Hair, the ageing process and how to fight it
The signs of ageing are hugely evident on our face and body - wrinkles appear, body parts sag and we generally lose the youthful glow that comes with being young.
But what happens to our hair as we age, and at what point does mature hair need a little extra TLC?
Hair and the ageing process
Consultant trichologist, Iain Sallis, explains that hair goes through three key changes through our lives:
- when we are born to about five years old is one stage
- five years old to puberty when hormones start
- the slow decline into old age where the actual hair shaft diameter reduces by up to a third.
Mature hair is generally classed as hair on someone of 30 or older. "This does not necessarily mean the hair is mature," says Iain. "The hair itself won't be any older than seven years in most cases." 
So if the hair on our heads is generally no older then seven years old, it must be the trials and tribulations that it is put through that makes it appear 'old' and not necessarily the fact that it is part of our ageing bodies.
"Hair can deteriorate through exposure to environmental elements, styling and chemical processes.
"However, it is often factors such as low iron levels after childbirth or the start of prescription drugs for problems such as thyroids or diabetes, that cause the hair to change, lose volume and appear thin," he explains.
Secrets for anti-ageing haircare
In this image obsessed era everyone is seeking the secret to looking ten years younger. Celebrity hairdresser Richard Ward shares his expertise in helping hair fight the ageing process.
- Food for thought
Diet is important for every aspect of the body, skin, hair and nails. There are various supplements on the market that will help to supply levels of vitamins vital to healthy hair growth but it's far better to boost vitamin intake through diet and receive them in their natural form. Advise clients to choose foods rich in blood producing nutrients - like green leafy vegetables (curly kale, broccoli), and superfoods like blueberries, nuts and seeds that are rich in zinc. Foods rich in Omega 3, 6 and 9 (oily fish like salmon and mackerel) are great for optimum hair health. - Soft and gentle
Once a woman reaches her forties she normally feels obliged to ditch the long hair she may have coveted since her teens, so this decade tends to be a real turning point for many women who feel a pressure to go shorter. In general, hair past shoulder length does start to look a bit straggly and unflattering as we age, so best to go for a soft, layered take on a traditional long look but keep it above shoulder length to stay looking healthy and lustrous - think Madonna and Elle MacPherson's shorter version of their once trademark manes. - Fab at 40 - the older celebrity hair icons
Fab hair at 50
Fifty is the new 40, and many women feel that they don't want to settle for short, set hair and let go of their youthful zest. There are so many great looking celebrities now who have a modern take on what being glamorous in their fifties is all about - Twiggy looks great and Lulu is someone who wears her look with confidence. Shorter, textured cuts frame the face and soften and flatter. Styling should look natural, with volume and plenty of movement - so ditch the harsh looking shampoo and set styles of older generations.- HJi loves Fern Britton's blonde bob
- Admiring Arlene Phillips' chic cut
- A natural facelift
Hair that is textured soften features and can take the years off in a way the surgeon's knife never could - Helen Mirren and Felicity Kendal have soft, textured and tousled styles that are layered to frame the face and soften their features without looking frumpy. Keep hair short and beautifully cut, working with the natural wave like Judi Dench with her signature choppy crop. Texture changes as we grey and hair becomes coarser so learn how to work with what your clients have got. - Beverly C's advice on age-defying hairstyles for 'best-agers'
- Top tips for covering grey hair
- More advice on taking care of ageing hair
