Oscar Wilde once famously said that, “With age comes wisdom.” But he forgot to mention that your hair might start to thin out and lose its shine! Getting older can be harsh on your hair, but don’t worry, there are things you can do about it!
No matter how many candles were on your last birthday cake, the right haircare products and processes can make a huge difference. In this post, we’re revealing several tried-and-tested anti-aging hair care tips for keeping your locks looking luscious and lustrous in your fifties and beyond.
Wash Your Hair Less Frequently
A decrease in oil production means our hair tends to get steadily thinner, drier, and coarser as we age. To accommodate this, try washing it less often. Shampooing too much will remove the natural oil that’s present, stripping the hair of what it needs to stay healthy and radiant.
Everyone is different, so it’s hard to say exactly how often you should wash. Once or twice a week may suffice, though. If you hate the thought of this or need to wash more often, try switching to my natural DIY shampoo that’s formulated for frequent use.
Use Conditioner
Applying conditioner after shampooing is another vital step to thwart the signs of aging hair. It’ll help add moisture to your locks and replenish the natural oils that shampoo removes. If you want to go a step further, you can also use hydrating serums or leave-in treatments.
If you do use a scalp serum or moisturizing leave-in product, know that less is more when applying it! Aging hair requires gentler treatment, so a little goes a long way. Likewise, putting on too much can weigh it down, which is unideal in the pursuit of voluminous locks.
If you’re into DIY and never made a conditioner before, you’re in for a treat! Not only are they easy and fun to make, but you can tweak them until your heart’s content
Consider the Natural Look
Some women fight their graying hair as long as possible. We won’t tell you not to! Just know that there are definite benefits to taking the natural route. Chemical dyes can make everything drier and more brittle, resulting in more breakages. Conversely, embracing those grays should help retain your hair’s thickness and overall health.
Use a Natural Dye
If you are going to dye your hair, consider using a natural product like ours. Although the colors can be less reliable than the chemical kind, natural dyes do work. Better still, they can help condition and strengthen your hair at the same time. Consider talking to a stylist, though. They’ll advise you on the best products for your hair type and situation.
Avoid Daily Heat Styling
Because older hair is drier anyway, it’s sensible to limit how often you blow dry it, straighten it, or use curling irons. Heat styling once or twice a week should give your hair enough time to recover from the damage it causes.
Use the Right Shampoo
Now might be a good time to invest in a new shampoo. Speak to your stylist for bespoke advice, but the ones you’ll probably want will have words like “thickening” or “volumizing” pasted across the front. These products contain vital ingredients, such as protein, biotin, and vitamin B5, which can boost your hair’s voluptuousness and moisture levels. If you are into DIY, take a look at 11 Sulphate-Free Homemade Shampoo Recipes For Gorgeous-Looking Hair
Consider Cutting It
Many women fight the signs of aging tresses by cutting their hair short. It makes everything appear more voluminous and simultaneously makes it easier to care for. You don’t have to go to those lengths (pun intended), but it’s 100% worth cutting your hair more regularly. Doing so will prevent splits from working up the shafts, make them less prone to breaks, and help everything stay in top condition.
Try Using Oil
Applying certain oils can help address the reduction in oil production from your scalp. Coconut oil, for example, has long been used to improve hair and scalp health. Argan oil is similar. It’s so rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and other key nutrients that it’s a downright moisturizing miracle. And jojoba oil is excellent for strengthening weak and thinning hair. Here are several everyday oils to help stimulate hair growth.
Get Your Beauty Sleep
Changes to circadian rhythms, melatonin levels, and other related factors cause our sleep to worsen with age. Unfortunately, this can have a knock-on effect on our hair! Among other possible issues, sleep deprivation increases stress levels, contributing to hair loss and making it gray quicker. So, now more than ever, try to protect your sleep! Your hair will thank you for it.
Treat Your Hair Gently
As you can probably tell by now, aging hair needs extra TLC. So be gentle with it! Skip the tight ponytail in favor of a loose braid. Sleep on silk pillowcases at night so there’s less friction. Get a brush with nylon or boar bristles (they’re better for thinning hair). And, when you use it, start from the bottom and work upward.
Oh, and try to avoid brushing when your hair’s wet, comb it instead. That’s when it’s most fragile.
Use Color Strategically
Alongside steps to actively thicken and nourish it, you could use some strategic color to create the illusion of more voluminous locks. Adding highlights and lowlights instantly gives your hair the appearance of more depth and dimension. A bonus is that it can also hide any grays that have started to come through.
