Just like skin, our hair naturally goes through a series of changes as we age, influenced by a complex interplay of genetic, environmental, and – especially for women – hormonal factors.
‘The hair growth cycle is regulated to a great degree by hormones – most notably, oestrogen and testosterone. Leading up to menopause, oestrogen levels lower which can result in hair shedding,’ explains Anabel Kingsley, Consultant Trichologist and Brand President of Philip Kingsley.
‘Our scalp and hair follicles age with us, so you might find that your hair greys, becomes finer, less dense and less lustrous. Some women notice a marked difference in their 40s and 50s, whereas for others it’s more subtle. The extent to which our hair changes is largely dependent on genes and when we enter menopause. Oestrogen is very hair and scalp-skin supportive, and as levels decline it can impact hair density.’
It’s inevitable: regardless of your gender, your hair’s going to change. And although the ageing process is irreversible, according to Consultant Trichologist Stephen James, there are ways to manage some of the effects of ageing.
‘Before looking into hair transplants and medications, there are many changes you can make to help slow down the natural process,’ he says. ‘For the best chances of preventing the effects of ageing, there are certain ingredients to look out for when shopping for your next hair care purchase.’
These include vitamin C for collagen production; vitamin E and green tea extracts for their protective antioxidant properties; keratin to strengthen and repair damaged hair; niacinamide to improve scalp circulation; hyaluronic acid to moisturise and hydrate strands; and minoxidil, the FDA-approved treatment for hair loss.
So, whilst you can’t reverse ageing in your hair, the good news is that there are plenty of ways to keep your mane looking and feeling its best. We asked two style and colour experts on their top tips for what to ask for on your next trip to the salon, and how to maintain younger-looking hair at home.
Healthy hair starts at the scalp
‘Scalp care is always the first place to start when it comes to healthy-looking hair,’ says Andrea Henty, founder of BOMANE salon in Beverly Hills and the go-to stylist for LA’s top models. ‘A good scalp care routine will do wonders for promoting a healthier environment for your hair to flourish. I always recommend regularly exfoliating your scalp with a scrub to remove product buildup and promote healthy cell turnover, as well as gentle massages, balancing serums or revitalising toners.’
SahaScalp™ Wild Ginger Purifying Scrub
A luxurious, whipped scalp scrub that harnesses the power of Ayurvedic ingredients such as antioxidant-rich ginger, anti-fungal neem, and pink Himalayan salt to slough away impurities, flakes and dead skin cells from the scalp and roots. Bonus points for its delightfully fresh and invigorating scent.
Hello Klean Clarifying Scalp Soak
A multi-tasker enriched with a blend of ingredients that work together to detoxify, nourish, and cleanse the scalp. Apple cider vinegar and phytic acid cleanse without stripping your scalp, rice seed protein and pro-vitamin B5 restore damaged hair, and fermented rice water and tamanu oil provide much-needed nourishment.
Philip Kingsley Density Preserving Scalp Drops
With an active complex designed to help maintain follicle condition and protect hair density, these trichologist-approved drops are the ultimate tonic for those struggling with hair loss and thinning. The lightweight formula has been clinically proven to improve the hair’s condition, reduce scalp visibility, and slow down hair loss. Say no more.
Omorovicza Scalp Reviver
Whether your scalp is irritated, inflamed, congested, or oily, this refreshing treatment is perfect for in-between wash days. Salicylic acid absorbs excess oil from the roots and unblocks hair follicles, whilst the patented Healing Concentrate, made from potent minerals found in Budapest’s famous thermal baths, delivers hydration and goodness deep into the epidermis.
Amp up the volume
For ageing hair that feels limp and lifeless, consider adding extra volume for lift at the roots and more body and movement. Whether it’s through styling products and tools or hair density serums, a volumiser should be a part of your hair care routine. ‘I love using Velcro rollers and setting spray to create volume without using heat that can be damaging to hair,’ says Henty. ‘I also use an incredible Japanese blow-dryer from Lumielina, the Repronizer, as it’s much more gentle than traditional blow-dryers, thanks to its unique technology that hydrates hair using heat.’
