What took us so long to talk about this… you know, taking care of the hair, down there~
We might be over 40, but we can’t forget to take our grooming tips ALL OVER! From lip hair, to the bikini line, ladies, we must not forget to keep things trimmed up and pretty.
You get all this, inside!
We found this fun product called:The Ultimate Shaving Kit, that has everything you need (including a detailed instruction booklet) to keep that one particular hard to reach area, all spiffy looking! Not to mention, when we tried it, we were super impressed with the quality of all the goodies that it comes with, from a really nice razor to super soothing lotions. You can shave and be ready to go with no irritation and it even comes with some creative design ideas!!
You will not find this product in stores, yet, so if your looking for that perfect fun girlfriend gift, or want to try it for yourself, you will have to order it online.
“I [have a question] about the old lady hair problem…maybe you could follow up with some more hair thoughts? Techniques? Products? Pretty please?” M.N.
I am currently tackling this problem myself. (I am irritated that my grays are not as smooth as my regular brown).
But what I’m doing is taking medium hair and going back to the curling iron - Eva Longoriaish.
Also…the blonde on Desperate Housewives is sometimes straight sometimes curled…and that is a very relate-able current look for women over 40.
Long hair: Iffy. Even though that is not the popular sound byte, nor what women want to hear, so you don’t tell them because you want them to buy your product, it’s just true. Once hair is past the clavicles if your face isn’t young looking and your hair isn’t luxurious it is often just not flattering.
But extensions do help, and can make over 40 hair look a little less over 40.
The problem is the texture. Texture changes (as does face/weight/body proportions) and just blow and go hair isn’t as easy as it once was. So you kind of have to create the illusion of ‘blow and go’ with products that have protein in them (to strengthen the hair). I like Nigelle’s Blow Make Smooth Essence. This gives a little more strength and polish so you can style it easier.
Also, a reason why shorter hair tends to work better is because it not only looks like you didn’t have to work so hard, but it still looks good later in the day.
But if it is longer, making sure it’s shiny (using the curling iron, flat iron etc) helps. Can look sort of Farrah if you don’t’ start curling at the base first and click the hair through rather than pulling the curling iron to the ends and wrapping it up.”
Thanks Christopher, for your expert advice!!!
P.S. If you haven’t bought it yet, check out his book,Staging Your Comeback... it is one we keep on recommending, it’s that good!
Those pesky gray hairs! They keep sprouting faster than my lucky bamboo!
I ( JoJami) haven’t tried this yet, but my friend Jill says that if you follow these tips, it really helps make your color last up to two weeks longer!
1. Wash hair two times, the week before going in for color with clarifying shampoo (such as Pureology purifying shampoo) which will strip out the hair products that have built up in your hair like conditioner, gels, hairspray, etc. With these products gone the hair follicles will hold the new color amazingly better.
2. At the salon after your hair is washed and conditioned and before drying, give them a vial of Goldwell Colorglow Color finish to apply to your hair. Do not wash out.
You can buy these products at the beauty supply store for a fraction of what you would pay the salon. Example: the Colorglow is $5 at the beauty supply and it would cost close to $20 for the same treatment in most salons.
These two products can make your hair color last up to two weeks longer!
I’m due for a color and so I’ll try it, and report back!
Do you have a fashion tip or trick? Share it with us and you will be automatically entered you into this month’s giveaway!
Is there a part of you that you have always wanted to express to the world, but just never have? Do you have an inner biker chick or something else just waiting to emerge?
Then it’s time to get in touch with your wild side and bring some fun back into the way you dress, so you don’t end up looking and feeling like a dowdy little old lady.
Why not get noticed for the delicious dynamite that you are – and use clothes to do it! Here are 5 easy tips to help you find the real you!
1) Trail blaze a path to you inner style
First, you must be open to a change now, not 10 pounds from now. Finding clothes that fit the body you are currently sporting is important and can help improve self-esteem.
Next, do your research. Look around for inspiration. Do you know someone who always seems pulled together and looks great? Take note of what she has on and shop for something similar. If you feel out of touch and don’t want to end up looking like your 14 year old daughter or 90 year old grandmother, then hire a personal shopper to help show you which current styles would look good on your body type. If it is not in your budget, try asking a friend whose style you admire to go with you.
Are you feeling too conservative and want to try something sexy and and different. Why not try adding a leather jacket, skirt or pants. If leather is just too way out for you, try suede. It has a softer look and feel. Leathers and suede come in lots of colors. Pastel suedes mellow what normally might be considered edgy. When pairing your new item with a conservative counterpart, the look can be surprisingly classy and perfectly acceptable at work. Better still – on the weekend leather or suede, can be worn with jeans and a quality t-shirt.
