Your Hair Ages Too

Like skin, your hair ages too. Find out how you can reverse the age of your hair.

It’s no surprise that as we age, our hair ages as well, we’ll start to experience the thinning and greying of our hair, with it appearing coarser and drier. This is true especially for most women, given that hair is the crowning glory of a woman’s beauty as it defines one’s overall appearance and style. Thus having thin, damaged locks can actually make one look a lot older than what she really is.

“As we get older, hair growth slows down and the cosmetic beauty of our hair decreases”, said Dermatologist Zoe D. Draelos, MD. Given that the hair shaft continues to thin when women hit their 50s, the thinner individual hair strands will make your hair look less voluminous and create an impression of hair loss. In addition to these biological changes, chemical treatments, daily brushing and heated styling tools all contribute to further hair damage.

Thankfully, with the availability of new-generation hair care products and treatments, reversing the ageing effects of your hair is now possible. Dr Draelos also encourages women to invest in some of the newer hair care products as they can help maintain the hair’s texture and radiance in the long term.

Here are some hair care products that can help maintain healthy-looking luscious locks even as you age:

Volumizing Shampoos

Give your thinning hair a boost with some of these thickening or volumizing hair products.

• Organix Thick & Full Biotin & Collagen Shampoo – contains ProVitamin B7 Biotin which infuses nutrients into every strand. While collagen adds volume and dimension to the hair, hydrolyzed wheat proteins strengthen to give you fuller, thicker and healthier looking hair. (S$15.90)
• John Frieda Luxurious Volume Touchably Full Shampoo – binds to and plumps the hair cuticles, making even fine, flat hair appear full. (S$16.90)
• L’Occitane Aromachologie Volumizing Shampoo – is formulated with vegetable-origin complex and artemesia, sweet orange, rosemary, mint and pine essential oils that boost your hair’s body while keeping it lightweight. (S$34-S$55)

Protein Conditioners

Protein-containing conditioners can help replace lost protein and increase hair strength to prevent breakage.

• Redken Diamond Oil Conditioner For Dull, Damaged Hair – features an exclusive Interlock Protein Network and Shine Strong Complex  and contains a combination of coriander, apricot and camelina oils that help moisturize, protect and untangle your  hair while reducing hair breakage. (S$36-S$72.50)
• Avalon Organics Rosemary Volumizing Conditioner – is enriched with rich plant emollients and volumizing Wheat Protein, Vitamin E, Guar, Calendula and Rosemary which work together to strengthen hair and build volume for a thicker, fuller body. (S$13.90)

Flexible Hairsprays

Using a more flexible hairspray that moves better with your hair prevents the hair shaft from breaking when you sleep on it. Hairsprays with sunscreen can also prevent protein breakdown from sun exposure.

• Alterna Caviar Anti-Ageing Working Hair Spray – this is an ultra-dry hair spray that provides humidity resistance and offers a flexible, brushable light-to-medium hold. (US$20-US$28)
• Aveda Sun Care Protective Hair Veil – a lightweight UV defense mist that provides an invisible screen to protect your hair from sun exposure for up to 16 hours. With UVA/UVB filters, certified organic oils and vitamins, this product minimizes damage and dryness and protects your hair colour from fading. (S$49.50)

Hair Treatments

Though a little on the pricey side, specially-formulated hair treatments can effectively target your hair-loss problems and stimulate activity around the scalp.

• Phyto Phytocyane Revitalising Treatment – designed to address temporary hair thinning by strengthening the scalp and creating healthy conditions to stimulate hair growth. Enriched with sulphured amino acids, vitamins and proteins, the treatment helps the hair appear fuller, thicker and more lustrous. (S$118)
• Kerastase Specifique Aminexil Force R – an intensive anti-hair loss treatment formulated with Aminexil to improve hair density, Gluco-Lipid-G L to hydrate and strengthen the hair, and Madecassoside to soothe the scalp. The treatment also contains a key ingredient, Rhamnose, which the brand claims to restore suppleness  of the scalp. (S$130)

Besides relying on anti-ageing hair products to tackle your hair concerns, remember that a good balanced diet plays a huge part in keeping your hair healthy too. Dr Draelos also recommends women in their 50s to handle their hair as little as possible, and this includes avoiding over-brushing the hair. If you face further concerns about your hair, consult a dermatologist for help.

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