What’s Behind Anti-Aging Hair care?

With their new-fangled “anti-aging” hair care products, marketers are aiming to meet the needs of an increasingly older population. But can we really believe brands’ promises that their products will make our hair “younger”, or at least look younger? Well there’s certainly no denying that our hair changes as we age (see our post on hair and aging), and giving its more loving care can only be a good thing, right?
So-called anti-aging hair care products boast higher doses of vitamins, silicone and most importantly, protein. As hair ages the strands becomes weaker, and therefore more lacking in protein. The addition of protein to the hair shaft, either through styling aids or shampoos and conditioners, means it is being strengthened.
Brands are also incorporating sun-protection ingredients into their products (there are a number of styling and cleansing items which now boast a SPF). This too is also logical, as hair that is regularly exposed to the sun (and its UV rays) tends to show signs of damage early on.
Using these products will do your hair good—they provide much-needed moisture and if they do indeed protect from the sun, what have you got to lose? But don’t be fooled into thinking that just because you buy anti-aging products for your hair you won’t experience thinning hair, a change in texture or, sometimes, full-blown hair loss; after all, you can’t turn back the clock. But no matter what your age, you can be kind to your hair, and that is the best you can do for young-looking locks. Give it much-needed moisture through conditioning masks at least twice a week, use shampoo and conditioner adapted to your hair type, go easy on the styling products, brush it every day and eat a healthy diet free of processed foods. Your hair will thank you for it, no matter how old it is!