Darlings, today’s musing is written by the talented and spectacular hairdresser to the stars, Wendy Iles. Wendy works around the world at the highest level in her field of hairdressing. We are so lucky you have her here to give us advice on how to take care of our hair after 50+! Enjoy. 

Hair Care and Thinning Hair After 50+

If you are 50+ you will observe around menopause how changes occur in skin tone and hair texture and often with each passing year thereafter. Hormonal changes during and after menopause significantly affect hair health, texture, and thickness. Hair naturally changes in color, texture, and thickness as part of the aging process.

Part of the texture change can be due to less hydration as we age. As hair ages, pigment cells in the hair follicles diminish, leading to gray or white hair. Let’s not forget to mention white hair setting in, that can often appear more coarse in texture, even wiry in appearance. Hair is made up of protein strands, and as we age, these strands can become thinner and more brittle. These changes can happen slowly over time. These natural changes in hair structure and color are a normal part of the aging process. Most people experience hair loss as they age. As hair ages, it undergoes several changes, including becoming thinner, more brittle, and losing pigment. Hence, good home care is essential. If you haven’t bothered with this up until now, then it’s time to educate yourself on what’s best to nurture those shriveled locks!

Hormonal changes are a major factor, but endocrine disorders, including thyroid disorders, can also contribute to hair loss and thinning. Maintaining the health of each strand is important for overall hair appearance. Causes of thinning and brittle hair can also include nutritional deficiencies and overall health, which can impact hair quality and contribute to hair loss. Aging hair requires special attention to maintain its health and vitality.

The old myth of cutting long hair at 50

I totally disagree with this on every level. So long as long hair is nurtured, I feel it delivers youth to a woman of any age, and maintaining more hair and volume can help create a fuller, more youthful appearance. Quite frankly, for variation in hairstyling nothing is better than having some length to play with. Long hair allows for versatile styling options and helps maintain body and volume, which are key to a vibrant look. On a bad hair day just pull it back in a classic chic tail, or twist it up in a french-like chignon. Choosing the right style and using effective styling techniques can enhance the appearance of long hair and keep it looking vibrant. Being a long hair wearer myself, nothing feels more feminine than feeling luscious, healthy locks on one’s skin.

Long Hair

If your hair is long, consider graduation around the face line as opposed to too many layers. Keeping the weight in the hair helps support the strands and can create the appearance of more volume, especially for those with thin or thinning hair. Certain cutting techniques can help individual strands appear fuller and healthier. This keeps weight in the hair through the back, delivering more luscious ends.

The Bob

There are several classic cuts that one could consider. French women get it very right with their trademark classic bob. A bob can help add body and volume to the hair, making it a great option for those with fine hair or certain hair types. The bob can be any length, between ear and shoulder. It is versatile as hair can be dragged to a low ponytail for a change. The bob can also be tailored to suit different hair types, including fine hair, to enhance fullness and movement. When choosing a bob style, it’s important to consider your specific hair type, as this will influence which length and shape will best complement your natural texture and ensure the healthiest, most flattering result.

Bangs

I would rethink bangs and try and avoid them with age unless they are curtain bangs that can be easily moved about or opened up by having a softer flow. Heavy bangs can sometimes accentuate thinning or fine hair, so opting for softer, more blended styles may help create the illusion of fuller hair.

There are exceptions to the rule, of course. I’ve seen some pretty cool 60-year-olds with a sharp bob and short bangs. But, these women have a certain type of avant-garde personality that can also dress to accommodate the look.

Short

It takes a strong woman to liberate herself from her hair. Short styles can be particularly flattering for thinning hair, as they create the illusion of more volume and fullness. Choosing the right short style can also enhance facial features and make hair easier to manage, especially for those experiencing thinning hair. My advice here is to be sure the edges of the cut are feathered with no blunt or sharp lines.

Clear your bathroom of all ordinary haircare for healthy hair

This section will provide tips for choosing the best products for aging and thin hair.

There is a huge focus today on clean, natural hair brands that are thankfully more transparent about ingredients, which makes easy work of what’s good and what’s not. When selecting hair products, it’s important to choose shampoos and conditioners specifically formulated for aging and thin hair to help maintain moisture, shine, and overall hair health, as well as to add volume and strength.

Conditioners are essential because they help replenish hair’s sheen by restoring moisture and natural oils lost during washing, resulting in shiny, lustrous hair.

