Strong, naturally conditioned, fast-growing hair is a priviledge of youth.

Just as there are noticeable changes to skin, metabolism, muscles and hormones over time, hair also changes. The products and processes that worked so well for our hair in our twenties or thirties can miss the mark when we’re a little older.

Age related changes to the cosmetic appearance of hair are related to pigmentation (greying of the hair), structural properties, and lipid composition.

Grey hair:

The main cause of greys and thinning hair, are your parents, or more accurately, genetics. Extreme stress is also linked to the loss of natural pigmentation in the hair, but more commonly the age which hair turns grey is determined by genetics.

Grey hairs can have a tougher, frizzier texture than naturally pigmented hair, which can be harder to manage. The outer cuticle layer of grey hair is more tightly packed, making it harder for the colour to penetrate and to be successfully deposited within the hair.

If you have had challenges with colour-resistant greys before, select the 27 vol developer option with your colour order. Our 27 vol developer has been specifically formulated to cover even the most stubborn colour-resistant greys, and can help you achieve consistent, beautiful colour coverage.

Hair diameter:

Thinning hair is another often unwanted change that comes with age.

The hair follicle changes and shrinks over time, leading to new hair growth which is thinner and more diffuse.

Hair grows during the growth phase of the hair cycle. Over time the growth phase becomes shorter, resulting in slower hair growth overall. Some hair always naturally falls out over time, which is usually offset by strong new hair growth when we’re younger. As we age, new hair growth is slower, making it harder to grow hair longer.

Getting length in your new hair growth as you age can be difficult to achieve, as the resting and growth cycles of the hair become longer.

The follicle of the hair also shrinks over time, which leads to thinner, more diffuse new hair growth.

Lipid composition:

Hormonal changes lead to lower sebum production in the scalp and skin. Sebum naturally lubricates and protects the scalp and hair, strengthening each strand of hair. Without natural oils new hair growth will be dry, weak and prone to breakage.  

Sebum production decreases with age.

Over time hair typically becomes thinner and weaker, due to changes to the follicle and sebum. As a result, older hair is deprived of lipids which strengthen and protect hair.

Regular oil treatments are an excellent way to boost the hydration, softness and strength of your hair. We recommend weekly Tsubaki oil treatments. Tsubaki oil is cold pressed from Camellia flowers grown on a volcanic island in Japan, it is a light, dry oil which is readily absorbed and which will deeply nourish your hair. It is very high in Oleic acid, and regular use will keep your hair moisturised, repair damage and build the condition and strength of your hair. Bonus – it’s amazing for skin as well!

A better way to care for your hair:

There’s nothing you can do about your age or genetics, but you can counter some of the effects of ageing on hair.

Allow the natural oils you have to assist your hair by increasing the intervals between shampooing. By shampooing less you allow the sebum to hydrate your hair, improving its strength and shine.

Doing less to your hair is helpful to maintaining strong, shiny, healthy hair as you get a bit older. A lot of hair damage is self-inflicted and older hair isn’t quite as resilient and strong as it once was, so it is easily damaged.

Reduce or eliminate heated drying and styling tools, and choose colouring, styling and care products which have less harmful ingredients.

Choose better quality hair colour products without ammonia and PPD which are unnecessary, harsh and unhealthy.

Restore strengthening lipids to your scalp and strengthen your new growth with a lightweight oil such as Tsubaki (Camellia) oil, which will deeply nourish your scalp and hair, and support and strengthen hair growth, restore shine and prevent hair breakage.

I am a 73 year old lady who had thinning hair due to over colouring. This worried me. After a lot of research I found The Shade, after several applications I now have shiny, thicker, less falling out, healthy hair. Thank you sincerely.

M. Lascelles

I really like The Shade. The colour is rich and wonderful and it’s great for covering greys.

N. Vaysman

No nasty chemicals and the results are the best colour I’ve EVER had ever (including 15 years getting colour done at a salon). My hair looks and feels amazing and it’s the best coverage of my white/grey hair.

Elizabeth Battiato