Your hair after 40 may start to look and feel a little different. It’s normal for hair to change over time — and it’s equally normal to have been born with hair that’s on the finer side and falls flat naturally. But you don’t have to accept fate if you don’t want to because there are myriad ways to use styling products and tools and give your hair the lift you’re looking for at the roots.
More voluminous hair also looks more youthful. These five styling tips include ideas for how to make your hair look healthier from the moment you’re in the shower to right before you walk out the door. They won’t cost a ton of money and are fool-proof for a more voluminous look after 40.
1. Use Clarifying Shampoo on Occasion
Clarifying shampoo is a product that will remove buildup from your scalp, which is important if you’re the type who lives for dry shampoo or uses other hair care products like gels and mousses on a regular basis. The residue from products like these can clog your hair follicles, which can get in the way of hair growth and contribute to shedding. Remember not to overuse clarifying shampoo, though. Using it once a week or once every other week is plenty — more than that can make your scalp and hair dry.
2. Tease Your Roots
Take a tip from retro ’60s girls who did it right: tease your hair at the roots with a teasing comb and then backcomb it to smoothen it out. This simple trick, with or without hairspray, can make your hair look so much more voluminous. This works especially well if you’re putting your hair up.
3. Switch Your Hair Part
The simplest way to boost volume at your scalp is to switch your hair part. Instead of parting your hair down the center, which can make strands look thinner, try a side part and regularly switch your side part to give your hair more lift at the crown.
4. Try Hot Rollers
You’ll be amazed at the difference in your hair’s density when you use hot rollers. Hot rollers don’t necessarily have to create curl, either. The larger the roller, the less curl, but you will benefit from major volume at your scalp.
5. Apply Mousse to Damp Hair
Mousse is one of the best products for flat, lifeless hair. Because it’s lightweight and airy it won’t weigh your hair down, plus it creates hold and texture without making your hair crunchy like gel and hairspray. Apply it to damp roots and distribute it evenly in your hair. You can blow-dry or diffuse your hair with your head upside down for even more lift.
