Aging hair is different — it’s thinner, drier, and more prone to breakage. The shine starts to fade, and it becomes rough and frizzy, with brittle ends that split easily.
Gray hairs sneak in, bringing a coarse, wiry texture that makes styling more challenging. Before you know it, your scalp will start to feel drier, leading to itchiness and flaking.
Just when you think you’ve figured it out, your go-to routines stop working. Blow dryers and flat irons leave your hair fried, and products that once gave volume now weigh everything down.
This isn’t just a vanity issue — your hair reflects changes happening beneath the surface, like shifts in hormones and decreased oil production. However, with the right care, you can keep it looking healthy, soft, and manageable.
1. Keep It Hydrated
Aging hair gets dry — like really dry. Your scalp produces less oil as you get older, which leaves your strands thirsty. Regular conditioners aren’t enough.
Don’t wash your hair every day and switch to deep conditioners or hair masks a few times a week. Look for ingredients like argan oil, shea butter, or keratin; they work wonders.
2. Use a Gentle Shampoo
As you age, harsh shampoos become your hair’s enemy. That squeaky clean hair feeling you get after a good shampoo is the worst because it’s actually stripping your hair of moisture.
Avoid sulfates. Go for a gentle, sulfate-free, no-poo formula instead.
You don’t need tons of soapy suds to clean your hair. Try skipping a day or two between washes for more happy, healthy hair.
3. Trim Regularly
Split ends are inevitable, especially with older hair. They can make anyone’s hair look frizzy and dull, no matter how much it is conditioned.
Trim your hair every six to eight weeks to keep damage from creeping up. You don’t have to cut a lot — just enough to keep the ends healthy.
4. Use Heat Protectants
Heat styling is hard on everybody’s hair, but aging hair isn’t as resilient as it used to be. If you can’t go without heat, you have to use a heat protectant spray and the lowest heat setting possible to style.
Try to remove as much moisture before drying and styling with a microfiber towel and air-drying. Keep hair dryers at least six inches from your hair and don’t pass irons through your hair more than two passes if possible.
5. Try a New Styling Tool
It’s almost 2025, and switching to more technologically advanced styling tools can make a huge difference for aging hair.
Newer tools, like the Dyson Airwrap, are designed to style hair using lower heat and airflow. This tool uses air instead of extreme heat to curl and smooth hair — it’s definitely a game changer for those with delicate strands.
Also, check out ceramic and tourmaline styling tools that distribute heat more evenly. And never buy a tool that doesn’t come with a temperature control.
6. Nourish from the Inside Out
They say you are what you eat, and I believe them. What you eat shows up in your hair.
Aging hair needs more nutrients like biotin, vitamins A, C, and E, and omega-3 fatty acids for strength, shine, and growth. Try adding more salmon, nuts, eggs, or leafy greens to your meals. If your diet isn’t enough, a hair supplement can help fill the gaps.
7. Be Kind With Styling
Tight ponytails, rough brushing, and constant teasing aren’t doing you any favors. So, use a wide-tooth comb to detangle, starting from the ends and working your way up.
Opt for loose hairstyles that don’t pull on your scalp too hard. The natural look is in.
8. Drink More Water
Hydration isn’t cliche; it’s reality. Drinking enough water keeps your scalp hydrated and supports hair growth. When your body is properly hydrated, it improves circulation and delivers more nutrients to your hair.
Aim for at least eight glasses of water each day, more if you’re active or live in a dry climate. It might not fix all of your moisture problems, but it is a great start.
9. Deep Condition Regularly
Aging hair loses moisture and elasticity, making it more prone to dryness and breakage. Deep conditioning treatments are a lifesaver.
Unlike regular conditioners, deep conditioners penetrate deeper into the hair shaft, restoring moisture from the inside out. Ingredients like keratin, plant oils, and peptides can rebuild damaged strands and improve texture.
It’s best to deep condition at least once a week. You can use a mask or a leave-in treatment and let it sit for 20-30 minutes to get the full benefit. Some people even wrap their hair in a warm towel to help the product absorb better.
10. Learn a Few Basic Ingredients
Just like reading food labels is important for your body, reading hair product labels is essential for your hair. Look for hydrating ingredients like argan oil, shea butter, or coconut oil to lock in moisture and prevent dryness.
Humectants like glycerin, honey, and aloe vera draw moisture into the hair. They’re perfect for dry climates. However, they can backfire with unwanted frizz in high humidity.
Anti-humectants such as silicones and beeswax act as barriers, sealing your hair to block out excess moisture. They add shine and smoothness, but they can build up over time. It’s important to balance them with a clarifying shampoo.
Finally, antioxidants like vitamin E and green tea extracts protect your hair from environmental damage like UV rays and pollution. Vitamin E is excellent for defending your hair against free radpicals, while reducing breakage and green tea extract soothes the scalp, reduces inflammation, and promotes hair growth.
