How To Take Care Of Black Hair At Any Age

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Dealing With The Stressful College Years? Focus On Your Diet

When college and work stress start to take their toll, it’s time to focus on your diet to improve your hair-care regimen. A healthy diet full of protein and iron (and supplements like vitamins B, C, E and zinc–and don’t forget water) can help undo the damage that stress can do to your hair.

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Turn Up The Volume After Your 20th Birthday

Did you know that your hair can start thinning as early as your teen years? To keep the volume you remember from your youth, try volumizers to thicken your hair when you’re taking a break from the bundles or protective styles.

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Post-College “Edgeucation”

Your 20s are when ongoing damage to your edges can catch up to you if it hasn’t already. It’s time to focus on loose styles and avoid tight braids, weaves and wigs that can stress them. If the damage is visible, talk to your stylist about edge-preserving products that will reverse the damage before it becomes permanent.

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Late 20s: Trim City

We all want to keep our length, but your 20s is the time to get on top of damage repair. Take care of your edges now, consistently trim your ends while your hair is still growing strong and you’ll set the stage for longer locks later.

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Embrace The Glow That Comes With Pregnancy

When you’re pregnant, hormones make your hair grow at warp speed. Embrace your thicker and shinier hair by pampering it with the use of natural oil to protect your new growth and embrace the glow.

You’ll also have to update your styling frequency to keep up with the new growth, or switch to a protective style if your growing baby bump makes sitting in the salon chair your least favorite thing.

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Battling The Post-Partum Fallout

When your hormone levels drop after the baby, your hair has a tendency to shed. It’s only natural. But you can battle the fallout by focusing on frequent deep conditioning, low-stress hairstyles, regular trims, and the post-pregnancy vitamins your doctor recommends.

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Battle Gym Damage In Your Late 20s

Don’t let your hair keep you from battling the bulge. Try these hair-saving techniques to keep your ‘do right and your hair healthy while you work it out.

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Get A Good Stylist In Your 30s

Now that you have the expendable income to invest in your hair, it’s time to make that move. The older you get, the slower your hair grows and the longer it takes to recover from damage. See a good stylist regularly who’s invested in helping you keep your length and shine in optimal condition.

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Stimulate A Mid-Life Growth Spurt

Our hair grows at a slower pace as we age. But using minoxidil at a two percent concentration can stimulate your hair to continue its youthful growing habits for longer. But be sure to talk to your stylist before starting the treatment.

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Battle Post-Menopausal Hair Loss

As your hormone levels drop after menopause, some women experience hair loss. If you see any thinning, it’s time to see your doctor ASAP. They can prescribe over-the-counter medications and hormone therapy that will retain the hair you have before the hair loss progresses too far.

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Getting Good With Gray

Gray hair doesn’t just look different; it requires special care. A daily leave-in conditioner will keep the fragile hair growing strong. You’ll also want to let up on the heat, which is extra damaging to gray hair.

Want to stay a silver fox and avoid yellowing? Switch to a clarifying shampoo or vinegar rinses to remove the mineral buildup that can discolor gray hair. Or, cover it up. But consider consulting a professional who knows how to tackle aging follicles.