Nature gives you the face you have at twenty, it is up to you to merit the face you have at fifty.’ Coco Chanel
Hair
It does not get better than your 20s. When else can you bleach your hair like Scarlett Johannssen, mix vintage and off the rack with gay abandon (or bi or straight for that matter) and still look hotter than hot? Ayo Laguda, hair expert at Urban Retreat, agrees that your 20s are the time to be as experimental as you dare. “You can have an asymmetric bob or vibrant pink hair” he says. “It is about being individual, cool”
By your 30s and 40s a healthy lifestyle becomes more important. Ayo cites former client Christy Turlington’s hair as an example. “She does yoga and has a healthy diet, and that helps.” One of his tricks for keeping thick hair like hers in good condition is to use bottled mineral water as a finishing rinse. “While researching my new product line, I found that if you are in Cornwall or New York, the water is softer than in London and your hair feels softer as a result.” Wash your hair as normal, rinsing out all shampoo and conditioner, then tip a bottle of mineral water over it slowly.
Conditioning your hair effectively is important whether you are in your 20s or over 50. Philip Kingsley, trichological expert at Urban Retreat, argues that whilst hair does become slightly finer as we age, the most dramatic change comes from the fact that we tend to colour it more thereby exposing it to more harmful chemicals. It takes courage not to succumb to the lure of the silver foil as coarser textured grey hair seems to take over, although it can look stunning on the few who dare. For those of us who rush to the salon at the first sign of salt and pepper, Kingsley suggests using a Scalp Mask once a week, and daily shampooing and conditioning whatever your age.
As for the style of your hair, “Do not listen to anyone who tells you to cut your long hair off as soon as you hit 35,” argues Ayo. “It is your crowning glory. Do not lose your sense of who you are.” Long hair looks great on older women, even when it is silvery-grey, plus as Ayo points out it allows you to create versatile styles like chignons or glamorous waves.
Ageless Hair Essentials:
Afrodisiac Texture Control
Designed with Ayo’s friend and client Sade in mind. It is like a finishing moisturiser with a bit of hold to define thick curls.
Philip Kingsley Elasticizer
Celebrating its 25th year, this conditioning cream is an absolute must-have for glossy, healthy hair throughout your life, giving UV protection and a silky texture.
Bumble & Bumble Tonic Lotion
This tonic feeds the scalp and roots, it lubricating, detangling and cooling with Tea Tree oil and Peppermint to enhance the performance of all other styling products.
Wella SP 3.5 Energy Serum
Proven to reduce hair loss by 37% after 90 days, Energy Serum is an intensive treatment for genetic and temporary hair loss.
TREAT: Philip Kingsley Hair Spa Treatment £25 which includes a shiatsu massage and a shampoo and condition, for ultra-glossy locks. Available at Urban Retreat and U.R.Beautiful.