Age-proof Your Hair

Who says the secret to a younger appearance lies in drastic anti-ageing procedures and expensive treatments? With a few simple hair tweaks you can trim off the years – no needles necessary.

Anti-ageing revelation alert! Your largest 'accessory' could be your greatest anti-ageing ally yet: yes, we're talking about your hair. Ditching a frumpy 'do or softening a severe dye job whilst working to counter the effects your hair's natural ageing process (read: grey hair, volume loss and a drier scalp) can help snip several years off your appearance. Intrigued? Here's how...

Anti-ageing Hair Secret #1: Soften Your Colour

Drastic colour changes are easy in your twenties, but harsh, one-colour shades appear severe against older skin. Ditch the hard colour and you'll lose years – witness Angelina Jolie's youthful appearance since losing her Morticia style length and heavy colour of previous years. "If you only have a few grey hairs, stick to a semi-permanent colour which is no more than 2 shades lighter or darker than you natural hair colour, to give a natural finish," says Charles Worthington Colour Director, Carolyn Newman.

Permanent home colouring systems to try:Nice 'n' Easy Perfect 10, L'Oreal Excell 10.

Semi-permanent hair colorants:Garnier Herbashine, Boots Semi Permanent Hair Colour.

Anti-ageing Hair Secret #2: Amp Up The Shine

Ah, the enviable gleam of young hair. Untouched by styling products and chemical processes, naturally healthy hair radiates shine – something that goes AWOL with age, wear and tear. First stop: products that condition and replenish, saturating damaged hair with TLC. "If dryness is the main concern, I would suggest using the Charles Worthington Time Defy Moisture Renew Shampoo/Conditioner regime, with weekly intensive treatments of Charles Worthington Time Defy Protein Fortifying Mask," says Carolyn. Next, opt for a light misting of shine spray such as James Brown London High Gloss Serum Spray to help cheat a youthful shine.

Anti-ageing Hair Secret #3: Brighten Grey

If you're embracing grey hair (which can be a very chic look), give it extra TLC as it's likely to feel coarser. "Grey hair can appear dull as it lacks reflectivity," warns Carolyn. An intensive hair treatment or mask like Herbal Essences Hello Hydration Deep Nourishment and Shine Intensive Mask will help soften and encourage shine. To prevent yellowing, commit to brightening shampoos and conditioners that cater specially for grey and white hair. We like Klorane's Silver Highlights Centaurea Extract Shampoo (available instore) which has an anti-yellowing action, and Trevor Sorbie Rejuvenate Brightening Conditioner which helps restore brightness to grey hair.

Anti-ageing Hair Secret #4: Relax Your Style

The quickest way to pile on the years? Adopt a fussy hairstyle. Hair that's obviously 'done', severely poker-straight, or piled with products is instantly ageing. Conversely, the chicest, most youthful styles are the ones that appear effortless. Soft, shoulder-length styles are universally flattering. But if you hair is fine or becoming finer with age, Carolyn recommends a bob or blunt cut to give the illusion of more volume, "rather than wispy layers, which will make fine hair look finer."

Anti-ageing Hair Secret #5: Invest In Your Hair

Salon treatments, a good cut and a great home hair care regime pay dividends; cared-for hair generally looks younger. Carolyn suggests three simple ways to help promote healthy hair:

1. Use an intensive treatment once a week (try Umberto Giannini Intensive Shine Conditioning Mask)
   
2. Always use heat protection before blow-drying (try Charles Worthington Time Defy Heat Defence Styling Spray)
   
3. Protect from UV. "UV protection is even more crucial with aging hair. We concentrate on UV protection in summer months, but with aging hair UV protection needs to be applied as part of a daily routine, as the natural UV defence system loses its ability to regenerate," says Carolyn. "Look for products rich in sunflower extract, as this protects hair from damage by neutralising the oxidative radicals generated by daily UV exposure. When creating the Charles Worthington Time Defy range, these were the key elements that needed to be in each of our products."

Related Categories:

Hair Ideas and Info
Shampoo and Conditioners
Colourants
Styling
Professional Haircare

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