In the past years, the segment of the cosmetic industry targeting the elimination of most signs of the ageing process or old age altogether has seen an incredible boost. Face and neck creams and lotions meant to fight wrinkles, saggy skin and spots, and to bring back that youthful glow are by now a fixture in any woman’s life, as shampoos and conditioners that help the hair look “young” again also aim for the same. Whether such haircare products are based on real science or are just a scam is still up for debate, as a piece in the Daily Mail points out.

While the companies producing and selling the new anti-ageing haircare products state science backs up all their claims, experts would beg to differ. According to trichologist Philip Kingsley, nothing we put on our mane can make it any younger because hair is the same no matter the age we are. The only possible difference we could make is by eating sensibly and making sure we don’t use products and chemicals that might age it (or “weather” it, as is the proper term for the process) faster than it would normally.

“While whatever age you are your hair is subject to weathering, an older person may be more likely to have weathered hair. This is because as we get older, the hair follicles produce thinner hair, which is inherently weaker and has less body and volume than thicker hair. As a result, you’re more likely to color it or have a perm, and these processes will weather hair more, leaving it finer, dryer and more damaged.” Kingsley says for the Mail.

The solution to prevent the weathering process is not to apply even other more or less damaging chemical products (such as those from anti-ageing haircare lines) because nothing we apply on the hair can influence its texture or strength, the trichologist explains. Healthy hair has to do with the strength that comes from within, that is, from a balanced and sensible diet, and this is precisely on what we should focus.

“If you really want to try and diminish the effects of age on hair growth, the best thing you can do is eat sensibly. Eat protein for breakfast and lunch, take supplements designed to boost hair growth, and regularly apply a scalp mask, massaging the head to improve circulation and boost the supply of blood and nutrients to the follicles.” Kingsley explains.