Caring for Hair as It Changes With Age

Why does hair feel different after 50?

Over time, many people notice their hair feels drier and a little coarser, or finer and flatter. Gray hair often has its own texture. It can feel wiry, look less shiny and be harder to smooth. Years of color, heat and sun add up too.

None of this means you have to settle. It means your routine should change along with your hair. One note of care: if you notice sudden, patchy or heavy shedding, see a doctor before anything else. A stylist can help with how hair looks and feels, not with medical questions.

How should you wash and condition mature hair?

• Many people with drier hair find that washing less often keeps it softer.
• Choose a moisturizing shampoo and a rich conditioner, and leave the conditioner on for a few minutes before rinsing.
• Once a week, use a deeper mask on the lengths and ends.
• Rinse with lukewarm or cool water, which leaves hair feeling softer than hot water.
• Pat hair dry with a soft towel instead of rubbing it.

How do you bring back shine and softness?

Shine is often the first thing people miss, and one of the easiest to bring back. A light leave-in on damp hair, a drop of oil on dry ends and a cool blast from the dryer at the end all help hair reflect light.

In the salon, a glaze adds a glossy finish and softens tone. Esther finishes color with a glaze for mirror shine. On her menu, a glaze with color is $30 and a glaze on its own is $50. Kérastase treatments and products in the salon are another option when hair feels dry.

Should you change your hair color as you get older?

Not necessarily, but many people like a slightly softer version of their old shade. Very dark, solid color can look harsh next to lighter skin and gray roots. A touch lighter, or a base with soft highlights, often looks fresher and grows out more gently.

You have choices with gray. You can cover it, blend it with highlights and lowlights, or let it grow and add shine. There is no right answer, only what feels like you. Compare options in gray coverage and gray blending, or read about L'Oréal INOA ammonia-free color, which gives rich coverage, including gray, with no ammonia smell.

Which styling habits are kinder to hair?

• Use the lowest heat setting that works, and use a heat protectant every time.
• Let hair air-dry partway before blow-drying, so it spends less time under heat.
• Trade tight elastics for soft scrunchies and claw clips.
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat in strong sun to protect your color and shade your scalp.
• Book regular trims to keep ends neat and full.

Which haircuts work well after 50?

Choose a cut for your texture and lifestyle, not for a number. Shoulder-length cuts, soft layers and longer bobs are popular because they are easy to style and keep a full shape. If you love long hair, keep it, and keep the ends healthy and full. For more ideas, see hairstyles and color for women over 50.

How Esther works with changing hair

Esther listens first, takes her time, and shapes the cut and color for your hair, face and lifestyle. She mixes every color shade for your skin, eyes and hair, so the result looks soft and natural, never flat. Text Esther at 561-631-6462 for a free consultation.