Taking Care Of Ageing Hair

Unfortunately, when we look at our bodies it's easy to see signs of ageing. Even the most blessed beauty queen can't avoid wrinkle, saggy skin and tummy that's not quite firm as it was 18.
But what happens to the hair as we age and how can you combat dull, limps locks? AlwaysGorgeous.com spoke to world-renowned trichologist Philip Kingsley about ageing hair.

AG: We all know what happens to skin as we get older, but what happens to hair?
PK: It may be surprising, and to an extend a little depressing, to know that hair is at its thickest and strongest between the ages of 12 and 14. After that, there is a very slow deterioration. It's not something you will notice for many years but, extremely slowly, the hair's diameter decreases.

AG: Are there any landmarks that we should know about? For example, when we hit 40 does hair suddendly need more care and attention?
PK: By the mid - thirties and certainly the early - forties, everybody's hair has a degree of reduced volume. There are no real landmarks as its is so gradual and also depends on genetics.

AG: What can we do to protect our hair from the signs of ageing?
PK: there is no doubt that the hair needs more care and attention as we age. Not only does the hair's diameter thin, but mature women tend to colour their hair more.

AG: Will someone who spends a lifetime colouring and heat styling their hair find it looks older more quickly? Or, is it genetic and down to luck?
PK: There is no scientific evidence, nor reaon why hair should age faster with chemical or heat processing. In fact, these processes give the impression of less ageing because they swell up the hair strands.

AG: Does it vary greatly between men and women, or is it the ageing process roughly the same?
PK: There appears to be very little difference between the hair ageing of males verus females. However, hair loss can be sign of ageing, so theoretically, as men lose more hair than women as they age, it can be argued that ageing hair is more prevalent among men.

AG: How much does diet and lifestyle affect the hair? Will a smoker and heavy drinker who doesn't exercise and has a poor diet find their hair ages more quickly?
PK: Diet and lifestyle definetely affect ahir, and poor nutrition can lead to prematurely ageing hair. There is no evidence through that alcohol or smoking can be a hair - ageing factor.