Hair is usually the first give-away that you are not getting any younger. There are a few lucky ones who get to hold on to lush, healthy hair beyond 40 but it’s not always the same with the rest of the population. Most people will have finer and thinner hair when they go beyond the age of 30. And, as early as their 20s, some people start growing gray hair. It doesn’t help that the chemicals people put on their hair and the unhealthy lifestyle also contribute to the rapid aging of hair conditions.

Hair produces less melanin, the element that gives hair its natural color, when people age. The easiest way to live life without gray hair is to have your hair color-treated regularly. It’s important to choose a color that’s closest to your natural hair color so you don’t look like a comic book villain. Don’t forget to pick a gentle formula. Gray, thinning hair is often susceptible to brittleness and dryness. When you have your hair dyed, you have to follow the post maintenance instructions given by your stylist. Color-treated hair can get really high maintenance but if you want to keep its youthful look, you have to maintain it really well. Use a gentle shampoo and follow with a conditioner after. Apply leave-on hair conditioner while hair is damp. During weekends, use an intensive conditioning system or have your stylist condition it. Aging hair shouldn’t be exposed to chemicals so go easy on the hair spray and mousse.

There are also people who go through aging without a lot of gray hair. Instead, they suffer from thinning hair. Hair loss comes with age but other people have it harder because their genetics dictate that they lose hair earlier than usual. There are clinically proven treatments that slow down the loss of hair and even encourage re-growth. Minoxidil is a popular topical re-growth solution used to treat baldness and hair loss. There has been no specific explanation on its hair re-growth benefits but scientists speculate that it opens up the blood vessels, giving more room for oxygen and nutrients to pass through the follicles. It is most effective if used early in the hair loss phase. Users should be wary of using this product without knowledge though. Misuse of the product on the wrong places can lead to undesirable hair growth and eye irritation. Each user should do a patch test because if the user is allergic to Minoxidil, adverse side effects can appear. This includes swelling of the lips and shortness of breath.

There are many anti-aging hair treatments available. There is even a series of laser treatments for the scalp that stimulate hair growth. However, it’s best to supplement this with a healthy lifestyle. Exercise helps stimulate the blood circulation, which will bring the essential nutrients to the hair. A diet rich in omega 3 fatty acids and folic acid will also delay the thinning. Stock up on salmon, tuna, broccoli, cabbage, almonds, and nuts. Staying away from smoking and stress really helps too. Finally, stay away from hair products with harsh ingredients. That kills the hair strands and slows down growth.