In addition, using oils and natural oils can nourish and protect hair, especially for mature or dry hair, helping to replenish lost moisture and enhance shine. Certain oils and treatments can also promote hair growth and support healthy strands. Before using heat tools like blow dryers, flat irons, or curling wands, always apply a heat protectant or a product that creates a protective coating to prevent negative effects such as dryness and breakage. Scalp care is also essential—select other hair products that support both scalp and hair health for optimal results.

The right combination of hair products, including shampoos, conditioners, oils, and heat protectants, is crucial for maintaining healthy, vibrant aging hair.

But let’s be clear… when hair needs repair, one needs much more than an avocado and coconut blend to fix it. Take Iles Formula, for example, a minimalistic brand with super powerful repair results. Why? Because there is much focus not only on clean raw ingredients but also on combining high technology and science which are the key factors to unlock those ingredients and have them delivering unbeatable results in repair and nurture. Worth reading the reviews!

Addressing your hair color

There will come a moment of decision as grey hair sets in. As we age, pigment cells in the hair follicles decrease, leading to gray or white hair. Reduced hormonal support can also affect hair color and texture during aging. Do you color them away or embrace them? Fortunately, it’s very on-trend to have white hair. We must all agree it’s very attractive to see a spectacular head of long, white hair but only if it’s in good condition. I often suggest to section small areas around each temple and actually push them even whiter to create an accent near the eyes. It’s a great way if you are already coloring your hair to ease in the white. If you accept and like what you see these areas are enlarged over time. When considering coloring, always choose the safest dye options and consult a doctor or professional colorist for advice, especially if you have concerns about hair or scalp health.

Making the transition

Blondes kind of get it easier as a blonde with white hair just becomes a lighter shade of blonde with what seems like no effort at all.

For brunettes, it’s a little more sensitive. As each year passes, aging and changes in hormones can affect hair color, texture, and hair growth, making it important to adjust your hair care routine. Hereditary traits also play a significant role in how your hair changes over time. We forget as our hair fades our skin tone also fades. So, a rich brunette shade that worked at 40 won’t necessarily work as well at 50. Working with a good colorist can help you manage these changes and maintain a flattering look.

Removing yellow from white hair

There are several tips for this like using a shampoo or mask with a violet toner within that neutralizes yellow. Oribe and Christophe Robin have good ones. Specialized shampoos and conditioners can help maintain moisture and shine in aging or color-treated hair, keeping hair looking healthy and vibrant. Using conditioners regularly is important for keeping hair hydrated and vibrant.

Then there is the Iles Shampoo, known as a colorist’s best friend as it’s not only sulfate-free + paraben free +silicon free, but also contains a vegetable extract that helps create the sulfate-free lather. My tip is, if you have white hair, wake this lather up even more by applying more water and bring the mousse to an abundance of foam. That foam will go all the way to the ends, and it will sharpen up the white and remove any stains of yellow caused by pollution, scorching from hot tools or stain from cigarette smoke. This may see results even from the very fust use.

In Conclusion

Nurture is everything.

If deciding on a new look, search hairstyles on Pinterest. It is an excellent source. Choose your favorite looks whether it’s a cut or color. A photo speaks a thousand words to a hairstylist and there is no excuse for not understanding your requests. However, do listen to their advice, they will know best what will work in your best interest or what will not.

The last piece of advice: embrace this period of transition gracefully. We are the baby boomers or “boomers” and we are certainly not alone in crossing into what are our more mature years with a bank full of wisdom oozing from our pockets. Enjoy it with glorious locks!

Do you have any questions for Wendy Iles? Let us know in the comments below. We want to hear from you! 

As one of the beauty industry’s most respected hairdressers, Wendy Iles works around the world on the highest level in her field of hairdressing. Chosen for her immense experience, her dedication and passion toward each project, her client and celebrity list include Marion Cotillard, Heidi Klum, Keira Knightley, Kate Hudson, Salma Hayek, and Cate Blanchett. At the pinnacle of her career, she launched Iles Formula, her luxury, Haute performance haircare + repair range www.ilesformula.com. In 2016 Wendy received the Hollywood Beauty Awards Oscar for hair. This award delivered by the film industries elite is an absolute tribute to her professionalism, creativity, dedication and passion for hair.

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