Is Your Hair Making You Look Old?

by Elizabeth Siegel



When you spot a gray hair, you cover it up. It's annoying, but easy enough. But what about all of the other signs of aging hair, like dryness, dullness, and breakage? Here are two super easy ways you can make your hair look younger:

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In the shower: After menopause, your scalp starts to produce less of the oils that "hydrate and strengthen your hair, and add shine," says Francesca Fusco, a dermatologist in New York City. That means you can go longer between shampoos without getting greasy--and you probably should, since shampoo strips hair of even more oil after it removes dirt and grime. Try sudsing up just the hair at your roots, and look for moisturizing shampoos (they're relatively gentle) or formulas that contain essential oils like almond, sunflower, and rosemary that help nourish the hair follicle so new hair can grow in stronger (provided you massage them into the root well) says Fusco. Two good ones: L'Oréal Ever Strong Hydrate Shampoo and Clear Scalp & Hair Therapy Total Care Nourishing Shampoo.

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When you style: There are two surefire ways to make your hair look healthier and younger: By adding shine and volume. However, too much volume around your face is aging. Adding volume at the crown is a safer, more youthful bet. "It's the most flattering place to add height," says hairstylist Serge Normant, who works with celebrities like Julia Roberts. His technique: When your hair is damp, aim a volumzing spray at the roots on the crown of your head. Then, when it's time to blow-dry, flip your head over to start (tousle your hair with your fingers as you go), and then straighten up and pull your hair up at the crown with a round brush. As for the shine, this one's easy: Finish with shine spray. Mist it over the length of your hair after it's dry and then distribute it with a boar bristle brush.

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