7 Tips for African American Hair Care After Age 50

3. Try low-manipulation hairstyles

Give your hair a break from years of pulling and tugging. Yes, your hair can still look great without the unnecessary tension. According to Stevens, high manipulation involves daily restyling and high-tension hairstyles such as tight extensions or braids, which can run you the risk of developing a type of hair loss known as traction alopecia. Brought on by constant tension on the hair follicles, traction alopecia mostly affects Black women.

Styles to try? “I like Bantu knots and two-strand twists because they're low maintenance. Or you can just keep it simple and wear a TWA — teeny weeny afro,” Green says.

Taraji P. Henson

Noam Galai/Getty Images for Global Citizen

4. Get smart about color

One of the most requested services at salons? You guessed it — gray coverage. “If you're 30 percent gray, go with something more gentle, like semipermanent color, because it stains the outside of the hair. But you don't get the same degree of coverage as you would with more permanent hair color options,” Green says.

For more opaque coverage, demi-permanent color (ammonia-free and mixed with a low-volume developer) is your best bet because it goes into the cuticle and lasts through about 20 to 25 shampoos. If your hair isn't chemically or structurally damaged, you can use permanent color or even experiment with highlights. But Stevens warns that lifting the hair will make it more susceptible to damage versus making the hair darker. If your hair is relaxed, avoid permanent color, since both are harsh chemical processes.

Pro tip: Your silver mane is like a blank canvas. Since your locks are no longer pigmented, you can get the hue that you desire without using bleach.

(Left to right) KeraCare Hydrating Detangling Shampoo; TGIN Moisture Rich Sulfate Free Shampoo; TIGI Bed Head Moisture Maniac Moisturizing Shampoo

Sally Beauty; Ulta Beauty; Walmart

5. Lay low on relaxers

As hair ages, harsh chemicals like relaxers should be used with caution. Relaxers are usually touched up every six to eight weeks, or four weeks for shorter hair. This strict maintenance, and the fact that relaxers break the bonds in the hair that create its texture, often results in damage. If this is the case for you, consider taking your relaxer down a notch by trying a mild relaxer, like a texturizer, which only removes some of the curl pattern, Green advises. Also, keep your trims regular and always follow up with a moisturizing shampoo and deep conditioner.

Three shampoo options to try: KeraCare Hydrating Detangling Shampoo ($6, sallybeauty.com), TGIN Moisture Rich Sulfate Free Shampoo ($15, ulta.com) and TIGI Bed Head Moisture Maniac Moisturizing Shampoo ($26, walmart.com)

(Left to right) Mizani Heat Screen Hair Protectant Spray; Tresemme Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray; CHI 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray

Sephora; Target; Ulta Beauty

6. Minimize heat styling

A good rule of thumb? Use as less heat as possible. Green suggests using a lower heat setting on gray hair; however, sometimes gray hair can be more coarse, and lowering the temperature may not give you your desired results. Using heat that's too high can discolor gray hair, so always use a heat protectant as a buffer.

Three heat protectant options to try: Mizani Heat Screen Hair Protectant Spray ($22, sephora.com), Tresemme Thermal Creations Heat Tamer Spray ($6, target.com) and CHI 44 Iron Guard Thermal Protection Spray ($16, ulta.com)

7. Evaluate your health

Your best hair days stem from a balanced diet and adequate water consumption. If you can't get enough nutrients from your diet, consider taking a multivitamin supplement, Green says. The medications you take can also affect your hair, including hormone replacement therapy and thyroid and high blood pressure medication, Stevens notes. If you've noticed a change in your hair's texture, thickness or overall appearance, consult with your doctor to identify a possible medical cause.

Anissa Gabbara writes about beauty, health, lifestyle and pop culture. Her work has appeared in Sisters from AARP, Sesi magazine and Maple City Our Town magazine.