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When it comes to hair, mature women of color may experience some major challenges for the first time. One is increased dryness, owing primarily to estrogen loss. Another concern is thinning hair. Women of color tend to gray more gradually than White women, but at least some gray hairs will definitely emerge and increase in number, although often thin, gray, and silver hair tends to be more rough and dry than your other tresses. In addition to these natural changes, older women of color may notice other problems that have accumulated over time owing to harsh styling and cultural practices. These include permanent hair loss in the form of a receding hairline or lost volume, as well as split ends and breakage. You must treat your hair especially gently now.
If you've experienced significant hair loss, you may want to consider changing your hair styling regimen completely. If you have alopecia, many older women opt for shorter styles or naturals, which are easier to maintain. If you relax your hair, do it on a less frequent schedule-no more than four times a year.
After a while, healthy hair follicles produce hair that is thin, short and more brittle than normal hair In some people, this happens slowly, in others, it happens more quickly. When it happens quickly is when hair loss is most noticed.
Whatever style you choose, be sure to wash weekly and condition with a deep penetrating or restructuring conditioner. Weekly hot-oil treatments will also combat dry, brittle, and dull-looking hair. If you can air-dry or wrap your hair and still maintain your style, do so to avoid the heat of hair dryers.
Only if your hair is in relatively good condition, consider covering gray with a semi-permanent professional dye or rinse. Choose a shade only slightly lighter than your natural hair color for a subtle effect. Remember that color-treated hair will be dryer, so keep using conditioners and hot-oil treatments regularly. Because your hair is more fragile, permanent hair coloring should be done less frequently perhaps only twice a year-but a hair rinse can be used more frequently.
Daily Hair care tips and advice
- Use a shampoo that is pH balanced and that is formulated for your hair type. Conditioner should be nourishing but not heavy. Rinse with cool water for extra shine.
- Avoid excessive blow drying and air dry hair whenever possible. This will help prevent split ends and drying.
- Massage the scalp with the oil regularly to encourage oil production.
- After swimming, wash your hair with fresh water as soon as possible to remove chlorine residue.
- Never brush wet hair, which can lead to breakage; instead, use a wide tooth comb after you shampoo and save the brush for later.
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