See a Medical Professional
While they’re natural parts of aging, hair loss and thinning can also be symptoms of underlying medical issues, such as hormonal or thyroid problems, or things like stress, genetics, and certain medications. That’s why speaking with your doctor about hair-related issues is often sensible – especially if you’ve noticed rapid changes. They’ll help identify/rule out these causes and suggest possible solutions.
Watch Your Diet
Eating enough of the right foods is a great place to start. Diet is always important, of course. But it can be more pertinent as you age because your appetite gets smaller. This makes you more susceptible to nutrient deficiencies that impact your hair (not to mention your general health).
Among other important foods, consuming sufficient protein, leafy greens, and omega-3 fatty acids is key. These vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats work wonders for your hair from the inside out. Imagine giving your hair a healthy boost with every bite. This goes beyond just “eat these foods.” Here’s how to get creative and incorporate these great foods into your everyday meals.
Berries
Berries are packed with nutrients that keep your hair healthy and growing strong. They are rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that shields hair follicles from damage. Vitamin C also helps your body produce collagen, a protein that strengthens hair (plus nails and skin) and prevents breakage.
It’s easy to add berries to your diet—toss them in cereal or whip up a smoothie. You can also add them to a salad for a refreshing touch, or just snack on them. If I’m craving something warm, I love to mix berries into my oatmeal.
Spinach
Spinach is a leafy green vegetable with essential nutrients like iron, vitamins A, C, and K, zinc, and folate. These all work together to nourish your scalp, enhance your hair’s texture, and give it that shiny look. Even better, spinach acts as a natural DHT blocker, a hormone that causes hair loss.
You can creatively include spinach in your diet, because it goes with basically everything. I like to blend it into my daily smoothies (add some banana), mix it into salads, or add it to pasta.
Salmon
Salmon is a nutrient-rich food that promotes hair growth. It contains high levels of protein, vitamin D, B12, and omega-3 fatty acids, which stop hair loss. In fact, a study found that a majority of women who took omega-3 supplements reported reduced hair loss and improved hair growth.
This fish is an excellent source of protein, the building block for strong, luscious hair. Also, if you want to save some money, get canned salmon. Mix it into salads, sandwiches, or any recipe you’re making that calls for flaked fish.
Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes are packed with beta-carotene, which your body converts to vitamin A. Vitamin A is key for hair growth—it helps your scalp produce sebum, nature’s built-in moisturizer for healthy, shiny strands. A deficiency in vitamin A leads to dry hair, which turns into dandruff.
Skip the flaky hair blues and grab a sweet potato. You can bake them whole, I like to put them in the microwave for about four minutes to get a perfect jacket potato. Or, not a bad alternative, chop them up to cook sweet potato fries in the oven.
Eggs
Eggs are a powerhouse for hair health as they contain protein, biotin, and vitamins A, D, and B12. Biotin is your hair’s BFF; it strengthens strands and makes them less prone to breakage. The egg yolk’s vitamins A and E allow your hair to withstand harsh environments.
Eggs are already a kitchen staple (scrambled, sunny-side up, hard-boiled, etc.), but that doesn’t mean you must stop at breakfast. Whip up a DIY hair mask with olive oil for extra shine.
Avocado
Every time you spread creamy avocado on toast, you give your hair a boost. Avocado is known for its healthy fats and vitamins B & E, which deeply moisturize your scalp and hair. This ingredient is also rich in monounsaturated fatty acids, phytosterols, and antioxidants, which are absorbed right into our hair shafts.
Avocado keeps your hair hydrated, stimulates growth, and unclogs blocked follicles (hello, fuller hair!). Next time you’re craving avocado toast, consider it a hair care ritual in disguise.
Yogurt
Beyond a cool smoothie base, yogurt offers several hair care benefits. Yogurt is full of protein, vitamins, minerals, and probiotics, which encourage growth, balance scalp pH, and soothe itchiness. It is also loaded with lactic acid to cleanse the scalp and remove dead skin cells.
Why not power up your mornings with a granola and yogurt parfait? You’ll get a delicious and hair-healthy treat you can make any time.
Soybeans
Soybeans give your hair a healthy boost because hair is mostly made up of protein, and soybeans happen to be a great source of it. Additionally, they contain biotin, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin E, which create an optimal environment for hair growth.