2) Shop somewhere new
If you’re still shopping at the same stores, in the same departments, why not shake things up a bit? Step out of your comfort zone and try shopping somewhere new. Small boutique stores tend to carry the most current styles and updated merchandise. They also carry small designer brands, so when you buy something, you are sure to look unique in your new outfit.
Chances are that even if you spend a bit more than you’re used to, you will find something you love and adore. You will wear it many more times than just another cheap, boring item from a sale rack. We like to call this price per wear. If you average the amount you spend on an item by the number of times that you wear it, it can justify the original expense.
For example, you may find a funky faux fur vest at a local boutique. Try pairing it with some jeans to run around town in. This one piece may be a bit more expensive than what you would normally purchase but if you absolutely fall in love with it you will wear it frequently. It will be worth the price.
Be careful of sale items that end up hanging in our closet with the tags still on them? Sale items are the trickiest to buy, since the price can woo you into buying an item that you don’t necessarily love and adore and then never wear. It’s always better to hold off and find that next special piece.
3) Life should not be about blending in
It’s time to sizzle, not fade away. Why not shake things up and shoot some color into your wardrobe? This spring you’ll see lots of bright and cheery hues vying for your attention. This is an easy way to add some much needed punch to your closet. Even if you love black, with just a dash of color from a new spring top, purse, shoes or scarf, you can go from dull to dashing in an instant. However, buyers beware! Not all colors look good on all people. If in doubt, drape the item near your face and analyze how it complements your hair, eyes and complexion. Still not sure? A good rule of thumb is that the color should not wash you out, or be so loud you see it before you see you. This is important in making an outfit work for you.
4) Fear of letting go
One of the biggest hurdles to overcome can be all those clothes stuffed in your closet. It’s time to pull up your bootstraps, roll up your sleeves and start kicking booty! We mean get rid of all those old, boring, tired and ill-fitting things. Most women have a closet full of clothes they don’t like or never wear. If you remove those items out of your closet, you’ll have a much better idea of what you really need to buy to keep your closet fresh and inspired!
5) On the road to a great hair day
Let’s face it, if you are still sporting a style that you’ve had for the last 15 years, think again. It just might be time for a change of gears! You can buy the latest clothes and accessories, however if your hairstyle is dated, you will look dated. How do you know when you need a new do? Your first step is to make an appointment with a reputable hair salon.
Ask to book a consultation with one of the top stylists. It might take a few weeks to get a space, but it will be worth the wait. Don’t be shy to go for some color and a new cut or style. If you’ve been sporting a short look for a while, it might be time to let your hair down and grow it out!
Finally, dressing like a biker chick isn’t for everyone, but you probably have a wilder side to you that is waiting to be expressed. With a little effort you can rev up your wardrobe and start dressing with more flair and pizazz. Dress like you are a force to be reckoned with and see if you’re not feeling stronger and more ambitious each day. Embrace all your style…It’s not about just one look. It’s about finding a style that reflects the inner you. Have fun!
As frivolous as it might be in these tough economic times, we are surprised at all the attention the media is giving to the first lady’s wardrobe. However, we are secretly gloating that the press is so fascinated with Michelle Obama’a sense of style and fashion!
(Photo courtesy of Chris Greenberg)
Her husband is all about change, and Michelle Obama is obviously changing things up as to how a first lady needs to dress! One thing is for sure, we LOVE the direction Michelle Obama is taking. She’s twirling that fashion baton right around to what has been called “real world style”! She has been consistent with wearing updated classic styles with just the right amount of jewelry. She has not shied away from color and sure looks good in it! Even on a recent date night in Chicago, she was reported at Mrs.O.org to be looking effortlessly chic, in a black swing coat, over sized clutch and hair neatly pulled back !
Spohisticated (first) Lady!
How refreshing to have some style back in the White House! Welcome to a new way of Power Dressing!
Think you might be shrinking? You are. As we age everything decreases from our hair to our hearing, our memory muscles and even our height. In fact after 40 we lose a half an inch every decade, and even more after 70.
If you’ve always been on the petite side, that can really add up. So how can you dress to get back that extra half inch or more?
Here are 9 Fashion Do’s and Dont’s to Make you Look Taller:
1. DO Try Tone on Tone
Dress in one color family from head to toe and you’ll instantly appear taller. For example, an ivory top with ivory pants and ivory shoes will keep you looking long and lean. Worried all one color might look too bland? Be sure to mix up same color pieces in different textures to keep things interesting.
