for mastering the fountain of youth for your mane.
TRIM/CUT
- Split ends are a sign of damage and neglect. If your goal is to have mermaid hair, regular trims will ensure that the hair stays healthy and continues to grow.
- Regular chops (trims) mean that you don’t have to cut as much length off when you do (finally) get around to it.
- I don’t believe in rules when it comes to length and age. Whatever makes you feel best is the appropriate length for you, as long as it’s healthy.
@domdomhair
COLOR
- Find a colorist that takes the time to listen to your needs and concerns, while offering their professional recommendation.
- Whether you go brunette, ginger or blonde, having multiple tones gives your hair LIFE.
- Ask for bond treatments (Smartbond by L’Oréal Professionnel is my go-to) with color services to protect and strengthen hair.
- Ask for an acid-based glossing service (Dialight by L’Oréal Professionnel; I call it a “Photo Finish” because it literally makes hair camera-ready). It not only resurfaces the hair, but also gives an amazing (youthful) shine.
- When getting highlights, placement is key. Imagine what your hair looked like after summer break and start paying attention to where it’s brighter on children. For a natural and childlike result, pieces are brighter around the face and toward the mid-length and ends.
@minkimcolorist
SCALP
- An unhealthy scalp is not only a sign that something is off-balance with our bodies but can also make you feel insecure about flakes and/or visible irritation.
- Wash your hair regularly if you have flakes (for those of you who wash less than twice weekly). If you let it fester, it will only continue to worsen.
- When it isn’t manageable by washing and using over-the-counter shampoos (Head & Shoulders, Neutrogena’s T-Gel), go see a professional. If you don’t address an ongoing issue, it will never resolve, which leads to unhealthy looking hair (and scalp).
- Say yes to treatments and masks! Most are prescriptive and can be customized to suit individual hair needs. My faves include: Kerastase Fusio Dose, L’Oréal Professionnel Powermix and Milbon smoothing treatment.
@art_of_healthy_aging
HAIR THINNING/HAIR LOSS
- As we age, hormone levels shift and mechanical aggression during styling can lead to hair loss. Try switching your part if you start to notice more scalp than hair in your part line area.
- Don’t be afraid to start using Rogaine as a topical treatment, if you suspect your hair is thinning. This is effective if you start implementing it into your hair routine before it’s too late.
- Hair supplements help fight the hair-loss battle internally. Nutrafol is my current obsession; it totally helped my thinning hairline when I was going through a stressful divorce.
- If all of what was previously mentioned doesn’t cut it, try PRP hair-restoration treatments (can be pricey and painful) or microblading to add natural hair strokes onto the scalp.
- When all else fails, yes, women do get hair transplants. This is the most expensive anti-aging hair option, but there are newer methods where hair follicles can be transplanted individually and in clusters, depending on the final destination (location).
@nutrafol
STYLING
- Use a thermal protectant, especially if you’re using any type of hot tool (flat-iron, curling iron, blow dryer). Some of my faves are Kerastase Serum Therapiste (cream) and L’Oréal Professionnel 10-in-1 (spray).
- Try to limit the use of hot tools. Remember it’s direct heat that can leave hair brittle and dry, which leads to split ends, nodules and breakage.
- Lower the heat setting whenever possible (with hot tools) to protect hair from moisture loss and damage.
- For maximum shine, point the nozzle down so the air flows over the surface of the hair (not directly onto hair and brush), which helps to smooth the cuticle for a mirror-like finish.
- In general, try to work with what Mother Nature gave you. You may win the battle with your texture in the morning, but ultimately Mother Nature wins (Sorry, ladies).
Whether your choose to fight age gracefully or battle it out at the front lines, there are multiple options and anti-aging hair tips to guide you through this maze. Eat a well-balanced diet, drink plenty of water, get plenty of sleep, exercise to reduce stress, and everything in moderation. There is a mind-body connection which we often neglect and forget to connect. Healthy mind, healthy body is the fountain of youth (with a little help from everything I mentioned in this little article), right?
