Gorgeous hair for life!

Ever notice how the sun sparkles on a young girls' hair? We were all so fortunate once, but sadly, as we age our hair becomes dry, dull and eventually grey. Compound natural aging with blow-drying, styling, poor diet, stress -- it's a wonder more women don't lose their hair altogether!

To help keep our manes marvellous for years to come, I've enlisted the help of Michael Shaun Corby, Global Creative Director of products and Stephen Russell, Master Colourist at in Toronto's Toni Salon in Yorkville.

Q. Looking at younger women, I realize my hair is not nearly as lustrous as it was when I was their age. It also breaks easily -- something it never used to do. How can I bring the shine and strength back?

Michael Shaun Corby: Hair ages in several different ways -- naturally (due to natural aging), chemically (from styling), and environmentally (from the sun and harsh weather/temperatures.) Hair lacks strength, vibrancy and elasticity as it ages and loses that youthful shine and silkiness. Aging hair needs more than simple shampoo and conditioner to look healthy, so more complex products are necessary. Use collections of hair care products that helps minimize the signs of aging and improves the overall appearance of the hair.

Michael's product recommendations: Alterna's Caviar Anti-Aging products are infused with a patented technology called the Age Control Complex, which incorporates 3 key ingredients: Caviar Extract, a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids; Vitamin C, a proven anti-oxidant; and Cytokines to encourage microcirculation. These ingredients change the way the hair grows, making it healthier, not just look better.

Q. Turning 50 this year … what do I do with waist long hair, which is thinning, which I've had since university (25yrs ago) but I'm scared to cut off yet want to have a gorgeous maintenance free coiff . . . Do you have advice for me regarding how to approach the hair change and what to do ?

MSC: Shorter cuts that are at least above the shoulder are best for thinning hair. Layers can add volume and camouflage thinning hair by adding texture and depth. Waist-long hair will only accentuate the issue, so take the length up quite a bit and experiment with different styles. There are many thickening products on the market.

Michael's product recommendations: Alterna's Hemp Thickening Compound actually increases the hair's density while adding extra body. After applying a thickening product, blowdry hair for the most body and volume. You can also try to treat your hair with a product designed for thinning hair. Alterna's LIFE Restore collection combines Gingko Biloba and Guarana along with advanced active ingredients to address all of the primary factors of hair loss.

Go grey gracefully on the next page ...

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