National Hair Day

National Hair Day! On October 1, we celebrate our luscious locks. Is there any better feeling than stepping out from the salon or barber with your hair looking great?! Women especially spend a lot of time and effort on hair. Our hair certainly changes as we age, it may turn grey and we may experience hair thinning or loss. That is why it can be more impactful for seniors when they go get their hair cut or styled.

Experts on aging say that hair should be given extra consideration when caring for an aging loved one. In fact, there is a thing called ‘Beauty Therapy’, which focuses on bolstering self esteem and confidence of the elderly through beauty! Far from being a frivolity, beauty treatments can lift residents’ moods and encourage a sense of individuality. When you feel good about yourself, it has wonderful effects on your health and happiness, and it improves quality of life. Wellbeing and dignity is promoted through good, person-centered care. And for that, taking care of your hair is key.

This goes for those around you as well. For example, when a loved one with dementia is smiling and feeling beautiful after a beauty session, it is a joy to see for their family members and it provides relief to know that they are enjoying themselves. For those who have been visiting the same salon for years, it is helpful for their memory because of the long established relationship with the stylist and the routine. The social connection is wonderful as well, because it helps beat loneliness. The attention is on that individual and how best to make them feel fabulous! What is more, hair stylists can make house calls as well! This may be a great option for seniors who are less mobile or have conditions (like dementia) that make being in new or different environments challenging.

Is there any better feeling than getting your hair washed with a head massage at the salon?! The power of touch cannot be understated. Many elderly who live alone do not experience touch, which perpetuates feelings of loneliness. When someone provides a gentle touch, it releases ‘feel good’ chemicals in the brain. It makes you happier and feel more socially connected. When you have beauty treatments, you are benefitting from touching during hair styling or a manicure, socialization and personalized positive attention from speaking with the stylist or manicurist, and the glowing feeling of looking and feeling fabulous with your polished look.

Beauty treatments are also good for your physical health in unexpected ways! Getting a haircut or manicure is stress relieving. The stress hormone, cortisol, is linked to negative health consequences like inflammation, cognitive decline, heart attack, stroke, and more. When we have less cortisol in our systems, our bodies are healthier, our quality of life is better, and there is an increased likelihood or longevity. Also, when beauty treatments help give seniors high self esteem and confidence, they are less likely to fall and become injured. Falls are a serious public health issue for the elderly, and having confidence makes falls less likely.

Today for National Hair Day, go to or book an appointment at your salon or barbershop to get your hair done! At home, celebrate your hair by brushing and styling it your favorite way.