Don’t Fall for These Aging Hair Mistakes
As you get older, it’s only natural that you’ll want to find ways to cover up those stubborn gray hairs and fight to restore your youthful, voluminous locks. There are some right ways to do these things, but there are some wrong ways, too. Here are some of the most common mistakes people make when dealing with aging hair and how to correct them.
Coloring Compromised Hair
Though today’s products have come a long way and many can actually help restore life to your hair, it is never a good idea to try to color your already compromised hair. Aging hair is more delicate, and it is not as likely to “bounce back” as easily from prior chemical services. If your hair is compromised and you’re in need of color, try a protein treatment for a few weeks beforehand. If you’re going lighter and you need to de-colorize your hair first, do it in stages. This is less aggressive and gives your hair time to recover.
Shampooing Too Often
People of all ages shampoo their hair too frequently, but it can be especially drying when it comes to older hair. Each shampoo strips vital moisture and color from your hair, which only leads to more coloring, and in the process, more dryness. If you currently shampoo every single day, then the sebaceous glands on your scalp are producing an excess amount of oil. Switching to every-other-day or every-third-day shampooing may cause you to have oily locks – but only for a while. Eventually, your scalp will start producing less oil. In the meantime, invest in a high-quality dry shampoo for those in-between days.
Using the Wrong Products
One of the worst things you can do to your hair as you get older involves using products that will only dry your hair and strip its color. Alcohol is the most damaging ingredient of them all, and while you cannot always avoid it since most hairspray products (even the professional ones) contain it, you can look for alcohol-free shampoos, conditioners, and other products. A good leave-in conditioner – sans alcohol – can hydrate your hair and protect it from the incoming hairspray, too.
Straying Too Far from Your Natural Color
Part of the modern trend involves natural-looking hair color, and believe it or not, this is actually the safest bet for your hair. Staying true to your natural color reduces processing time, which can really add up over the years. Going too light can make you look older and going too dark can do the same. Instead, aim for a color within two shades of your natural hair color, and you’ll find that you look younger and more vibrant, instead.
The truth is that we have all made some pretty serious mistakes when it comes to our hair, but the good news is that you can reverse it. First, revitalize your hair with protein and good-quality treatments and conditioners, and avoid processing for a while, if possible. When you do need to color, choose the right shades and products, and for the best possible results, leave it to a professional stylist.