Although all the listed contribute to aging, in your opinion what gives a persons age away the most?

1. lines and wrinkles

2. stooped posture

3. grey hair

4. saggy loose skin

5. other factors

I ask this question because for the last couple of months I've been receiving a Senior's Discount at more than one place. I'm offended. This kind of hurts because I still don't qualify for one age wise, not even the 55+. When this first starting happening I mentioned I'm not a senior, now I don't even bother. When I look at myself, I don't see a whole lot of difference, yet they see me older than I am before my time, and that may be trivial, but it still bothers me. My self esteem has gone way down. Did anyone else take this transition hard? I have to face it, I'm getting old, and I'm looking old! What is it that's making me look so old????

The skin-not just the wrinkles but also elasticity of it. I usually pay attention to the skin in order to estimate a person's age. But then some people have great skin at 50+, and I have seen people shrivelled like a prune at around 40. Also, to me, estimating the age of overweight people is especially difficult.

Thanks for the reply. I've seen firsthand that people with extra fat on their face seem to retain their plump youthful skin better than the skinney minney. I happen to be one of the skinnies, and look like I'm headed more in the direction of the shrivelled prune. I hardly have any sag, just lines and wrinkles without any plumpness to my skin. I guess the elasticity and collegen stores have dwindled.
I've read that menopausal women who have more fat in their bodies also tend to produce more natural estrogen in their cells, so it explains why they may look younger for a longer period of time.

Personality and clothing too. I used to work for this company and I'm always pretty friendly with lots of energy and i dress pretty hip and I remember talking to one woman one day and she was shocked when I said I was 30 - she thought I was between 18 and 22.

Also, I know a guy who is very quiet, serious and reticent and he was only 20 when i met him and i thought he was about 26.

Also, to me, estimating the age of overweight people is especially difficult.

You're so right! My mom is overweight and her skin is like a 30 year olds!!

dorri

are you possibly dressing frumpy at all? i think that always ages people

dorri

are you possibly dressing frumpy at all? i think that always ages people


LoL, maybe sometimes. I dress sort of inbetween. At times I put on something and think it's too young for me and I should dress more to my age and sometimes I put on something and think it's too old for me.... so I put on what I feel good in. I use to wear black very nicely, now I find it looks too matronly and I feel older in it.

I would agree that what you wear definitely influences people estimating your age. But as far as your actual body is concerned, I would say the biggest giveaways are the skin on your neck, creases round your eyes and the backs of your hands, as well as whether your hair is grey. Maybe you can fool people a bit by dyeing your hair, doing exercises to tighten the skin on your neck and using lots of moisturiser. Ultimately, though, it's down to genetics whether you need to make any effort to look younger.

My grandmother is 87 now, but until she was about 75 people did not believe she was a pensioner! She always dressed well and carried herself well (stood up straight and looked confident), and her skin was smooth and soft, although I don't think she ever used anything other than soap and water on it. The main thing, though, was probably that she was not grey. She has blonde hair and only started to go grey (at the sides, by her ears) in her mid seventies. My Dad is 61, and he hardly has any grey hairs. People don't believe he is retired now. Hopefully I've inherited some good genes!

Archie, what a nice story about your grandmother (What a lucky grandmother) I guess it is all in the genes. Last month I went for coffee with an elderly friend. She was mentioning to me that she had just celebrated her 80th Birthday. I told her that she looked too young to be 80. Although she has a few pounds she wants to shed, her skin doesn't have a line, freckle or spot on it. It's flawless. I asked her what she was using on her face, and she said " Ah some cheap cream, nothing special" I know that tanning is bad for the skin, but I think the genes have a lot to do with it also. Thanks

LoL, maybe sometimes. I dress sort of inbetween. At times I put on something and think it's too young for me and I should dress more to my age and sometimes I put on something and think it's too old for me.... so I put on what I feel good in. I use to wear black very nicely, now I find it looks too matronly and I feel older in it.

I like black too and I wear it quite often. If I wear a black top, I make sure that I wear a vivid colored skirt or the other way around.

I forgot to say that gray hair definetely makes anyone, man or woman, look older. I went gray young, in my mid-twenties, and ever since I have been religiously coloring my hair every month. It definetely helps.

