As we age, our hair’s texture, colour, and needs evolve, and what suited us in our 20s or 30s might no longer be the best. It would make a significant difference if you updated your hair care routine and style to match your age, and to help, we’ve compiled the mistakes that stop you from getting that fresh and vibrant look.
Ignoring Hair’s Changing Texture
After 50, there’s a progressive form of hair loss, and hair often becomes finer and may lose elasticity due to decreased keratin production in your body. If you continue to use the same hair products, you might not address these new challenges. So, it’s always better to switch to shampoos and conditioners formulated for mature hair to enhance its strength and manageability.
Sticking to the Same Hairstyle for Decades
Keeping the same hairstyle for years can make you appear older than you are. Hair changes in density and texture over time, making old styles less flattering. Instead, try visiting a professional stylist who will recommend a modern cut that complements your current face shape and hair condition.
Overusing Heat Styling Tools
The frequent use of heat styling tools can exacerbate dryness and lead to breakage in ageing hair. And because of this, you’ll need to reduce your reliance on hairdryers and straighteners, specifically to maintain natural moisture levels. To minimise damage, you can look towards air-drying or heat-protectant sprays.
Choosing Too Dark a Hair Colour
When you opt for hair colours that are too dark, you potentially create a stark contrast with lighter skin tones and emphasise wrinkles. By using lighter shades or adding highlights instead, you can soften facial features and provide a more youthful glow to yourself. A colourist can even help select the most flattering hues for you.
Neglecting Regular Trims
Many women skip regular trims without considering how this allows split ends to progress and leads to a frizzy and unkempt look. It is best to schedule haircuts every six to eight weeks to keep hair healthy and maintain its shape. Even subtle changes can significantly refresh your overall appearance.
Using Heavy Hair Products
Thick gels and heavy creams can weigh down fine or thinning hair, and due to this, you stand the chance of it looking too flat. When you opt for lightweight mousses or volumising sprays instead, you easily give your hair a fuller appearance and enhance movement without any heaviness involved.
Avoiding Layers in Haircuts
Did you know that opting for blunt, one-length cuts can drag your facial features downward? You can avoid this by simply incorporating layers to your hair, as this adds dimension and lifts the face. Layers can also create the illusion of volume, which you can find beneficial if you have thinning hair.
Not Addressing Thinning Hair
Approximately 40% of women experience hair thinning by age 50, and this can be distressing, to say the least. What’s even worse is that when you ignore this issue, you put your self-esteem and confidence at risk. At this age, even though it’s a natural occurrence, it’s important that you seek professional advice on treatments, such as minoxidil, or using volumising products that can improve hair density and overall appearance.
Overlooking Grey Hair Maintenance
Grey hair tends to be coarser and can become a little yellowish over time due to many environmental factors. Thankfully, there’s a solution to this, and this is you using purple shampoos. These shampoos neutralise brassy tones, keeping grey hair bright, and you can engage in regular conditioning treatments to enhance your hair’s softness and shine as well.
Wearing Hair Too Long
Despite how beautiful it can be, sometimes, extremely long hair can emphasise your ageing features which may not have the same vitality as it did in your youth. With shorter, stylish cuts like bobs or lobs, however, you don’t just lift your look but get hairstyles that are easier to manage too.
Forgetting Scalp Care
A healthy scalp is the foundation for healthy hair, but it’s often neglected by many women above 50, too. These women may not know that regular scalp massages can stimulate blood flow—promoting hair growth—and using exfoliating scalp treatments removes buildup and maintains a clean environment for hair follicles.
Using Outdated Hair Accessories
Even if you feel comfortable with them, it’s important to also note that hair accessories from decades past can inadvertently date your look. Accessories should complement your hair and outfit without overwhelming them, so it’s always a great idea to opt for modern clips and bands made in more minimalist, contemporary designs.
Avoiding Colour Altogether
There’s also the issue of forgoing hair colour, which can make hair appear dull or washed out. Many women could benefit from subtle highlights or lowlights that add depth and dimension to their looks. Go the extra step of consulting a professional colourist who can suggest options that require the least maintenance.
Ignoring Professional Advice
As we have advised, seek professional advice for the best results. While DIY hair treatments might save money, they can also damage hair or produce unsatisfactory results. Professional stylists have the expertise to recommend styles and products tailored to your hair’s specific needs, and investing in them yields better long-term results.
Not Protecting Hair from the Sun
It’s not only your skin that needs some protection from the sun, as ultraviolet rays can degrade hair proteins, leading to dryness and colour fading. You can use hair products with UV filters that protect against sun damage. Or even just wear a hat during peak sun hours to add that extra protection and prevent scalp sunburn.
Overlooking Nutritional Needs
Hair health is closely linked to nutrition, and deficiencies in vitamins like B12 and D, and minerals such as iron can contribute to hair thinning. Support your hair growth and strength by incorporating nutrient-rich foods like leafy greens, lean proteins, and nuts into your daily meals.
Using the Wrong Hairbrush
Also, know that the wrong brush—typically the synthetic brushes—can cause unnecessary tension and breakage to your hair. A brush with natural bristles, on the other hand, can reduce static energy generation and distribute scalp oils more evenly.
Washing Hair Too Frequently
Cleanliness is awesome, but overwashing strips hair of natural oils and will leave you with dry and brittle hair. Look towards adjusting your washing schedule to every other day or a few times a week to maintain the right level of moisture. And also consider dry shampoo, as it can refresh hair between washes without the drying effect.