Ace-Haircare

How To Anti-Age Your Hair

Get luminous locks which boast volume and vitality with our simple guide

Tackling the war on visible signs of ageing always seems to stop at our complexion, but why? Our hair may not fall victim to the dreaded wrinkles, but it does get hit by time. From a loss of pigment to dry ends and finer strands, your luscious locks can take a battering. But much like our skin, a healthy lifestyle, a few home hacks and an armful of nourishing products is all it takes to keep your tresses looking youthful. Not convinced? We’ve drafted in the experts who’ve create a simple guide to help you boost your hair’s vitality and keep it looking, and feeling, young.

Don’t overdo it

Overwashing hair is a common problem, but it proves particularly damaging for the more mature strands. “Most people still use shampoos that are too strong for their delicate hair and use them too often,” says Tabitha James Kraan, founder and creative director at tabithajameskraan.co.uk. “This is quite literally washing the life out of hair, leaving it looking dull, lifeless and undoubtedly older than it should.” The first step is to switch to a mild shampoo which is free from harmful silicones. “Choose a shampoo which only mildly foams as the foam is really bad for your hair. It roughs up the cuticle layer and leaves it weak and vulnerable to damage,” Tabitha adds. “Think of your hair as a cashmere jumper. It needs delicate nurturing and care to keep it looking beautiful.”

Go back to your roots

When washing hair, focus on the roots only. “Never wash hair ends. They are far more fragile and porous than roots,” explains Andrew Bidwell and Jonathan Stallick, co-founders of Swell Hair (swell.co.uk). “Deliberately rubbing concentrated shampoo into ends will only weaken, dehydrate and break hair ends, making them look tired, dull and old.” Target your shampoo on the roots, scalp and mid-lengths to boost hair’s health and if ends do look a little dry, hydrate them with a small amount of coconut oil. It’s a great multi-purpose product which can be used to instantly nourish dry and brittle ends as well as tame flyways.

Eat right

Just like our skin, our hair is a product of what we eat so choosing the right foods is paramount to hair’s health. “Zone in on foods which are rich in vitamins A, C and E,” advises Andrew. “Load up on omegas 3, 6 and 9 too for healthy looking skin and luscious locks.” Omega 3 is found in the cells that line the scalp and help to provide the oils which keep hair hydrated. “Also, say yes to citrus fruits, berries, leafy greens, nuts, oily fish such as salmon and tuna, eggs and garlic,” he adds. Maybe not all at once…

Keep locks hydrated

Want to get the most from your moisturising washing routine? Then invest in an oil. “Nourishing hair with a natural oil is the single best gift for your thirsty locks,” explains Tabitha. “When the oil balance of the hair is correct it has a protective seal that can hold the moisturising conditioners that you apply. Remember all hair is dead no matter how old you are but years of abuse makes it porous and less able to hold moisture. Putting back a fine layer of oil from the roots to the tips acts like a magnet to hold moisture in place for longer.” From central heating to the summer sunshine, our hair has to battle the elements daily and, just like our skin, needs regular hydrating.

Brush before bed

No, we’re not talking about your teeth. For a tangle-free slumber, give locks a little teasing before turning in for the night. “Brush your hair with a pure bristle brush every night ideally before you sleep and follow with oil or moisturiser,” advises Tabitha. “Make it a ritual and treat your hair to what it needs every evening. Using the right brush will move your natural oil down the hair shaft which will seal and protect it, not to mention make it shine. Your scalp will thank you too, as the stimulation is hugely supportive and also acts as a good way to relieve stress.” Just what you need for optimal beauty sleep.

Wise up with styling

Greying hair doesn’t have to be worn limp or in a pixie crop. “Get your hairdresser to show you how to style your hair in an up-to-date style,” says Andrew. “Trust them and be open to change. An old fashioned style is ageing so be brave.” Here at NH, we’re huge fans of embracing a natural grey hue but if you’d rather continue colouring your hair, make sure you do it right. “Colouring hair can take years off, but avoid old-fashioned dark colours and solid, all-over tints,” Jonathan says. “Instead go for different shades of highlights and lowlights, and even allow a few greys to come through. This will look softer and much more natural.”