Highlighting and Drier Hair

Older woman with dry long hair
Photo: Nadino/Shutterstock
Q: My hair seems to be getting dryer as I get older. I have been having it highlighted for years by a professional salon but wonder if this is a major factor. I am 53 years of age. My son is getting married in August, and I would really love to have silky hair, how can I achieve this please?
 
A: It is reasonable to think that your routine highlighting has contributed to your hair becoming drier and drier over the years. Chemical services, especially color services that lift the hair color, typically leave the hair more porous and allow the moisture in the hair to be leeched away more easily.
 
However, you do have to bear in mind that one of the most common signs of aging is that the skin loses much of its ability to retain moisture as the collagen in it breaks down. Since the scalp is a part of the skin, it's natural that the hair which grows from the scalp would be affected by this. Many women, as they get older, find that their hair needs more conditioning than they needed when they were younger.
 
Your best course of action is to first re-evaluate the products you use to condition your hair. Be sure that the shampoo and conditioner formulas are high in moisture content, and that you condition your hair daily, even if you don't shampoo.
 
You will find a number of products from different makers that are formulated to give "smooth and silky" hair. These products help to smooth down the cuticle layer which will help your hair feel silkier. You may also want to give yourself weekly deep-conditioning treatments to replenish your hair's moisture content more quickly.
 
Depending on how dry your hair has become, you will soon see your hair return to a healthier sheen and softness. In addition to the conditioning, you can also use an anti-frizz serum to help smooth the cuticle layer of the hair and give your hair a smooth, silky feel.
 
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See also:
 
Highlighting
 
Hair and the older woman
 
Dry hair causes and solutions
 
How to care for chemically treated hair