While 40 is far from being old, there’s no denying your hair is different in your 40s than it was in your 20s, and recognizing that is the first step to treating and caring for your hair properly. Age-related changes such as grey hairs, dryness, and weaker strands can throw you for a loop. If you’ve been following the same hair care routine as you did when you were younger, it’s time to revamp and change things up.
In your 40s, your hair’s regenerative abilities decline. Hair pigment production decreases, and environmental factors, such as repeated UV exposure, and heat styling and colouring also take their toll. You may have noticed your hair has become coarser, frizzier and dryer, and that’s why we’re here to help. Here’s how to care for your hair after 40.
How To Care For Your Hair After 40
1. Make Sure to Hydrate
Hydration is super important, both inside and out. Do a weekly hair mask to moisturize your hair and scalp and keep them as healthy as possible. You should also use lukewarm or cool water after you apply a rich conditioner. It’s also important to keep your body hydrated. Drinking lots of water helps with everything from energy levels to skin and hair health. Hair needs to be moisturized for hair growth and growth retention so drinking enough water each day is key. You’ll also want to avoid habits that dry out your hair such as using heat tools too often.
2. Avoid Over-Washing Your Hair
Over-washing your hair can really dry it out. You want to wash it enough that you get rid of oily grime, but not too much so that your hair and scalp becomes dry. It can take a bit of trial and error to see what works best for you and your lifestyle. Try washing your hair two to three times a week and see how your hair adapts. Also make sure to stay away from sulfates and parabens in your shampoo.
3. Give Your Scalp Some Love
Scalp health is incredibly important, especially as we age. Cleansing, exfoliating, and nourishing your scalp can improve blood circulation, stimulate hair growth, and aid in the even distribution of natural hair oils. Aim to massage your scalp with oil every one to two weeks- just avoid keeping the oil on overnight. Keeping it on for too long or applying too much can increase dandruff and worsen your scalp health. Products like the Briogeo Scalp Revival can also be used weekly to deep clean and reduce dry scalp.
4. Practice Proper Hair Maintenance
When it comes to dyeing your hair, there are a few things to keep in mind. If you choose to colour your hair, choose non-ammonia, natural colours that won’t dry out your scalp and keep a gap between your appointments to let your scalp breathe. This will help keep your hair as healthy as possible while colouring it.
5. The Right Cut
When it comes to length, no one should cut their hair just because of their age. However, shorter hair is typically easier to maintain and if you colour your hair, it makes it more susceptible to dryness and damage. When the hair is longer than shoulder length, it can start to look unhealthy. For shorter styles, getting a trim every eight to ten weeks usually works best. Keep in mind, your hair may start to grow slower in your 40s than it did in the past. Visit the salon frequently enough to trim and avoid split ends, but not so often that your hair becomes shorter than you’d like.
6. How to Easy Everyday Waves Tutorial – Medium Length Hair | Brianna Fox
If you have medium length hair that sits around shoulder length, this everyday hairstyle is simple and chic for women in their 40s. She uses a curling iron and flat iron to achieve this look and it’s a great go-to hairstyle you can wear from the office to dinner to weekend errands. She also uses products like the Paul Mitchell Heat Protection Spray as well as a texture spray.
7. Eat a Healthy, Balanced Diet
Did you know you can eat for your hair health? What you put into your body directly impacts your strands. Hair problems can be a major sign of an unbalanced diet. Focus on a well-balanced diet consisting of biotin from carrots, peanuts, and spinach; vitamin C from citrus fruits, bell peppers, and berries; vitamin E from avocados, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, and almonds; iron and zinc from beef, lentils, oats, and figs; protein from fish, beans, and nuts; and omega-3 fatty acids from salmon and flax seeds.
8. Invest in a Good Hair Brush
The right hair brush can make all the difference not only for your hair health, but also for hair styling. Avoid plastic drugstore brushes, which can snag and break the hair. Invest in a boar bristle brush, which will distribute oils evenly throughout strands and promote shine and smoothness. You can also use a round boar bristle brush with a hair dryer to add loads of volume to your hairstyle.
9. Low Bun Tutorial | Sleek and Easy Hairstyle | Lydia Tomlinson
A polished, low bun is perfect for the days you’re low on time, yet still need to look put together. It’s also a great hairstyle for third or fourth day hair. It’s a chic and simple style you can do with medium length to long hair and you’ll need products like texturizing spray, hairspray, and a clear brow gel to smooth down your flyaways!
Proper hair care in your 40s is super important to keep it hydrated and healthy. These tips and hacks will help you keep your strands luscious and strong.
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