Ace-Anti-Ageing

9 ways to anti-age your hair

Night creams and serums are all well and good for younger looking skin, but what can we do to keep the life in our locks?

1 50 SHADES OF GREY

When plucking them out one by one just won’t do anymore, it’s time to take matters into your own (or your stylist’s) hands. “The less you have to do to your hair, the better the condition will stay,” says A-list colourist Louise Galvin (louisegalvin.com). “For just a couple of greys, I’ll paint them individually or highlight the hair to blend them in naturally. When you reach 70-80 percent grey, it’s easier to take the hair lighter rather than trying to cover them up with high-maintenance dark colours.”

2 RESIST THE SCISSORS

Many women opt to leave their tresses on the salon floor once they reach a certain age, but Louise couldn’t disagree more. “If your hair is healthy and trimmed regularly, there’s no reason why you can’t keep it longer. There is nothing more feminine than long hair and suddenly cutting it off can leave you feeling frumpy and dull.”

3 KEEP ON MOVING

Although it’s tempting to be over-zealous with styling products, maintaining the carefree movement of our childhood locks can make all the difference. “It’s vital to look put-together, but fixing hair with copious amounts of lacquer is very ageing. Invest in a big round hairbrush to give the hair lift and softness,” says Louise.

4 LIGHTEN UP

Just when you thought your experimenting years were over, Kerry Capewell, hairdresser for Nature’s Dream (naturesdream.co.uk), recommends playing with colour for a more youthful appearance. “As we age, our complexion can lose some of its warmth, so darker tones can start to look a bit harsh. Opt for a shade lighter which will also make your regrowth less noticeable. After each wash, rinse the hair in cool water to help close the cuticles.”

5 DAMAGE CONTROL

Curling, straightening and blow drying; we put our tresses through the mill in the name of beauty. But reversing the damage is key to maintaining a younger-looking do. “One of the best ways to keep hair looking youthful is to keep it moisturised. Treat your hair to an intense conditioning treatment once a week using a hair oil or mask,” says Kerry.

6 NOURISH FROM WITHIN

The saying “you get out what you put in” couldn’t be more true than when it comes to anti-ageing your hair. “Alcohol, sugar, and refined foods leach the health out of our system,” says nutritionist Jenna Zoe (foodstolove.co.uk). “Getting enough protein is crucial as hair itself is made of it. Try adding some protein powder, hemp seeds or edamame to your diet. You also need healthy fats to control your hormone production.”

7 SUPPLEMENT

Although a nutrient-rich diet is the best way to flood your body with the vitamins and minerals it needs, supporting your intake with the right supplements can provide effective results. Look out for formulas containing omega 3 and vitamin E to give strands a boost.

8 SCALP TLC

At the root of all hair issues, scalp health is the difference between a thick and glossy do and hair that’s holding you back. Before external hair grows through, we have hair inside the scalp being manufactured by the hair follicle, therefore taking care of the source is vital to the outcome. Massage the scalp for a few minutes every day and try a nourishing treatment such as to balance the skin.

9 KEEP CALM AND CARRY ON

Although there’s a direct link between stress and hair loss, you don’t need to worry about sudden bald patches when that deadline’s looming. It’s extreme stress from the three B’s (bereavement, bankruptcy, and break-up) in particular that cause a disproportionate number of hairs to enter the resting stage making hair loss greater. As scary as this sounds, you can try to eliminate stress and promote hair re-growth through breathing techniques, exercise, a healthy diet and scalp massage to help stimulate bloodflow.