In the Superbowl of beauty, it's never a win unless you're having at least a passable hair day.
As a midlifer that can be rough. You have the grays, so you use color. That dries out your already dry hair. If you're like me, you've tried just about every product on the market and most just work marginally.
As your beauty detective, it's my job to test out what's new and report the few that actually do make a difference.
When I tried a product in a gray bottle called Eufora, I thought, "OK, bring it."
And guess what?
Finally, a product did bring the goods.
I use color and occasionally get highlights, so I tend to have hair on the dry side. Eufora shampoo and conditioner just took one try to have silky, glossy hair that looks like I just had a salon blow out. I feel even more in love with their Beautifying Elixirs Collection, which promises to repair damaged hair from the inside out…and delivers!
I had to get in touch with Don Bewley, co-founder of Eufora International and find out why this product actually worked. It turns out that Don is a 30-year veteran of the salon industry in addition to being a successful stylist.
He started Eufora with his wife Beth over a decade ago to create a top-notch product that was also eco-friendly.
Here are Don's tips for gorgeous hair over 40:
A: Don, these are amazing products and I'm quite skeptical because most hair products are nothing more than just soap. What makes your products work so well?
Q: "A lot of products either repair the hair or protect the color, but not both. Beautifying Elixirs is different because of the Damage Cure Complex and the Vibrant Color Complex, which repairs damaged hair and protects the color from fading. The Damage Cure Complex penetrates into the hair shaft to restore lipids, amino acids and critical nutrients and provide protection from future damage. The Vibrant Color Complex protects the hair fiber from oxidation and provides UV protection."
Q: What are your favorite hair tips for women over 40 when it comes to basic care?
A: "The bottom line for women over 40 is the same as anyone else. The hair has to remain healthy to look shiny and more youthful. It's hard to give an exact estimate on how often you should shampoo, condition, deep condition, etc. because that will depend on your hair type, not just age. Using quality products that don't weigh hair down and work to improve the health of hair is beneficial to everyone, especially women over 40. Also, there is petrolatum and other by-products that can be commonly found in some shampoos and styling aids. These ingredients do not allow conditioners to permeate the hair."
Q: Go on.
A: " The use of chemicals, such as hair color, can leave hair damaged. In addition to your regular shampoo and conditioning routine, I suggest that you use a clarifying shampoo at least once a week. I also recommend using a clarifying shampoo before going in for a color treatment to give the hair a clean canvas, which allows the color to permeate hair evenly. Many clarifying shampoos in the past left hair feeling like straw so it's important to look for a clarifying shampoo that contains anti-oxidants like litchi berry and chelating agents like meadow foam seed. These can be found in Eufora's Urgent Repair Shampoo. The ingredients won't dry the hair and improve the overall health of the cuticle."
Q: What are the challenges of keeping your over 40 hair looking like younger hair?
A: "Prematurely graying hair and having to get it colored often creates the challenge of maintaining healthy hair. It's important to use products that repair and protect the hair. Another challenge is hair that doesn't look like your daughter's hair. It's crucial to get a cut that provides both shape and movement to the hair."
Q: There is this on-going debate that women over 40 should just use color on their hair, but avoid highlights because they just fry your hair. What are your thoughts on this topic?
A: "It depends on the hair itself. If there is gray already in the hair, highlights make it look even grayer. The key with color is to go as natural as possible and stay as close to your natural color."
Q: What are your suggestions if your hair tends to look dry and lifeless post 40?
A: "There is no reason hair should look dry over 40 if you're caring for it correctly. Hair often mimics your skin. For example, if your skin is dry, your hair will most likely be drier and you'll need to deep condition more often in order to maintain moisture and shine in the hair."
Q: Any tips for women with thinning hair issues?
A: "If your hair is thinning, it's important to see your doctor to make sure it's not health related. Look at your diet, stress levels and medications because all of these will affect your hair. In addition, it's important to keep the scalp in tremendous condition. This is where your hair lives. Stay away from products that contain petrochemicals and Vaseline as these cog the hair follicle and can lead to fallout."
TOMORROW: TIPS FROM DON ON COLOR, STYLING PRODUCTS AND WHAT YOU CAN DO TO MAKE YOUR MAN'S HAIR LOOK HEALTHIER