Soybeans even have isoflavones, which can help regulate hormones linked to hair loss. If you already make spinach and berry smoothies, like me, add soymilk to it. I can recommend it, it will make it more creamy compared to when you add water to your smoothie. Alternatively, enjoy it in your coffee, cereal, or smoothies.
Nuts
I can’t write a list of natural hair care allies without mentioning nuts. Nuts are full of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and healthy fats important for hair growth.
Almonds fight hair damage with vitamin E, Brazil nuts prevent brittleness with selenium (don’t eat more than five per day though), and sunflower seeds condition hair and stimulate growth. Next time you crave a snack, reach for a handful of healthy nuts to achieve luscious locks.
Oysters
Oysters are a must-have if you want longer, stronger hair. Oysters’ two secret weapons? Zinc and iron.
Zinc is an essential mineral for hair growth (it keeps follicles functioning properly, makes your hair grow at a steady pace, and prevents dandruff) while iron delivers oxygen to your hair and scalp. Include oysters in your diet to support sustainable hair growth and give your mane extra vitality. It doesn’t hurt that they’re extremely tasty as well, and go very well with champagne.
Beef
Watch your hair flourish with the hair care benefits of beef dishes. As you may already know, beef is a key source of protein, which helps your hair grow strong and repair itself.
Red meat provides you with all the iron you need to keep the scalp happy. Iron is also crucial for lasting hair growth and giving your locks a vibrant shine. Prepare dishes with lean red meat (around 2-3 servings a week) to help stimulate hair growth.
Lamb
Level up your hair game with this surprising ingredient: lamb. Keratin, found in lamb, keeps our hair strong and elastic. Lamb is also bursting with protein and iron, essential for long, flowing hair and healthy roots.
If you love grilled lamb chops as much as I do, you’ll be glad to know how much it benefits our hair.
Poultry
Did you know that eating chicken enhances hair health? It’s true—research has found that the protein and amino acids in poultry play vital roles in hair care. Protein, as mentioned, is the primary building block of hair, while amino acids allow your body to absorb hair growth nutrients.
Poultry is one of the most versatile ingredients on the market. You can’t go wrong with a quick chicken stir-fry or a salad with chicken breast. Now, that’s a delicious hair care routine.
Fatty Fish
Fatty fish, such as herring and mackerel, are great foods that make hair look and feel good. They are packed with omega-3, which we can thank for hair follicle protection. Plus, fish is made up of protein, the most important nutrient for strong and shiny strands.
Whether you like your fish pan-seared, steamed, or grilled, your hair will thank you for the nutritious boost.
Shrimp
Who knew eating more shrimp was the secret to thicker locks? Studies show that the nutrients in shrimp (vitamin B12, iron, zinc, and omega-3) contribute to nerve cell protection and stop your hair from thinning out.
We all love a great seafood dish. Next time you have shrimp pasta, a bread roll with shrimp, or a curry dish with shrimp, know you’re getting a hair care fix, too.
Chia Seeds
Say goodbye to wimpy hair with the help of chia seeds. These seeds are highly nutritious and offer benefits such as strengthened roots, breakage prevention, and more resilient hair strands. Chia seeds are a rich source of fatty acids and antioxidants that contribute to overall hair health.
For your next hair-healthy snack, sprinkle some chia seeds on yogurt or oatmeal.
Quinoa
Incorporate quinoa in your diet to give your hair the A-list treatment it deserves. Quinoa fuels your hair with amino acids which act like a natural hair strengthener. They nourish and hydrate your scalp, leading to consistent growth and damage repair.
Quinoa also has built-in protection from harmful pollutants. Its humectant properties shield your scalp from dust and irritants. With quinoa, you can easily add unique textures to your salads, all while getting a natural power-up for your hair.
Flax Seeds
Adding flax seeds to your diet is a natural way to get silky, smooth hair. These tiny powerhouses come with omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and fiber, which work together to prevent hair breakage and speed up hair growth.
Ground flax seeds are known to have a calming effect on your scalp. They can soothe irritation and balance natural oils. Anyone dealing with a sensitive or dry scalp can greatly benefit from adding ground flax seeds to their meals (think smoothie bowls or muffins).
Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are another ingredient that promotes fast-growing hair. These seeds contain high levels of zinc, iron, magnesium, and biotin—all crucial for strong, healthy growth.
What’s more, pumpkin seeds contain phytochemicals, a type of antioxidant that keeps hair shiny and vibrant. Have them raw, roasted, or buy them in single portions so you can snack on the go.
