Aging takes a toll on hair. Years of stress, products, heat, teasing, diet choices, and medications play a role in how your hair is aging. Over time, thick, long locks become thin and fine. And while you may never get back to the days of young hair, you can begin caring for your hair now to prevent further loss and damage. While genetics and aging will contribute to the look and feel of your hair, there are several ways to help your hair age gracefully. 

Caring for Aging Hair

Keep your hair hydrated and moisturized 

Hydration and moisturizing are very different but are both necessary for maintaining aging hair. Hydration is water and moisture is oil. Hydration gives the skin elasticity while moisture smooths and softens. When the body is hydrated, the hair follicle is lubricated, stimulating growth. The hair shaft is made up of 25% water and since our bodies lose up to 2 liters per day, it’s extremely important to stay hydrated. Drinking water is great but eating water-rich foods is better. The body absorbs food slower than liquids. This means that our bodies hold water-rich foods longer than consuming water alone. This boosts our hydration while also providing vitamins and minerals, benefiting the scalp and hair.  

The best sources of water-rich foods are: 

• cucumbers 
• watermelon 
• tomatoes 
• strawberries 
• spinach 
• celery 

• grapefruit 
• pineapple 
• blueberries 
• cauliflower 

• broccoli 
• cantaloupe 

How to maintain moisture in aging hair

If the hair follicle becomes too dry, the scalp may become irritated and flaky, resulting in thinning hair and even hair loss. Lack of moisture in the hair reveals dry, tangled, and split ends in the hair. And we don’t want that!

• Avoid washing hair everyday (or even every other day)! Over washed hair removes the natural, healthy oils.  
• Opt for paraben and sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners. Products containing surfactants and parabens can dry hair out by removing moisture. 
• Always condition the hair after washing to add moisture back into the hair shaft. 
• Use organic coconut oil to make a hot oil mask. Warm 2 tablespoons of coconut oil gently massage into your scalp and down into the hair. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes before rinsing out. 

Don’t Smoke 

Research shows that smoking damages DNA, reduces blood circulation, and enhances negative hormonal effects that contribute to hair loss and premature graying. Basically, damaged DNA damages cells because the hair follicles are blocked from receiving nutrients and oxygen needed to be healthy by inhibiting blood circulation. While graying hair is a part of aging, the changes of hormones from smoking results in premature graying.   

Make good food choices 

A diet rich in protein and water-rich foods will do wonders for your hair. Eggs, salmon, shrimp, chicken breast, chickpeas, beans, and tuna are excellent sources of protein. Check out my blog post, “The Protein Importance for Aging Gracefully.” 

Use a heat protectant 

When using styling tools, use a heat protectant to prevent damaging hair. I highly recommend Chi 44 Iron Guard and HSI Professional Heat Protector. Both contain natural ingredients that protect and nourish hair. And both are sulfate and paraben free! 

Choose quality hair products and styling equipment.  

Not all hair products are created equal. Low quality equipment and products can wreak havoc on your hair. The best brands of styling tools are Dyson, Paul Mitchell, T3, and ghd. Depending on your hair type is dependent on whether you need a ceramic, tourmaline, or a titanium flat iron. Ceramic works with all hair types, but is best for fine, thin hair. For those that have naturally wavy hair with medium texture, tourmaline is the best choice because it smooths well and prevents frizz. Tourmaline is best for thick, course, curly hair. If you have fine or thin hair you should avoid using a tourmaline flat iron as it can cause damage the hair. As far as hair dryers go, the best is the Dyson Supersonic as it maintains temperature regulation while drying which prevents damage and maintains frizz while providing a nice shine to hair. Other good brands of hair dryers are ghd and BaByliss. The best curling wands and curling iron brands are Drybar, T3, BaByliss, and Paul Mitchell. Just like flat irons, the metal coating on wands and curling irons is what to look for when making sure what will work best for your hair type.   

Wear loose hats and ponytails 

In a nutshell, ill-fitting fitting hats, tight ponytails, and hair extensions can traumatize and damage hair follicles by repeatedly rubbing the scalp and pulling the hair. This is known as traction alopecia (hair loss). Research has shown that while wearing hats does not actually cause baldness, it does contribute to hair loss. 

The Take Away

There are many hair products and supplements that claim to help your hair grow become fuller. But it ultimately comes down to consuming a healthy diet, not smoking, and being mindful of the tools and products you use to style your hair. Take time to care for and treat your hair now so as you age, you’ll be flaunting luxurious locks for years to come! 

For information on the correlation between hair and diet, read “Protein Importance for Hair.“