Older people sometimes struggle with dry and frizzy hair. A lack of moisture due to a reduction of sebum (body’s natural oil) production as related to aging is often the culprit. Don’t fret! There are many things you can still do to add moisture back and help achieve optimal hair health!
Are you treating your hair well?
Let’s say you’re doing everything right in terms of lifestyle choices. You’re managing stress, eating and sleeping right, and exercising, yet you still struggle with poor hair quality. Changes to hair quality, particularly those which are sudden, are best addressed by a doctor. However, hair quality can also be affected by how you treat your hair. Read on to learn clever clues for optimal hair treatment.
Lacking optimal hair health?
Is your hair dry, frizzy, untamed, unhealthy, breaking or splitting? Ask yourself:
- Am I using the right hair products? Products containing harsh chemicals can strip hair of natural protective oils. This can lead to brittle hair and hair breakage. In some individuals, it may lead to more serious conditions such as scarring alopecia (hair loss due to inflammation).
Here are some common products with ingredients that can contribute to brittle hair:
- Hair colors (particularly those which contain ammonia or other potentially harmful hair substances like PPD and SLS)
- Hairsprays (especially those containing ingredients like alcohol – known to dry out hair)Shampoos (particularly those containing formaldehyde possibly linked to hair loss or sulfates that can bother some hair types)
- Conditioners (particularly those containing triclosan, a preservative that shows signs of being an endocrine disruptor, or dimethicone that may irritate the scalp and stop nutrient flow to the hair)
Always do your homework to know what ingredients are in your hair colors, sprays, shampoos, conditioners and other products. Strive for natural and non-toxic products with clean, organic ingredients. Read company mission statements, find out how they source their products, learn about their formulations, and opt for simple, natural ingredients over harsh chemicals. Consult your medical doctor for product recommendations, especially if you have sensitive or problematic scalp, skin, or hair.
- What kind of water am I using?
The water source you use for hair washing might be the culprit of dry, limp, or damaged hair. Per Healthline, “…hard water contains a buildup of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. This produces a film on the hair, making it difficult for moisture to penetrate. As a result, the hair is left dry and prone to breakage. Leave these issues unresolved and it could even lead to hair loss.” Installing a water softener shower head or using a sulfate-free clarifying shampoo are some solutions. Also using a hair mask or applying a vinegar solution in moderation may help combat the effects of hard water on hair. Ask a professional hairstylist to determine which techniques are best for your hair. Or consult your doctor if you have head or scalp irritation. Additionally, experts say that washing with hot water can dry hair out. Most recommend avoiding high heat temperatures and showering with cool water to seal the cuticles.
- Am I applying heat directly on wet hair?
The correct answer should be no. Never put high heat directly on soaking wet hair. This can lead to heat damage. Here are more tips to blow drying hair without drying it out. Experts say that the best way to dry hair in general is with a combination of air and blow-drying. Always start by washing hair with a moisturizing shampoo. Then, follow with a conditioner designed to strengthen hair. After shampooing and conditioning, dry the hair gently with a towel, taking care not to tug or pull hair. Use a detangling comb to gently brush hair. If necessary, use a detangling product, too. Let hair air-dry for about 30 minutes. Then, apply a heat protective product on the hair before using a blow dryer. Allow the blow dryer to finish drying hair on the lowest setting. Most experts suggest sectioning hair to concentrate on one small area at a time and using a round brush to lift hair at the roots to create volume. What is the best blow dryer? Generally, ionic hair dryers are highly recommended as they are known to reduce frizz, static and drying time. They work by emitting negative ions to break apart water droplets on hair. To further cut down on frizziness, professionals recommend applying a small amount of lightweight hairspray or styling cream to hold hair in place once it’s been styled.
- Do you ignore your scalp health? When people think of hair health, they often ignore the scalp. Avoiding products with harsh chemicals is not only beneficial to hair, but it safeguards the scalp. Hairstylists also recommend massaging the scalp to increase blood circulation and exfoliate on a regular basis to promote healthier hair growth. Additionally, folks who experience dandruff or other scalp issues should seek appropriate medical treatment. A dermatologist may recommend using specific medical shampoos or anti-fungal medications. In addition to good hygiene and proper care, scalps should also be protected from excessive sun exposure by wearing wide brim hats or by using products with UV protection. Per CDC, sunscreens should be SPF 15 or higher and protect against UVA and UVB rays or read “broad spectrum” on the label. Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin and create a layer of sunscreen at least 20 minutes prior to sun exposure. Reapply sunscreen as needed. To learn more, visit the cdc.
Summing it up!
Hair can sometimes suffer as people get older as age affects growth cycles. Genetics and hormones may also influence hair health. Nonetheless, it is still important for mature people to take care of their heads and scalps. We hope these clever clues for optimal hair health may help. People who are facing hair thinning and baldness should seek medical evaluation to determine cause and troubleshoot possible solutions if desired. Men and women with unhealthy hair that breaks easily should also see their doctor to assess health and lifestyle or effects of aging on hair. (insert internal link to our sister article entitled Preserving your aging hair) One may also review and adjust haircare treatments, practices, and care to restore hair to a shiny, rich, and lustrous state.
Disclosure: This article is purely informational and is not intended as a medical resource. For any medical advice, consult your doctor.