LoL, maybe sometimes. I dress sort of inbetween. At times I put on something and think it's too young for me and I should dress more to my age and sometimes I put on something and think it's too old for me.... so I put on what I feel good in. I use to wear black very nicely, now I find it looks too matronly and I feel older in it.

It is difficult to dress age appropriate without looking dowdy. I am now 34 so I'm at that age where I have to stop dressing so 'cutesy' coz I'm starting to no longer look like a 20 year old.

Maybe you should buy a magazine like Marie Claire or In Style as they have great tips on fashion - esp for various ages. Also, older celebs may give a clue as to whats fashionable for someone in their 50s. But, I think a nice pair of straightlegged pants, a fitted shirt in a nice bright color and some pointy shoes peeking out from under the pant leg looks good on anyone from age 16 to 80.

I do have some grey hair sprinkled throughout. I have very fine hair, so I only use the gentle hair dye (not permanent) which is only good for so many shampoos. It darkens most of the hair, but does nothing for the grey. After a couple of shampoos it makes me wonder why I bothered dying it in the first place. I know I need a permanent hair dye, yet worry that it is going to damage my fine hair. The last thing I need on top of all this is hairloss. I do have fun going up and down the isles checking out all the fabulous new brands and colors. They always look good on the box. Does anyone know if a water based hairdye will be less damaging?

It is difficult to dress age appropriate without looking dowdy. I am now 34 so I'm at that age where I have to stop dressing so 'cutesy' coz I'm starting to no longer look like a 20 year old.

Maybe you should buy a magazine like Marie Claire or In Style as they have great tips on fashion - esp for various ages. Also, older celebs may give a clue as to whats fashionable for someone in their 50s. .

Thanks, the magazine advice is a great idea.

Besides having the foresight to pick parents with good genes (LOL!), I think attitude says a lot. While I know I don't look my age, I would if I acted/dressed it. Now that doesn't mean that I can show my belly button but I can dress in style for the times not for my grandmother's. My mother is 82 and doesn't look a day over 65...and at 58 and 59, my sister and I consistently are considered early to mid 40's. Take care of your skin - clean it, moisturize it and keep it out of the sun. Have a stylish hairdo, color it if it needs it (and I don't mean just if it's gray....if it's lost its luster, and some pizzaz to it!), wear up to date clothes (and I don't mean the latest preppy chino's from the old line catalog houses). AND DON'T COMPLAIN ABOUT YOUR ACHES AND PAINS! We all have them...they are a fact of like and soemone is worse off than you).
Work out...whatever you can do....walk, weights, jog, Pilates, whatever and do it consistently and for life. When you quit, your body will quit and you'll be on a downhill slide. Oh, and put a smile on your face!

BBC America channel has a programme called "What not to wear". I learned great tips from that show. How to pick clothes according to your body type, right colors,right hair cut, etc.

Some great tips and advice, thanks... I'm smiling...

Smoking,stress,and sun will age anyone. Your appearance and the way you carry yourself (with confidence) will help you "age gracefully". I was politely told by a 76 yr. old woman that as you get older grey hairs soften your face....sorry, I still color mine..but on some, she's correct. I love being 55 and not looking it...I'm having the time of my life.

LOL, it may soften your face, but the few grey hairs that I do have are like wires sticking up. I wish I could think of a way to soften them so they don't stick up begging to be seen.

I just turned 32 but this thread caught my eye...guess I'll have to start thinking about this age stuff eventually! From the point of view of a young-ish person, I can tell you that the look in someone eye and the tone in their voice always gives away their age for me. If you have a youthful look in your eyes when you speak to people, as well as a fun, light tone in your voice, you will seem younger. I also agree with the clothing advice...dressing a few years younger may not seem "natural" at first, but it really, really changes the perception of how old someone is. As long as the clothing fits your particular body type, how old you are shouldn't mean much.

Yes, I defnitely think your skin can give your age away. Unfortunately, wrinkles are often due to genes. My mother and her mother both do not have wrinkles. My Mom is 72 and still does not have any wrinkles, although she does have some jowling. We both had oily skin, so I think oily skin does have that benefit, although I was plagued with acne when I was younger.

