Anti-ageing hair tips

Before you ring up for an appointment for Botox or fillers, go to see your colourist. Your hair colour should not be giving away your age. It is one of the first things people notice about you.

I asked Louise Galvin, colourist extraordinaire whose client list is packed with names of the great and good, although she is too discreet to speak about them, for her advice.

Louise Galvin

What are the biggest mistakes older women make when dying their hair?

“Women either go too dark or too blonde, or are not prioritising the condition of their hair.” 

Other hair faux pas women make?

“There is a myth that as a woman ages, she has to go shorter. This is not the case. 

“I see too many women with very short hair that can be too high around the neck and around the ears. This look is too severe. Or, I will see women with very long hair, in really bad condition. It is the texture and the condition of our hair that is important as we age.”

How do you determine what the most natural shade is for a client’s skin tone?

“I need to take a few things into account when I meet a new client. Eye colour, skin tone and the natural base of the [hair] colour. One should aim to stay within three shades of this, going either lighter or darker.”

When should you go lighter and when should you go darker?

“This does depend on the skin tone. It is always more flattering to have a lighter shade around the hairline.”

How do you avoid becoming “pension” blonde or “menopausal” auburn? (You often see brunettes end up this funny shade.)

“Often when one gets older one can lose sight of the most flattering shade. This is the moment that I recommend you should go to a professional, to choose the right colour.”

Is red a no-no for more mature women?

“Definitely not. If you were a redhead in your 20s and 30s, then the natural red will fade over time as your skin tone changes. It would be advisable to go for a more golden red than a vibrant red.”

When do you stop highlighting and have an all-over tint?
“I would advise when 60 per cent to 70 per cent of your hair is grey.”

How do you correct a bad colouring job?
“Normally, the biggest mistake is when people go too dark e.g. a shade too red, or too brown. I would recommend using my Colour Remover (£14.95, louisegalvin.com), as this will lift the colour and allow you to correct and go back to your original colour.

"Or, if the highlights are too brassy, I would recommend a silver shampoo/ conditioner. Philip Kingsley Pure Silver Shampoo (£17, Daniel Galvin) is a great product that adds shine to highlights.”

How to prevent processed hair looking dull and dry?
“Always use a masque at least once or twice a week. My masques (louisegalvin.com) have been formulated to nurture, hydrate and preserve coloured hair. 

“Ensure your colourist doesn’t take colour all the way from the ends of your hair to the roots, as this will really make your hair suffer. It is all about condition, condition, condition.”

If you want to dye your hair at home what should you do to keep it looking natural?

“Seek professional opinion to find out the exact colour of your natural hair and then choose your hair colour equivalent.

“Most mistakes are made when someone thinks they are light brown, but are actually a dark blonde. This will end up looking too dark and harsh.”

Who should go grey?

“Women in their 70s and 80s that have a glorious silver tone to their hair. The snow-white look is stunning on the right skin tone. It also depends on the shade of grey.”

By Daralyn Danns