Hair Care as We Age

When Interlude Restorative Suites opened in Fridley, patients – or guests as they're called – quickly discovered a gem of a service to help them feel better during their short stay while healing from surgery or an illness. Just down the hall in this state-of-the art transitional care facility is an equally high-tech hair salon where the staff really know their stuff. And, the salon – Laurel Bay – is open to the public, too.
 
Helen, an Interlude guest, stopped by Laurel Bay after a physical therapy appointment. "My hair is graying, thinning and more brittle, I wanted some good advice," she said.  

Helen learned that hair grows from the inside out – and some of the better ways we can contribute to healthy hair are from the inside-out, too. Vitamins D, B and Iron are all important for maintaining healthy hair. As we age, hair can begin to thin, but deficiencies in these vitamins and minerals may also cause thinning. Certain medications also can affect the quality and texture of your hair, too.
 
Keratin is the fibrous protein that makes up our hair (as well as our finger and toe nails). With each passing year, the pigmentation fades, contributing to graying. Generally, Caucasians gray sooner than Asians, while people of African heritage gray even later. 
 
Brushing hair, whether or not it's the daily 100 strokes as our mother or grandmothers may have practiced, can help move the natural oils through the hair and stimulate the scalp. Coloring hair can also help improve texture and shine. A good hair stylist can help advise you on the types of color that might be best for your skin tone and your sought after 'look.' Many women opt for foil highlights when just starting to gray. Recent improvements in the salon coloring process add more dimension to hair color, and color can be layered in to be soft and complimentary.

We all know those rare individuals who have beautiful silver hair at an early age. While the decision to color is an individual choice, many of us can take  five to ten years off of our appearance by covering the  gray during middle age. Hair texture also can change with age. Redheads usually have the thickest hair shafts, while natural blondes often have finer hair.
 
When choosing a stylist, it is common to ask a friend whose style you admire for recommendations. Ask a stylist where he or she was trained, and seek recommendations for the best products to use. Many individuals now prefer more natural products containing plant-based ingredients. 
 
It’s helpful to try a new stylist at least three times before deciding to become a regular. The better a stylist gets to know you and your preferences, and full understands what works with your hair, the better the two of you can develop a look you not only enjoy, but one that works for your lifestyle. 
 
And once you find that right look, it contributes to your overall wellness and sense of well-being.  You feel better and look better. And that's a healthy way to live.
 
"As I recover, its nice to feel refreshed and renewed, too," Helen added.
 
Paula Claussen is the Aveda-trained hair salon manager at Laurel Bay Salon, located at Interlude Restorative Suites in Fridley. For more information, call 763-230-3151 or visit InterludeRestorativeSuites.org.