by Do you remember the moment you saw your first gray hair? You probably tried to sneak it or cut it. You may have tried hair dyes or natural ways to dye your hair. But not everyone follows a hair care routine after a certain age. While embracing gray hair is great, don’t make it unhealthy or boring by not taking care of your locks. You can make your hair shine even if you have crossed the 50 mark. All you have to do is follow some simple hair care tips.
Health Shots connected with Noida-based dermatologist Dr. Anupama Bisaria to find out how women over 50 can take care of gray hair.
She says the biggest reason gray hair turns dull is oxidative damage to hair from UV rays. There is an absence of protective melanin, and this leaves the hair structure exposed to the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation. Another reason why gray hair takes on a yellow tint is a diet low in protein and calcium. When women reach the menopausal stage, calcium absorption decreases further, resulting in hair that becomes weaker and loses its shine.
Gray hair can also cause frizz as with age, the sebaceous glands generate less sebum, which is responsible for lubricating hair and skin. This leads to drier follicles and therefore you end up with drier hair.
Hair Care Tips for Women Over 50
Many times we neglect our hair and once damage to the hair shaft has occurred, it cannot be reversed, says Dr. Bisaria. In fact, women also accept unhealthy hair as a side effect of menopause and just don’t put in the effort to maintain it. The expert says that gray hair requires more care than black, so it is essential to do deep conditioning every 15 days. When styling gray hair, the temperature of the styling product should be set lower, as it is more prone to breakage. To avoid the damage, here are some basic tips to follow!
1. Use a mild shampoo
To wash your hair, always choose a mild shampoo. You can opt for a shampoo without SLS. Shampoos containing sodium lauryl sulfate are effective for deep cleaning hair, but can be harsh on color-treated hair, chemically-treated hair, and dry, frizzy hair.
2. Use a good conditioner
Apply after shampooing and leave in conditioner for 5-7 minutes to allow the protein to penetrate the hair shaft and provide a protective layer. Also use a leave-in conditioner, as gray hair tends to look dry and frizzy. A hydrating hair mask can also work wonders.
3. Opt for a serum
You can use a serum that protects your hair from heat if you like heat styling. Use serum that contains silicone or substances that coat the hair, the expert suggests. In this way, your hair will be protected from the heat and friction of styling.
4. Cover your hair
Summer or winter, try to cover your hair with a scarf or hat, especially when you know you will be exposed to UV rays for a long time. Wearing a hair accessory will provide protection from sun damage.
Also, be careful when styling your hair to prevent hair loss, which is quite common in old age. Dull or gray hair with a yellow undertone is anything but attractive or healthy, so take care of your locks.
