Anti-age your hair: yes, it’s possible!

Tips to anti-age your hair. Photo: Thinkstock

What’s not to love about summer?

The sun. The pool. Salt water. But while we’ve been busy having a great time, our hair is exposed to a host of harsh conditions. Everything from chlorine and sunshine to straightening irons. Just like anti-ageing serums for your skin, though, there are plenty of ways to make hair look younger, and healthier, fast. Here’s a quick-glance guide to the expert’s solutions.

Help... MY HAIR IS THINNING
Treat it: Try Minoxidil. “It’s a bit like fertiliser for the hair,” explains Dr Rodney Sinclair, professor of medicine at the University of Melbourne and director of dermatology at the Epworth Hospital in Melbourne. “Minoxidil has been well studied, and there’s good evidence that it increases the diameter of each strand, the density of hair and the rate at which hair grows.” Some people can find the lotion irritating, Sinclair adds. Try it in foam form, which is available at most major chemists from $55.

Fast fix: Go short for summer, suggests hairstylist Neil Cleminson. “With shorter hair, the more layers you create, the thicker your hair will look.” For extra height, blow-dry upside down and use a volumising product at the roots, like Pantene Volume Booster Dry Shampoo ($9.99, supermarkets and pharmacies).

More: Anti-age your hair

Help... MY HAIR IS WEAK
Prevent it: Go easy on delicate strands, suggests Sinclair. “Cosmetic procedures such as bleach, perms and chemical straightening are best avoided,” he adds. “Also colouring your hair more frequently than every six weeks also tends to damage fine hair.”

Treat it: “Natural oils improve hair’s tensile strength,” says dermatologist Dr Paradi Mirmirani, a fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. They also help smooth the cuticle.” Support weak strands with coconut oil, using Dove Nutritive Therapy Nourishing Oil Care Conditioner ($6.49, supermarkets) and a weekly mask, like Muk Spa Argan Oil Repair Mask ($26.95).

Help... I’VE GOT SPLIT ENDS
Prevent it: Ditch shampoos with abrasive agents such as sulphates and sodium chloride, Cleminson recommends. And when you’re out of the shower, squeeze the water out, don’t rub. De-tangle strands with a wide-toothed comb and work your way up.

Treat it: A short trim is one solution - you can also fuse split strands (if temporarily). According to the Journal of Cosmetic Science, a complex called polyelectrolyte microgel has been shown to create bridges across the hair’s separated end. Once the water content evaporates, free ends close. Find it in TRESemmé Split Remedy Split End Sealing Serum ($9.99, supermarkets and pharmacies).

More: Your perfect sunscreen

Help... MY COLOUR IS FADING
Prevent it: Healthy hair holds colour pigment longer, says Cleminson, so stay out of the sun or wear a hat and use a UV treatment spray. Wash your hair infrequently and use products like Nourish Naturals Coloured Hair Shampoo and Conditioner ($13.95 each) designed to protect and extend your colour.

Fast fix: Revlon Professional Nutri Color Creme ($24.95, myhaircare.com.au) is like lipgloss for your hair. It will instantly boost colour, luminosity and shine in between salon visits. Very clever!

More: Flowers with anti-ageing benefits

Help... I CAN’T TAME FRIZZ
Prevent it: Break the blow-drying cycle. “The more you use electric appliances, the frizzier your hair will become, and the more you’ll need them!” Cleminson says. Use a diffuser? You can minimise frizz by not touching your hair while it’s drying.

Treat it: Raw keratin can rebuild hair’s keratin, acting like a zipper to bind structure and restore condition. Try bhave Deep Intense Conditioning Masque ($41.95) for instantly healthier-looking hair, and style with a smoothing serum, like L’Oréal Paris Elvive Extraordinary Oil ($19.95, supermarkets and pharmacies).

GALLERY: Real life makeovers