Now, at 50, after getting my skin clear and having a dermabrasion for acne scars, my skins looks awsome for 50. I use an exfolient to shed the top layers called A-Cute Derm. I really noticed a difference when I started using this lotion. Then, in the morning I use Copper Peptides by Skin Biology. Copper Peptides tightens the skin and actually remolds it. I have found that the combination of these two things makes my skin have a glow to it.

Also, I tan once or twice per week for 20 minutes only to give myself some color. I think as long as you don't overdo it, some sun can make you look healthier. Oftentimes, is that's pale looking skin or pallor that can make you took older. Try using a peach colored blush and glow powder to give your skin a glow. I use glow powder by Clinique, which is a loose powder and Revlon age defying make-up.

Also, there is a magazine called "More" especially for older women and how to look better for your age. I truly think that exercise, diet, and good skin care can make a world of difference. A little plastic surgery never hurts either. I had terrible bags under my eyes and hooded eyelids and once I had my eyes done, it turned back the clock about 5 or 6 years. I heard a facelift can turn it back 10 years and I'm saving for that now. I don't feel 50 years old, so why should I look it??? In this day and age, no one needs to age gracefully anymore. ;)

I can tell you that the look in someone eye and the tone in their voice always gives away their age for me. If you have a youthful look in your eyes when you speak to people, as well as a fun, light tone in your voice, you will seem younger.


Hmmm.....never thought of the tone in the voice or look in the eye as being aging. But you are right, I guess that both would reflect where the attitude is at and show in the way a person presents themselves.

There appears to be lots of factors that can determine a person's age. On the physical side I agree with some of you. I think keeping your body tone and lean makes some people look younger. In our society, it seems that once a person reaches a certain age they let themselves go. They say things like It is genetic or I am getting older and this is how it is. This can really be seen in American society. I come from European parents who had me very late in life. They alway emphasized proper eating, physical movement, and a level of vanity about oneself that meant taking care of your appearance. I am so grateful for that now because I am fit, have no illnesses, and look pretty good for my age. Neither of my parent's allowed themselves to get overweight or let themselves go. They always dressed in up to date clothing and held it well. My father recently died at 95 and he looked amazing. Up until his death he still has that mischievous twinkle in his eye and a lot of people were attracted to him. He was not ill, he basically said he had enough and stopped eating. My mother is 87 and she amazes me with her vitality and openess.
I lived in India for awhile and they do not judge a person by their chronalogical age but how straight and limber their spine is. Makes sense, if you see someone stooped over, they look old, but if you see someone sprite and standing straight, they look younger, no matter what their age.

I lived in India for awhile and they do not judge a person by their chronalogical age but how straight and limber their spine is. Makes sense, if you see someone stooped over, they look old, but if you see someone sprite and standing straight, they look younger, no matter what their age.

Thanks, and whoops, I'd better work on my posture. I've always had a problem standing straight and only do it when I'm reminded of it.

I think it depends on who's doing the estimating.
Remember if it's a younger person, they think anyone over 30 looks 60!
I also think stores ect., should not ask if a person is a senior, just post a sign.
Everyone sees differently!

I think it depends on who's doing the estimating.
Remember if it's a younger person, they think anyone over 30 looks 60!
I also think stores ect., should not ask if a person is a senior, just post a sign.
Everyone sees differently!

Good point! I've actually heard young people commenting that someone is so old. Meanwhile they are only in their 30's. I agree! Post a sign. It kind of hurts the first time you walk away from the check out and see that you've been given a discount but wonder why? or the first time you're asked if you are a senior, hurts even more when you're not one yet, but they think you look old enough to be one. I'm not putting my head in the sand here. I realize that I am getting older and it would be nice to keep a youthful look longer, but I realize that I have to accept myself for what I am, regardless of what age they think I look. LoL I think, when I actually do qualify for the legal Senior age of 55+, I'll be thankful for the discount. But for now, they can keep their discount!

