Of course, it’s inevitable that as time goes on, our hair and skin gradually begins to change as we age. We start to encounter noticeable hair changes like colour loss, hair loss, thinning of hair and an increase in dryness, particularly in the scalp. Our skin becomes thinner and loses its elasticity and may bruise more easily.
But there are steps we can take to nourish our hair and skin and achieve optimum health. Read on for our top tips to help you understand the different ages and what our hair and skin needs at each stage.
20-30
Your locks are in their prime during your 20s, with an enviable thickness and a tight cuticle for maximum shine. As hair experts, we know how vital it is to begin healthy hair habits early and recommend balancing treatments such as clay masks to manage the naturally oilier roots and scalp. Infusing your hair with hydrating products not only nourishes the mid-lengths but also ensures the longevity of your hair’s health. For the ends, a dab of blow-dry oil or serum can work wonders, keeping your hair looking and feeling its very best.
In your twenties, it’s important to focus on creating a consistent skincare routine for long-term skin health. Medical experts recommend daily sunscreen use, even indoors, to protect the skin from all light sources and prevent premature aging. As you approach your late twenties, prioritise preventive skincare with a serum containing retinol for gentle exfoliation to combat dullness. ➡Read more about serums and how they are the new super skincare product we should all be using.
30-40
Changes in hair diameter typically follow a curved pattern, thickening before reaching a peak and then gradually decreasing with age. It is common for hair to lose its colour and turn grey as you age, because of reduced melanin levels in hair follicles and it’s not uncommon to see grey hair appearing as early as your 30’s. If you have any hair concerns, you can pop in for a complimentary hair consultation and we can talk to you about your options. There are so many products and services we have access to and we’re happy to help on this journey.
To combat greying hair, you may want to opt for hair colouring treatments to conceal grey strands as they emerge. Scalp hydration is essential at this stage and using nourishing products that smooth and repair the hair is beneficial. Establishing a good haircare routine early on is crucial, making it a natural habit over time. Over washing hair can lead to dryness and brittleness; therefore, washing two to three times a week is adequate for maintaining healthy hair.
During your thirties, your skin begins to reveal early signs of aging like fine lines, decreased cheek volume, increased pigmentation, and reduced collagen production. The skin’s healing process slows down, leading to dullness, wrinkles, and thinner skin, especially around the eyes. Consider using a high-quality eye cream at this point.
40-50
As you enter your 40s you might start to encounter some hair loss and thinning is quite common. With age, hair follicles tend to shrink in diameter, leading to thinner hair strands. Women often notice a reduction in hair diameter, resulting in thinner and slower-growing hair as they age. On the other hand, men typically begin to experience hair thinning and reduced growth around their mid-20s. This emphasizes the importance of a healthy diet, particularly one rich in omega-3 fatty acids.
Haircare products that have sulphates and parabens should be avoided as they contribute to dry hair and hair loss. Kerastase’s range of haircare products are nourishing and moisturising. At Obsession Salon & Spa we have used Kerastase products for over 35 years and have a full range of Kerastase products available for you to take and use at home too. Investing in moisturising products like these will promote thick, shiny, and strong hair. Including a haircare treatment such as Kerastase Premiere Treatment with each salon visit is also a good habit to form. Kerastase Premiere Treatment will remove all calcium that has built up in your hair and take it back to it’s original natural state. Damaged hair and older hair is more likely to absorb calcium and as water is the main source for calcium is highly likely your hair has a high level of calcium build-up in it.
➡You can take advantage of a special offer on Kerastase Premiere Treatment before the end of August 2024 – click here for more details.
In your 40s, skin firmness changes, resulting in loose skin and wrinkles. Using a gentle exfoliating cleanser will help boost cell renewal and hydration. To boost moisture levels, make sure to include hyaluronic acid (we highly recommend Germaine de Capuccini’s Time Expert Hyaluronic serum, known for leaving the skin looking rejuvenated and plump. See the difference before and after using this gorgeous serum below).
50+
There are various factors, such as hormonal imbalances, deficiencies, and medical conditions, which can lead to hair changes. Hormonal fluctuations can result in scalp and hair dryness due to reduced oil production. To combat dryness, exfoliate the scalp to eliminate any skin and oil build-up.
Post-menopause, you may observe alterations in your hair and scalp. Reduced oestrogen levels can cause hair miniaturization, resulting in shorter and finer hair strands. Consequently, your scalp might feel oilier due to decreased hair moisture from sebum. Grey hair, often more vulnerable to environmental factors, should be shielded from excessive heat or chemical harm. As you age, your hair colour should complement your changing skin tone. Typically, lighter and cooler tones are recommended for mature skin. Skilful colouring involves embracing guests’ preferences and incorporating various tones to blend in grey hair rather than concealing it completely. This approach results in a more natural, subtle regrowth that complements the client’s style. We’re lucky to have an amazing team and Dan in particular who is an amazing Colour Technician, so if you need any expert advice, pop in for a complimentary consultation from Dan and he’ll be able to advise on the best steps to take.
Ater menopause, our bodies undergo a hormonal shift and with decreasing oestrogen levels the skin becomes thinner and less elastic. Dryness is a significant concern, and hormonal fluctuations may bring back acne from your teenage years. Additionally, excess pigment, brown spots, and signs of sun damage become more noticeable.
The primary skincare solution is to help your skin maintain moisture. Instead of using exfoliating cleansers, gentler, milky cleansers that do not lather too much are effective at removing dirt and debris without stripping the skin of essential oils. Germaine de Capuccini has an amazing range of products and we’re proud to be the only stockist in Lichfield.
Our Germaine de Capuccini facials are gorgeous. They smell divine and use only natural ingredients but combine that with some seriously admirable technology to give you the most influential skin care products and spa therapies the beauty industry has ever seen. ➡You can read more here. Next time you’re in salon, take a look at the Germaine de Capuccini products we have near the front desk. The Time Expert Hyaluronic serum is especially amazing. We tested it recently on Sally’s hand just to show the difference after using it. Look at the images below and feel free to test it yourself when you’re next in salon. It’s an incredible product and we highly recommend it.