Bell Peppers
When it comes to getting healthy, resilient hair, don’t forget to include bell peppers in your power pack. These colorful veggies have high amounts of vitamins A and C, which work double duty for hair care. Vitamin A keeps your scalp moisturized by producing sebum, while vitamin C strengthens strands through collagen.
So whenever you chop bell peppers for sandwiches or wraps, know that you’re also showing your hair some love.
Common Haircare Myths You Didn’t Know Are Debunked
As a vital part of our appearance, we go through a lot to keep our hair perfect. Over the years, a lot of haircare myths have reared their head. And they’re still circulating. That doesn’t make it true
Let’s set the record straight and debunk some of the most common haircare myths once and for all.
Cutting Hair Makes It Grow Faster
It’s a common misconception that regular trims means your hair will grow faster. People believe that frequent haircuts stimulate your hair follicles, which speeds up hair growth.
However, hair grows from the roots, not the ends, so a cut doesn’t affect its growth speed. Of course, you can trim your hair to get rid of split ends and keep your hair healthy-looking, but not to speed up growth.
Plucking One Gray Hair Gives You More
Pulling out gray hairs won’t multiply them, luckily! But it can damage your hair. More specifically, it can damage the roots of your hair, which can lead to scalp irritation. Contrary to popular belief, each follicle only grows one hair.
You won’t sprout a whole new head of gray when you choose to pluck grey hair. Instead of plucking them, simply color your hair to camouflage grays. It’s a better option for healthy, frustration-free hair. Or, if you have peace with having some grey hair pop up here and there like me, you can embrace your silver locks and take good care of them.
Frequent Washing Causes Hair Loss
Another misconception is that washing your hair daily leads to hair loss. I’m here to tell you that’s not true. Hair loss mostly happens because of internal factors like stress, hormones, and genetics. Not because of routine hair washes.
In fact, clean hair follicles are healthy and promote hair growth, while dirty follicles can actually hinder growth. Wash your hair as often as your hair type and lifestyle requires. If you are still worried about overwashing, try this natural shampoo recipe formulated for frequent use.
Shampoo and Conditioner Should Always Match
Do you match your shampoo and conditioner brands? Luckily, you don’t have to. Many believe that you need to use the shampoo and conditioner from the same brand to get results, which isn’t true.
Your hair’s needs for shampoo and conditioner can be very different—one cleanses, while the other moisturizes. No scientific evidence actually supports the idea that matching brands improves hair health or growth. Choose your shampoo and conditioner based on your hair’s specific needs, not the brand.
100 Brush Strokes a Day Make Hair Healthier
You may have heard the myth that brushing your hair 100 times a day makes it shinier and healthier. This comes from the idea that a brush distributes natural oils through the hair, and this will improve hair health.
However, over-brushing can damage the hair cuticles and lead to breakage. Also, excessive brushing can make your hair greasier. Instead, brush your hair gently to detangle and distribute oils without damage.
Hair Gains Immunity to Shampoo Over Time
Some people think hair “gets used to” your shampoo, which makes it necessary to switch it up. Luckily, your hair doesn’t build immunity to hair care products.
The only reason that you may want to switch hair products or shampoo is if you experience any changes in hair condition. Choose a shampoo based on your hair type and any specific requirements you have. Switch only if those factors change.
Natural Hair Care Products Are Always Better
It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that all natural products are automatically better for your hair. The truth is that not every natural ingredient is suitable for anyone. Plus, terms like “natural” and “organic” aren’t always regulated, meaning that brands can use them pretty loosely.
So, what’s the best approach? Forget the hype and focus on what your hair really needs. Take the time to understand the benefits of each ingredient. That way, you can choose products that truly cater to the unique needs of your hair, using the best that nature has to offer.
Cold Water Rinses Make Your Hair Shiny
It’s a common misconception that if you rinse your hair in cold water, it will become shiny and glowy. The idea is that cold water closes the hair cuticle, which reflects light better.
However, your hair’s shine is affected more by its health rather than water temperature. Modern hair care products do more to seal the cuticle and enhance shine than cold water can. If you want glossy hair, I recommend using leave-in conditioners or shine serums.
Your Hair Gets Used to the Same Haircare Routine
It’s a myth that when you stick to a routine, your haircare products may lose effectiveness over time. Many believe that using the same hair products a lot will cause your hair to no longer respond.
However, this is not true. Changes in hair reactions are only due to environmental or bodily changes. That means a product does not get less effective unless the condition of your hair changes. Adjust your haircare routine if your hair or environment changes, not because you think your hair is “bored.”
