You can love your hair at 60, 70, and beyond—gray, silver, salt-and-pepper, or dyed-without-an-apology. Your hair will change with age, but that doesn’t mean you lose your style. It just means you play with new rules—and win. Ready to make your hair look healthy, modern, and like you on your very best day? Let’s do it.
What Actually Changes With Hair After 60
Your scalp produces less oil, so hair can feel drier and rougher. You may also notice thinner strands and less density overall. That means your old routine might not cut it anymore. You’ll also see texture shifts. Curls loosen or tighten. Straight hair may get wispy. Grays can feel wiry because they have less pigment and fewer protective lipids. Annoying? Sometimes. Fixable? Absolutely.
Moisture Is Your New Best Friend
You want hydration without heaviness. That balance makes hair swingy, not sticky.
- Switch to gentler shampoos: Look for sulfate-free formulas with glycerin, aloe, or oat. Wash 2–3 times a week, not daily.
- Condition like you mean it: Use a creamy conditioner every wash. Start mid-shaft to ends and finish with a quick scalp-friendly pass.
- Mask weekly: A hydrating mask with shea butter, argan oil, or ceramides makes a real difference in softness and shine.
- Leave-in products: A lightweight leave-in conditioner or milk keeps frizz down and gives hair slip.
Pro Tip: Layer Light
Apply a leave-in, then a pea-sized amount of cream or serum to the ends. Add more only if needed. You can always add product—you can’t un-goop it.
Volume Without Teasing It to Death
Thinner hair happens. You don’t need a helmet of hairspray to fight it.
- Use volumizing shampoos and mousses: Look for rice protein or panthenol. They add lift without crunch.
- Blow-dry smarter: Flip your head for the roots, then smooth the ends with a round brush. Keep the nozzle pointing down to avoid frizz.
- Try strategic layers: Ask your stylist for soft, face-framing layers that add movement, not bulk.
- Color for dimension: Subtle highlights or lowlights create the illusion of fullness. Think “sunlit,” not “striped.”
Thinning at the Part?
Try a root powder or spray that matches your hair color. It camouflages the scalp and makes hair look thicker in five seconds flat.
Gray Hair: Glow Up, Don’t Cover Up
You can embrace gray or color it—your hair, your rules. If you keep it gray, focus on shine and tone.
- Use a purple or blue shampoo: Once a week, it neutralizes yellowing and keeps silver bright.
- Boost gloss: A clear gloss or glaze every 6–8 weeks adds reflection and softness.
- Protect from heat: Gray hair scorches faster. Use a heat protectant and keep tools at the lowest effective temp.
If You’re Coloring, Keep It Low-Maintenance
– Go for soft, blended highlights or a smudged root to reduce constant touch-ups. – Consider demi-permanent color for shine and less damage. – FYI: Over-darkening can look harsh against mature skin tones. Warm up the shade slightly for a softer look.
Scalp Care = Hair Care
Healthy hair starts at the hairline. A happy scalp equals better growth and better styling days.
- Exfoliate gently: Use a scalp scrub or a silicone brush once a week to lift buildup and stimulate circulation.
- Moisturize: If your scalp feels tight or flaky, apply a light, non-comedogenic oil like squalane or jojoba before bed and wash in the morning.
- Mind your parting: Shift your part to prevent sun exposure in the same spot. And yes, use scalp sunscreen at the hairline.
When to See a Pro
If you notice sudden shedding, patchy loss, or scalp irritation, book a dermatologist. Treatments like minoxidil, low-level laser devices, or prescription options can help. Waiting rarely makes it easier, IMO.
Tools and Techniques That Show Respect
Your hair has earned some courtesy. Handle it kindly, and it will behave better.
- Choose the right brush: Use a wide-tooth comb on wet hair. Switch to a boar/nylon mix for smoothing without breakage.
- Towel dry the right way: Blot with a microfiber towel or cotton T-shirt. No rough rubbing unless you enjoy frizz.
