For us ladies, the first few grey hairs will begin to show up in our early 30’s.  And while we tend to react like it’s a sign of the apocalypse, none of us are immune to this part of aging.  I wish that I could tell you different, but it’s simply a sign that our bodies are producing less hair pigment.  So while I can’t exactly help you with your hair color other than recommending my stylist, I can teach you how to keep your hair as youthful as possible well into your 50’s and 60’s.

Check Out Medication Side Effects

Unfortunately, a lot of the more popular medicines that we rely on as we age come with a long list of side effects- including the thinning of hair or loss of hair.  So before you start investing a small fortune in spa treatments and premium conditioners to treat hair issues; hop online and check out your prescriptions complete side effects first.

Avoid Those Mega-Hold Products

Did you know why hangovers are so brutal the next morning?  It’s pretty simple actually- alcohol dehydrates our bodies and lets toxins build up in all the wrong places.  Well, styling products do the exact same thing to our hair.  The more lift/hold a product has, the higher its concentration in alcohol.  And these types of products rapidly dry out your hair.

Focus on a Better Diet

Believe it or not, proper hair care doesn’t start at the scalp.  What you eat contributes more to your lovely locks than any outside factor, and those lean proteins are the key ingredient.  Fats tend to have the most detrimental effect on our hair- especially once we reach our 40’s and 50’s.  It is also a good idea to start taking a multivitamin to replace minerals not found in your typical diet.

Get a Haircut Every 6 to 8 Weeks

As our hair grows, proteins and minerals are passed upward from the scalp to keep proper hair health.  But over time, the ends of our hair will start to split and accumulate other forms of damage, which slows the healing process from one end to the other.  That’s why a quick trip to the salon every 6 to 8 weeks will ensure that your hair stays fresh and vibrant.

Cut Back on Blow Drying & Styling

Gals, I love my curling iron more than any person I know, but I want you to know that the high heat from styling products is definitely not good or our hair.  So if you have to get your style on, then look for some low heat alternatives that are not going to damage the proteins in your hair.  That includes using modern high-powered hair dryers and taking ultra-hot showers as well.

Brush Your Hair Before Showering

You may not know this, but our hair is the most vulnerable right after we get out of the shower due to the excessive moisture.  That’s why experts tell you to gently towel dry your hair and then allow it to dry naturally.  What most people don’t realize is that this also means no brushing- brushing your hair while wet leads to extensive damage over time.  So brush your hair before showers and not again until it’s completely dry.

Use a Deep Oil Conditioner

Finally, it is important for you to remember that moisturizing your hair is just as important as it is in your skincare regimen.  And we moisturize by using different types of conditioners- whether you’re treating in the shower or using a leave-in product.  I recommend using products that are oil based- coconut and argan oils are two of my favorites.