8 Ways To Promote Thicker, Healthier Tresses Over 50, According To An Expert
1. Use Salon-Quality Hydrating Shampoo, Conditioner And Hair Masks
Flashner first suggests investing in salon-quality hair products, and she acknowledges that it can "take a little time" to find the best products for your hair type, texture and individual needs.
The expert also noted that she mostly uses BondiBoost products and also dished that the Australian brand has a line specifically for "thinning hair."
2. Try A Scalp Massager
The creator shared that one of the recent additions to her hair washing routine has been a scalp massager. She noted that they are important for "stimulating and unclogging the hair follicles, contributing to faster growth." After incorporating a scalp massager into her daily routine, Flashner said that she's noticing that she's been "losing a lot less" hair in the shower.
As per Healthline, current research, though sparse, indicates that scalp massages hold potential in fostering hair growth, even if they don't provide a cure for hair loss. You can perform a scalp massage with your fingertips or employ a specialized scalp massaging device.
3. Get A Hairdryer With Infrared Light Rather Than Heat
Flashner shared that her trusted hairstylist told her "how bad heat styling is" when it comes to the health of your mane at any age, but especially for mature beauties.
This inspired her to try a hairdryer from Zuvi, specifically the brand's 'Halo Hair Dryer' that uses infrared light to dry hair rather than heat. The light, she explained is "far more gentle" for mature tresses.
4. Reach For A Microfiber Towel When Drying Your Hair
Upon exiting the shower, Flashner recalled the advice of numerous hair specialists who advocate for using a microfiber towel to dry your hair instead of a standard bath towel.
Microfiber towels are gentler on your strands and help prevent damage, unlike their cotton counterparts. These towels, she noted, "absorb excess moisture before styling your hair."
5. Use Rosemary Oil On Thinning Areas Once A Week
Flashner also recommends applying rosemary oil to any thinning areas on the scalp once a week, and she used the Mielle Rosemary Mint Scalp & Hair Strengthening Oil in her video. She suggested using it "with caution" if you have sensitive skin. In the clip, she elucidated that rosemary oil boasts antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial qualities while also enhancing blood circulation to the scalp.
This natural remedy is highly acclaimed by medical professionals, haircare experts, and social media enthusiasts alike for its efficacy in promoting hair regrowth, functioning in a manner akin to minoxidil, commonly known as Rogaine.
6. Sleep On A Silk Pillowcase And Use Silk Scrunchies And Hair Ties
Opting for a silk pillowcase, scrunchies and hair ties can all help prevent breakage when it comes to finer, thinner and weaker strands, Flashner noted.
"You don't get that friction that happens with a cotton pillowcase," she explained, comparing the two options. Flashner also credited switching to these silk products for bettering her skin, and said she uses Lily Silk items.
7. Touch Up Your Gray Roots Less Often
Rather than touching up your grays every 4 to 6 weeks, Flashner recommends doing so every 8 to 10 weeks is ideal, she notes, as this allows your hair to grow "longer and stronger" and take a break from chemicals, dyes and other irritants.
She mentioned that if your hair tends to grow quickly, root sprays can be quite useful during the intervals between touch-ups.
8. Turn Down The Heat On Your Flat Irons & Curling Irons
Flashner's last tip for promoting stronger, thicker and healthier hair over 50 is to limit the use of hot tools, and always use them on the lowest settings when possible. She told viewers about being encouraged to do so by her hairstylist, and how she realized that she had a habit of going up to the highest settings for her tools, and this was creating hair damage.
"It still works," she assured her subscribers regarding the lower settings. "I was wrong, I thought I had to be using the highest settings possible to get my curls to stay." The more you know!