Nioxin Diaboost Hair Thickening Serum
Want fuller-looking hair? This potent serum uses caffeine, niacinamide, and wild mint oil to boost the diameter of each hair strand for added thickness. It not only enhances the thickness of your hair; it also strengthens and nourishes from within for a more manageable mane.
Flora Lab Paris Hair Filler N° 10 Hyaluronic Acid
This revolutionary micro-mist is like dermal filler but for your hair. Following 18 years of research and development, it plumps, fills, and hydrates the hair fibres from within using a high concentration of hyaluronic acid and a proprietary blend of amino acids, peptides, and flower extracts.
Hershesons Zhoosh Foam
There’s no one we trust more than Luke Hersheson to create the ultimate get-up-and-go styling product, and the Zhoosh Foam doesn’t disappoint. Using dry powder-to-foam technology, it creates effortless oomph, volume, bounce, and shape without the stickiness or crunch. The best part? It absorbs into hair super quickly – minimal effort, maximum results.
Olaplex Volumizing Blow Dry Mist
Shield strands from heat damage with this volumising mist that delivers long-lasting body, bounce, shine, and volume. Enriched with advanced polymers and jackfruit polysaccharides, just a few spritzes to clean, towel-dried hair gives you a smooth-looking blowout with lift at the roots.
Cut above the rest
A well-chosen haircut can make all the difference. ‘For my mature clients, I always recommend long, soft layers that frame the face, starting at the cheekbones. It adds movement and draws attention away from wrinkles and crow’s feet,’ explains Henty. ‘If you have super thin hair or you’re struggling with hair loss, a bob above the shoulder or a blunt cut is a great way to lose ten years. Let go of length and layers if it’s stringy or thinning – a shape will do so much more for you!’
Embrace your roots
When it comes to finding your perfect hair colour, Veronika Wysocka, colourist at London’s Josh Wood salon, knows a thing or two about tailoring your look (it’s no wonder her clientele includes Millie Bobby Brown and Katy Perry). ‘I like to work with what my clients have rather than fight against it,’ she says. ‘That means letting go of what your hair used to be like before turning grey or thinning and working on how it can look based on its current state.’
Where you colour also matters. ‘Need to top up your colour? Concentrate your colour on the regrowth only. Overlapping on existing colour not only causes build-up but can make your hair go darker each time, too,’ explains Wysocka. ‘Plus, you’ll want to work with how your hair falls naturally – always address the hairline and follow how your hair falls, so a lighter colour around the hairline, and gradually darker towards the neck.’
Stay hydrated
It’s common knowledge that colouring or bleaching your hair can cause frazzled strands and damaged ends, but it’s the steps you take to maintain your hair’s health that count. ‘A moisturising haircare routine is key if you’re colour-treating your locks,’ says Wysocka. ‘If your hair is thinning, I’d recommend staying away from harsh chemical treatments such as bleaching as it can be incredible drying, and instead, go for highlights or balayage for subtle dimension. Your at-home routine should always include products that replenish moisture and keep your hair healthy and hydrated.’
K18 Leave-in Molecular Hair Mask
For fragile hair types prone to breakage, thinning, or exposure to chemical treatments and heat styling, this wonder mask helps to heal and strengthen hair without weighing it down. The hero ingredient? K18Peptide™ (over ten years in the making) that’s just the right size and makeup to fit into the innermost layers of your hair and reconnect broken keratin chains.
Augustinus Bader The Hair Oil
This incredible oil does it all: it reduces breakage, mends split ends, strengthens strands, intensely hydrates and improves elasticity, detangles, and controls frizz. Powered by its patented TFC8® technology and a blend of oils including baobab, argan, pomegranate, and vitamin E, this is your one-stop-shop for healthier hair.
Oribe Moisture and Control Shampoo & Conditioner
Just like our skin, ageing hair needs plenty of hydration. This rich and intense duo from Oribe is perfect for damaged and frazzled hair, improving softness, shine, and manageability. Its super rich and moisturising ingredients penetrate the hair shaft and hydrate each strand from the inside out.
Josh Wood Miracle Mask
This five-minute multi-tasking deep conditioning treatment is enriched with quinoa extract and green walnut to protect against colour fading and UV damage – and it also repairs damaged ends.
