As we age our hair ages with us. Does this mean your hair can’t look amazing? Absolutely not. But it can mean that the way you style and care for your hair has to be adjusted if your goal is to make your thinner hair look fuller and healthier. Caleb Backe, a hair expert for Maple Holistics, Teresa Romero, creative director for Sam Villa and artistic/education director for Jose Luis Salon, and say these go-to styling hacks can work wonders.
Choose the right haircut
All good things hair start with the right haircut. “Opt for layered cuts as they create movement and texture, giving the illusion of thicker hair,” Backe says. Backe recommends styles that add width and fullness, such as loose waves or curls. “Using a curling iron or hot rollers can help create those bouncy, voluminous curls,” Backe says. “Additionally, consider using a texturizing spray or dry shampoo to add grip and texture to your hair, making it appear thicker.”
Be a tease
Another trick is to incorporate strategic teasing. “Gently tease the hair at the crown area to add height and create the illusion of fuller hair,” Backe says. “Just remember to be gentle and avoid excessive teasing, as it can cause damage.”
Backe also says using a root-lifting spray or mousse can be give extra height and is the perfect complement to teasing. “These products are applied at the roots before blow-drying to add lift and body,” Backe says. “They help create volume from the roots, giving the appearance of thicker hair.”
Avoid heavy conditioners
Be mindful of your haircare routine and avoid products like heavy conditioners that can weigh down your hair. “Avoid using heavy, thick conditioners that can weigh down the hair,” Backe says. “Instead, opt for lightweight conditioners or even skip the conditioner altogether if your hair doesn't require much moisture.”
Heavy styling products or oil-based serums can also weigh down the hair and make it look greasy or flat, Backe reminds us.
Incorporate hair color or a root shadow
You can actually camouflage thinning hair density by adding a root shadow, Romero says. “It creates dimension and makes hair look fuller,” she adds. “Apply a colored root spray or powder that is slightly darker than your hair color, only to the root area.”
Add lift at the roots with the right tools
Hair that is flat to the scalp can look thinner, Romero says, and one way to avoid this is by adding lift at the root. Romero recommends gently drying hair with a Sam Villa Artist Series Professional Blow Dryer, followed by Velcro rollers that only wrap around your hair one to two times. “Allow the hair to cool around rollers before removing and styling.”
You don’t have to spend a lot of money or change everything about your hair to make it look great after 50. These simple styling strategies are all that’s needed to make thinning hair look healthier and more voluminous.
