How to have great hair at every age

Hair ages due to hormones, chemical treatments, stress and hereditary factors but you can have healthy, happy hair whatever your age. Simply understand what is happening to it in each decade and follow our expert advice.

What's happening to hair in your 30s?

It's time to strengthen and really look after your mane attraction. You've spent your 20s styling, straightening and chemically attacking your hair, so now the time has come for some tress-TLC.

Sebum production may start to slow down leading to dryness, so avoid harsh shampoos that strip hair of natural oils. Invest in sulphate-free shampoo as it is milder in formulation and will not cause any silicone build-up. Fitness Shampoo, £9.95, www.victoriahealth.com, has a heavenly smell and will have your hair looking clean for days.

Styling tips

A versatile cut that's stylish and easy to maintain is ideal, especially if you are juggling work, family and a social life. Consider a long fringe that you can wear down or clipped back, or a sophisticated bob like Katie Holmes'; both styles are easy to wash and go for daytime, and can be styled to look uber-chic at night.

Treatment

If you've been burning the midnight oil with work or parties, then it's likely your hair has taken a back seat. Bring back some lustre with a three-five minute mask once a week for shine and vitality. Philip Kingsley Elastizer is a beauty editor favourite, £23.50 www.philipkingsley.com. It's great for coloured, damaged or very dry hair in need of a big pick-me-up.

What's happening to hair in your 40s?

You may feel like you have less hair now but what's happening is the diameter of each strand is shrinking. There may be the same ‘number' of hairs but each strand takes up less space so there is less ‘body' and hair is slightly weaker. Lower oestrogen levels also slow down hair growth and lack of melanin leads to greying hair.

Styling tips

Go for elegant cuts that suit your face shape and avoid crazy streaks or extreme cuts. A smooth blow-dry, rather than tousled waves, will accentuate shine as sleek hair reflects more light. When it comes to colour, a few lighter strands through the front sections of the hair adds brightness to the face - Jennifer Aniston, who is 40, always opts for this clever colour trick.

"If your hair is fine, then a bob or blunt cut will give the illusion of more volume, rather than wispy layers," says super-stylist Charles Worthington. If you have long hair, then a few face-framing layers will soften things up.  

Treatment

Gloss, gloss, gloss - this is what every treatment should be about. Use colour-sealing products to enhance shine and make your colour last longer. Products such Paul Labrecque Colour Style Fade Prevention Foam, £18, www.beautyexpert.co.uk, will protect your luscious locks from fading and they coat the hair's surface so the cuticle lies flat and shine is maximised. This product also adds volume to thinning strands.

What is happening to hair in your 50s and 60s?

Most women will have experienced hair loss and greying hair by now. This often means using more treatments that are chemical-based, i.e. colour, which will need replenishment and after-care.

Hormonal changes cause hair follicles to shut down so hair growth is about a third of what is was during the earlier years. Having a great diet - full of balanced vitamins, minerals and lots of protein - will help keep hair (and skin) strong. Charles Worthington recommends taking plenty of antioxidants such as those found in green tea, evening primrose oil and fish oil "to nourish hair from the inside out".

Styling tips

Maintaining length will help subtract years but keep the cut soft in texture, as sharp lines are unflattering - Diane Keaton knows how to work it! A fringe will help hide the signs of ageing - take note from Twiggy whose fringe is soft and long and can be swept to the side or blow-dried straight. Adding volume is crucial so use a volumising mousse or root-lifting spray.

Styling sprays revitalise day-old washed hair effortlessly - simply spritz and add heat from a dryer to re-style.

Treatment

Regular massage to the scalp will stimulate the hair follicles, increase blood circulation, and distribute natural oils - this in turn helps hair follicles function better. Dr. Hauschka Neem Hair Oil is great for healthy hair and scalp, £19.98, www.drhauschka.co.uk 

Covering grey hair effectively requires permanent colour but use a multi-tonal effect for extra depth and light. Remember that warmer tones such as honey blonde and chocolate brown are more flattering on mature skin than cool shades like ash, platinum or black.

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