For most women, hair is one of the most important aspects of our style and forms a huge part of who we are. It’s a constant part of any person’s sartorial choices through the ages, and while we’re all familiar with ways to combat the likes of crow’s feet and age spot, how much thought do we give to caring for our hair through the ages?
Celebrity stylist, Dario Cotroneo, from Darlinghurst’s Republic One building, looks after the tresses of the likes of Laura Dundovic, Gracie Otto, Casey Burgess (and more) so he knows a thing or two about keeping one’s hair in tip-top shape as you go through life.
In your 20s
This is the time when your hair will look its best and carry the most bounce-back ability, so its vital you start cultivate healthy hair habits. Keep up regular trims and conditioning treatments go a long way when it comes to preserving your hair. Also, don’t underestimate the importance of a well-balanced diet. Protein, vitamins and minerals can drastically effect the appearance of hair, so make sure your diet contains a good mix of these nourishments, or be sure to take supplements regularly.
Since hair is at its peak in your twenties, it’s also a great time to experiment with different cuts, colours and styles to find what works best for you. Take risks and try out edgier styles like an asymmetrical bob or pixie cut. But once you find a style you love, stick with it – switching colours too often for instance, can cause long-term damage to your strands.
In your 30s
At this stage in life, our body’s ability to produce essential moisturising oils slows. Decelerate this process by cutting down on how often you shampoo your hair, which can be harsh on older strands as over-washing can rid the hair of the natural oils produced by the scalp. Keep washes to two to three times per week, and use a volumising dry shampoo in between washes to refresh your scalp. Because hair moisture is already decreased in your thirties, it’s also important to monitor how often your strands are exposed to heat damage. Be sure to use a thermal protector every time you blow-dry or style, and avoid styling freshly wet hair- wait till it’s damp.
For most, your thirties are a busy decade, so it’s only natural you’d want your hair to keep up. Opt for styles that are effortless yet well put together, like a blunt lob, graduated bob or a medium length style with soft, tousled layers. The key is to allow your hair to stand on its own – you’re past the experimentation stage.
In your 40s
To ensure your hair is at its best, your forties are the time to give your hair extra TLC. Pay attention to changes in texture and thickness, as hair is more prone to becoming rougher, drier and susceptible to damage. Be sure to change your hair products accordingly and keep up weekly deep conditioning treatments/hair masks – this is the time to begin using specialised hair care products, whether it’s to boost volume, strength or moisture. It also pays to keep an eye out for hydrating ingredients such as avocado oils or jojoba.
In your forties, opt for styles that are both flattering and provide a youthful edge. Picking a hair shade that doesn’t wash you down ca take decades off, as can subtle highlights throughout your locks. If you want to soften your features, avoid dead straight hair – this will only draw attention to signs of ageing- and opt for light waves instead.
Image Credits: Zimbio
