So you’ve hit your 40s, and it’s likely you’re looking back over the whirlwind of the last few years wondering where the time went! Entering your 4th decade is often a great experience – you’re doing well in your career, the kids are getting older, and you feel far more comfortable in yourself and your own skin than you ever did in your 20s.
But even though you try to keep yourself fit and healthy, look after your skin, enjoy semi-regular trips to the salon – and of course enjoy a few cheeky vinos with your girlfriends – you’ve begun to notice a few changes to your looks. You know you still look good, but those youngsters at work suddenly seem to look so much better.
Perhaps it’s a few grey hairs showing through, meaning you need to colour your hair more often. Or you could be finding that your hair is thinning, and more dry and lifeless than it used to be. Hitting our 40s can be hard because you know that there’s no going back when it comes to your hair. Sure, greys can be covered, but as it gets finer and more brittle, those long lustrous locks you used to enjoy seem like an increasingly distant memory.
Many women looking for a quick solution, either pull their hair back into a messy bun for day-to-day life, or resort to a shorter, more low-maintenance style. If this is sounding surprisingly familiar, then you’re certainly not alone.
The fact is, although we may still feel like we’re 21 inside, as we get older our skin and hair changes, and the beauty regimes that served us throughout our 20s and 30s no longer work quite so well. Our 40s mark some big changes to hormone levels too as we approach menopause, all of which can play havoc with your hair. Couple this with busy schedules, and it’s easy to let the ball drop. It’s hard to find the time and energy to concentrate on your beauty regimes when you have a million and one other priorities on your plate.
Hot flushes aside, approaching the menopause is nothing to be ashamed of, and is in fact a time to be celebrated. It’s important to remember that it is possible to still look great, you just need to consider that what worked for your hair in your 20s and 30s will need adjusting now, and you’ll need to tweak your routine to fit into your new lifestyle.
If this all sounds like a lot to take on, then it needn’t. Over the next few weeks we’re going to share our top tips to help you manage your hair and not your hot flushes.
Pump up the Volume
So your hair has probably fallen victim to the last 5 years straightening and styling with your hot irons. You are now aware that volume, curl and much more movement in your hair is the latest on trend look.
I want it – how can I get it?
The First Step
Find a stylist who really understands what’s going on in your life, and with your hair. It’s important you have a stylist who understands the unique qualities of aging hair and who will work in harmony with you.
Research has found that once we hit our 40s not only does the cuticle begin to break down but it also starts to affect the cortex layer. Some simple ways to pump up the volume are to use; cuticle pumping products and products that will help protect your hair from external elements such as heat styling and sun exposure.
TIP: To get extra volume apply root lifting styling products at the roots then tip your head upside down and dry. Once dry then finish with a light dry texturing spray or paste to give you a light finish but strong hold.
The Right Cut & Colour
Choosing a new colour and cut is a wonderful and simple way to experiment with a new look. Our lives are so busy now so allowing extra time for hair maintenance can be challenging.
Manage your hair maintenance time and still have the most current looks “Yes, you can have your cake and eat it!”
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Think about what time suits you best. Then schedule your time with your stylist. Discuss your maintenance schedule with your stylist and make a plan to keep your hair looking amazing. Pre-schedule the next 6 months’ worth of appointments to ensure you get your preferred time.
- Choose a colour and cut to suit your lifestyle and hair management programme. If you are time poor then choosing a high maintenance colour will cause you more time/stress and money.
Go for a full root colour to cover natural or greying hair and some beautiful fresh tones to it using freehand, balayage, foiling or tigering techniques. These techniques only need to be freshened up on your 2nd or 3rd visit to the salon. Keeping your roots covered takes less time in between total hair makes overs.
Some gorgeous colours that are ideal for these techniques are;
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Champagne blondes
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Buttery golden blonde
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Mocha & caramel browns/blondes
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Soft Strawberry blondes with rich copper or blonde highlights
Simple home maintenance is paraben & sulphate free Shampoo, Conditioners and Treatments plus water soluble styling products. Put together these simple ideas and your hair will thank you for it.
TIP: Try to avoid washing your hair every day. Every time you wash your hair you are breaking down your natural oils and colour. Instead go for a non-powdery dry shampoo and wash your hair every second day.
Hair Nutrition in Your 40s
“It is said that healthy looking hair is a sign of good internal health and having good hair habits.”
There are many factors that influence our hair health. Some are nutrient deficiency’s that affect hair, skin and scalp. Medical illnesses and environmental surroundings also.
The capillary network of the hair is found under the scalp with roots going directly into our blood stream. So our internal health and exercise has a major influence on our hair.
Our hair grows at an average rate of 1.25cm per month and that reduces between the ages of 40-50 years. So given that our hair reduces in growth rate and can appear less dense in volume and texture it is important to understand and nurture your hair health.
Internally
Omega 3 fatty acids, proteins, vitamin B12 and iron (from fish) can prevent a dry scalp. Dark green vegetables with Vitamin A & C help with natural oils which provide good hair conditioner. Good protein like nuts, eggs and poultry offer great levels of nutrients to the hair also low protein can cause weak brittle hair. Vitamin B5, B6 and B12 are all vitamins important to healthy hair. Exercise provides a healthy oxygen flow to the hair.
Externally
Your hairdresser can take care of the physical appearance of your hair. Having regular treatments using sulphate and paraben free products all help with keeping your hair looking its best.
TIP: Have a treatment at the basin after every colour. Take home the matching masque and follow up the salon treatment with a 5-minute mask in the shower. Take a dry face cloth into the shower. Shampoo then dry moisture out of hair with face cloth. Apply mask and leave until you are ready to leave the shower then rinse. Do this weekly for best results. You will be amazed at the difference in your hair.
“Beautiful hair, beautiful you!”