Ageing hair: Key takeaways
- Our hair undergoes many changes as we age, including losing moisture, becoming more frizzy, and thinning.
- Changes in hair can occur for several reasons, and are most commonly due to hormonal fluctuations, genetics, long-term damage, and the natural changes to the growth cycle that happen with age.
- When looking for anti-ageing haircare, keep an eye out for key ingredients including hyaluronic acid, Pro-Xylane™, and keratin.
- You can treat ageing hair with in-salon professional treatments like Kérastase’s bespoke Fusio Dose packages.
- You can also treat older hair with targeted, at-home products such as those in Kérastase’s Chronologiste Range.
As we age, our bodies change, and our hair does too. We might change our routines, like our skincare routine, and we can adapt our haircare routine for ageing hair as well.
Just like with skincare, older hair requires a different approach with targeted ingredients and products designed to boost hair's longevity. If you’re new to anti-ageing haircare, then don’t fear – Kérastase has identified 6 dimensions of ageing scalp and hair, and created an indulgent, sensorial hair care routine to address them for beautiful, youthful-looking locks.
This article will cover:
- What happens to hair as we age?
- Why does hair change with age?
- How to support ageing hair: Anti-ageing haircare
- Best haircare routine for older hair
- Can you prevent ageing hair?
Meet the expert
We’ve enlisted Kérastase Care Coach and salon owner Sheona to give her professional insights and recommendations on ageing hair. As a director-level stylist with over 13 years of experience, Sheona is passionate about supporting hair’s true beauty and providing personalised treatments for every client – including those with ageing hair.
What happens to hair as we age?
So, what happens to hair as we age? As we get older, our hair undergoes a number of changes, in both appearance and makeup. Though these changes will differ from person to person, there are some common signs of ageing hair. These include:
- Your hair becomes noticeably thinner.
- Hair loss, including male/female pattern baldness.
- Changes in hair colour (typically to grey or white).
- Increased frizziness, dryness and brittleness.
- Curl and texture changes.
These changes are a normal and natural part of the ageing process, and while they may mean your hair-confidence takes a hit, they don’t have to be permanent. Anti-ageing haircare can help combat some of the changes associated with ageing hair.
On common signs of ageing hair she sees in the salon, Sheona says:
“Many clients notice their hair is thinning around the partings and the front, or they’re noticing more hair fall in their brush and in the shower. They also often find they don’t get the bounce and shine from their hair that they used to – it becomes more limp and flat, without much movement to it. The elasticity of the hair tends to reduce, and it can become duller as well.”
Why does hair change with age?
Before we look at how to treat ageing hair, let’s first delve into the relationship between ageing and hair, and why changes happen:
Changes in the growth cycle
As we age, our hair growth cycle changes, which typically results in our bodies producing shorter hair at a slower rate. You may also notice that some follicles stop producing hair altogether, leading to thinner coverage.
Hormonal changes
Hormones affect hair health and growth in men and women. Disruptions to your hormone supply, thanks to age or thyroid conditions, can affect your hair’s health and potentially limit its growth.
Hormones affect hair health and growth in men and women. Disruptions to your hormone supply, thanks to age or thyroid conditions, can affect your hair’s health and potentially limit its growth.
Genetic factors
Have your parents struggled with ageing and thinning hair? Your hair’s condition as you age can be hereditary, meaning if the answer to the question above is yes, you might also find that your hair changes more dramatically with age.
Just as it ages your skin, long-term UV exposure can accelerate the signs of ageing hair, including dryness, colour changes, and structural damage. UV rays can damage the inner and outer layers of your hair.
How to support ageing hair: Anti-ageing haircare
While we can’t reverse the ageing process, we can use targeted products to combat its visible effects and get our hair back to looking and feeling healthy. Here’s a simple guide on what to look for in anti-ageing haircare:
Key ingredients for ageing hair to look for
There are a few ingredients to look out for when diving into anti-ageing haircare for the first time. These include:
- Pro-Xylane™: A powerful, anti-ageing molecule which can increase fibre structure and hair thickness.
- Ochrophyta Algae: A fast-growing algae that captures the regenerative power of the ocean.
- Keratin: A reinforcing protein that helps to build up hair structure and potentially reduce breakage.
- Hyaluronic Acid: An intense moisturiser that helps to keep hair hydrated and prevent brittleness.
- Abyssine: Moisturises and conditions hair, while also helping to control frizz and potentially boost scalp health.
Best shampoo for ageing hair
With core ingredients in mind, you can go about finding the best shampoo for ageing hair. To combat five visible signs of hair ageing, including frizz, dullness, and lack of volume, Kérastase has invented a targeted, revitalising haircare range: Chronologiste.
Chronologiste Bain Régénérant Shampoo is our best shampoo for older women, formulated with Pro-Xylane™ and Ochrophyta Algae to help reverse 5 signs of ageing in just one night*. With notes of freesia, bergamot, and musk, it also offers a luxurious scent on top of regenerative qualities.
*Instrumental test after application of serum on dryness, dullness, lack of volume, thickness & frizz
Salon treatments for ageing hair
At-home treatments aren’t the only way to combat ageing and thinning hair. Kérastase’s in-salon bespoke Fusio Dose treatments are ideal for combatting signs of ageing in hair, including frizz control and damage.
Your stylist will give you a professional hair diagnosis, prescribing the best Fusio Dose treatment to target your concerns.