2. DO Create a Vertical Line
A great way to create the illusion of height is to create a simple continuous vertical line with your clothing. A long row of buttons, vertical stripes, zippers, a long scarf, ribbed patterns, pleats, an unbuttoned jacket with a solid color underneath – all allow the eye to flow from top to bottom.
3. DO Wear Heels
This is an obvious one that many women avoid because they are concerned about comfort, but just remember that you don’t have to wear stilettos to get some height. Platform pumps are in vogue at the moment. Nike makes a fabulous air sole that is very wearable. Taryn Rose is another recent brand that is all about pairing style with comfort.
4. DO Put your Hair Up
Sweeping your hair up and off your shoulders elongates your neck and makes you look taller and thinner. We’re seeing a resurgence of updos lately thanks to Sara Palin’s famous updo, so the timing is right for this look. Keep your updo slim at the sides and high on top. A wide hairstyle takes away from your height.
5. DON’T wear Cuffs
Cuffs on pants break the line of the pant and make you look shorter. Long flowing pants that touch the top of your foot elongate your legs and make you look more statuesque.
6. DON’T wear Capris and Calf Length Skirts
Why cut yourself off at mid-calf when you want your legs to look long and lean? Stay away from these.
7. DO choose Tailored Clothing
A simple clean lined shift dress is going to make you look taller than a loose, billowy blouse and tiered peasant skirt. Always keep the word streamlined in mind when choosing clothes like this tailored trench that will make you look a few inches above the crowd.
8. DO avoid Thick Wide Belts
Wide belts are in style, but you really have to be careful not to choose one that overpowers you. If you are short waisted then go for a slightly narrower belt. If you still think you look cut off at the waist, then choose a belt in the same color as your outfit so there is very little contrast. If that doesn’t work for you, just ignore this trend. It doesn’t work for everybody.
9. DON’T wear heavy bulky fabrics and chunky knits
Thick, textured fabrics like tweed and boucle, as well as chunky knits, create width and make you look shorter and heavier. Instead opt for smooth fine fabrics to create the illusion you are slimmer and taller.
We recently posted a video on how to get Sarah Palin’s up-do, with lots of Boos and thumbs down from our readers!
Good for you, for holding our feet to the fire on that.
Let us inspire you with a great look from another Sarah, and one of our favorite over 40 celebrities, the always stylish, Sarah Jessica Parker. (we found this photo on Sheknows.com)
Lets take a look at whats going right with this:
~Her up-do is simple and a little poofy in the back.
~The bangs are not hanging down, but swept off to the side!
~The dress is fitted to perfection.
~ The length the one we love most…stopping right behind the bend in the back of the knee.
~Simple jewelry for a little sparkle with co-ordinating clutch that fits the retro style to a “T”!
~Gloves are the hottest in fashion accessories
~A flash of color with the hot pink peep toe platform heels! (no need to match the purse with the heels…it would be too much!)
Lesson of the day…..that not all up-do’s are created equal!
Sarah Palin is becoming famous for her signature updo. Her hairstyle is easy to wear, and an updo can bring some class to an outfit.
Wondering what your hair would look like up?
Check out this fun and easy video from Cosmetic makeovers show.com to learn how to “get the look” in just a few minutes.
One note about this video:
While the idea is nice, and we liked the way the stylist approaches the style, we don’t like the “barette clip in the back” look-too high schoolish!
If you are going to try and get a good updo, we suggest using hair combs instead, and don’t leave any kind of ponytail hanging on top. Combs will give you a lovely look without the bulk of a clip, which is also not sophisticated.
Recently JoJami and Deborah were asked to take on a challenge for the Delaware Today Magazine, to make over 4 real women (not models) and to see what would happen!
It was so much fun, seeing these women transform before our eyes. With just a new updated hair do, and a new outfit, these ladies were just glowing afterwords!
Here are the results:
Joelle Norwood, TV producer: Joelle said she has been growing her hair, but found that she just ended up putting it up all the time. “I’m ready to have some style, back into my life!” she said. Norwood confessed that all she had was black and white in her wardrobe.
We fixed that and found her a color that let her confidence shine!
Laura Day, Financial Professional (owner of Laura Day and Associates)
Before we made over Laura, she really did wear her hair in a clip like this every day to work. She agreed that she had been wearing it this way since high school and that it really didn’t look that professional. As far as her wardrobe, she wanted to break out of her comfort zone of solid suits and try something fun! Here was her comment, ” I felt like a princess today, its been just the best day ever!”
