Hair Care for Seniors: Tips to Know on National Hair Day

NuMe established National Hair Day in 2017 to celebrate the products, tools, and hair care techniques people and hair care professionals love. Older adults have changing hair needs, and hair care tips for older hair are essential for protecting the scalp and hair from damage and excessive hair loss.

Don’t Wash Every Day

Your mom doesn’t have to wash her hair every day. If she wasn’t excessively sweaty or doing things that made her dirty, she doesn’t need to wash her hair each day. A better routine is to wash and condition every three days and alternate those days with not washing her hair at all or using co-wash products.

Choose Products Designed for Thinning Hair

Is your mom’s hair thinning? Look for natural shampoos and conditioners that help add volume. It will make her more confident when she leaves her home. Thinning hair can impact her self-confidence. If her hair is very thin, talk to her doctor as there are solutions that can help.

Avoid Parabens, Sulfates, and Chemicals

Shampoos and conditioners in the past used a lot of ingredients that aren’t great for your hair and scalp. Look for products that avoid parabens and sulfates. Chemical ingredients aren’t the best options either.

It may cost more to purchase chemical-free shampoos and conditioners, but your mom’s hair will look and feel better when you purchase products that are better for the hair and scalp. Brands like Native or Monday Gentle limit the number of ingredients and focus on beneficial ones that aren’t as damaging.

Use Conditioner Regularly

As your mom went through menopause, she probably noticed her skin getting drier. Her scalp became flaky and itchy. She turned to dandruff shampoos, but they didn’t seem to help.

Instead of dandruff products, have her try conditioners that aren’t heavily scented. Keeping her scalp moisturized is important. When she uses shampoo, she should follow with a conditioner.

On the days she doesn’t wash her hair, she can still condition the ends of her hair to keep frizz and tangles to a minimum. If she uses a wide-toothed comb in the shower, it helps distribute the conditioner to every strand.

Avoid Hot Tools

Hair dryers, curling wands, and hair straighteners damage the hair. Letting her hair dry naturally is best. If she insists on drying it, use a leave-in conditioner and keep the dryer on a low setting.

Help Her With Hair Care Routines

As arthritis impacts your mom’s shoulders and arms, she might find it harder to lather and rinse her hair. Help her out with shampooing and conditioning routines. If you’re not available or she’s uncomfortable with you helping, arrange personal care at home.

Personal care at home aides help your mom with haircare, oral care, showers, and nail care. She won’t have to strain her arms and shoulders, but her hair is washed and styled as she likes it.