A good hair day has the power to make anyone feel confident and self-dignified, no matter what age you are. At ViewPointe assisted living community, we understand that looking and feeling your best go hand-in-hand. That's why the community is proud to offer several self-care services, including a beauty salon.

Keeping seniors' hair clean and well-kept might not seem like a top priority, but it can greatly impact their mood and well-being. Like any part of the body, as your hair ages, the way you care for it changes. With that in mind, here's everything you need to know about hair care for older adults.

How Hair Changes as We Age

The main changes older adults see with their hair are related to thickness and color. Over time, hair strands become smaller, and some hair follicles stop growing new hairs altogether. This change leaves you with thinner, more delicate hair. Additionally, hair strands produce less melanin — the pigment responsible for hair color. This is why we see many older adults with gray or white hair.

Hair Care Tips for Older Adults

If you're caring for an older parent or loved one, you may be responsible for everything from washing to cutting and styling their hair. While this task can feel intimidating, there are ways to make it easier on both parties.

Keep Hair Care Products and Styling to a Minimum

Styling products such as hair sprays or gels are often too heavy for older hair and should be kept to a minimum if used at all. If you choose to use styling products, opt for ones free of harsh chemicals. Additionally, heated styling tools should be avoided as much as possible.

Use a Gentle Hand When Brushing or Washing Hair

As we know, older hair is more fragile and therefore requires a gentler touch. Whether you're combing or washing the hair, always proceed carefully to avoid hair fallout. When washing, opt for a milder shampoo and use lukewarm water. When brushing, a soft-bristle brush or wide tooth comb will be your best bet. Communication is key, so keep your loved ones engaged while you wash or brush their hair to ensure they remain comfortable throughout the process.

Wash Your Hair Less Frequently

Feeling clean and fresh goes a long way in boosting someone's mood. However, older hair should not be washed daily as this can increase the amount of split and damaged hair. While everyone's a little different, generally speaking, older adults can get away with washing their hair only once or twice per week.

Talk to Your Doctor About Your Prescriptions

In some instances, medication may be to blame for increased hair loss. While you may not always be able to switch out medications you can consult with a medical professional for tips on preventing hair damage caused by certain prescriptions.

Change Up Your Style for a Confidence Boost

You're never too old for a new cut and color. If an older adult is in need of a confidence boost or simply desires change, getting a new hairdo is a good idea. Haircuts and hair dye should always be left to the professionals as they can assess each individual's specific hair care needs. Luckily, there are a handful of nearby salons in Colorado Springs, CO that you can visit.

Best Hair Products for Older Adults

Many hair care products on the market are designed without aging hair in mind. These products may contain chemicals and ingredients too harsh for delicate, aging hair. Instead, keep your eye out for products like these:

• Baby shampoo is incredibly gentle and contains no harsh chemicals, making it ideal for use on older adults.
• Boar bristle brushes are soft and can brush through older hair gently.
• Conditioners with hydrolyzed keratin (protein) will help repair damage.

Foods That Promote Hair Growth and Hair Health

A healthy diet affects all aspects of the body, including hair. For stronger, healthier hair, try to include the following foods into your diet.

• Leafy greens such as spinach and kale are rich in iron and vitamins A and C which are good for hair.
• Nuts and fish high in omega 3's are beneficial for hair. Choose walnuts and salmon for the best results. Avocados are also a good option.
• Fruits that are high in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits and berries.
• Multi-vitamins can be added to your daily routine to add further nutrients to your diet.

There's no way around it. Keeping up with general hair care becomes harder as we age. However, if you follow the advice above, you can help maintain healthy and strong hair for many years to come. Practicing good hygiene is linked to good mental health. This means keeping your hair neat and clean can lower stress, so it's as important as anything.