The Non-Negotiable Hair-Care Steps for Women Over 50 (2025)

Plus, expert-recommended products.

• Allie Hogan

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As we age our hair starts to feel and look different and new concerns may pop up. “When things start changing, it can feel unnerving for clients, so I try to map out the issues with them and make a solid game plan with a customized at-home care routine that works with their ability and lifestyle,” says head spa specialist at Mark Ryan Salon Nic Cichocki. If you don’t have access to your own personal hair specialist, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

With all the hormone shifts and hair changes comes reduced sebum production, increased scalp dryness and sensitivity and hair thinning. “This is why your routine should be more gentle, but also more intentional,” says trichologist Angela Onuoha. Everyone’s hair is different, so your routine should be tailored to your needs, but we have some general guidance to help get you started. We asked the experts to sort out some non-negotiable hair-care routine steps some that are not a must but come highly advised, along with product recommendations.

Featured experts

• Nic Cichocki is a head spa specialist at Mark Ryan Salon
• Angela Onuoha is a trichologist
• Adir Abergel is a celebrity hairstylist
• Samantha Bentson is a celebrity hairstylist

Must: Shampoo and conditioner

Although aspects of your hair-care routine may change as you age, the basics, like cleansing and conditioning your hair, remain the same. Celebrity hairstylist Adir Abergel recommends using a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and a hydrating conditioner a couple of times a week, “just enough to keep the scalp clean and balanced.” He notes that the key is finding the right formula for you.

“Everyone’s hair is different, so tailor your routine and products to your texture. Fine or oily hair might need to be washed daily and keep conditioner mids to the ends,” says Abergel. “Dry or textured hair may require less frequent washes and conditioner all over.”

Similarly, Onuoha suggests grabbing a shampoo that targets your main concern, “for example, one that’s soothing or one that’s formulated to help increase or give the illusion of increased density.” As for a conditioner, she recommends a softening formula “since the hair fiber naturally loses lipids and its elasticity with age, making it feel more stringy and rough.”

Ones to try: Nioxin Hair Fall Defense Shampoo ($29), Alterna CAVIAR Anti-Aging Clinical Densifying Shampoo ($38), Act + Acre Stem Cell Conditioner ($42) Arey The Shower Duo Shampoo and Conditioner ($80)

Must: Brush your hair carefully

Back in the day, you may have been able to run a brush through your hair quickly with little consequences, but as we age, that becomes more and more detrimental. Onahua says you must handle your hair with care. ”Aging hair is often more fragile, so tools play a huge role in preventing unnecessary hair damage.” Choose hair tools that are designed to promote hair health for this chapter in your life.

Ones to try: Tangle Teezer The Ultimate Detangler Extra Gentle ($16), Manta Anti-Breakage Hairbrush ($35)

Recommended: Scalp product

Scalp care is a foundational part of any hair-care routine. “Healthy hair is dependent on a healthy scalp, so taking the time to nurture your scalp and address any acute concerns like dandruff, oiliness, hair fall or irritation can go a long way in growing healthy, strong hair,” says Cichocki.

Your go-to scalp product should be tailored to your needs, while some may need an exfoliating scrub, others might benefit from “a soothing lightweight serum with ingredients like niacinamide, panthenol, aminexil or peptides to support the scalp barrier and follicle function,” says Onuoha.

Ones to try: Nioxin Scalp Purifying Exfoliator ($26), Philip Kingsley Overnight Scalp Barrier Serum ($43), Augustinus Bader The Scalp Treatment ($90), Briogeo Scalp Revival Rosemary Pre-Wash Scalp and Hair Oil ($32)

Recommended: Scalp massage

Abergel recommends throwing a scalp massage into your routine. “Just a minute or two helps stimulate blood flow and lets the product really soak in,” he explains. Onuoha says this culminates in a healthier follicle environment.

Recommended: Density booster

If you’re experiencing hair thinning, a density booster could be a game changer, says Abergel. Whether it’s a spray, serum or shampoo, the experts advise folding an anti-fall, density boosting or thickening product into your routine.

Ones to try: Virtue Flourish Density Booster ($50), The Rootist Densifying & Thickening Serum for Thinning Hair ($58), Rodan + Fields DENSIFYING Treatment ($56), Dove Scalp + Hair Therapy Density Boost Serum ($10)

Recommended: Hair mask

“Hydration and protection are everything. Hair naturally gets drier and more fragile with age, so using products that keep it strong and soft is key,” says celebrity hairstylist Samantha Bentson. Abergel advises treating your hair to a rich deep conditioning mask weekly to keep it strong and hydrated.

“Treat your hair like you treat your skin—it needs consistent care to stay healthy and hydrated. That means nourishing products daily and a hair mask once a week,” says Abergel. “When you’re over 50, your hair can start to feel a little thinner and drier. We lose elasticity and luster in our hair as we age, so you need extra nourishment to keep your hair looking vibrant and healthy.”

Ones to try: Unite 7SECONDS Masque ($53), Virtue Restorative Treatment Mask ($34), Harklinikken Hair Mask ($56), Better Not Younger Hair Redemption Restorative Butter Masque ($36)

Recommended: Sleep on a silk pillowcase

Abergel suggests sleeping “on a silk pillowcase, especially if you color or heat-style—it makes a real difference in the vibrancy of hair.” Plus, it’s also good for your skin.

Ones to try: Slip Silk Pillowcase ($105), Hill House Home The Sisi Silk Pillowcase ($98) Blissy Silk Pillowcase ($106), Casaluna Silk Pillowcase ($30)

Recommended: Bond repair treatment

Incorporating a bond repair treatment into your routine can help restore hair’s structure from the inside out, says Onuoha. This step is especially beneficial for those who uses chemical services or have damaged hair, she adds.

Ones to try: LolaVie Intensive Repair Treatment ($35), K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask ($75), Olaplex No. 3 Hair Perfector ($30), Nexxus Intense Bonding Treatment ($18)

Recommended: Frequent haircuts

Abergel recommends keeping up with trims every couple of months to help keep hair healthy and avoid split ends. Find a hairstylist that understands your hair goals. “It’s essential to work with a stylist who is your collaborator and celebrates your beauty no matter what age you are,” says Cichocki.

Recommended: Pay attention to your overall health

Your hair changes could be an indicator of something bigger going on with your health, so Cichocki recommends “paying attention to overall health as a starting point for creating strong, healthy hair.” She says staying up to date on blood work, checking for hormone or gut imbalances and managing stress are essential as they can all affect hair health.

“One of the most powerful things I recommend is to get your hormones checked. If you’re noticing sudden shedding or progressive thinning, it’s worth having your doctor evaluate levels of estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, thyroid function (TSH, T3, T4) and vitamin D,” says Onahua. “Many women over 50 are dealing with androgenic thinning or subtle imbalances that affect the hair cycle. Addressing these things from within can support any topical routine.”