Jackie Ivy is an architect and also has been working on a project for work, where she is finding herself being interviewed by the press all the time! She has 2 small children and with her busy schedule, just never took the time to shop or take care of her self. She has always wanted to see what she looked like with long hair, so we gave her her wish and added some extensions. Her wardrobe was baby proof, which ment all grey and black,and she had not put a dress on in years. Jackie was so pleased with her outfit, and she said, “I used to buy clothes like this, but I just have not done so in so long, I forgot what it felt like to look feminine and pretty!”
Just before I went on vacation I freshened up my hair with some blonde highlights. I knew that even a day outside site seeing in the hot Mediterranean sun would bleach out my blonde hair, so I took a big hat and wore it everywhere I went.
It saved my hair from disaster, but it made my head hot and sweaty and I had to keep popping my hat off every time I posed for a picture.
When I got home I wondered, was there anything I could have put on my hair ,besides a hat, to save my hair? I emailed our friend The Makeover Guy, Christopher Hopkins, who specializes in hair, and this is what he told me about summer hair.
Hair that has been colored it is susceptible to fading with U.V. rays. There are products that say they have sunscreens but I seriously doubt the benefits as it is pretty difficult to cover every strand top to bottom and all around with sunscreen. And if it’s sticking to your hair, it is likely going to make it flat or sticky.
Hats are pretty much it. And I know the boomers like to believe there is an answer to everything. Cake and eat it too. But alas, coverage is it. If you’re in the sun, the color will fade. Creams don’t get rid of your wrinkles, and there is no weight loss with out a diet change.
Shampooing is what really does the fading, more so than even sun, so shampooing less is always a better way of preserving color. Try rinsing and using conditioner to cleanse.
I don’t really see any more problems with hair in the summer than with the winter. Just slightly different with humidity changes. Good or bad for curly or straight depending on how curly or how straight and how curly or how straight you WANT your hair compared to how curly or straight it is in the humidity (or lack of).
Damaged hair cannot be corrected, it can be band aided. It can be temporarily given the illusion of repair through styling, pressing the cuticle flat with heat or rollers. It can be temporarily filled in with products like protein, moisture, fillers (like hair color and clear sealers).
Chlorine doesn’t turn blonde hair green, it is copper, usually found in algae deterrents in hot tubs, pools, etc. The turquoise color combined with the yellow blonde makes, what? GREEN! You will need to open the cuticle of the hair with a detoxifying shampoo (several times) and heat and strip it out, then condition like hell. Again, that’s why there are swim caps and conditioner. I say wet the hair, put on a good conditioning treatment and think of that time as a multi tasking deep conditioning treatment.
Celebrating Women over 40 who want to look Age-mazing!
Are you tired of the way you dress and ready to be inspired to look chic and hip
Are you frustrated about how to dress youthful, but not look like your teenage daughter?
Is it time to get for you to update your head shot?
Or Are you just looking for a fun day of pampering and transformation?
Then join Style Experts Deborah Boland and JoJami Tyler from Fabulous after 40 (www.fabulousafter40.com) as they guide you through a fun filled day packed full of tips and tricks to help you Tweak Your Chic and start looking Age-mazing! (amazing for your age!)
Meet Deborah and JoJami (aka The Glam Gals!) –>
Here is what you will get:
Spend the day at the gorgeous Joseph Anthony Retreat Spa and Salon!
Morning networking and light breakfast
Tweak Your Chic™ Fashion workshop
Find out what colors look good on you!
Hair color and new hairstyle
Buffet lunch
Make up lesson
Worth the Splurge boutique shopping
Option to have a professional head shot taken with fashion photographer* (includes a CD of your shots and 1 shot re-touched)
Stars like Ellen Barkin, Posh Spice, and Katie Holmes are famous for their chic bobs.
Deborah and I had been toying with the idea of cutting our hair like for a while. So,once we got out hair out from under our winter caps, we both decided to take the plunge!
In case you all didn’t know, Glam Gal Deborah lives in Toronto, Canada and Glam Gal JoJami lives in Delaware, so we rarely see each other. We just skype.
Deborah before
JoJami before
Deborah: “I’m really thinking of cutting my hair! I’m stuck in a rut and I keep getting the same cut over and over.”
JoJami: “I know what you mean… actually I have been trying to wear my hair longer now for the last 6 months, and its driving my crazy!! I just end up wearing it in a french twist all the time. I really want to cut mine too.”