- Lower the heat: Keep blow dryers under 300°F/150°C and styling irons under 320°F/160°C for fine or gray hair.
- Sleep smart: A silk pillowcase reduces friction. A loose scrunchie bun keeps ends from tangling.
Styling Shortcuts That Work
– Air-dry with a curl cream if you have wave. Scrunch, don’t brush. – For straight hair, apply mousse at roots and a lightweight serum on ends, then rough-dry with fingers. – Dry shampoo is your friend on day two or three—adds lift and saves time.
Cut and Style: What Actually Flatters
Forget “age-appropriate.” You want face-appropriate and lifestyle-appropriate. The right cut makes hair look fuller and livelier.
- Chic short: Pixies and cropped bobs highlight cheekbones and keep maintenance easy.
- Lived-in bob: A jawline or collarbone bob with soft layers gives swing and volume.
- Long and layered: Keep the ends blunt for thickness, add light layers near the face for movement.
- Bangs, strategically: Wispy bangs soften lines and bring attention to the eyes. Curtain bangs? Still very in.
What to Tell Your Stylist
– Your hair goals: fullness, softness, easy styling. – Your problem areas: cowlicks, thinning at crown, frizz at nape. – Your daily reality: 5 minutes or 25? Be honest so the cut fits your life.
Nutrition and Supplements: The Inside Job
Hair loves protein, iron, zinc, and vitamins D and B12. Hydration matters too—dry hair often starts with a dry body.
- Eat the rainbow: Salmon, eggs, beans, leafy greens, berries, nuts. Boring? Maybe. Effective? Yes.
- Protein check: Aim for a serving at each meal to support growth and strength.
- Talk to your doc: If shedding bothers you, ask about labs for iron, thyroid, vitamin D, and B12.
- Supplements: Biotin isn’t magic for everyone. A well-rounded hair supplement can help, but clear it with your healthcare provider first.
Common Mistakes That Age Hair (Faster Than We Do)
- Over-shampooing: Strips moisture and makes hair frizzy and fragile.
- Heavy, sticky products: Weigh hair down and kill movement.
- Too-dark or too-ashy color: Can wash out the complexion. A hint of warmth looks fresher.
- Skipping trims: Split ends travel upward and thin the look. Trim every 6–10 weeks.
- Neglecting the scalp: Buildup blocks shine and volume. Treat it like skin—because it is.
FAQs
How often should I wash my hair after 60?
Aim for 2–3 times a week. If your scalp feels oily, add a gentle midweek rinse with conditioner on the ends. If it feels dry, stretch washes and lean on dry shampoo at the roots.
Can I still use heat tools?
Yes—just use a heat protectant and lower temps. Keep irons around 300–320°F max and don’t park the tool on one spot. Short, quick passes win.
What’s the best haircut for thinning hair?
A collarbone bob with soft internal layers creates lift without looking choppy. Add a slightly blunt edge to make ends appear thicker. Root-lifting mousse helps finish the job.
Is gray hair actually coarser?
It often feels coarser because it lacks pigment and lipids, which reduces slip. Regular conditioning, gloss treatments, and a weekly purple shampoo keep it smooth and shiny.
Do hair growth supplements really work?
They can help if you’re deficient in key nutrients. But they won’t override genetics or medical issues. Check labs with your doctor first, then consider a reputable supplement if needed, FYI.
How do I transition to gray without hating the mirror?
Blend with highlights and a smudged root instead of going cold turkey. Use purple shampoo to keep tone fresh. Hats and headbands on awkward days? Totally allowed.
The Bottom Line
Your hair over 60 doesn’t need more rules—it needs smarter ones. Hydrate, protect, and pick cuts and colors that make styling easy. Treat your scalp kindly, eat for your hair, and keep your sense of humor. Gorgeous hair at any age isn’t a myth—it’s maintenance with attitude, IMO.