Hair, like skin, is affected by two types of
ageing: extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic is
everything that your locks are exposed to on
the outside, like heat styling, sun damage and
colouring. Intrinsic factors come from below
the scalp and show signs that your hair is past
its prime, these include: reduction in melanin,
decline in sebum production and a change in
hair diameter. For you that means, greys start
to appear, shine starts to disappear and your
once full, bouncy hair is no more.
Phases of growth begin to slow over the
years, meaning that it’s harder to achieve
the lengths you once loved when you were
younger.
Try a New Hairstyle
It’s easy to get stuck in a hair-rut; out-ofdate, unflattering styles really do make
you look a lot older than you are. So
that’s why it’s important to take a fresh
look at yourself every so often. Get your
current hairstyle reappraised by your
stylist, or better still try out a new salon.
Having someone who doesn’t know
you and your hair give their opinion on
what’s best for your locks, can result in
a fantastic new look for you.
But don’t despair because there’s plenty you
can do to help, read on:
Any hairdresser worth their salt will be
able to advise on which styles work
best for thinning or ageing hair, but
generally it’s worth considering the
following:
Always Be Aware of
Your Hair
Length
Try to limit the extrinsic damage caused to
your locks as much as possible. Lay off the
heated styling tools, don’t allow your hair
to be frazzled by the sun - instead apply a
deep conditioner to the lengths and ends
when you’re on the beach - and limit the use
of products that can dry your hair out, like
hairsprays.
Reconsider Your
Colour
Although you might colour your hair to hide
greys, choosing the wrong hue can be very
ageing. Instead of opting for a block shade,
choose a base colour, that’s no more than
two shades lighter or darker than your natural
hue, and add a multitude of highlights. Not
only will your hair look younger, your face will
too.
Condition, Condition,
Condition
Smother the lengths and ends of your hair with
a rich deep conditioning treatment once or
twice a week. Try-out hair oils and products
that are specially formulated for ageing,
thinning or dried-out hair.
Long locks look lovely if they’re bouncy,
thick and full of life, but if that’s not
the case, then they really aren’t worth
holding on to. Chopping long hair into
a flattering, blunt midi cut is a quick
way to create more youthful-looking
hair. Ridding your tresses of dead, split
ends improves condition and a blunt
cutting technique will create the look
of fullness.
Frame Your Face
Try a blunt fringe or have some soft
layers added to your style around your
face. This lifts your features and makes
you look younger.
A Professional
Opinion is Best
Although it’s normal for your hair to
show signs of change over the years
- like thinning - it’s worth seeing your
GP if you notice any sudden changes.
Hair loss can be caused by hormone
deficiencies - like low thyroid levels
- nutrient deficiencies, stress and
medications, so if you’re in doubt visit
your doctor for advice.
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