FOREVER YOUNG

Nutrient-packed homemade hair masks strengthen, thicken and beautify strands — so you look years younger!

Hair looking a bit lackluster after the past few weeks of fun in the sun? You’re not alone. For many women over 50, UV rays, heat and chlorine lead to thin, dry and dull locks. But it’s surprisingly easy (and affordable!) to get your strands gorgeous again with overnight hair masks made from pantry staples, says Joshua Zeichner, M.D., a celebrity dermatologist and hair-care expert in New York City. “Our kitchens are stocked with ingredients that nourish and strengthen strands to reverse the wear and tear of summer.” Read on for the recipe that will give you shiny, full, healthy tresses — and have you looking younger in a flash!

THICKEN THINNING HAIR

As we age, strands tend to get finer and shed more. Add in humidity, which weighs down fine hair, and thinning can look more pronounced right now. The spa go-to for thicker locks: a ginger mask. The root’s magnesium absorbs into strands to strengthen follicles, its potassium wards off shedding and its vitamin B5 thickens hair fibers. Plus, the nutrients increase blood flow to the scalp, boosting hair growth, says Dr. Zeichner. “And adding in olive oil ups the benefits since its omega-9 fatty acids hydrate strands so they appear fuller.” To do: Combine 2 tbsp. of olive oil with

1⁄4 tsp. of grated ginger. Apply from roots to ends. Then massage the scalp for one minute to rev circulation and exfoliate dead skin that can clog the scalp and block hair growth. Sleep on an old pillowcase or one covered with a towel; shampoo in the morning.

RESTORE SHINE

Summer’s heat can sap hair of its natural oils, leaving it looking straw-like. Coconut oil and honey to the rescue! The oil’s shine-enhancing vitamin E and strengthening lauric acid combine with moisturizing honey to nourish tresses. Adds hair-restoration specialist Larry Shapiro, D.O.: “This mix helps seal the hair cuticle to prevent flyaways.” To do: Mix 1⁄4 cup of melted coconut oil with 1 tbsp. of honey. Slather on dry hair and sleep on an old pillowcase or one covered with a towel; shampoo in the morning.

“If you dye your hair, I believe you should deep-condition it every 4 to 6 weeks

[with] something moisturizing like olive

or coconut oil.”

Jaclyn Smith, 71

SOOTHE A FLAKY SCALP

UV rays can dry out the scalp, causing itching and flaking. But aloe and fenugreek can help. “Fenugreek’s lecithin conditions the scalp to reduce flaking, and anti-inflammatory aloe calms irritation,” says Dr. Shapiro. To do: Mix 2 tsp. of fenugreek powder and 1⁄4 cup of aloe gel. Massage into hair and scalp. Sleep on an old pillowcase or one covered with a towel; shampoo in the morning.