One of the questions I frequently receive is “How do you keep your hair so healthy and thick at 54?” While I do attribute my locks partially to genetics, I’ve found using specific high-quality products is key to maintaining a healthy head of hair. Just like any part of your beauty routine, it's important to be consistent about how you care for your strands. My hair has always been super important to me and I do whatever I can to maintain its overall health! So, I’m super excited to share my latest feature in Who What Wear, “I'm 54 and Always Get Complimented on My Thick, Shiny Hair—Here Are My Secrets!” Read on for more!
It takes a village to keep my hair in good shape. When you’re in your 50s, the change in hormones can wreak havoc on hair growth. I’ve tried and tested so many products over the past year—from natural shampoos and conditioners to safer heating tools to collagen drinks and other supplements with purported hair and health benefits. Below are my best secrets to maintaining healthy hair at any age.
The Cut & Color
It all starts here! I go to Seama at L.A.'s famed Nine Zero One Salon for my cut and color. She's on the pricier side but is quite the perfectionist with hair. If you color your hair, I think it's most important to find someone you trust with the integrity and health of your hair. Find someone whose hair you admire in your area, and ask who they go to. Chances are you’ll be happy with the results!
The Products
Shampoo + Conditioner - Innersense’s Hydrating Cream Hairbath and Conditioner are two of the best hair products I’ve discovered recently. They are created with certified-organic plant ingredients and have an all-zero toxin rating on the Think Dirty app. Plus, my hair has never felt so clean and hydrated—even after one use! For a luxury brand, I’m also obsessed with Gloss Moderne’s Luxury Shampoo and Conditioner, and I like to switch between the two so my hair doesn’t get “bored” by using the same products.
Leave-in Conditioner - Reverie’s Milk Anti-Frizz Leave-In Conditioner. This is another clean hair product I recently incorporated into my haircare routine! Infused with coconut, olives, almonds, and other healthy extracts, Reverie’s nourishing treatment leaves hair feeling silky and smooth. I use it when my hair is feeling dry, which is quite often now that I live in L.A.
Heat Protectant Serum - Bogavia The Weightless Hair Serum. This heat protectant serum helps volumize and rehydrate the hair while protecting it against damage and breakage from styling tools. This clean, multi-use hair product has an incredible natural scent of Valencia vanilla and can also be used on dry hair.
Treatment Oil - Drybar’s 100 Proof Smoothing Oil. For added heat protection with shine, this treatment oil from Drybar helps damaged locks bind together again to prevent frizz and further damage. I like to use this product on the ends of my hair, and the brand's signature scent is incredible.
Texturizing Spray - R+Co’s TROPHY Shine + Texturizing Spray. This spray from R+Co adds the perfect amount of texture and shine. Plus, it can be used on all hair types. Using this product actually makes the hair appear thicker and adds instant volume. Apply it after drying to help you style or use it instead of hair spray.
Hairspray - Moroccanoil’s Luminous Hairspray. Moroccanoil's hair spray in the medium hold is perfect to use as the last step in your hair routine to achieve a flexible, lightweight hold for natural-looking styles. I love the signature scent, and I use this product as I’m stepping out the door for a little extra hold at the beginning of a long day or night out.
Dry Shampoo - Dry Shampoo by Ouai. When my hair is a bit dirty but I want to get in another day or two before washing it, Ouai's dry shampoo makes my hair feel and smell clean without leaving a white powder residue. I don't like to wash my hair more than three times a week, so I reach for this dry shampoo quite often.
SHOP Ouai, Dry Shampoo.
The Tools
Blow Dryer - T3’s blow dryer, “The Cura.” This dryer has a built-in ion generator that smooths out the hair cuticle for soft, frizz-free results. I love that this dryer is lightweight and digitally controlled with three heat speeds and two speed settings. T3 has been my go-to dryer for over 10 years now, as I find it dries hair quickly with the least amount of heat damage.
Curling Iron - OGÉ’s 5-in-One Curling Iron & Conair’s Double Ceramic Curling Iron. I like to use a wand curling iron about three times a week to put loose waves in my hair after a blow-dry. It makes your hair look thicker, too. A few favorites include this ceramic iron from Conair in Rose or for a more luxury product, this below set from Ogé.
Tip: See my IGTV on how to get natural, loose beach waves in under five minutes with a wand curling iron. My easy method is less damaging to the hair.
The Supplements
Collagen drinks and dietary supplements are all the rage these days, and there are so many good ones to choose from to help with hair growth and maintenance. I have road-tested so many products over the past year, and these stand out.
Hair Supplement - Hush and Hush Deeply Rooted hair supplements. These contain 2500 micrograms of biotin, which is the gold standard for hair growth and maintenance. They also contain other important daily vitamins and supplements like A, C, D, zinc, and niacin. Plus, they specifically target thinning hair, giving it the regrowth boost it needs.
Collagen - SkinTē’s Collagen Sparkling Tea. These teas have become a staple in my fridge. Each can of refreshing bubbly tea contains herb-based minerals and vitamins with 3000 milligrams of collagen. Since drinking daily, I’ve noticed a difference in the quality of my skin, hair, and nails. I also love that it's only 20 calories per can and infused with all-natural ingredients. You can purchase the cans by the trio or by a subscription package to receive them monthly. Use promotion code GLOWGIRL30 for 30% off your order.
Collagen Water - Vital Proteins’ Collagen Water. My go-to drink after a workout. These delicious collagen waters all contain 10 grams of bovine collagen and three grams of sugar or less with no artificial flavors. The collagen is sourced from pasture-raised cows in Brazil, and drinking them regularly could help benefit the quality of your hair, skin, nails, and joints. With six key flavors, you are sure to find one you love. My fave is Strawberry-Lemon.
Collagen Powder - Primal Kitchen’s Collagen Fuel Supplement Powder. This mix is keto-certified, paleo-friendly, and sugar-free. Each serving contains 10 grams of type I and type III bovine collagen peptides, which may help support hair, skin, and nail regeneration. I love the chocolate coconut flavor, and I add this powder to my lattes or post-workout smoothies.
Overall, getting regular haircuts every two to three months, washing my hair two to three times a week, and using all the best products, supplements, and styling tools make all the difference for maintaining healthy hair. And if you color your hair, it’s important to get it done from a reputable hairdresser who will not over-bleach or -dye your hair.
I hope you try some of these products and incorporate my tips into your personal haircare routine to help get the luscious locks you always dreamed of.
xxMelissa
Check out the full feature on Who What Wear HERE!
