Forty-plus hair used to mean concealing the grey at any cost. These days, it’s less about colour than condition.
We all yearn to be members of the glossy posse. And while us oldsters may not seek to shine with the mirror-like reflectivity of TikTok‘s ‘glass hair’ trend, a spot of strategic gleam-getting can take years off us.
Who better as our authority on ageless sheen than Adam Reed, whom I met when we were both in our radiant early thirties. ‘Why is glossiness so desirable?’ I ask him, ‘and why can midlife mean the loss of it?’
He explains: ‘Gloss is essential for revealing dimension in colour, adding that beautiful lustre.’
We all yearn to be members of the glossy posse. And while us oldsters may not seek to shine with the mirror-like reflectivity of TikTok ‘s ‘glass hair’ trend, a spot of strategic gleam-getting can take years off us
However, as hair ages, it tends to absorb light instead of reflecting it. Adam says this change often occurs because the cuticles become ‘misaligned’. When hair turns grey, it becomes more transparent, making it even harder to reflect light.
To achieve a healthier appearance, he says that you need to seal the cuticle and add shimmer. ‘The best way to do this is through regular care for both your scalp and your hair,’ he advises.
‘Keeping your shape trimmed and avoiding excessive styling is important, as heat can further open up the cuticle. Then, boost moisture levels for a smoother finish, giving you the shine you’re seeking.’
The most obvious gloss guarantor from Adam’s brand, Arkive, is the Good Habit Hybrid Oil (£14, marksandspencer.com). Meanwhile, Adam’s Immaculate Hybrid Cleansing Fluid (£14, marksandspencer.com) helps care for the scalp, alongside his zingy menthol Crown Scalp Scrub (£14), and the protein, antioxidant and moisture-rich Root-ine Scalp Serum (£14).
Until recently, I had been wary of scalp products, being of the ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ school. And yet, middle-aged scalps will benefit from a degree of stimulation in the same way that middle-aged complexions will benefit from encouraging cell turnover.
The woman to change my mind was Saori Amos-Yeo, who offers scalp treatments at Michael Van Clarke’s Marylebone salon – therapies that the Japanese engage in weekly.
Saori uses a trichoscope camera to carefully examine your scalp and create a free, tailored treatment. And what a revelation to view your forest of tree trunk-style roots.
Then I had a Japanese head spa (£95, vanclarke.com). For 90 minutes, my scalp was scrutinised, analysed, exfoliated with fruit acids, steamed with fine water molecules, repeatedly kneaded and then re-analysed.
I learnt where I was doing well – sun protection and crown cleanliness, and less well – a lunatically tight and stressed-out scalp.
To achieve a healthier appearance, Adam says that you need to seal the cuticle and add shimmer
It also made my locks incredibly glossy. Talk about glass hair: mine was a disco ball. It looked as if we had applied some staggeringly luminous colour. Japanese head spas are now popping up around the country, so if you want to join the glossy posse, I recommend you seek out one that’s close to you.
Back at home, I have been deep conditioning with the Chris Appleton + Color Wow Money Masque (from £12.50, sephora.co.uk), which resuscitates dull, dehydrated and over-processed tresses. Rich in kale, algae and vegetable protein, it is the five-minute shortcut to luxurious, ‘spenny’ sparkle.
I’m also determined to give the semi-permanent Glaze Super Color Conditioning Glosses (£15.99, Superdrug) a whirl.
Meanwhile, I have become devoted to Necessaire’s new Rosemary Shampoo (£30, sephora.co.uk) and Conditioner (£30), which are so lustre-lavishing that stocks are already
running short. Its pure rosemary oil, plant proteins and ceramides add up to one stupendously shiny menopausal mane.
RACE YOU TO IT!
The latest addition to Avon’s scent range, Far Away Shine (now £13 for 50ml, avon.uk.com), is causing a stir for smelling luxuriously expensive while being budgetfriendly; never more so than at £13, down from £16
MY ICON OF THE WEEK: Kate Winslet
The actress admits that she is ‘pretty addicted’ to By Terry’s Baume de Rose Lip Care
The Titanic star has just turned 49. She relies on the Tracie Martyn Amla Purifying Cleanser (£91.07, Amazon.com).
Then, it’s either Lancome Advanced Genefique Sensitive Serum (£46), or L’Oreal Age Perfect Cell Renewal Serum (£13.99).
The actress also admits that she is ‘pretty addicted’ to By Terry’s Baume de Rose Lip Care (£33.60).
COSMETIC CRAVING
My skinfell apart last week: an allergic reaction rendering it tight, red, dry and flaky. It looked as painful as it felt.
Everything I tried made it more sensitive, until one application of the Athletia Phyto Sleeping Cream (£86, selfridges.com).
This completely cured it, so it’s no surprise the product is a bestseller, even if it does cost a fortune.
However, for a limited period, every purchase over £100 online or at Selfridges in London comes with a tote bag and five trial-sized products, including the Phyto Sleeping Cream, worth over £51.I will certainly be stocking up – and I recommend you do the same.
BEAUTY ADVENT CALENDER
Liberty Beauty Advent Calendar (£260, libertylondon.com).
The original, beautiful take: a £1,200 edit with Votary, La Mer and Lisa Eldridge.
Revolution Beauty Advent Calendar (£36, revolutionbeauty.com).
Slap and applicators worth £97 – utterly fun and desirable at every age. I want one badly.
Marks & Spencer Advent Calendar 2024 (£50 when you spend £35*, marksandspencer.com).
Stuffed with Aveda, Benefit and Color Wow goodies worth over £300.
The Fair Dr. Hauschka Advent Calendar (£115, drhauschka.co.uk).
I invest yearly, reuse the organic cotton bags and travel with the unguents.
OPI Holiday ‘24 Nail Lacquer 12PC Mini Pack Advent Calendar (£51.90, boots.com).
A rainbow of bold, witchy wonders inspired by the musical Wicked.
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