Better With Age: Revitalize Your Aging Hair

Along with fine lines, reduced skin elasticity and dry skin, aging also affects a woman's coiffure. From thinning hair to a very dry scalp to brittle locks, aging hair is just as much a problem as those pesky frown lines that every beauty magazine and company always seems to focus on.

Fortunately, countless hair products have also been created by companies that actually target aging hair. Their goal is to hydrate the ultra dry locks that come with age, reinvigorate the shaft to create a stronger, more youthful mane, and to stimulate hair growth for thinning hair.

Below we've covered all three issues and highlighted products that'll help you combat aging hair safely and effectively. If you have a favorite product we forgot to include, feel free to list it in the comments below and tell us why you prefer it.

Hydrate Dry, Aging Hair

Though countless women curse gray hair as they mature, many also deal with excessively dry hair. Everyone deals with the issue of thirsty locks -- especially in cold or dry climates -- but the problem often becomes exacerbated as we age.

"The hair's hydration is not constant: it sometimes varies with age. As of the age of 40 or 45, especially in women, it can very progressively weaken, and the greases that protected the hair can disappear little by little," says the Paris-based Centre Clauderer, a center whose primary focus is aging hair. "[Dry hair] is a classical hair aging process, similar to that of the epidermis."

To combat dry, aging hair, you'll want to invest in quality products that moisturize. Deep condition your hair at least once or twice every week. Deep conditioners worth your dinero include Nexxus' Humectress Hydrating Treatment Deep Conditioner ($15.99) and Neutrogena's Deep Recovery Hair Mask ($6.99).

If you're in the market for a more intense product, try products from N.4 Hair's hydrating product line. N.4 uses only high quality, natural ingredients so their products are a little on the high end side of things in terms of quality and price. Try their High Performance Hair Care Hydrating Conditioner ($36), which comes in a chic, modern bottle and has that salon-quality scent and after-effect.

You'll also find a keeper in Jonathan's Hydrating Conditioner and Hydrating Shampoo ($18 each), which restore shine and moisture and protect hair. The products are vegan, as well, which means quality ingredients and a cruelty free, fabulous 'do.

For a dry scalp, try something like Nioxin's Scalp Renew ($20), which utilizes natural dermabrasion technology to restore scalps to a healthy state.

Restore Youthful Locks

We put our hair through a lot of stress. From multiple heat-based styling products used on a daily basis to damaging environmental factors like UV rays and smog, it's no wonder hair looks lackluster and feels unhealthy. In some cases, such stressors can even cause premature hair aging.

For those with aging hair -- and those who wish to ward off aging hair -- it's wise to incorporate an anti-aging hair regimen into your daily hair care routine.

G Mele's Anti-Aging Hair System ($39.95) is a fine example of a regimen that'll combat those stressors and restore youthful looking hair. The set was created by renowned stylist Giovanni Mele, owner of award-winning Giovanni & Pileggi salon in Philadelphia, and is "a proprietary formula that infuses hair with antioxidants, natural sugars, proteins and lipids for hair that look younger and more vibrant, and is softer, shinier and more manageable in two weeks or less."

JOICO offers another anti-aging hair program, called Re:nu AGE DEFY. Backed by years of cutting-edge research, Re:nu AGE DEFY is the "only comprehensive hair care system that controls the effects of graying, loss of density, change in texture (manageability, responsiveness and fluidity).

The line includes shampoos and conditioners in addition to styling products, primers and creams. Prices vary.

Stimulate Hair Growth

Another sign of aging hair, and perhaps one of the most troubling for women especially, is thinning hair. Some cases are minor while others are more severe. Either way, it's unsettling.

"Although hair loss may seem like a more prominent problem in men, women are nearly as likely to lose, or have thinning, hair," says Dr. Laura J. Martin on WebMD.com. "Most women notice it in their 50s or 60s, but it can happen at any age and for a variety of reasons.

The good news is that female hair loss is often treatable with both over-the-counter and salon-quality hair products.

Phytolium's Hair Treatment ($60) prevents hair thinning, supports healthy hair growth, strengthens, adds density and extends hair's life cycle. Though a little pricey, the products innovating formula has been well received by many who experience hair loss.

Other well received products include Bosley's Revive Thickening Treatment for Visibly Thinning, Non Color-Treated Hair ($38.95), Rogaine's Hair Regrowth Treatment for Women ($49.95), J.F. Lazartigue's Hair Loss Trio ($148) and Hair Wellness Solutions HairSil Accelerator Treatment ($19.99).

Note that hair loss may also be a sign of poor health or an effect of medication. Speak to a doctor to see what's causing your hair loss.

More Useful Products for Aging Hair

Dry Shampoo
Every time you wash, essentials oils are stripped from your hair, so many stylists recommend washing hair no more than once every other day. Excessive washing causes dryness and leaves hair unprotected. Extend your wash by at least a day with a dry shampoo, like Jonathan's Green Routine Dry Shampoo Powders ($19). Shop more dry shampoo below.


Gray Coverage
Tired of those stray grays? Cover 'em up with either a semi permanent or permanent hair dye. Stylists recommend choosing a color that's closest to what your natural hair color was in your teens and '20s. This creates a more youthful, natural appearance.


Add Shine
Dull, lackluster locks is another common sign of aging hair. It's typically caused by a dry scalp and lack of essential oils on your hair shaft. In addition to conditioning often, use a moisturizing, anti-aging hair serum to tame fly aways and make hair shine.


Related Stories
Luxury Candles: Gift Another or Yourself
Winter Trends Forecast: 9 Trends for Winter 2012
Holiday Gift Guide: 11 Gift Ideas for Your Fashionista
Holiday Shopping Guide: Beauty Queens