Hmmm.....never thought of the tone in the voice or look in the eye as being aging. But you are right, I guess that both would reflect where the attitude is at and show in the way a person presents themselves.

example:90 year old MIL with aches and pains....whine,whine and whine

example:90 year old MIL with aches and pains....whine,whine and whine

wiredqs, I guess I must be old but what is MIL? LoL, keeping it on the humorous side, if I make it to be 90, then I think I would have earned the right to complain about my aches and pains and at that age who cares if someone thinks I look old for my age. :D LOL, thanks for the reply.

Good post Lee. You are so funny, giggle, giggle! Oh oh, I'm in trouble, I still wear straight legs pants at times, and I do have the worry lines in between my brows. I am short, thin, have no hips or butt, so I wonder what I would wear? I was always under the opinion that short people should wear a straight cut leg to appear taller, and I do feel taller in the straighter cut. You are lucky being 5'7. I own very few jeans because I don't find them comfortable pressing on my gut. Now, my latest have a slight flair and my other slacks have a slight flair (also slightly looser through out the thigh area,) so I can wear a wider toed shoe with a higher heel and not look like daffy duck or look like I'm wearing boats. I realize I now look ridiculous in tight leggings, so I had to give them up. I also tend to wear loose tops, I don't have to because I don't have a big gut, but by wearing shorter tops, I wonder if I am not overstepping and dressing too young for my age. I know I'm going through a fashion crisis, and hope to figure it out soon. When I think of it and look around, the shape or cut of jeans that some women wear (mamma jeans) does label them as being older, IMO. My mom wears those kind of jeans, but at her age, I think she would look ridiculous wearing anything too preppy... hee hee....

I'm glad I don't have that "worry" wrinkle right between the eyes---YET--so I'll try to stay happy and not make the mean faces that create those particular lines!

Just because someone might have a wrinkle in between the eyes, that means they worry? That means they make mean expressions? Where in the world did you get that idea?

Yep, it's the neck as one of the biggest giveaway. I'm 57 and this year I actually started showing age in my neck. Most people think I'm in the early 40's but probably not for long. I dress youngish, gosh I wear a size 7 so why not dress to show off a still youthful figure, tho I don't wear short skirts as I never was one for that style. When I'm with my 9yr old granddaughters some people think their mine, like menopause kids and are complimentary when I say they are my gkids, but like I said, it's slipping fast this neck skin and I'm not liking it too much. I have less crows feet than my 34yr old daughter and it boils her blood and she still hits the tanning beds 3 times a week or so. But I have more lines than my mother who is a rolly polly 75yr old lady and I'm a skinny minnie, sometimes I'd like to put on another 100lbs to fill in those lines!!!!

It IS fun to just try something a bit different. Good for the soul, too! Thanks for posting this question--I'm enjoying the answers you've received! :)



LeeLee, thanks for having such a positive and fun youthful attitude.

[QUOTE=NancyH]Yep, it's the neck as one of the biggest giveaway. I'm 57 and this year I actually started showing age in my neck. QUOTE

Nancy, that is one great compliment when someone thinks your grandchildren are your children. 100Lbs , right, me and you both....hee hee, right now I'll settle for 5 lbs...10...15 lbs, anyone willing to give some away.... ????
My neck isn't too bad. I don't have lines but a slight sagging where the front cords are (ugh! they call this turkey cords) How is your posture? Poor posture sometimes contributes to sagging neck muscles.
Here's an exercise for the neck from grandma's day. There are several versions around that you may want to look into:

Caution: Be careful with all jaw exercises if you have TMJ. ( a disorder :p where your jaw hurts and goes out of place)

Stand tall, place both your top and bottom teeth so they meet evenly, regardless if this is your natural bite or not. Keep your mouth closed and try to tense your face and jaw.
Holding this position with teeth firmly in place, raise your chin toward the ceiling or to a spot over your head. Count to 10. Relax, Repeat 3xs, after a week increase to 5xs.

