Beyond 40: Gentleman’s Guide to Ageless Hair Care for Men
- March 28, 2024
Even if you think you have it all sorted in your 20s or 30s, things will begin to change as you get older. Hair care for men is a different ballgame after 40 because as its needs change, you need to adapt. The good news is none of this will require much effort on your part. With the right barber on your side, you’ll be able to navigate aging without missing a beat with a healthy, stylish ‘do. Don’t know where to start? Welcome to our gentleman’s guide for the up-and-coming silver fox.
The Basic Lowdown
Our hormones change as we age, with testosterone levels dropping in men. These changes will impact your locks. One effect is less blood flow to the scalp, which causes it to become drier and prone to flaking. Your locks will look dull and dry without the natural scalp oil to moisturize it from the root. As you approach your 40s, this becomes more noticeable – right alongside the dreaded gray streaks, which can start appearing as early as your 30s.
At our barbershop on the Upper East Side, we see that as men hit their 40s, thinning becomes the most prevalent problem. The research backs us up – by the time they are just 35, two-thirds of men have some form of balding. Even those with the best genes can be affected by age-related hair issues.
Tip #1 Change Your Shampoo
One of the first things you can do when you spot any changes is to switch up your shampoo, particularly if you’re seeing dryness or flaking on your scalp. As the follicles change, a product that’s always been a go-to can stop working as well as we’d like. Sometimes, it takes a bit of experimentation to find your new standard.
Although your shampoo won’t directly cause balding, it’s part of maintaining a healthy scalp, which is key for stopping excessive loss. So, in addition to dealing with the immediate issue and getting rid of those noticeable flakes on your shoulders, choosing a moisturizing shampoo to treat your flaky, dry scalp can also help slow down loss.
Tip #2 Use New Styling Products
When your locks start to thin and dry out, it won’t respond as well to the styling products you’ve been using. While it might seem like waxes or oils would be moisturizing, they often just weigh your locks down, making it look thinner. Next time you’re restocking, search for lighter products that won’t add much weight to your mane.
A good choice is a mousse – they’re designed to add volume, which is a good way to minimize the visual effects of the loss you’ve already experienced. There are several different men’s products on the market these days, so you’re sure to find something that works for you. And, of course, your go-to barber on the Upper East Side can advise you on the right products for your unique type and texture.
Tip #3 Treat Grays With Care
Like your eyes and skin, you can thank melanin for the color of your mane. As we age, there’s less melanin to go around, so some white strands are a normal consequence. Not everyone goes gray at the same rate, but it’s good to know what to expect even if you’re not there yet. How gray you are will affect how you should take care of yourself. A few strands can fly under the radar, but after a while, you’re going to have to take extra measures.
Gray locks are porous and wiry, which makes them difficult to manage and prone to absorbing pollutants. That is why it is crucial to be gentle with it and use products that will protect it from damage. And don’t forget to wear a hat when you’re out in the sun for long periods of time.
Attractive at Any Age at the Great Style Barbershop
When it comes to hair care for men of any age, the Great Style Barbershop team are specialists. We provide a relaxing space for men to get their cuts, the place to be for expert advice on how to keep your hair happy as you’re getting older. For the ultimate grooming experience, come to Great Style Barbershop – we take appointments and walk-ins.