On the best treatments for ageing hair, Sheona says:
“I’d definitely recommend a prescriptive haircare routine for ageing hair – there’s no one-size-fits-all, it can vary from person to person. Chronologiste is one range I recommend quite often. It really helps with scalp and hair hydration, and adds the lustre back to limp hair.”
Best haircare routine for older hair
Step 1: Cleanse with a targeted shampoo
Begin your anti-ageing hair care routine with Kérastase’s Chronologiste Bain Régénérant Shampoo. An anti-ageing shampoo designed to help reverse 5 signs of hair ageing in one night*, meaning you wake up to fuller, healthier-looking, and smoother hair**.
Massage a pea-sized amount of shampoo into your hair, and wash well to remove any residue. Sheona recommends adding a scalp brush to your hair wash routine to help massage the scalp and stimulate blood flow for healthier hair growth.
On how often to wash your hair, Sheona says: “It shouldn’t be necessary to be washing your hair every single day. Especially as we age, there tends to be less oil production, so you can potentially reduce the regularity of hair washes.”
*Instrumental test after application of serum on dryness, dullness, lack of volume, thickness & frizz
**Consumer test after application of bain + mask + night serum, 90 consumers
Step 2: Add moisture with a regenerative hair mask
After rinsing your hair, add a regenerative hair mask to further reinforce your hair. Our Chronologiste Masque Intense Régénérant Hair Mask is enriched with hyaluronic acid and abyssine, and uses its rich, deeply moisturising formula to revitalise ageing and thinning hair.
Apply a generous coating of the mask from the roots to the ends of your hair and allow it to sit for 5 minutes before washing well to remove all residue.
Step 3: Give your scalp some TLC with a treatment serum
When you’ve towel-dried your hair, apply 5 doses of Chronologiste Longevity Potion to your scalp, section by section, and leave in. Infused with 3% Pro-Xylane™ and Ochrophyta Algae, the scalp treatment is designed to act on the invisible root causes of hair ageing and help reverse 4 signs in 1 night*.
Pro tip from Sheona: “Everyone should be using a scalp serum. They can help hydrate and moisturise your scalp like you would the skin anywhere else on your body, but we forget about the scalp sometimes because it’s hidden.”
*dryness, dullness, lack of volume and thickness
Nourish lengths and ends with an overnight serum
Once your products are rinsed out and your hair is dry, apply a regenerative hair serum to allow anti-ageing effects to continue overnight. Kérastase’s Chronologiste Overnight Youth Serum uses Pro-Xylane™ and Ochrophyta Algae to reverse visible signs of ageing in hair, overnight.
Apply 3-4 drops of overnight serum to your fingertips, and massage it well into your scalp and roots. Due to its non-greasy formula, you can use the serum either every night ot 2-3 times a week, depending on your preference.
On using a night serum, Sheona says: “Night serums are really nice for hydrating the hair while you sleep. It can also help your blow-dry to last longer, helping to stop your hair getting dry and tangly through the ends.”
Can you prevent ageing hair?
As much as we might wish it, it’s not possible to stop hair – or anything else – from ageing. However, with a mix of targeted haircare, like the Kérastase Chronologiste range, and bespoke in-salon treatments, like our Fusio Dose, you can work to combat visible signs of ageing hair and help restore vitality.
On common mistakes people make that don’t help ageing hair, Sheona says:
“It’s a common belief that drying hair naturally is better, but that’s not the case. People are worried about heat damage, but we have protection products to protect the hair from heat and many tools that reduce damage. Blow-drying hair allows the scalp and hair to be properly dried, without leaving any residue. Wet hair is also more fragile, so the longer it’s wet, the more risk there is of breakage.”
Discover the Chronologiste range for ageing hair
If ageing hair is a concern for you, there are steps you can take. With the right products, you can fight visible signs of older hair, so keep an eye out for haircare featuring key anti-ageing ingredients and targeted salon treatments. For a haircare range designed to combat the visible signs of ageing, try Kérastase’s Chronologiste range, which nourishes and revitalises older hair.
Ageing hair: FAQs
What's the best shampoo for female over 60s in the UK?
For women over 60 in the UK experiencing ageing and thinning hair, Kérastase Chronologiste Bain Régénérant Shampoo is ideal. Enriched with Pro-Xylane™ and Ochrophyta Algae, it helps combat visible signs of hair ageing, such as loss of volume, dryness, and frizz.
What are the best treatments and products for ageing hair?
The best approach to ageing hair combines professional services with a targeted at-home routine:
- In-Salon Treatment: Kérastase Fusio-Dose provides a bespoke, customizable treatment tailored directly to your hair's specific needs.
- At-Home Care: The Kérastase Chronologiste collection is specifically formulated to nourish, revitalize, and restore older hair, combating frizz, dryness, and thinning.
How can I make mature hair look younger and healthier?
To help mature hair look younger and more vibrant, incorporate a dedicated anti-ageing haircare routine. Using the Kérastase Chronologiste range—particularly pairing the Bain Régénérant Shampoo with the Chronologiste Overnight Youth Serum—helps reinforce, smooth, and revitalize mature hair fibers.
SOURCES:
Hair and Getting Older: Changes, Treatments, and More
6 Hair Changes You Can Expect With Age—and How To Address Them
Age-Related Hair Growth Tips After 50
Here's how our hair changes as we age (and how to protect it)
Stages of Hair Growth Plus How to Maintain Hair Health in Every Stage