After a couple of weeks the neck should start to firm, first directly under the chin and then downward.
Good luck.
Nancy, thanks for reminding me by your post, that I too need to work on the sag under my chin. :p

I think I remember this as one of Jack LaLannes exercises on his show in the 60's, my mom always watched him, the key word is watch, not participate with him, she liked his looks LOL! I'll give it try tho, the neck is just starting to show some sag so mayb I can nip it in the bud. Yep I'd settle for an extra 20lbs, 100 may be be overkill LOL! My posture is good, I"ve learned to carry myself proper it's another make yourself appear younger than you are trick. Besides I do have arthritis in the neck and several herniated discs there and osteoporosis and I really don't want the hump back look as I get older and that happens with osteoporosis, I've already had 3 stress fractures that has taken me from 5'4 to 5'3. I do lift weights but with osteo my weight limit is 4lbs so it is big repetetive thing just for toning, I do arm curls etc with repetition of 50 each a couple times a week, can't stand that arm overhang ya get in the upper arm that a grandkid could swing on, so I'm trying to work that off.

Nancy, sorry to hear that you already had 3 stress fractures. Since, you have arthritis in the neck, and herniated discs, be very careful with the exercise you choose. I've been on prednisone for several years for a chronic disease, and developed cortisone induced osteoporosis. Now, I'm on a drug called Actonel for strengthening and improving my bone density. I was also told by the doctor to take calcium and walk a lot. I also lift weights (at times) for the purpose of building bone density, although I haven't done it for awhile. I usually start at 3 lbs and after a while work up to 10-15 lbs (in each arm). My last bone density test showed that I lost a half an inch. I'm only 5 ft and a 1/4 inch tall, so hopefully I won't end up to be 3 feet tall, that's why I have to make a good effort to do my exercises.
The swingey, thingey things under the arms is the tricep muscle that decides to pack up and go on vacation. When I notice my upper arms getting loose, I do the bicep curl, but for the underarm I do the tricep kickback. It's a simple exercise for the underarm and results come quickly (atleast for me).
Good luck.

First of all, they should not be assuming you need a senior's discount. I used to be in customer service, and I would ask "Is there anyone in your household 65 or over?" Sometimes they'd laugh at me because they were 90 and looked it, but you never can tell!!!

Anyway, what I look at is 1) a person's gumline and 2) the skin around their eyes. These are not sure giveways since people age at different rates, even their gumlines. I'm 45 and my teeth are cracking and crumbling, but my gums are doing pretty well - I don't know why. I don't treat them very well.

Another factor is voice. Some people just sound waaayyy younger or older than they are. Energy level and attitude also. I happen to look younger than my age but some people can tell - they're just smarter than normal or maybe it's my hard-nosed personality.

I hope that your health is OK - that may be the thing to focus on.

I do have some grey hair sprinkled throughout. I have very fine hair, so I only use the gentle hair dye (not permanent) which is only good for so many shampoos. It darkens most of the hair, but does nothing for the grey. After a couple of shampoos it makes me wonder why I bothered dying it in the first place. I know I need a permanent hair dye, yet worry that it is going to damage my fine hair. The last thing I need on top of all this is hairloss. I do have fun going up and down the isles checking out all the fabulous new brands and colors. They always look good on the box. Does anyone know if a water based hairdye will be less damaging?

Dorri - lightening your hair will make you look a bit younger. That's an old rule of thumb: "As you get older, dye your hair lighter". And yes, you DO have to damage your hair to do a permanent blonde dye. See a really good hairdresser about it - they also make really good conditioners these days.

Also, fine lines can be reversed. Read some Nicholas Perricone books or check out microdermabrasion. Omega-3 fatty acids will make your skin feel smoother - that one I can tell you from experience.

I don't know your financial situation - but at least reading up on these things could give you a lot of hope.

Anyway, what I look at is 1) a person's gumline and 2) the skin around their eyes. I hope that your health is OK - that may be the thing to focus on.

Hey Kerry, thanks for the reply. Well, boo hoo! this year is the first year the skin around my eyes, took a dramatic and sudden turn for the worse, so that may make me look older than I am. I've been trying to do ER repair on this area, so the crowsfeet are not as deep as they were, but they're still there, especially on a sunny day.
I have a chronic illness, that affects absorption of nutrients, so that doesn't help, but I try to stay positive and deal with it the best I can.

