As we age, the body, skin, and hair undergo several changes. The skin becomes thinner, loses elasticity, and produces less collagen, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and sometimes sagging. Age spots and uneven pigmentation may also develop due to sun exposure. Additionally, skin may become drier as oil production decreases. Muscle mass tends to decrease, leading to a decrease in strength and flexibility. Bone density may also decrease, increasing the risk of fractures and osteoporosis. Joints may become stiffer, and mobility may be reduced. And, hair often becomes thinner, grayer, and may even start to fall out or grow more slowly. Changes in hormone levels can also affect hair texture, making it more brittle or prone to breakage.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate hydration, and skincare routines, can help mitigate some of these changes and promote overall well-being as we age. And for redheads facing hair fading or dulling, it can feel like an identity crisis.
We get a lot of questions from redheads on how to embrace their changing hair. The aging process looks different for every redhead. In their 30s and 40s, some redheads may experience their hair starting to dull and fade into more of a strawberry blonde. Some redheads may experience the vibrancy of their red changing and their hair looking more brown. Later in life, it’s common for red hair to turn white instead of gray, but it all depends on your specific genetics. There’s no set time your hair will change, it’s all just part of the process.
So, what can you do about it? Should you embrace it? Or try and hold on to your vibrancy? Both options are valid, and there’s nothing wrong with either option. Here are some FAQ’s from Instagram and what we recommend:
How to embrace your changing hair
If you do want to embrace your new look, just remember that you’re still a redhead even if your hair isn’t as red as it used to be. That being said, the best way to embrace your new color is to find the fun in it. You’ve had vibrant red hair your whole life, and now it looks different. That just means you get to try something new. If your hair is fading unevenly, it might help to embrace the new color and have it dyed all over to match your new roots. This can help with the grow-out process, and won’t leave you hanging on to your old look.
Our point is to embrace the changes in your red hair as you age. It is a beautiful journey of self-acceptance and adaptation. Celebrate the evolution of your hair, recognizing it as a natural part of life’s progression. Adjust your hair care routine to cater to the specific needs of aging hair, experimenting with different styles and colors along the way. Whether you choose to enhance your natural red with (maybe) subtle highlights or embrace the emergence of silver strands, confidence is key. Maintain overall health to support your hair from the inside out, and wear your evolving red locks with pride, knowing they reflect your unique journey and experiences.
How to keep your red hair vibrant
If you want to keep your red hair vibrant, there are many options for that too! Color-depositing products, glazes and glosses are great for fading. Once your hair starts to go white or gray, you may want to have a professional dye job done to get it back to red. Just remember that keeping up dyed red hair can be a lot of maintenance, but it’s worth it if you love your color.
Maintaining vibrant red hair requires a few key steps:
1. Use luminosity shampoo: Like Finally Glossy®
2. Use a microfiber towel: Say goodbye to your old terrycloth towel, and swap for the How to be a Redhead Soft Microfiber Hair Towel
When drying your hair, opt to use a microfiber towel. Because wet hair is at its most vulnerable, this custom microfiber towel gently and carefully absorbs moisture from your red hair and dries it quickly, all while protecting it from stretching and breakage. This design is uniquely shaped to wrap all of your hair securely (no matter the length), with an elastic strap to comfortably keep things in place. Your hair journey starts here, redheads.
3. Cold water rinse: Rinse your hair with cold water after shampooing and conditioning. Cold water helps seal the hair cuticle, locking in moisture and color.
4. Protect from the sun: UV rays can fade hair color, so wear hats or use UV protection products when spending time outdoors.
5. Avoid heat styling: Excessive heat styling can damage hair and cause color to fade. Try to minimize the use of hot tools, and always use a heat protectant when styling with heat.
6. Use color-enhancing products: Invest in shampoos, conditioners, and treatments specifically designed for red hair to help maintain and enhance its vibrancy.
7. Regular touch-ups: Schedule regular appointments with your hairstylist for color touch-ups to keep your red hair looking fresh.
8. Limit washing: Washing your hair too frequently can cause the color to fade faster. Try to wash your hair only when necessary, and use dry shampoo between washes if needed.
By following these tips, you can help keep your natural red hair vibrant and beautiful for longer. But remember that it is your journey and no matter if you decide to go white or stay red, you’re a redhead forever.
Rock it like a Redhead!
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READ: Reddit User Shares How Much Her Red Hair Has Faded From Age 16 to Age 27