MomSkoop
As we age, our hair undergoes natural changes that make it more vulnerable to damage. What worked for your hair in your twenties might be silently causing harm now. Many of us continue habits that worked well for younger hair without realizing these same routines could be making mature hair drier, thinner, and more brittle. Understanding these common mistakes is the first step toward healthier, more vibrant hair at any age.
1. Scorching Hot Showers
Hot water strips away natural oils that mature hair desperately needs. Your scalp produces less sebum as you age, making those steamy showers particularly harmful for hair that’s already struggling to maintain moisture.
Try lukewarm water instead. It’s gentler on your scalp and won’t shock your hair follicles. A cooler rinse at the end of your shower can even help seal the cuticle, adding shine and reducing frizz.
Your hair will thank you for turning down the temperature dial just a few notches. This small change can make a significant difference in maintaining your hair’s natural protective oils.
2. Daily Shampooing Ritual
Washing mature hair every day removes essential oils your aging strands need to stay hydrated. As we get older, our scalps naturally produce less oil, making frequent washing particularly damaging.
Most mature hair thrives on a 2-3 day washing schedule. On non-wash days, refresh your roots with a quality dry shampoo formulated for mature hair. This approach gives your natural oils time to nourish your hair from root to tip.
When you do wash, focus shampoo on your roots and scalp where oil builds up, letting the suds gently cleanse the lengths as you rinse.
3. Rough Towel Drying
Vigorously rubbing wet hair with a regular bath towel creates friction that damages mature hair’s already fragile cuticle. This rough handling leads to breakage, frizz, and split ends that make aging hair look even more brittle.
Switch to gently squeezing excess moisture with a microfiber towel or soft cotton t-shirt. These materials create less friction and are kinder to your delicate strands. Pat rather than rub, working from roots to ends with gentle pressure.
Allow your hair to air-dry partially before using any heat styling tools. This simple change preserves your hair’s natural smoothness and strength.
4. Brushing Wet Hair Carelessly
Hair is at its most fragile when wet, especially mature hair that’s already prone to breakage. Using a regular brush on soaking wet hair stretches the strands beyond their breaking point, causing damage you can’t repair.
Wait until hair is partially dry before detangling. Start with a wide-tooth comb or a brush specifically designed for wet hair. Begin at the ends and gradually work upward to minimize stress on the hair shaft.
For particularly stubborn tangles, apply a leave-in conditioner or detangling spray first. Patience during this process saves your mature hair from unnecessary stress and breakage.
5. Skipping Heat Protectants
Heat styling without protection essentially cooks mature hair from the inside out. The damage accumulates over time, leading to permanently dried-out, brittle strands that no conditioner can truly revive.
Always apply a heat protectant before using any hot tools. These products create a barrier between your vulnerable hair and the intense heat of styling tools. Look for formulas specifically designed for mature or aging hair types.
Consider embracing heat-free styling methods several days a week. Overnight braids, twist-outs, or hair wrapping techniques can create beautiful texture without subjecting your mature hair to damaging heat.
6. Tight Hairstyles and Elastics
Pulling mature hair into tight ponytails, buns, or braids creates tension that leads to breakage and can even contribute to traction alopecia. Regular elastic bands cause additional stress by catching and tearing at already fragile strands.
Choose looser styles that don’t pull at your hairline or scalp. When you need to tie your hair back, use fabric-covered elastics or specialized hair ties designed to minimize damage. Scrunchies aren’t just back in style—they’re actually gentler on mature hair!
Vary your hairstyles to avoid repeatedly stressing the same areas of your scalp and hair.
7. Overdue Trims and Split Ends
Postponing regular trims allows split ends to travel up the hair shaft, causing damage that can’t be reversed. Mature hair grows more slowly and is more prone to splitting, making regular maintenance especially important.
Schedule trims every 8-12 weeks, even if you’re growing your hair out. These maintenance cuts remove damaged ends before they can split further up the strand. A professional stylist can recommend the right trimming schedule based on your hair’s specific condition.
Between salon visits, avoid picking at split ends, which can create more damage. Instead, use products designed to temporarily seal ends until your next trim.
8. Ignoring Scalp Health
Many people focus on their hair strands while neglecting the scalp—the foundation where healthy hair begins. A dry, flaky, or irritated scalp creates an unhealthy environment for mature hair growth.
Give your scalp the attention it deserves with gentle exfoliation once or twice a month. Look for scalp scrubs formulated for mature skin or make your own with brown sugar and coconut oil. Regular scalp massages improve circulation and distribute natural oils.
Consider adding a scalp-specific treatment to your routine, especially if you notice dryness or flaking. Healthy hair truly does start with a healthy scalp.
9. Chemical Processing Overload
Mature hair is more porous and vulnerable to damage from chemical treatments like coloring, perming, or straightening. Frequent processing strips the hair’s natural protective layers, leaving it dry, brittle and prone to breakage.
Extend the time between chemical services when possible. Consider transitioning to less damaging options like demi-permanent color instead of permanent dyes, or embrace your natural texture instead of chemical straightening treatments.
When you do opt for chemical processing, follow with intensive conditioning treatments. Products containing bond-rebuilding technology can help repair some of the damage caused by chemical services.
10. Cotton Pillowcase Friction
Traditional cotton pillowcases create friction as you move during sleep, causing mature hair to tangle, break, and develop frizz. The rougher texture of cotton also draws moisture away from your hair, leaving it drier by morning.
Switch to a silk or satin pillowcase that allows hair to glide smoothly as you change positions throughout the night. These smooth surfaces create less friction and help hair retain its natural moisture and oils.
For extra protection, consider loosely braiding very long hair before bed or wearing a silk bonnet or scarf. This simple bedtime change can make a noticeable difference in reducing breakage and maintaining style.
11. Nutritional Neglect and Hydration
Hair health reflects your overall nutrition and hydration status. Many don’t realize that skipping meals, crash dieting, or not drinking enough water directly impacts mature hair’s strength and appearance.
Focus on foods rich in biotin, omega-3 fatty acids, and proteins that provide building blocks for healthy hair growth. Dark leafy greens, fatty fish, nuts, and eggs are particularly beneficial for aging hair. Aim for at least 8 glasses of water daily to keep hair hydrated from the inside out.
Consider a supplement specifically formulated for mature hair if your diet has gaps. Always consult your doctor before starting any new supplement regimen.