It’s no secret that as we age our hair changes in colour and texture (hello, frizzy greys!). And while we’re constantly bombarded with ways to prevent our skin from ageing (Moisturiser! Diet! Sunscreen!), we’re left wondering: Is there anything we can do to stop our hair from ageing?
To answer all our anti-ageing haircare questions – and some – we caught up with the stylist behind the most famous, and luscious, heads of hair, celebrity hair guru Jen Atkin.
There’s no better expert to chat hair with than Jen. Not only does she travel the world primping and priming the tresses of the Kardashians, the Jenners, Jessica Alba and Chrissy Teigen, she has her own successful haircare range called OUAI (pronounced way) sold through Sephora. That is, if you can get your hands on it; it sells out as soon as it’s restocked.
From tips to youthful-looking hair to why your shampoo and conditioner shouldn’t always match, read on as we pick the brain of the best hair stylist in the biz.
Jen Atkin (right) with Kim Kardashian and Kris Jenner.
How does our hair change as we age?
Your hair can lose elasticity so it breaks easier, which is caused by a dip in keratin levels. Hair can also start to grow in slower, the texture can change and become dryer as well. All are normal factors of ageing, so I wouldn’t get too worried since there’s supplemental changes you can make to slow or prevent these things from happening.
How can we stop our hair from ageing?
I really strongly believe that you will not see changes in your hair by just doing external remedies – you need to do internal as well. For years, I was sending clients to the health food store to get biotin, and fish oil pills!
Our *OUAI Thin Supplements formula includes ashwagandha extract, which is great for reducing stress levels (a major contributor to hair loss), and niacin – an ingredient that helps prevent blockage of cholesterol at the pores.
*This OUAI product isn’t available in Australia, so look for products that contain these ingredients.
These celebs have embraced their grey hair, but take note: there’s not a weak, frizzy, brittle strand in sight! Jen suggests doing a weekly hair mask as well as talking to your GP and a naturopath to see if supplements loaded with ashwagandha extract and niacin are right for you.
Can the way we wear our hair make us appear older than we really are?
Haircuts can make all the difference in your appearance. Make sure to consult with your stylist on what looks best on you given your lifestyle, age etc. You want to wear something that complements you – and never want your hair wearing you.
From lengthy locks to choppy lobs, Jen’s mane mastery ensures Chrissy Teigen never has a stylish strand out of place.
What haircuts and styles will make us look more youthful?
I always say it all depends on you; every cut is different for everyone. I’m loving a short, chic bob or even a lob, which looks flattering on just about anyone, and is easy to manage.
Looking for a ageless hairstyle? Jen says a long bob or a short bob, like Margot Robbie’s, will flatter almost everyone.
What are the biggest mistakes women make when it comes haircare and styling?
Most people buy their shampoo and conditioner from the same product line (Volume, Repair, Clean, etc) and don’t realise that you usually need a different shampoo and conditioner variety for each.
Fixing this common mistake can be the key to achieving your hair goals.
Aside from the right shampoo and conditioner, what 3 hair products should every woman own?
OUAI Treatment Masque at least once a week for deep restoration. If you’re crunched for time, apply to your strands pre-workout and braid in to let the nourishing ingredients absorb into the hair with the added heat from your exercise.
Christophe Robin Cleansing Purifying scrub with Sea Salt is a game-changer. I love using this a couple times a week for a nice deep-cleaning. It exfoliates the scalp and leaves you feeling refreshed.
The Dyson Supersonic Blowdryer is super lightweight, quiet, chic, with a powerful engine. This is the ultimate luxe blow-dryer. It’s so small and easy to travel with, and dries the hair so much faster than the traditional blow-dryer.
