In almost every society, healthy and luxurious hair is often associated with beauty, youth and good health. Maintaining healthy hair can thus play a vital role in improving our confidence, moods and standards of living. However, undoubtedly, as we get on in years, we may come across certain challenges when washing, cutting or grooming our hair. We may require additional aid or some routines to adhere to for the maintenance of healthy hair. Here are some on how tips on to preserve healthy hair in seniors.
Test the Water Temperature
Ideally, hair should be washed at the temperature of about 100°F. If the water is too hot, sebum, the natural essential oil of the scalp, may be stripped away. This often results in brittle and dry hair. In contrast, if the water is too cold, our hair and scalp cannot fully get rid of excess sebum. As such, you should always test the temperature of the water before washing your hair. Test the water using other parts of your body apart from your hands, like using your elbows since your hands are not as sensitive to temperatures.
If your loved one requires assistance or struggles to keep up with managing their activities of daily living on their own, such as hair grooming and bathing, Discovery Village At The Forum can help. Our senior assisted living community provides our residents with the aid they need and allow them to take part in their favorite activities and dabble in their hobbies. Our community also provides a plethora of services including round-the-clock medical care, regular housekeeping and help with managing medication by qualified professionals.
Use the Correct Products
When choosing hair products such as shampoos and conditioners, always prioritize their ease of use and safety. Pick the products that are generally mild or don’t cause irritation of the skin and scalp. If styling is required, choose products that can be easily washed out and will not cause unnecessary accumulation in the hair and scalp.
Eat Hair-Healthy Foods
Although a deteriorating hair health caused by age is inevitable, we can still do our part to care for our tresses. Your loved one’s diet can be changed and is also important in dictating the health of their hair. Foods such as spinach, tangerines, salmon and eggs contain significant amounts of vitamin E, B12 and C, omega-3 fatty acids and iron. These nutrients can assist in minimizing hair loss and promote healthy hair.
Skip a Day between Washes
While it is pivotal to upkeep a good hygiene routine, missing a scheduled hair wash could actually help with maintaining healthy hair. We may only need to wash our hair once per week as aging means that our scalps don’t produce as much sebum as before. The natural oils in hair can rehydrate our scalp and as they accumulate, the result is seemingly thicker hair!
However, some family members who suffer from dementia may develop incontinence and have toilet mishaps. This means your loved one should not skip a day between washes in order to avoid infections. If your loved one has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and require trusted memory care, our SHINE® Memory Care program can help. Our team members are experienced and professionally trained to care for residents with dementia and we will provide compassionate and comprehensive care for your loved ones.
