Beauty expert HANNAH BETTS reveals how to join the glossy posse – from the new scalp serums to head spas

By William On Nov 3, 2024

In the past, forty plus hair meant hiding the gray at all costs. Nowadays it’s less about color than about condition.

We all long to be members of the glossy posse. And while we oldies might not want to dazzle with the mirror-like reflectivity of TikTok’s “glass hair” trend, a moment of strategic brilliance could cost us years.

Who better to be our authority on ageless brilliance than Adam Reed, whom I met when we were both radiantly in our early thirties. ‘Why is shine so desirable?’ I ask him: ‘and why can middle age mean the loss of it?’

He explains: ‘Gloss is essential for revealing dimension in color and adding that beautiful shine.’

However, as hair ages, it tends to absorb light rather than reflect it. Adam says this change often occurs because the cuticles become “misaligned.” When hair turns gray, it becomes more transparent, making it even more difficult to reflect light.

To achieve a healthier look, he says you should seal the cuticle and add shine. ‘The best way to do this is through regular care of both your scalp and hair,’ he advises.

‘It’s important to keep your shape tight and avoid over-styling, as heat can further open the cuticle. Then increase the moisture content for a smoother finish, giving you the shine you’re looking for.’

The most obvious shine guarantee from Adam’s Arkive brand is the Good Habit Hybrid Oil (£14, marksandspencer.com). Meanwhile, Adam’s Immaculate Hybrid Cleansing Fluid (£14, marksandspencer.com) helps condition the scalp, alongside its spicy menthol Crown Scalp Scrub (£14) and the protein-, antioxidant- and moisture-rich Root-ine Scalp Serum (£14). ).

Until recently, I was wary of scalp products because I was of the “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” school. And yet, middle-aged scalp will benefit from some level of stimulation, just as middle-aged skin will benefit from stimulating cell turnover.

The woman who changed my mind was Saori Amos-Yeo, who offers scalp treatments at Michael Van Clarke’s Marylebone salon – therapies that Japanese people enjoy every week.

Saori uses a trichoscope camera to carefully examine your scalp and tailor a complimentary treatment. And what a revelation to see your forest of tree trunk roots.

Then I had a Japanese head spa (£95, vanclarke.com). For 90 minutes, my scalp was scrutinized, analyzed, exfoliated with fruit acids, steamed with fine water molecules, kneaded repeatedly and then analyzed again.

I discovered where I was doing well – sun protection and crown cleanliness, and not so well – an insanely tight and stressed scalp.

To achieve a healthier look, Adam says you should seal the cuticle and add shine

It also made my locks incredibly shiny. Speaking of glass hair, mine was a disco ball. It looked like we had applied a stunningly bright color. Japanese head spas are now popping up all over the country, so if you want to join the glossy posse, I recommend finding one that’s close to you.

At home, I deep-conditioned with the Chris Appleton + Color Wow Money Masque (from £12.50, sephora.co.uk), which revitalizes dull, dehydrated and over-processed locks. Rich in kale, algae and plant protein, it’s the five-minute shortcut to luxurious, ‘spenny’ sparkle.

I’m also determined to give the semi-permanent Glaze Super Color Conditioning Glosses (£15.99, Superdrug) a try.

In the meantime, I’ve become hooked on Necessaire’s new Rosemary Shampoo (£30, sephora.co.uk) and Conditioner (£30), which are so shiny they’re already out of stock.

come up short. The pure rosemary oil, vegetable proteins and ceramides combine to create one amazingly shiny menopausal mane.

RACE YOU TO IT!

The latest addition to Avon’s fragrance range, Far Away Shine (now £13 for 50ml, avon.uk.com), is causing a stir because it smells luxuriously expensive while being budget-friendly; never more than £13, instead of £16

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MY ICON OF THE WEEK: Kate Winslet

The actress admits she’s “quite addicted” to By Terry’s Baume de Rose Lip Care

The Titanic star just turned 49. She relies on the Tracie Martyn Amla Purifying Cleanser (£91.07, Amazon.com).

Then it’s Lancome Advanced Genefique Sensitive Serum (£46) or L’Oréal Age Perfect Cell Renewal Serum (£13.99).

The actress also admits she is ‘quite addicted’ to By Terry’s Baume de Rose Lip Care (£33.60).

COSMETIC DESIRE

Last week my skin fell apart: an allergic reaction that left it tight, red, dry and flaky. It looked as painful as it felt.

Everything I tried made it more sensitive, until I applied the Athletia Phyto Sleeping Cream (£86, selfridges.com).

This allows it to be completely cured, so it’s no surprise that the product is a bestseller, even though it costs a fortune.

However, for a limited time, every purchase over £100 online or at Selfridges in London will come with a tote bag and five sample products, including the Phyto Sleeping Cream, worth over £51. I will definitely be stocking up – and I recommend you do the same.

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