The BEST Hair Products & Tips for Women

What are the best hair products and tips for women? Have you ever been to a salon and the stylist effortlessly applies products to your hair and the results leave you grinning from ear-to-ear? Recommendations are made and you become convinced that the purchase will make you look like a million bucks! Without hesitation, you reach for your Gold Card and buy the magic potions. The next time you need to wash your hair, layers of product are added to your mane and blown dry. One look in the mirror is proof that something has gone terribly wrong! Ultimately, you end up looking just like Cameron Diaz after using Ben Stiller’s “special gel” in There’s Something About Mary! (If you haven’t seen this movie – it is a must watch!)

Let Me Help You Fix This Problem

I interviewed several cosmetology professionals to provide you with an ultimate list of their best products and tips. So, following their advice will help you look like you just walked out of a salon every time you do your own hair.

The Experts:

Laura DiPascale – Imago Salon & Spa

Denise Laethem – Licensed Cosmetologist; True Beauty Salon Suite

Maria Lucido – Licensed Cosmetologist; Sephora Skin Care Expert

Kelly MacKenzie – Licensed Cosmetologist; Chroma Salon & Color Bar

Alyssa Nawrocki – Licensed Cosmetologist

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What the Professionals Say We are Doing Wrong?

• Mistake 1: Using products that are not meant for your hair type. Moisture is important to combat drying hair as we age.
• Mistake 2: More product is not always better. Just as there are medication interactions, hair products can work against each other also. Too much product can weigh your hair down causing flatness.
• Mistake 3: Over-washing your hair. The common recommendation is to wash only 2-3 times weekly. This may be difficult for many of you. However, if you would like to transition, do it during the winter months because your scalp will be producing less oils.

Using a dry shampoo will extend the time needed between washes.  Philosophy Pure Grace or Moroccan Oil Dry Shampoo which comes in Dark or Light Tones both came highly recommended by the experts.

• Mistake 4: Over-drying hair or using the wrong hair dryer. The most highly recommended hair dryer is an investment that will pay off in the long run.

The Dyson Hairdryer decreases frizz, damage and drying time. In contrast, less expensive dryers take longer and cause dryness damage. It may be high-priced but it is worth it. Flip and dry upside down for thinner hair. Separate into sections and dry right-side up for thicker hair.

• Mistake 5: Using the wrong brush. Tangles and knots break and damage hair.

Wet Brushes  are used by most professionals as they do not damage hair and they detangle easily.

The BEST Hair Products & Tips for Women

It is easy to become overwhelmed with all of the choices available. This list will make it easier to choose products that are good for midlife hair.

Shampoos/Conditioners

The following recommendations for shampoo and conditioner can be used on all hair types. “The main goal, once over 40, is to keep the hair moisturized. Volumizing shampoos and conditioners dry the hair which results in color fading and damage”, Maria stated.

• Biolage Hydrasource Shampoo and Conditioner –  Gently cleanses, moisturizes and nourishes hair leaving it soft and healthy. Paraben-free.
• TIGI Copyright Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner  – All of these products contain coconut oil and keratin which promotes shine and revitalization. Ask your stylist about purchasing these products. Laura said, “My hair feels like satin.”
• Redken Color Extend Shampoo and Conditioner – Gentle cleanser and conditioner that replaces moisture and helps to retain color. Sulfate-free.
• Paul Mitchell Instant Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner – Color safe hydration that doesn’t cause any build-up.
• Living Proof Timeless Shampoo & Conditioner – Promotes healthy & shiny, ageless hair. Color safe, Sulfate and Silicone Free.

According to Alyssa, “The entire Living Proof Timeless line is superb for aging hair.”

• L’Oreal Serie Expert Age Densiforce Density Enhancing Masque – Deep conditioning for reinforcing structure, leaving soft, radiant, youthful looking hair. OMEGA 6. Apply a small amount after shampooing and then rinse.

The Best Hair Products and Tips for Women

Leave-In Products

Use products in rotation when washing; not necessary to use multiple products at once. Note: oils/creams are usually best for thick hair and sprays are usually more effective with thinner hair. If washing every day, it is recommended to use leave-in conditioners to replace what is washed away.

• It’a 10 Miracle Leave-In Conditioner – Strengthens, replaces protein and protects natural protein. Also,  protects against heat, restores hydration balance. Detangles, defrizzes and adds shine. Kelly said, “It helps with static that we all have here in Michigan during the winter. Could never live without it!”
• It’s a 10 Leave-In Conditioner is also Denise’s favorite product. She also stated that she likes all the products in this line.
• Moroccan Oil Intense Curl Cream – Absorbs into the hair providing hydration while giving shine. Argon Oil. “It is wonderful for aging hair”, Alyssa stated. She also said, “It’s an amazing line and I’m a big supporter of Moroccan Oil products!”
• Alyssa also recommended the Hydrating Styling Cream – Hydrates and eliminates frizz from drying.

The BEST Hair Products & Tips for Women

What Are We Doing Right?

In conclusion, after exploring this list, we have got it made! Thanks to these talented experts, we now have all of the tools needed to have healthy, beautiful, aging hair! So what are we doing right? Everything! Now if we only didn’t have to cover our grey!

Please leave a comment below; have you tried these products? What do you think of them? Do you have any other recommendations?

I look forward to hearing from you!

Please take a moment and browse some of my other articles, such as The Best Products to Keep an Empty Nester Busy. Similarly, keep a look-out for new posts about the best recommendations from professionals regarding skin care and make-up for women over 40.