Our hair doesn’t come with an expiration date and you should never feel that way. The fact is that you can still have luscious locks that turn heads in your 50s and beyond. What matters is how you take care of those strands.
All that said, if you’ve crossed into your 50s, you’ve probably noticed that your hair doesn’t behave the way it used to. Maybe it feels thinner or a little drier. Maybe it’s lost some of that bounce that once made styling a little easier.
That’s only normal as we get older. Certain factors, like hormonal changes and slower oil production, might make your hair feel a little more brittle than you’re used to. Changes in hair density play a role in this, too. The good news is that with just a few smart adjustments, your hair can look just as vibrant as before in a different and more refined way.
What to Retire from Your Routine
The products you relied on in your 30s and 40s may not be serving you the same way anymore. We’ve established that much. The big question is what type of products should you be avoiding?
First off, heavy styling creams and overly strong hold sprays can make mature hair look stiff instead of full. Because of the fact that your hair density is changing, how you present the weight of it matters more than you might think.
Another problem in your basket might come in the form of harsh clarifying shampoos, which are another thing to watch for. While we definitely agree that buildup should absolutely be addressed, over-stripping your hair can leave it feeling really fragile. Mature hair strands do not need shock treatment.
Lastly, if you’ve been skipping conditioner because your hair feels “flat,” this might be the time to bring it back. Hydration now needs to focus on keeping your hair flexible so that you don’t have as much breakage. We’ll tell you just which one to focus on.
What to Start Stocking Up On
Step 1: Cleanse Without Compromising Volume
Start in the shower.
Use The Runway Looks La Créme Silky Smooth Shampoo with Biotin & Pro-Vitamin B5 Thickening Formula to gently cleanse while supporting fullness at the root. As oil production slows with age, your scalp may feel drier, but that doesn’t mean you should avoid cleansing. It just means you need something that refreshes your scalp without stripping your hair.
Follow with The Runway Looks Créme De La Créme Silky Smooth Conditioner, which is also a
Biotin-Enriched Formula For Stronger Hair. Focus it on your mid-lengths and ends, but try to avoid saturating the roots. Let it sit for a few minutes as directed on the back so it can soften and support elasticity without collapsing your volume.
Step 2: Strengthen and Support Thinning Areas
Once a week, incorporate The Runway Looks Mask Rap Advanced Keratin Treatment Mask, which is a Deep Nourishment With Rosemary & Vitamin E. Apply this after shampooing and allow it to sit for about 5 minutes. This step helps reinforce the hair shaft and reduce breakage. This will be especially important if you’re noticing more shedding or seeing that your ends are fragile.
Don’t forget to rinse your hair thoroughly. Lightweight strength is the goal here, which isn’t going to happen if you’re leaving residue.
Step 3: Add Shine and Flexible Protection
Finally, after gently towel-drying, apply The Runway Looks Gloss Luxury Silkening Gloss, which is a Marula Oil Infused Leave-In Spray for Softness & Shine. Add it to mid-lengths and ends. This smooths the cuticle, reduces the appearance of frizz, and adds reflective shine without stiffness.
Whether you air-dry or heat style, this step protects the hair while keeping it touchable and natural. Either way, try not to tie your hair back until it has fully dried. It will affect an already delicate scalp and potentially snap your hair at the sight where the hair tie sits.
Styling Tips That Flatter Changing Texture
Now, styling is just as important as your overall routine. It’s important to understand that hair over 50 really benefits from movement. Soft layers and gentle waves are a great idea to prevent dead weight. Think of styles that encourage lift at the crown because they create the illusion of fullness.
Low-tension styles are still important, especially if thinning is more noticeable around the hairline. Avoid tight ponytails or anything that pulls consistently at the same areas. Lightweight mousse at the root can also help to amplify body without weighing your hair down.
Scalp Care Is Even More Important
Healthy-looking hair won’t go very far without scalp care. We mentioned how the scalp can become drier or more sensitive with age, but did you know that this is also to do with the fact that circulation also changes with age?
This is why gentle massages during washing help improve healthier growth patterns. It will rewire your circulation and have your scalp feeling less sensitive over the long run.
You can use a silicone scalp massager or your fingertips. As long as you’re not using anything harsh or poky, it doesn’t really matter what you use. What matters most is that you do it consistently. Your scalp should feel comfortable and refreshed, not tight or irritated. When your foundation is healthy, your styling will become easier and your hair will respond better overall.
To sum up, haircare over 50 doesn’t mean you should chase what your hair used to be. You can have beautiful hair while supporting what your hair is like right now.
Build your ageless hair stack with The Runway Looks and keep your hair looking luscious, no matter the number.