However, as time marches on, lustrous look-at-me hair can be more challenging to achieve. This is because as we age our hair’s anagen (growth) phase shortens and the telogen (resting phase) lengthens, which translates to more shedding and less regrowth. What’s more, follicles become smaller and sebum production slows, making strands finer, shorter and drier. However, thanks to advancing science and the cosmetics industry treating aging hair as the next frontier, there are a plethora of products to nurture your crowning glory through radical hormone shifts, stress, aging and beyond.
THE STATE-OF-THE-ART HAIR DRYER
The new AirLight Pro from L’Oréal’s formidable research and development labs uses infrared light technology to replicate natural evaporation. This means that instead of blasting the outside of hair with damaging heat, light energy is used to target water molecules and dry hair from the inside out, meaning much, much less damage to hair. The swanky new technology also means there is a much more sophisticated choice for hairstyling than heat or airflow: the LCD controls offer a sleek, curly, coily and custom (which you can create on the AirLight Pro app).
THE SCALP FACIAL
Created by Harvard-trained dermatologist Dr. Iris Rubin, who has focused her expertise on scalp and facial skin problems (yes, the two are linked), SEEN is a hair product line designed for sensitive scalps and acne- or eczema-prone skin. Inflammation from psoriasis and eczema can damage the scalp’s dermal layers, causing build up, and prevent the follicle from functioning properly, disrupting hair growth. SEEN’S non-comedogenic (formulated not to block pores), fragrance-free Skin-Caring Shampoo, Conditioner and Magic Serum use anti-inflammatory bisabolol (from chamomile) to soothe, and hemisqualane (derived from sugarcane) as an alternative to silicone to reduce frizz. The line has been recognized by the National Psoriasis and Eczema Institutes in the U.S. and given the SkinSAFE trusted choice award. Your scalp is accumulating oil, dead skin cells, bacteria and dirt daily – and as much as we love gentle sulfate-free shampoos, they can’t wash it all away. As a result, just like our facial skin, our scalp needs a regular deep clean. That’s where a pre-cleanse oil, like Act+Acre Cold Processed Scalp Detox comes in. Created by trichologist Helen Reavey, as “skincare for your scalp,” this pre-cleanse oil removes buildup, balances pH and improves blood circulation with cold-pressed oils and botanicals.
THE HAIR TREATMENTS
The idea of a moisturising mask can strike fear in those of us with fine hair who live in terror of limp strands. Enter Olaplex’s Weightless Nourishing Mask made for fine to medium hair. It promises to pump up the volume and restore the hair’s outermost layer using a biomimetic cuticle technology that mimics the body’s natural repair systems, and binds to damaged areas, closing and smoothing out the hair shaft. All hair types can benefit from the cult product, K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask. It’s easy to use (just put on after shampooing), works for all hair types and has some serious science backing it up. It is named after the patented K18 peptide that the mask utilizes to repair hair at a molecular level by reconnecting broken polypeptide chains and disulfide bonds, which are damaged by chemical treatments like bleach and heat, restoring strength and elasticity from the inside out. The oral nutraceutical Viviscal is made from marine extracts and biotin – a.k.a. vitamin B7, which promotes the body’s keratin production. Originally created for androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness), Viviscal’s efficacy has been scientifically proven in double-blind clinical trials to significantly increase hair growth and density for both men and women. There’s also a welcome side effect – after using it for 180 days, both men and women perceived improvements in their nails and moisture retention and smoothness in their skin. If you want to go all in, Viviscal also has a complete hair care system of Hair Thickening Serum, Thickening Shampoo and Strengthening Conditioner.
THE PERFECT BRUSH(ES)
Crown Affair is hyper-focused on quality styling tools – its handmade, boar bristle brushes are as luxe as the U.K.’s coveted Mason Pearson brand, at a much more palatable price. Boar bristle is considered the gold standard for maintaining hair’s condition, as it is effective on all hair types from fine to coarse, and it’s firm enough to get rid of dead skin cells, product buildup and dust, but it’s gentle enough not to cause breakage. For medium to thick and curly hair, the mix of nylon and boar bristle in Crown Affair’s The Brush No. 001 means it can detangle without breakage. The Brush No. 003 is boar bristle only, which is gentler on fine hair and smooths frizz. Each brush has a pneumatic breathing hole that allows air to escape the cushion, creating a gentle, flexible feel on the scalp.
