| Rejuvenation tactics |
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| Written by Jane Garner, 2004 | |
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Page 1 of 2 You may not be able to turn back the clock where your hair is concerned, but you can slow down the effects of time with a host of new products. Life might begin at 40, but sadly from around that age it's downhill all the way for hair, writes Jane Garner.Like skin, your hair is a product of many factors individual to you alone: age, hormones, diet, genetics and even where you live can influence how your hair looks and feels. Pollution, for example, can play havoc with weak hair. But it's not all bad news because fortunately we also live in an age where we can take advantage of scientific developments to help us to make the most of what we have, or actively improve what nature gave us. Post-40 hair can become drier, more brittle, and turn grey and wiry. It may fall out at a faster rate than it's replaced and the hair shaft itself can constrict so each strand is thinner. Woman's World consulted some of the UK's leading experts for advice on the best care for 'hair of a certain age' and we're pleased to report that there is plenty that can be done to revitalise, strengthen, smooth, moisturise and colour lacklustre locks. When it comes to grey, the jury is still out on what percentage grey requires a full colour for effective disguise - some say anything over 30 per cent, others over 50 per cent, but they also insist that a head of completely grey hair can look as good as any other colour. Andrew Collinge often gets asked about maturing hair. "Generally women all have the same worry - how to cope with grey. I suggest having highlights rather than a full head of colour, which can become too much of a commitment trying to cope with regrowth," he says. "Remember, central heating can cause havoc with hair, especially grey which tends to be more dry and brittle. Treat your hair to a deep conditioner such as my 1 Minute Wonder Treatment." John Vial, Creative Director at Real Hairdressing in London, says, "A good haircut is essential for any age group. As we get older, it tends to be more flattering to soften the look and good products are essential for all ages. Older hair, like skin, loses moisture. Ensure you eat lots of good oils and use a good deep moisturising conditioner such as Realine Essential Care Conditioner." And if hair is thinning, he advises, "Firstly it's essential to figure out why. Should this be a medical condition it would be more appropriate to see a trichologist. A shorter length haircut can help to disguise thinning hair. Always keep the colour as light as possible so the contrast between hair and scalp looks less dramatic." Gary Thomas from the Mooch salon in Brighton says the Number One complaint he hears is that older hair changes texture, becoming frizzy and dull. "Try an anti-frizz serum like Magic by Schwarzkopf Osis," he says. "The quality of hair declines naturally as you age and the menopause is often a particularly poor time for hair. Seasonal change dramatically affects hair so it's really important in winter especially to protect and moisturise hair with a weekly deep conditioning treatment. Taking kelp will keep hair looking glossy and, of course, drink lots of water." Alexander Turnbull from Alexander Hair & Beauty adds: "Women ask if they should go shorter or lighter, they want a fashionable haircut but to avoid looking like mutton dressed as lamb. You're as young as you feel and different styles suit different people. You need good, regular deep conditioning treatments, the right shampoo and conditioner and the right hairdresser." Many hairdressers will recommend colouring hair, not just because that will cover grey, but also to improve condition and glossiness, as Toni & Guy's Paul Smith explains, "The biggest enemies for older hair are over-processing, under-conditioning, over-blow-drying and too much straightening. If one of your readers was stuck on a desert island with only one hair care product, I'd recommend TIGI's Protein Spray which protects hair from UV light and the sea, gives a light moisturising effect and the proteins permeate the hair to strengthen and protect it." All in the name?Haircare companies sometimes seem to be more interested in coming up with the latest whacky name than creating brilliant products to solve our problems. But don't be fooled - a sense of humour expressed on the bottle doesn't mean they're not deadly serious about the content. Shampoos, conditioners and special hair treatments are big business and they're just doing all they can to get your attention and loyalty. |