All Sulphates and Silicones Are Bad for Your Hair
There’s no need to completely avoid sulfates and silicones to keep your hair healthy. Sulfates and silicones have a bad rep because they are believed to strip your hair of natural oils and cause buildup. However, not all sulfates and silicones affect hair negatively. Some are mild and can be easily washed out.
Remember that your hair type and condition play a crucial role in whether they’re harmful or helpful. Choose products based on how your hair responds to them rather than strictly avoiding certain ingredients.
Coloring Your Hair Causes Damage Beyond Repair
Is hair dye bad to your hair health? Many believe hair dye leads to extensive and irreversible hair damage. While it can cause damage, proper care and quality products are extremely important to prevent that.
In fact, hair damage is more often due to improper processing or over-processing rather than the dye itself. Always condition your hair after color treatments and reduce exposure to heat tools to minimize potential damage.
Heat Protectants Fully Protect Against Heat Damage
Heat protectant sprays are heroes, but they’re not shields. They significantly reduce hair damage, but they don’t offer 100% protection.
Using a heat protectant does help your hair, but it doesn’t prevent all damage from high temperatures. Heat styling changes the protein structure of hair, and a spray doesn’t protect against this every single time. Of course you should use heat protectants, but it would help to minimize the use of these tools where you can.
Dandruff Means You Have a Dry Scalp
Another misconception is that dandruff means you have a dry scalp. The truth is that dandruff often means an oily scalp rather than a dry one, as it feeds on oils (sebum) on the scalp.
Moreover, dry scalp and dandruff have different triggers and treatments. They are not the same condition. Seek professional advice to diagnose your scalp issues and treat them properly.
You Can Repair Split Ends
Think haircare products can fix split ends? Unfortunately, that’s not the case. Products may promise to mend splits, but they’re often only products to make them less noticeable. If you want home remedies against split-end visibility, I like to use coconut oil. Alternatively, you can use almond oil as well.
For a real solution, regular trims are the way to go. It will keep your ends fresh and prevent future splits. If you’re like me and you don’t like to go to the hairdresser regularly, maintain your haircare routine to prevent split ends rather than fixing them after the fact.
Towel-Drying Is Healthy for Your Hair
Rubbing your hair with a towel seems safer than blow-drying, right? While it’s better, this tactic can still rough up your hair and lead to frizz and breakage.
Instead, aim for a gentle pat dry. Better yet, wrap your hair with a microfiber towel or an old T-shirt to play it safe.
Constant Hair Tying Strengthens Your Hair
It might seem like that when you keep your hair tied, it is protected. However, constant tightness isn’t good for your locks.
In fact, constant tension from hair ties can weaken your hair and cause breakage. Also, did you know that tight hairstyles might contribute to traction alopecia, which can lead to hair loss? Use soft and loose hair ties when you do tie your hair up.
If Your Parents Have Gray Hair Early, You Will Too
It’s a myth that premature graying only depends on genetics. Of course, genetics do play a role. However, environmental factors like stress, diet, and lifestyle also massively contribute.
Genetic graying determines when you start greying, but lifestyle determines how quickly that process goes. Lead a balanced lifestyle to delay premature gray hair. Treatments can cover grays if they bother you.
Anti-Dandruff Shampoos Lead to Dry Hair
Another myth: anti-dandruff shampoo causes dry hair. Many believe these shampoos, due to their potent ingredients, dry out hair. However, modern anti-dandruff shampoos are less harsh and actually add moisture.
If your hair feels dry after a wash, it’s probably because of your hair type. Not because of the shampoo. Always follow up with a conditioner and focus on the ends to retain moisture after you use anti-dandruff shampoos.
Brush Your Hair from Roots to Ends
When you detangle your hair, do you start from the roots? Most people start to brush at the roots and work their way to the ends. However, this practice can lead to more breakage as it pushes small tangles into larger knots.
Instead, gently brush from the ends and slowly move up to the roots to avoid damage. Use a wide-toothed comb or wet your hair beforehand so your hair doesn’t get more tangled.
Dandruff is Equal to Poor Hygiene
You might think skipping shampoo is the reason for dandruff. But it’s not really about how often you wash your hair. It turns out, dandruff has some sneaky culprits like a fungus called Malassezia or just plain old dry skin. Even your favorite hair products could be the trigger.
So, while keeping your hair clean is great, dandruff is more about what’s
