The best hair-care routine can and should be simple. That’s true not only for busy, calendar-packed people but also for older adults who increasingly prefer low-effort styling.
To get to the essentials, we spoke with Wiput "Tate"Jaruthamakorn, co-founder of Roof Hair Salon, about the foundation of healthy hair, small daily details for hair care, such as the right way to wash, how to choose the right style for older adults and how to deal with hair loss and thinning. (Story continues below)
The foundation of healthy hair
Health starts from the inside. Good food. Proper sleep. Adequate exercises. These are also the foundation for hair health from the inside. From the outside, extra care or treatments depend on each person’s hair and lifestyle.
Hair health also depends on the scalp and the roots. Treat the scalp like facial skin by keeping it hydrated. For the roots, this is where our hair grows from. The roots, as we age, might naturally deteriorate, producing finer, less lustrous hair.
What is healthy hair anyway?
Healthy hair, by Wiput’s definition, is not the ultra-smooth, silkly look shown in commercials. “That's a misconception. There was a time where everyone wanted straight and shiny hair and ended up doing hair straightening,” he said.
Instead, healthy hair is hair that suits your personality and makes you feel good. It should be manageable, not hinder daily life and not accelerate thinning or balding.
Everyday habits that are damaging hair
Hair accumulates wear every day, and what matters is how we treat it afterward. When washing, Wiput advised applying shampoo to the scalp rather than the strands, since oil build-up on the scalp is what needs removing most. The shampoo will naturally run down to the strands as we rinse.
The conditioner should follow every wash. It helps neutralise the scalp's pH, which turns mildly alkaline during washing as the cuticles open to release built-up residue. Skipping conditioner leaves the cuticles open, causing long-term damage many people mistake for volume. "Everyone should use and understand the different types of conditioner," he said, noting that particle size varies to suit different hair types.
Hair is most vulnerable when wet. It should be handled gently. Squeezed with a towel rather than rubbed, with rubbing reserved only for the roots if needed.
Air-drying, even in Thailand's climate, is not advisable, as a damp scalp can lead to bacteria build-up. Blow-drying should focus on the scalp rather than the ends, and heat should be kept moderate. A lower-power dryer can be used closer to the head instead.
Beyond these basics, care is largely down to the individual. Those who bleach frequently may need a soothing serum, while those with thinning or loss should consider targeted treatments.
Should you be concerned about hair dyeing as you age?
“Not saying this to get a customer or anything. If colouring helps you feel confident when you wake and look in the mirror, go for it,” the stylist said.
In terms of chemical risk, nowadays there are products with natural ingredients and they try to minimise risks. Doing testing also helps the customer to know which ingredient to avoid and choose the products accordingly.
For those who don't want to constantly reapply to the roots every two to three weeks, he added that there are also alternative ways like highlighting. This method can blend grays rather than fully cover them, though bleaching still damages the strand.
Do different environments, outdoor and indoor, require different approaches to hair care?
Working outdoors requires constant hair washing due to pollution, best to use a shampoo that is suitable for using everyday. The ultraviolet (UV) ray increases the deterioration speed of the roots and dyed colours. For protection, wearing a hat or a headscarf can help. There are also leave-on serums that help protect against UV.
Working indoors, on the other hand, requires only two to three times of hair washing per week. The natural oil that our body produces helps moisturise our hair and scalp. Therefore, indoor people do not need to shampoo everyday. Even for people who exercise indoors. If it feels too sticky, washing with water will do.
Dealing with hair loss and thinning
Hair loss often comes with age. This is especially true for men who have high testosterone levels, which drive hair loss. For those whose hair loss just started, Wiput recommended treating it early on. While those who are too late, he said hair transplants, which have improved in terms of efficiency and also become cheaper compared to ten years ago, is an option.
Fortunately, thinning can be reversible. Consuming nutritious food will support the roots to create strong and thicker hair. Ultimately, if thinning begins, it is advised to consult a doctor. In terms of hairstyle, shorter styles tend to make the hair look fuller. If the top is thinning, keeping the side short helps create balance. In the end, a stylist can decide which one suits the customer the best.
The most suitable hairstyles for older adults
“We tend to let go more when we age. There are no trends to follow. And we don’t need to feel we must belong to a certain group nor do we feel the need to keep it professional anymore. In terms of hairstyle, there are no specific rules, but they must be easy to maintain,” the salon founder said.
For hairstyles, they must be easy-to-maintain for elderly. This is why older adults tend to pot for shorter or lighter styles as they are low maintenance in terms of daily care and frequency to visit salons.
