It can feel overwhelming to keep up with all the different things we’re supposed to do for our hair and skin as we get older. There always seems to be a new trend promising to turn back the clock, but if we take the time to listen to our bodies and understand the changes we’re going through, it can become much more manageable. Let’s start with 4 tips to strengthen aging hair!
Since experiencing menopause, I noticed a significant change in my hair’s texture and volume. It prompted me to re-evaluate my hair and scalp care routine to maintain their health. It’s amazing how our bodies can transform, and we must adapt to these changes to keep up with them.
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1. Maintain a Healthy Scalp
Since I discovered that menopause was causing problems with my hair, I’ve made two things a regular part of my routine: a weekly oil treatment and scalp scrub. I was already doing oil treatments, but not consistently enough to see results. Consistency is the key.
Scalp Oil Treatments
As we grow older, our body’s production of natural oil decreases, resulting in dryness of the skin, scalp, and hair. To combat this, it is recommended to have weekly oil treatments to restore moisture to the scalp and nourish it. This nourishment can encourage hair growth and alleviate dryness while also reducing frizz, resulting in shinier and healthier hair.
When it comes to my weekly oil treatments, I always turn to Rejuveniqe Oil from Monat. You can easily find it online here. What I love about this product is that it brings together a unique blend of 13+ natural plant and essential oils that are recognized for their antioxidant and anti-aging benefits.
Below are a few other product options for scalp oil treatments.
Scalp Scrub
As we get older, cell regeneration tends to slow down, which is why it’s important to exfoliate our skin. The same applies to our scalp. Using a scalp scrub can aid in cell turnover by getting rid of dead skin cells, buildup, dirt, and excess oil. Most scalp scrubs also help to purify, balance, and cleanse the scalp.
Whenever I need to give my scalp a good cleanse, I always turn to the Scalp Purifying Scrub. You can find it here. This amazing product works as a 2-in-1 scrub and shampoo, and I use it once a week before my regular shampoo routine.
Below are a few other product options for scalp scrub treatments.
2. Decrease the Amount of Heat
Honestly, I have tried not to use heat on my hair, but I haven’t been successful. Hot tools include hair dryers; in case you missed our blog post, “Are Hair Dryers Considered Hot Tools,” you should check it out.
Exposure to heat in any way can be harmful to hair, particularly aging hair. Heat can make the hair dry and fragile. This can be a significant concern because aging hair naturally produces less oil, making it more challenging to manage.
Tips To Decrease Heat Damage:
- It is important to always use a heat protectant on your hair, including when using a blow dryer. Even if you are only blow-drying your hair, it is still necessary to use a heat protectant to prevent damage.
- To reduce damage to your hair, it’s best to use the lowest heat setting possible that still achieves your desired result. Consider this: we bake cookies at 350 degrees, so why use a flat iron at 450? Similarly, when using a hair dryer, opt for a lower heat setting to minimize damage, even if it takes a bit more time to dry your hair.
- To keep your hair and scalp healthy, it’s important to shield them from the sun. Harmful UV rays can cause hair damage, such as fading and dryness. Be sure to take precautions to protect your hair from the sun’s damaging effects.
3. Shampoo Less Often
It’s possible to wash your hair too frequently, regardless of your age. As we grow older, our hair produces less oil, which means we may not need to shampoo as often. It’s important to periodically reassess our hair care routines and decide if any adjustments are necessary.
I used to wash my hair every day, but I’ve started washing it less often. It’s not necessary for most people to wash their hair daily, especially if their scalp and hair tend to be dry. Washing too often can cause the scalp to dry out, and then it overcompensates by producing more oil than needed, leading to a vicious cycle.
To ensure the best results for your hair, it’s crucial to identify its specific needs. For instance, if you color your hair, it’s essential to use a color-safe shampoo that won’t cause fading. Similarly, if you’re a blonde with frequent highlights, you might need a moisturizing product to prevent dryness. For those with fine hair, it’s important to choose lightweight products that won’t weigh it down, like volumizing formulas.
4. Restore Lost Hydration & Moisture
You may have noticed a theme that as we age, our hair tends to become dry and brittle due to a decrease in natural oil production. Unfortunately, daily damage only worsens the situation. To maintain healthy hair and scalp, it’s crucial to replenish lost hydration and moisture.
Tips to Restore Hydration & Moisture:
- If you have dry or split ends, it’s essential to apply a leave-in conditioner to the ends of your hair before bedtime. This will help improve the condition of your hair over time. Remember to avoid applying the conditioner to your scalp and only apply it from mid-shaft to the ends. It’s also important to comb through your hair after applying the leave-in conditioner.
- For soft and shiny hair, consider using a hair masque once a week. Personally, I opt for using a hair masque on the same days that I use my scalp scrub. This combination provides my hair with an excellent foundation for the upcoming week. During my shower, I apply the masque from mid-shaft to ends and leave it on for approximately 5 minutes. To ensure even hydration, I use a wide-tooth comb to comb through my hair.
- It’s important to use a conditioner that suits your hair type, just like I mentioned earlier about shampoo. You need to identify what your hair requires and lacks to achieve the best possible outcome.
- You guessed it, drink your water! Staying hydrated from within will also benefit your hair and scalp. Drinking enough water is essential for a hydrated scalp and hair. The human body is made up of 50-70% water, so experts recommend drinking half your body weight in ounces.
Have you also noticed changes in your hair as you age? It’s normal, and it’s great to age – gratefully. Understanding why our bodies change and what we can do to help ourselves can greatly improve our quality of life.
Have you seen any changes in your hair as you’ve aged? We would love to hear your opinions on it, so please feel free to leave a comment below!
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