Q: What's the Best Shampoo for Aging Hair?

A celebrity hairstylist gives beauty advice on nursing drab, graying hair back to health

Why Hair Turns Coarse

"Something does happen to hair as one gets older which makes it harder to work with," says Ferro. Most of these changes result from hormonal fluctuations. "As women move toward menopause, textural changes and the problems they create are compounded as gray hair becomes more prominent." Grey hair has less pigment, which adds to coarseness, she says.

Next: How to care for it

Marie Ferro of Marie's Hair Studio

How to Care for Mature Hair

There are many haircare lines that target problems like frizz and dryness but are also geared specifically toward aging hair. A few examples to try: Phyto Phytocyane Revitalizing Shampoo, $24 and Phytocyane Revitalizing Serum, $50, which address hair thinning; Logics Age Revitalize Nutrient Radiance Shampoo, $24, and Conditioner, $24.50, ideal for color-treated hair; L'Oreal Professionnel Serie Expert Age Densiforce Shampoo, $18.99, and Masque, $26.99; and Dove Pro-Age Shampoo and Conditioner, $6 each.

Next: How to style it

How to Style Aging Hair

Ferro recommends using a chemical straightening service to smooth down the cuticle, a technique that provides more shine, less frizz and a less brittle appearance. "The straightening service should be done twice a year to control texture, shine and 'stylability,'" she says.

Before and after straightening, as well as once a week, treat hair with a deep conditioning treatment (like the Malibu Wellness Actives Relaxer/Straightener Pre & Post Treatment, $3.99), which contains fresh-dried, food-grade, natural vitamins, she says. This will "help maintain the healthy integrity of the hair."

Next: Non-chemical alternatives

Non-Chemical Alternatives

If you don't want to chemically straighten your hair, try using a blow-dryer or straightening iron (like FHI Heat Nano Salon Pro 2000 Hair Dryer, $200, or FHI Heat Technique Ceramic Ion Styling Iron, $169.95) with smoothing products like Phyto Phytobrush (a smoothing shampoo) and Phyto Phytodefrisant (a hydrating thermal protector) to smooth the cuticle and leave hair feeling soft and shiny, Ferro says. For added shine, rub a pea-sized amount of shine serum (like Marco Pelusi Marco Color Smoothing Gloss, $25) between hands and smooth over hair, concentrating on ends and flyaways.

Next: Ask another beauty question

Ask Another Beauty Question

Want more expert advice? Post your beauty questions on our Ask A Beauty Question message board or e-mail them to us at asktotalbeauty@totalbeauty.com, then stay tuned for more answers like these.

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