Part 2: Like a software update, if you're in or past your 40s or 50s - your hair-care needs an update!
This post is full of links to more information. The bullet lists contain hair and scalp-care tips and goals.
There are 1) product lists, and 2) an example of simple “product-swaps” to help your hair-care work better for you. This post contain affiliate links for which I may receive a small commission when clicked, at no cost to you, and revealing none of your personal information to me.
Practical Hair-Care Updates
Reduce frizz and mechanical damage with:
- Satin/silk pillowcase. It’s the smooth /slippery texture that prevents friction and frizz on hair and scalp.
- Sleep bonnet/buff - a smooth / slippery texture.
- Wide tooth combs, brushes with widely spaced, flexible “bristles” in a flexible base.
- Broader ponytail holders (not skinny rubber-band width that easily tangle).
- Oil before shampooing to dry-detangle and lubricate for 10-30 minutes, or...
- Oil pre-wash treatments (link to more information) Coconut, avocado, olive, babassu, sunflower may work well to soften more assertive and unruly hairs. Every 1-3 weeks depending on how often you wash and your hair's needs. Leave on from 1 to 4 or 6 hours, or as works with your schedule.
- Deep Condition - every 1-3 weeks depending on your wash-schedule and hair's needs.
- Protein in some products for hydration. Protein-rich products may be better than deep conditioners for Fine hair.
- Squish to Condish (more about this below - it's really helpful, and FREE).
- Choose at least 1 product with a little oil, or branded as a moisturizing product - even if you have avoided them in the past.
- Humectants for hydration. See the product lists below.
- Microfiber towel or cotton-polyester blend tee-shirt for smoother drying. Why? It helps reduce frizz and stress/breakage by allowing hairs to dry evenly. Don't rub! Blot, wrap and dab. 😇
- Hard water? Hard water deposits on and inside hair and can increase stiffness and dryness. Chelating shampoos and DIY rinses can be helpful to keep hair feeling flexible. More information here.
- Warm, not hot water for washing and rinsing.
- Gentler shampoo - sulfate-free, moisturizing or “for color-protection”
- Direct hair dryer away from scalp.
- Scalp massage (gentle) or shampoo brush to exfoliate.
- Stop using products that cause itching or burning (ears, scalp, neck, chest, back, hairline).
- Stop using products that cause increased shedding.
- See your doctor or dermatologist if scalp symptoms develop (itching, peeling or flaking, hair shedding, burning, redness, pigment-changes).
- Treat scalp issues as your dermatologist or doctor recommends. It may not feel style-forward, but a healthy scalp = stronger hair. Worth it!
- Blot the scalp dry. Don't hang around with a wet scalp - that's just asking for trouble.
- Rinse your scalp after heavy sweating. Sweat can be irritating.
- Protect from UV / sunlight - wear a hat!
- Protect your scalp with a hat, scarf or hood in cold or windy weather. This can cause severe skin dehydration and inflammation.
Use products that contain lubricating emollients. Jojoba oil, Squalane, Hemisqualane. A list follows. The lubricating component of oils on our scalp tends to decrease between ages 40-60.
Offload some of the problem-solving to somebody else:
Me! [Shameless plug]
I provide Hair Analysis Service, which can take a lot of guesswork out of hair-care product choice. I also have a Customized Product Recommendation Service, for which you provide information about your hair and goals and shopping preferences, and I supply recommendations for products to achieve those goals.
I've helped hundreds of people through hair analysis. I want you to be happy with your hair! I use a chemistry and experience-based approach to choosing products.
Science-y Hair Blog © 2011 by Wendy M.S. is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 
Product Lists
(For creating lubrication, maintaining flexibility)
Key to symbols:
☁️ Lightweight
💧 Humectant-rich
🧬 Protein
🩵 Sulfate-free cleanser
Jojoba Oil
Squalane & Hemisqualane
Amodimethicone: Amodimethicone is an amino-modified silicone. It bonds to damaged areas in hair and then creates a water-resisting film over those areas to make hair behave in a less-porous manner. Like a smart-network of protection. Amodimethicone reduces cuticle damage and moisture loss during high-heat styling, and helps hair retain color better. Some examples:
- Joico Blonde Life Shampoo
Product Swap Examples:
You need to update your products so they have a little more "oomph!" But hang on to your wallet. There are solutions for every budget and shopping preference.
- Let's say you've used a product like Herbal Essences shampoo, but it's not working as well for you as is used to. You might switch to one of Herbal Essence's Sulfate-Free shampoos, which contains detergents that can be gentler to scalp and hair (and also color-preserving if you color your hair). The oil in the product makes it milder and a little conditioning.
- If you've been a Tresemme or Aussie fan, you might consider Maui Moisture 💧, which has a variety of options, all designed to keep hair hydrated, and with different amounts of oils and butters, depending on how much softening your hair needs.
- Or you might alternate between using a "regular strength" drugstore conditioner and a hair mask like Garnier's Papaya mask or Mielle Babassu & Mint hair mask 💧🧬.
- DIY-ers rejoice! There is nothing easier than a do-it-yourself deep conditioner!
- Add a drop or two (whatever makes your hair happy) of oil to your usual rinse-out conditioner.
- Add a little of a protein additive or moisturizing additive such as from HairLabs (see this post for really great, affordable additives).
- Leave on for 5-10+ minutes with gentle heat.
Condition your hair the optimal-hydration-way.
Apply more conditioner on the ends and the top layers (and any place that is extra-frizzy or tangly).
Comb through.
Either right away, or just before rinsing - "squish to condish." [I have a post about this].
- Splash, spray or allow some water to trickle into your conditioned hair.
- Squeeze or scrunch or press, pinch, slide over your hair with your hands. Work the conditioner in gently. Think of mixing batter or dough to get all the dry-floury places incorporated. This assures conditioner is thoroughly distributed.
- Is your hair heavier, more saturated, flexible and clingy? Does it need more water or conditioner? If not...
- Rinse. Don't over-rinse. 20 seconds is usually enough for rinsing. Some people recommend only adding the water and "squishing it in" and then not rinsing. That is an option, do what works for you.
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