Ageing is a privilege.... but it doesn’t come without major change! It’s not only our skin that can show the visible signs of ageing, but our hair as well. Everything about our hair from the texture, thickness, moisture and of course, colour, can change. As we age, our scalp stops producing as much of the oil that usually keeps our hair moisturised, which can lead to dry and damaged hair. As our oestrogen levels drop the length and diameter of our hairs actually decrease too! We cannot slow the passage of time so is there anything we can do about our hair health as we age?

We've compiled a list of the 5 best tips to help care for mature hair for you below...

1. CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Through different stages of our lives our hair can appear thinner than it was in our 20’s. Whether that is after having children or post menopause, you may have noticed a widening part or thinning around your hairline. You’re not alone.

An imbalance of hormones, or a deficiency in vitamins may be the cause and before you quickly start taking popular hair supplements make sure you get to the doctor for a blood test. Supplements do work over a long period of time, however, if you don’t have a Vitamin deficiency, they aren’t needed and can sometimes do more harm than good. It’s best to be under the care of a doctor to make sure the treatment you’re taking is the best one for you.

If your blood tests show that your hair loss is caused by a vitamin deficiency than with proper treatment your hair growth can return to normal, however it can take at least 18 months. So be patient and trust the professionals!

2. BE GENTLE

Mature hair can be more fragile and become weaker over time, so it’s important to treat it with care. Try to minimise the heat styling products you’re using. Over use of blowdryers and styling tongs can dry out your hair making it brittle and more prone to breakage. When our hair breaks it appears frizzy and damaged.

You may find you also need to change how you style your hair. If you’ve always worn your long hair up in a tight ponytail or a bun, the extra tension that this puts on your roots can lead to damage. Consider a fresh chop! Consult your hairdresser for the best cut for your hair and stay away from tight updo’s that will put pressure on fragile hair.

Hair is more fragile when it’s wet, so put away that brush! If you need to detangle your hair after washing make sure you use a wide tooth comb instead of a brush. Starting from the ends of the hair and work your way gently to the roots.

 

3. A HEALTHY BALANCED DIET

Whilst we can’t change factors like age and genetics, diet is something we can exercise some control over. In fact, failing to consume the right nutrients, can contribute to hair loss. On the other hand, eating a well-balanced diet can help promote healthy hair and even facilitate hair growth, if your hair loss is caused by vitamin deficiencies.

As our hair follicles are mostly made up of protein, make sure you’re consuming enough protein in your diet. A lack of protein can lead to hair that is dry, brittle and weak. So make sure you’re getting a good amount of protein through eggs, meat and legumes. Vitamin C and Iron are also crucial. Our hair follicles and scalp are fed by a healthy blood supply, and if iron levels drop, it can compromise the nutrient supply to the follicle. This ultimately leads to excess shedding. Vitamin C helps the absorption of iron rich foods too, so try to eat iron and Vitamin C rich foods in conjunction with each other to lead to the maximum possible dietary benefit.

Oily fish is a great source of Omega 3’s, as well as plant based sources like walnuts, avocados and pumpkin seeds. They can all help contribute to a healthy scalp. Both along zinc and selenium are also known to help counteract a dry and flaky scalp. Wholegrains, oysters, beef and eggs are all good sources of these minerals.

4. USE A SULFATE AND PARABEN FREE SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

Our scalp is an extension of our skin. So if you’re spending lots of money treating your face, make sure you’re using the best products you can for your scalp and hair too.

When choosing your hair care products, it’s best to opt for shampoos,  conditioners and treatment products that are Paraben and Sulfate free. Sulfates strip the hair and scalp of its natural oils and moisture. As we already know, mature hair is more dry in nature, so it’s important to retain as much moisture as we can. Sulfates can also strip the artificial pigments from your hair dye, so if you find your colour isn’t lasting as long as it usually does, check your shampoo ingredients!

Once you're more conscious of the ingredients in the generic Shampoos and Conditioners out there, you'll soon recognise 'kind to hair' brands like Boost & Be Shampoos and Conditioners. Naturally derived ingredients go a long way towards nourishing your scalp and hair. Boost & Be Growth Shampoo and Conditioner is even infused with Peppermint Oil which has been clinically shown to stimulate hair follicles and may contribute to added growth. 

 

5. USE COTTON HAIR FIBRES

If thinning hair is your biggest concern, you may want to consider Female Hair Loss Fibres. Made of cotton, these micro fibres statically cling to the hair shaft making it appear thicker and actively disguising thinning areas. Boost N Blend™ cotton fibres are vegan and cruelty free, and in 9 salon hair colours, including two different greys, you’re sure to find a perfect match!

 

All Boost N Blend™ Hair Fibres and Boost & Be products are available from our global online stores: 

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