Gentle Hair Care Tips for Aging Scalps
Our scalp loses thickness as we age, according to a study published in Laryngoscope Investigative Otolaryngology. This means we require a different set of hair care steps and products than we did when we were younger.
So what are the best practices for aging scalp health? We're here to help!
Listed below are the top hair care tips you can use to keep your scalp healthy and your self-esteem strong. Continue reading to learn more!
Understand Your Medication
Before you make any big changes in your lifestyle, it's a good idea to take a closer look at your medications. You might find that your struggles with hair care don't stem from poor habits. It might be a side-effect of one of your medications.
Talk with your doctor about potential side effects you may have overlooked. Make sure to ask about possible alternatives that could help improve your hair and scalp.
By doing this, you'll ensure all of your hair care changes won't be a wasted effort.
Moisturize and Nourish
With a thinner scalp, your body produces less natural oil, which leads to dryness. Hydrating hair products are your best friend as a senior. They'll provide the extra nutrients and oils you lack so your hair remains healthy.
When choosing your products, make sure to pick ones that focus on moisturization and are made with seniors in mind. Some products to look for include:
- Scalp serums
- Leave-in conditioners
- Deep conditioning masks
- Gentle scalp treatments
Using a variety of different products will give your hair the best defense against the issues of dryness. Don't be afraid to try different brands and combinations until you find the ones that suit your needs.
Wash Less Frequently
A common misconception is the idea that washing your hair makes it healthier. While washing is a necessary step for senior hair care, washing too often will cause damage and dryness. It removes the small amount of natural oils your scalp produces and can strip away your hair's strength in no time at all.
Instead, try doing a thorough wash only about once a week.
If you are worried about how your hair looks without a daily wash, try using a dry shampoo during the rest of the week. This will make the texture of your hair feel and appear as though it was newly washed so you can enjoy your favorite activities without fear.
Avoid Extreme Heat
Do you often blow-dry your hair? Do you love to give your hair extra bounce with a heated curling iron?
While the result is gorgeous, you need to be careful how often you use these techniques. You could be damaging your hair by introducing too much heat to the delicate strands. Breakages will start to accumulate and ruin all of your hard work to maintain a healthy head of hair.
Even washing your hair with too-hot water can cause the same kind of damage, with the added detriment of drying out your scalp.
Try to leave the styling with heated tools for special occasions and use alternative techniques the rest of the time. Curlers that coax your hair to dry overnight into a curly bob, for instance, can be a better choice and give a similar result as a curling iron.
Depending on your senior community's services, you could leave the styling to the experts instead. They'll know how to tackle giving your hair the treatment you want without risking any damage to your hair's health.
Choose Sulfate-Free Products
Sulfates are chemicals often found in many hair care products. They're meant to clean away oils and dirt to leave our hair feeling squeaky fresh.
The problem is that it also strips away the natural oils our hair needs to stay healthy and strong.
With a thinner scalp and less oil production overall, you need to avoid sulfate-based products. This will help you maintain the good oils that defend your hair from damage. Don't worry, sulfate-free products still leave you feeling clean and refreshed after a shower!
Sleep Protection
During sleep, you'll end up tossing and turning more than you realize. The problem is that this can cause knots, breakages, and overall damage to your hair if you don't take precautions.
The good news is that there are easy ways to protect your hair during sleep, including the following:
- Braid or tie your hair in a loose low-sitting ponytail to keep it in place
- Use a high-quality silk pillowcase
- Keep your hair wrapped in a micro-fiber towel or hairnet
- Brush your hair before sleeping to reduce tangles
- Ensure your hair is dry before sleeping
When you implement even a single one of these hair care tips, you'll give your hair the defense it needs during the night. To maximize your efforts, apply a hair treatment before bed and then wrap it. You'll protect your hair and give it those necessary nutrients without taking up any of your free time.
Update Your Diet
Hair care for elderly scalps goes further than the products and techniques you use on your hair. The foods you eat also play a big role in the health of your scalp and hair.
If you're looking to improve the health of your hair, focus on eating foods full of omega-3s, such as:
- Fish, especially salmon, tuna, herring, and mackerel
- Walnuts
- Brussel sprouts
- Beans, especially soy, kidney, and mung
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Chia seeds
Since omega-3s and other essential fats help with the growth and health of your hair, adding more of these foods into your diet will bring huge benefits. Plus, more essential fats in your diet will aid you in other healthy ways, like lowering bad cholesterol levels.
Using These Gentle Hair Care Tips for Aging Scalps
By keeping our hair care tips in mind, you help preserve a healthy scalp that showcases your beautiful locks. Make sure to find a community that supports and encourages your hair care goals.
At Tipton Place Assisted Living, we bring individualized care plans for our Huntington, IN, senior community. Whether you need help with hair care or medication management, we're here to assist you without getting in the way of your independence. Schedule a tour today to see our community in action!