Dorri - lightening your hair will make you look a bit younger. That's an old rule of thumb: "As you get older, dye your hair lighter".
Omega-3 fatty acids will make your skin feel smoother - that one I can tell you from experience..

Kerry, I read this old rule of thumb before, that as you age, going lighter makes one look younger. I always wanted to be a blonde, but I have to admit that I would look terrible as one, because my skin tone is too ashy. My hair is light to med brown and that color brings out the pink in my cheeks, but lately it's so drab with a few strands of gray around the hairline. I know, that to get rid of this gray, I'll have to use a permanent dye, but I have fine hair, so I am concerned about damage. I got this bright idea today, not to dye the whole head, but to brush some dye just around the hairline, rinse it, and see if that will look better. Do you know, if permanent dyes go on darker than what they show on the box???..Hmm....Do you think, people's complexion's change as their hair color changes to all gray, or all white? Perhaps, then I will look good as a blonde.

Oh, by the way, I picked up an Omega 3 oil blend yesterday, and will start it soon. Don't know, though, how much of it, I'll be able to absorb. Thanks again.

You know what I do with hair color? I like to mess with it once in awhile and luckily I have no gray since I'm a natural blonde. I buy the "Natural Instincts" hair color that washes out in about 28 washes, no peroxide or other harsh chemicals. I love it, it's fast, easy, smells nice and the conditioner that comes with it is about the best conditioner you can get. Since it's not a permanent dye when it fades it fades evenly with no dark roots. Makes me feel good afterward and more often than you would be able to with a permanent dye. So I sometimes like to go a darker blonde and then go back to a lighter blonde depending on the season. Or I get a blonde color with a hint of red. Another one is Loreal mousse cool blonde amoung other colors and it washes out in about 8 to 10 washings. A friend of mine uses it to cover her gray. I've been on the Omega now for a year, I don't think anything is going to change the darkness setting in around my eyes except concealers, the lines are barely visible considering but the dark circles are more pronounced, of course I to have a malabsorption condition as well so that isn't helping along with everything else.

I have no gray since I'm a natural blonde. I buy the "Natural Instincts" hair color that washes out in about 28 washes, no peroxide or other harsh chemicals. I love it, it's fast, easy, smells nice and the conditioner that comes with it is about the best conditioner you can get. Since it's not a permanent dye when it fades it fades evenly with no dark roots. Makes me feel good afterward and more often than you would be able to with a permanent dye.....of course I to have a malabsorption condition as well so that isn't helping along with everything else.

Nancy, sorry to hear that you too, suffer from malabsorption. I've never tried the Natural Instincts, but I guess I could, as a last ditch effort before I resort to a permanent hair dye. I have used a similar product, L'Oreal ColorSpa which also washes away in so many shampoos. Problem is, being a brunette, the color doesn't deposit onto the gray hair, so my overall color is deeper and brighter, but those darn few gray hairs stick out more than ever because it just doesn't cover them. I tried lighter shades and that didn't change anything, except make my hair more drab and left the gray still visible. I think if one is a natural blonde, it's more possible to get this type of dye to blend in more without the grays being so visible.
You mention dark circles. Do you suffer from anemia, allergies, sinus problems or insomnia, etc....? As we grow older, the skin in the undereye area gets thinner, so if we suffer any of the above, or are tired or stressed, the dark circles appear more prominent.

Yep, I have pernicious anemia, chronic sinus problems so I know they contribute as well. give Natural Instincts a try once I found it was better than Loreal color spa and according to my friend it covers her gray, she's not exactly a brunette or a blonde, kind of a med brown for natural color. Oh the challenges of getting older, it keeps me on my toes, painfully tho LOL!

The eyes give it away the most,young peoples eyes dont have wrinkles when they smile.Im 47,look 30,but when i smile,well,it makes me look older.My doctor told me the same thing....

Sometimes young people have lines around their eyes as well, but in young people the skin has more elasticity and automatically bounces back, but in aging skin, it takes a while to spring back if at all, sometimes leaving lines deeper and permanent. Wow, 17 years younger, that's alot of years. Keep smiling.

