Hair loss and unwanted facial hair are common complaints. Roughly half of all women experience some hair loss during their menopausal years. Two-thirds of post-menopausal women deal with thinning hair or bald spots. Does that make me feel any better?

When you know that hair loss is a widespread problem which you share with many other women, is it any easier to handle? Will we all go down with psychological distress and “impaired social functioning”?

Some hair loss is actually self-induced: The use of harsh chemicals in bleaches, straighteners etc or too-tight hair braiding.

Lovera Wolf Miller, MD, of the North American Menopause Society suggests drinking green tea, getting enough vitamin B6, losing weight, and using hyaluronic acid shampoo. All may be helpful in restoring some hair growth in about three to four months, she says. “Fortunately, the upsides outweigh the downsides of these treatments. There is little to be lost and much to gain”.

My Suggestions

• Cut your hair in short layers. Shorter, layered hair adds fullness and body
• Don’t use combs, but soft brushes and try to avoid things like hair spray. Using a god mousse or soft gel after washing can give your hair additional body without harming the hair.
• Always alternate shampoos – at least once a month.

It takes at least three months to see any difference. I don’t care – I’m starting today.

It’s not as though I’m telling you something you don’t know. Aging is a fact of life, and as we age, our bodies change.

But most of the changes are ones we’ve come to expect – slowing metabolism, loss of skin elasticity, the appearance of lines and wrinkles, and the development of gray hair.

Not only do we have different hair to contend with,  we have to find a different style, one that looks smart and professional without making us look as if we are desperately hanging to a semblance of youth.

Gray Hair : Along with gray comes other changes in the hair. As we age, our hair loses some of its elasticity, density and may develop changes in texture and wave pattern. Gray hair almost always has a different texture.

Your hair will need more moisture than in your youth, and you may find that your hair doesn’t hold a style as well as it used to.

Well, I don’t know about you, but my hair belongs to someone else. I woke up one morning and some stranger had exchanged hair with me during the night. (She swapped skins too).

Shorter Styles : So it’s farewell to my sleek shining hair, bye-bye to my blonde and a grumpy hello to the gray bits that are taking over. And time for a new style. A shorter style suits the face which is not so young anymore.

Above, Sharon Stone (50) in a short layered haircut, a fine formal mature hairstyle that looks terrific.

My mother and her sisters always said that as a woman grew older, her hair should be shorter.  This idea of older women  having shorter hair makes sense.  Firstly for convenience, because shorter hair tends to be easier to style and care for and, secondly, because so many short hairstyles are flattering to mature women.

Of course there’s no reason for women to feel restricted to shorter hairstyles as they get older. If it suits you – go for it! The important thing is that the style be flattering, and that it is appropriate to the type of hair you have. In other words, a classic hairstyle that would look good on you at 25-30 would probably look good on you at 50.

To your right, Susan Blakely (55), in a chin- length bob hairstyle with bangs.

The key is to avoid “trendy” hairstyles. When you see a style that you like  – and it’s being worn by someone considerably younger than you,  of course you aren’t going to run out and have your own hair done the same. But don’t instantly dismiss it as an option. Rather, talk to your stylist and discuss  the elements you like in the style.

Your stylist can then offer you a style that uses those elements, but which will suit you much more. Doing this can allow you to keep your look updated, without looking as if you are trying to look young.

For some women, gray hair is no big deal and they choose to go gray gracefully. For others (like me) it is a major issue and sends them running for haircolour.

There are many women who like the look of their gray hair, particularly those whose gray is of the silver or snow white variety, which can be very striking in certain styles. But a common complaint in women with this type of gray is that the hair sometimes seems dull, or lacking lustre. Gray hair can become yellowed due to a combination of environmental factors, product build-up, medications,  dietary issues and plain, old-fashioned age.

The solution to this problem is the use of shampoos and conditioners designed to brighten and remove yellowing from gray hair. These products use clarifying surfactants and bluing agents to remove residue and counteract the dingy tone. The result is silver hair that literally sparkles.

Pat Mitchell (65) in an excellent, slightly feathered, short haircut with lovely sparkling silver throughout.

Shorter Styles
A pixie haircut is very flattering to a not-so-young face and also gives you more time to spend on other things. If you have a fine-boned face it’s perfect.

Go Natural?
It’s fine and smart to go natural. A grey or silver mane can be absolutely stunning but it must be cut and styled well. It can be an arresting, exotic look so if you’re tired of colouring, talk to your hairdresser about going natural.

Colour
If you prefer to use colour, ask your stylist to use natural products. Once you start dyeing your hair, it’s preferable to go a few shades lighter than your natural color as this makes roots easier to deal with and generally will look softer and more flattering. You should also consider highlights.

Tips
Don’t shampoo too frequently if your hair is not very oily.

Let hair air dry by itself as much as possible. Heat from dryers, curling irons and hot rollers can cause damage. Use foam rollers if you want extra thickness and bounce.

Use a gentle shampoo

Throw out any bobby pins that are beginning to lose their tips, uncoated rubber bands and teasing combs.

Have your hair trimmed regularly.