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Caring for Aging Hair

As we age, our hair undergoes a number of changes. Changes in our hormones partner with slowing of cell generation to age our hair. In addition, many seniors don't get the protein they need to keep hair at its best. Hair can also age as a result of certain medications many seniors take regularly, including high blood pressure medications and cholesterol-lowering medications.

Many people also notice a change in their hair color as they age. This is due to a lack of melanin, the pigment that gives our hair its color. Not only can graying hair make us look older, but it can also negatively impact our self-esteem.

Luckily, there are a number of steps you can take to keep your hair looking great as you age. From eating a balanced diet to using high-quality products, our tips on caring for aging hair will transform average hair into fabulous hair!

Tips for Caring for Aging Hair

To keep your hair healthy and make it appear younger, experts recommend the following:

Eat a well-balanced diet. A balanced diet will provide your body with all the nutrients it needs to keep your hair as healthy as possible.
Get regular exercise. Exercise is essential to the health of our bodies. When our bodies are healthy, our hair is healthy! Make sure your diet is loaded with fresh fruits and vegetables.
Let your hair air dry. Blow dryers can drain your hair of vital moisture, leaving it dry and prone to breakage.
Massage your scalp on a regular basis. Not only does a massage feel great, but it also stimulates hair growth.
Use a color-boosting shampoo conditioner. There are a number of color-enhancing products on the market. These will boost your natural color without permanently dyeing your hair. They will add shine, depth and luster to your hair.
Use a natural-bristle brush, rather than one made of synthetic materials. A brush with natural bristles won't pull out your hair and will also reduce breakage.

Use hair care products that contain antioxidants and that feature high levels of protein. These substances are essential to keeping your hair healthy.
Use lightweight products to keep your hair full of bounce.

Tips for Caring for Thinning Hair

As men and women age, our bodies produce less hair. Also, the hairs that we do grow are thinner than they were in our younger days. Combine this with the fact that older hair is generally dry and more prone to break than young hair and it's easy to see why keeping thin hair looking its best can sometimes be a challenge.

To keep your thinning hair looking its best, consider the following:

Find a Great Hair Style: Talk to your stylist about finding a hair style that can add volume to your hair. Also ask her about styling techniques you can use to make your hair appear thicker.
Get a Perm: If your hair is thin but healthy, consider getting a permanent wave. Perms add volume to hair. To prevent hair breakage or hair loss, see a professional to have your hair permed.
Shampoo and Condition Less Frequently: To prevent breakage, shampoo and condition your hair only when it is dirty.
Try Hair Color: Hair color can not only enhance the color of your hair but can also add body and volume to your hair. If you have brittle hair or are taking a medication that is weakening your hair, use a semi-permanent hair color that does not contain ammonia or peroxide.

Since improperly applying hair color can cause hair damage and breakage, consider going to a hair salon to hair your hair dyed.
Use Products that Add Volume: There are a number of products on the market that can add volume to your hair. However, avoid products that contain paraffin (beeswax), which can cause hair to break.

Resources

HairCareGuide.com (2004-2007). Hair Care Guide.com. Retrieved October 24, 2007, from the Hair Care Guide Web site: http://www.haircareguide.com.

ThirdAge, Inc. (1997). Nine Tips to Help Aging Hair. Retrieved October 24, 2007, from the ThirdAge Web site: http://www.thirdage.com/news/articles/ALT10/05/12/01/ALT

10051201-01.html.

WebMD, Inc. (2003). 5 Tips to Care for Thinning Hair. Retrieved October 24, 2007, from the WebMD Web site: http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/hair-

loss/5-tips-care-for-thinning-hair.

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