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Yes, we know we need to be exercising for our health as well as eating right for our health. Both of those things are seriously important as we age but are we caring for our hair for our health as well? Most Naturals I know are super particular about what they put in their hair (me included) but as the grays start popping up (and they have) and the hair starts to thin (that too!) are we making sure we are doing all that we can to take care of it?
Mindy Goldstein, Ph.D., former president of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists, “The follicles in aging hair are smaller and have less pigment,” she explains. “So the thick, coarse hair of a young adult eventually becomes thin, fine, light-colored hair.” Oprah.com
As we get older our skin gets older which includes our scalp. The scalp gets drier and as the hair loses it’s melanin and turns white or gray it tends to feel drier. Our hair will start to grow slower and get finer due to our bodies producing less hormones as we age. Most women, usually during Menopause, start experiencing hair thinning but there is also the problem with hair losing it’s shine or looking dull. The cuticle or the outer most layer needs to be flat and smooth but years of wear and tear, sun damage and styling beats up the poor cuticle and it doesn’t reflect the light anymore.
Now that I’ve frightened everybody I’ll shed some light on what you can do about it. Silicones can bring that shine back but many of us don’t use or like them so that may not be an option for some. Alma oil naturally strengthen the hair as well as nourishing the scalp. It also delays the graying process and you can just add it to your shampoo or conditioner to benefit from the hair-darkening properties. Brushing the hair is also recommended but many of us don’t do that too often. When I went to the stylist a couple of weeks ago she brushed the hell out of my hair but it stimulated my scalp. That helps the hair growth process because dead skin cells collect on our scalp and brushing helps the removal.
Our diet changes as we get older and we remove many fatty foods that add weight to our waistline but they are wonderful for our hair. Supplements with Biotin and Vitamin B are great for the hair as well as for your nails. I’ve been taking Hairfinity which has both. One lesson I learned was from the More than Curly Salon is a great cut can make all the difference in the world!! When I went in for the Ouidad Carve and Slice I was amazed at how little she took off but how great it looked after. The cut gave me fullness without looking poofy and seemed to let my curls be free. Another asset with curly hair is the ability to hide the grays in the mass of curls. When my hair is straight you can see those grays well. It kind of zeros in on them. Mind you once you are halfway gray that little trick won’t help but you can always color your hair to beat the gray.
We can have lovely hair as well grow older so don’t feel dishearted. We’ve already beaten the odds by going Natural and not allowing relaxers to damage our hair and our scalps. I will be looking into getting some Alma oil and will brush my hair regularly to stimulate my scalp. I’m right here with you.
Check out Part 2 tomorrow which discusses the stages of your hair.
Let’s stay educated Naturals,
Sabrina