Thanks Dori,I try,but the wrinkles bother me,maybe later ill have some surgery done,when they come out with something new.By the way,How do you get rid of hip fat?I eat well and everything but my Hips wont budge.Thanks hun,have a great day...

Thanks Dori,I try,but the wrinkles bother me,maybe later ill have some surgery done,when they come out with something new.By the way,How do you get rid of hip fat?I eat well and everything but my Hips wont budge.Thanks hun,have a great day...


I understand how you feel about the wrinkles. This past year, has been the first that mine are so drastically noticable. They were fine lines before, but when I put moisturizer on them, they would disappear, but not this year! I am desparately trying to lessen my lines, and have to admit, it's been quite a challenge. I have a long way to go. There is the odd day, where my skin doesn't appear as lined, but a few hours later or the next day, it's back to the struggle.
I wish I could help you with the hips, but I'm one of those women, who doesn't have any hips, never did. but always wanted some. Lol, tell you what, you can give me some of yours and we'll both be happy. :) Hopefully someone on this board can give you some better advice. Take care, and if you find some skin care product that makes a big difference in your skin, please let me know.

Word of warning, fine hair damages more easily than normal hair does. After using Natural Instincts for many years and perming my fine hair, my hair started breaking off at the scalp. Had to stop coloring and perming or go bald. Now new hairs are growing back and I hope my hair will be thicker again. Right now my hair is multi-colored with various shades of brown, blonde, grey. Only have 2 choices, color and go bald or stop processing and maybe keep hair on my head.

Marie, I can relate. Fine hair can be so difficult. Can't even trust all hairdressers with this type of hair. Some don't have experience with fine hair, even though they claim to. A few years ago, I had a bad experience with a perm and ended up looking like Carla on the Cheers show. The hairdresser didn't even offer to compensate me for my damaged hair by offering a conditioning treatment. It took a long time, but I finally managed to find a hairdresser who tends to my hair with gentle loving care. She knows all about fine hair because she too has fine hair. From experience I know that perms are hard on this hairtype, and so is colouring. I would like a body perm because my hair is pretty well straight and stuck to my head, but my new hairdresser will not perm my hair because I have too many broken off hairs sticking up. I haven't had one for 5 years or so, but my fine hair has gotten drier since, so I know that a perm would be even more damaging. Marie, I thought that Natural instints was a No or low Peroxide Formula (A temp colour) and gentle on the hair. My hair is not only fine, but thin as well. In the last couple of years it's gotten even thinner, so I understand what you are going through.

Hi,I use Garnier on my hair for coloring.I wont use any other product.I lived in spain for 7 years,and these woman have beautiful hair.I stopped dying my hair blonde,i stop going to hair salons,they ruined my hair over the years,ive been to plenty,expensive ones,cheap ones,they are all the same.All that money i could of saved over the years cutting,coloring.I finally have lots of gorgeous hair,and its silky.I cut my own,dye my own.I have light brown hair,and color it a reddish brown now.I use silkience on my hair for washing and conditioning,its at salons.Those store shampoos ruin the hair too.

Caridad, do you have any gray hair? I'm trying to find a product that will be good for my fine hair, and will also relax those few coarse grays that are sticking up. I read that cream rinse is good for gray hair, but it isn't the best for fine hair, so what do I do?

How old do you look to yourself? That may well be their cutoff for who qualifies for senior discount.

I remember when I turned 40, the AARP hounded me and I was always annoyed. That's when I decided I would have nothing to do with that organization -- ever.

Yes I have gray hair,and lots of it.Ive had it since the age of 18,it was on my fathers side,he was born old!lol lol,,For my grays I use Garnier haircoloring on my roots..Leave it on for 45 min,,,it works,,

Also on my hair,I use shine drops by finish M/C mastercuts,it a 2 fluid ounce bottle,but it helps with hair thats sticking out and frizzies.....use 2 drops all over hair...Regis corporatrion makes it,,,then when my hair is dry and ready I spray this stuff called Redken vinyl glam mega shine spray...it makes your hair shiny,,,,just spray a little and GO!hope this helps Dorri...take care..Have you ever tried Henna?I read the other day,since it only comes in red,they have for different hair colors now,,and for the gray,,,let me know.....