Tim Rogers knows midlifer hair. He knows about the thinning, the frizz and the grays.
A national hair care expert as well as Living Proof's Creative Director and editorial hairstylist for publications such as Vogue, Vanity Fair and InStyle, he also knows midlifer hair woes.
"People over 40 work harder at styling their hair, which leads to even more drying going on and more damage from heat," says Rogers.
"It makes the hair more and more compromised and more prone to breakage and even more unmanageable," he says.
"It's the perfect storm of damage, breakage and dehydration of your hair," he says.
These days Rogers loves a product called Living Proof No Frizz.
What can midlifers do to have shiny, glossy locks that are frizz-free, shiny, and luxurious?
Here's how you can have great hair days always.
Q: What do you like about Living Proof No Frizz?
A: "With living proof, there is a molecule that combats breakage, arrests breakage and heals the hair while it restores. It also protects against heat and UV. Even when you leave the salon with the perfect blow out, there is still UV outside. This also creates frizz and breakage, which is a problem as you age and your hair becomes finer. This product is weightless, so it also helps prolong a style without compromising volume."
Q: Is UV really a big issue with hair?
A: "UV rays are a big problem as we age and we don't even really think about it. It's really so corrosive, especially when the hair is compromised by something else like a chemical or products. Even people who don't blow their hair out are compromised by UV light. You can't avoid it."
Q: Do you believe that you should switch shampoos every few days to avoid build up?
A: "That's an old wives' tale. If you're using something that protects your hair cuticle then you're safe in the knowledge that you're using the right product. You don't have to switch it up."
Q: When is your hair most vulnerable?
A: "One of the times when your hair is most vulnerable to damage is when your hair is dripping wet and you get out your hair dryer. You're literally boiling the water out of your hair. You need a protectant product. It's common for most people over 40 to just go from wet hair to blow dryer. You're probably not a wash and wear type of women."
Q: Do you think women over 40 should stick to grays hair or should you color it?'
A: "I think women can look very pretty grey. It depends on your skin tone and the tonality of the grey. Often what happens is women are very dark and their hair appears shocking to them when they get these silver hairs popping out, especially if you're dark. It's great if you can consult with a good colorist about keeping it if it looks good on you."
Q: What do you think about women over 40 trying one of the keratin treatments to get rid of frizz? If your hair is thinning is this a good idea?
A: "If your hair is fine, it can remove volume and you wind up with skinny hair. It can create smoothness for many women. It does make you have to style your hair less, so there is less blow-drying that's damaging. I'd say if you want to do this then ask for a very mild version and stay away fro your roots. I would air on the side of caution with fine hair."
Q: Do you believe in any hair supplements?
A: "I definitely recommend biotin. Check it out with your doctor. It speeds up the growth of hair, skin and nails."
Q: What is your best advice for ladies with a little thinning in the front?
A: "Get a little bit shorter of a cut and add a few layers. Try side swept bangs that give you more coverage. Talk to your stylist about switching your part or your style to hide the area. And think about your color. If you have very light hair, it might seem as if you can see right through it. A darker color might look like more hair."
