Maintaining a healthy head of hair is a lifelong journey. With a few simple tips and tricks, you can keep your hair looking and feeling its best at any age. We spoke with Mateo Wood, the salon owner of Ahwatukee’s renowned Verbena, The Salon and regional trainer for Davines, to get expert advice.
The Foundation of Hair Health: A Healthy Scalp
A healthy scalp is the foundation for healthy hair. "A good balance of the skin microbiota is fundamental for a healthy scalp," explains Wood. This delicate ecosystem of microorganisms can be maintained through regular salon treatments and a personalized home care routine. Fundamental principles of healthy hair and scalp care, according to Wood, “include regular cleansing, moisturizing, gentle detangling, minimizing heat exposure and protecting hair from environmental damage.”
Diet and Lifestyle: Nourishing Your Hair from Within
Diet plays a significant role in hair health. A balanced diet rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals can nourish your hair from within. While biotin supplements are often touted, Wood emphasizes the importance of a balanced diet, including leafy greens and other nutrient-rich foods.“I recommend having a healthy balance of lipids – such as Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish like tuna and salmon – which directly impact the hydration of your scalp via the quality of sebum (hair and skin oil byproduct), antioxidants to scrub free radicals, and any supplement or diet that supports healthy blood such as leafy greens.”
Product Picks and Styling Tips
When selecting hair care products, consider your hair type and specific concerns. Opt for products free from harsh sulfates and parabens. To minimize heat damage, use a heat protectant before styling. Deep conditioning treatments and hair masks can help maintain moisture and repair damaged hair.
For gentle detangling, a wide-tooth comb is ideal, especially for wet hair. To distribute natural oils and add shine, a boar bristle brush is a great choice, says Wood. “Materials like some plastics and wood do make a difference in the tool’s ability to glide through the hair without unnecessary grip,” explains Wood.
Wood recommends the DEDE/ hair mist from Davines as a favorite salon product for hydration and remineralization. “It’s a delicate leave-in moisturizer for the hair, rich in mineral salts, gentle for daily use and features red celery extract,” he shares. “It is for someone who would like to increase hair hydration, reduce porosity, remineralize the hair, and who want to increase the absorption of other products.”
For a drugstore pick, he suggests the Wet Brush brand because they distribute products evenly throughout the hair.
Trends to Take Note
Keeping up with the latest and greatest can take its toll on your hair and your wallet, so where does Wood suggest investing?
“Trends such as scalp care products and sustainable, eco-friendly packaging are worth adopting as they promote healthier hair and a commitment to environmental responsibility,” says Woods.
Another trend is silk pillowcases and bonnets, which can be a game-changer for hair health. “They are beneficial as they reduce friction, prevent hair breakage and frizz,” says Wood. “Pure silk offers more benefits than satin, as it is more breathable and less absorbent, helping to retain moisture in the hair,” Wood continues.
Overall, Woods is a proponent of shopping local and promoting small businesses within our community. “Shop your local salons,” he encourages. “You will often receive better price points, professional advice and the joy of supporting small businesses.”
Age-Defying Hair Care
As we age, our hair evolves. Each decade brings new characteristics and concerns that require specific care.
“In their 30s, people should focus on maintaining hair health by using quality hair care products, creating a consistent regimen and promotion the health of their scalp through in-salon treatments,” Woods says. By their 40s, people may start to notice thinning hair, making it essential to use products designed to address this concern. Woods also suggests paying more attention to the seasons and how they affect the hair throughout the year during this decade.
As people move into their 50s and 60s, Woods says they should keep up with previous routines but add hydrating hair masks or oils to combat dryness and brittleness that often increase with age. He also shares that this age group sees the impact of hormonal and/or season hair loss. “Because of this change in density – the fullness at the ends of your hair – it may be time to consider cutting shorter than normal to reduce the appearance of thinning ends.” Gentle cleansing is something to take into consideration. “Gentle, sulfate-free shampoos help maintain moisture and reduce irritation.”
By incorporating these tips into your daily routine, you can achieve and maintain healthy, beautiful hair for years to come.
Verbena, The Salon
7720 S Priest Dr., Studio 7
Tempe, AZ 85284
480-744-5371
VerbenaTheSalon.com | @VerbenaTheSalon
“Trends such as scalp care products and sustainable, eco-friendly packaging are worth adopting as they promote healthier hair and a commitment to environmental responsibility."
When selecting hair care products, consider your hair type and specific concerns. Opt for products free from harsh sulfates and parabens. Deep conditioning treatments and hair masks can help maintain moisture and repair damaged hair.