This past weekend, I stopped by the Fab Over Fifty Beauty Bash (FOF), an interactive, two-day beauty event in New York City for the 50-plus aged woman, to hear Matrix Artistic Designer Franco Della Grazia giving advice about how to care for aging hair. During the two-day event, Franco says he spoke to more than 100 women about their hair woes, and he shares his insights here: "There was one recurring comment," he says. "They all wanted change. They wanted hairstyles that made them feel younger and not hairstyles that reminded them of their mothers." His advice to stylists working with older clients? "Listen!" he says. "Older clients know their hair; they’ve dealt with it for a quite a while. You must offer consultations every time your client sits in the chair. Just because your client is older doesn't mean she does not want something new and current. The reason why clients get bored is because stylists are not offering change or anything different, so don't get complacent."
When it comes to aging hair, Franco says the most common issues are thinning, loss of color and shine, graying and moisture depletion. To address these concerns, Franco advises stylists to use haircolor that has conditioning qualities like Matrix Socolor Dream.Age, which is specifically formulated for older clients, and to recommend a haircare regimen such as Biolage Rejuvatherapie Shampoo and Conditioner, which helps restore strength, suppleness and shine to aging hair. "Older clients should also use a mask once a week to rehydrate hair and avoid products that weigh the hair down but that give bounce," he says.
The event also featured makeup artist Paula Dorf, who provided makeup advise; stylist Mark Garrison, who offered haircuts; and Le Mystere, which provided customized bra fittings; as well as a number of other pros in the skincare, haircare, plastic surgery and wellness industries.