9 Hair, Nail and Spa Dirty Secrets

4. Use the nail dryer without the UV light. These now-standard dryers use a combo of fan and UV light to cut drying time, decrease smudging and help freshly polished nails harden faster. But the UVA rays are not helping our hands in the wrinkles, age spots and potential cancer arena. For those who get frequent manicures, either apply sunscreen to the back of your hands and fingers before drying, slip into a pair of fingertip-less UV 50+ protective gloves like ManiGlovz (I am not kidding: they do exist for $24 at maniglovz.com) or ask if it's possible to turn off the light and just use the fan. Of course, you can just skip the dryer, pay before polish is applied and be careful not to smear or dig in your bag for keys, glasses or cards.

Getty Images

5. Refrain from relaxers and straightening treatments. Yeah, I know they make smooth, glossy hair maintenance easy, but what about embracing your natural texture — whether it be curly, wavy or textured? We've all heard that keratin treatments are safer than Brazilian blowouts, which contain the very toxic ingredient formaldehyde — a known carcinogen — that can trigger breathing problems, asthma and eye irritation. But some so-called keratin treatments still do contain formaldehyde in small amounts, even those labeled formaldehyde-free. Other chemical relaxers contain potentially harmful ingredients, too. I know you love your hairdresser and style but maybe it's time to start fresh and go with what you've got.

Getty Images

6. Beware of burning scalp from hair dye. If your colorist applies hair color or highlights and you experience a fierce fiery itching feeling, ask to have it washed out stat! Usually the lighter you color your hair the more ammonia in the formula, which increases the possibility of this being the culprit. However, burning can also be a reaction to other chemicals and pigments in the formula. The only one who can raise the alert is you! A little scalp discomfort is “normal” but extreme irritation? Absolutely not! If this is you, ask for an ammonia-free professional permanent formula like L'Oréal Professional INOA or Schwarzkopf Essensity Permanent Ammonia-Free Hair Color. Another option is to leave your natural base color (whatever it is — gray, brown, salt and pepper etc.) and get balayage highlights painted on. These vary in width and tone and don't start at the roots, so your scalp is secure.

Getty Images

7. Get pro facials with caution. We often think a day spa facial is the ultimate luxury gift certificate. Here's the truth: A classic facial with steaming, gentle exfoliating, a mask and moisturizing can be relaxing and leave dry, lined, mature skin looking plumped up and fresh. That's where you should draw the line if your skin is sensitive or prone to irritation. The types of facials offered now have seriously crossed into dermatological territory with amped-up high-tech devices and claims to tighten, resurface and remove brown spots. Mature skin is thinner and easily damaged by aggressive pore extractions or ingredients that are too strong or wrong for you; for example, acid peels that are too potent, and anything from caviar (shellfish intolerance anyone?) to sweet almond oil, which can set off a nut allergy. Leave the microdermabrasion and lunchtime peels to your dermatologist.

8. Just say no to eyelash extensions. Yes, looking like Bambi without the need for mascara or any eye makeup has a certain appeal. But, the adhesive used can irritate eyes — and the initial expense of around $200 and monthly maintenance of $50 to $75 for fillers is kind of ridiculous when a tube of Maybelline Great Lash Mascara is $4. Plus, those silk or faux mink lid awnings mess up if you're a side or stomach sleeper, and you need to wash your face with caution. Who needs that ? Decline salon lash tinting, too. Though it is not totally FDA approved, it's available under the table.

HEX LLC. / Alamy Stock Photo

9. Leave any salon that's dirty or unkempt. Housekeeping should count as much as that spectacular shade of blonde, or your perfectly shaggy layered ‘do. If you see unswept hair on the floor, overflowing trash baskets, hair from previous clients in the blowout brushes, speak up. You shouldn't have to worry about head lice! The salon should feel fresh, not funky.

My last word: If you're sitting next to someone getting a Brazilian blowout or a keratin treatment or acrylic nails and the fumes are wafting your way, ask for another chair and consider changing salons. Clearly there's a ventilation issue not being addressed.

For more beauty and style tips for women age 50-plus, check out The Woman's Wakeup: How to Shake Up Your Looks, Life, and Love After 50 by Lois Joy Johnson