The next day…
JoJami: “Guess what I did…. I got it cut!!”
Deborah: “Oh my gosh, I love it! Hold on, I’m making an appointment right now!”
Here’s the outcome…. We are thrilled with our new easy to style chic new cuts!!
Deborah after
JoJami after
Why not try one of these celebrity hairstyles to look Fabulous after 40!
There’s no doubt what is inside Charla Krupp’s new book, How Not To Look Old.
Why do we like it? It gives you the Goldilocks version to dressing….with up to date photos and examples of dressing too old (too cold), too young (too hot) and just right.
Charla was on the Today show recently, with a few examples and models from her book. Click here to view the video.
In her book, she gives great tips and examples like:
To look youthful and modern opt for golden blond rather than ashy blond highlights.
Don’t wear dark lipstick. Instead try a shimmering pink color. It will look much more youthful. Also, if you want a flattering jean, try a dark wash boot cut style.
Dressing isn’t a fairytale, it’s hard work, however, with a few tweaks from Charla, you can start looking younger today!
I promised that I would keep you all updated on my journey through the laser hair removal ordeal~
Well, I’m happy to report, that I have now had 2 sessions, with 4 more to go, and so far so good. It’s amazing that I have already seen results of less hair growth and the skin area that has been treated, is much smoother than its ever been! (in case you haven’t heard, I am having my underarms and bikini area done)
After checking in this week, to have my session, I mentioned to Bridgette, my technician, that I was writing about this. She checked it out, and said that I had gotten the part wrong about the pain free, not being able to do the upper lip. SO, please note that you CAN have the upper lip done with the pain free laser! OH! how great is that!
Please comment, if you have had laser hair removal or have questions!
On a recent trip to the local Home Show, there was a booth with some very perky ladies touting the wonders of permanent hair removal.
I (JoJami) had eyed all those ads and dismissed them thinking, Oh, I don’t need that. But recently I started doing Yoga at 6:00 a.m. and found that even though most of us are sleep-walking through the exercises, I wasn’t happy with my underarms not being as clean shaven as I would like…not to mention, the bikini area… (Oh my gosh, I hate it when I have to shave that area!)
So, I decided to look into the process and be the first of all my girlfriends to try it.
According to Bridget at Brandywine Skin and Laser Centre, cutting edge hair removal salons use a top of the line machine called a Diode Laser which has two types of hair removal settings: Standard, and the newer Pain Free. It’s an upgrade from the old machines that had just the standard setting. After asking around, I found out that one of my friends had the standard hair removal before Pain Free had come on the scene and said, “It hurt like hell”.
So I definitely wanted to go with the new machine. I just got back from my first treatment. Bridget was super quick. I had and I had both areas done and was out of there in a jiffy. There was definitely no pain involved (in fact, it even tickled) and I’m already seeing that there’s less hair I have to shave. So why would they even make the new laser with the the standard removal setting option? Apparently, there are some places, like the spot above your lips, where the pain free one won’t work- Ouch!
I will keep you posted on the results of future treatments and if it is really permanent.
More from the More Reinvention Convention:
As every woman knows, “It’s all about the hair”! When your hair is giving you problems the answer is Edris. (pronounced Ee-dris)
While attending one of the many breakout sessions at the recent More Reinvention Convention we were fascinated with the gorgeous and exotic hair stylist to the stars named Edris. After watching her transform exercise expert Pamela Peeke, who’s hair went from distracting to delightful, we tracked her down for our own private consult.
The result were some great tips. Here they are:
Deborah: Edris, If you could give our readers one great hair tip, what would it be:
Edris: Women always come in with pictures of celebrities and want the same hair cuts. The problem is most women don’t realize that most of the styles you see on celebrities won’t necessarily look good on you. Make sure you find a stylist that will take in account your own personal style, your face shape and hair texture.
JoJami: Does it matter how you dress when you go to get your hair cut?
Edris: Thats another mistake I see women make. Some get all dressed up for their appointment and others show up in their sweats. Your hairdresser needs to see you in what you usually wear, so they can match your hairstyle to your lifestyle. Make sure you wear the style of outfit that you want your hairstyle to match.
Deborah: Edris, I was thinking of cutting my hair into the popular new Bob style, like Victoria Beckham. What do you think?
Edris: OOOH, you have gorgeous hair… yes, Absolutely, the Bob is back, and you would look great in it.
JoJami: What about my hair?
Edris: I love your hair… but you need some trimming. It’s a little long. Cutting your hair will give your face a lift.
JoJami: Thanks for the tip, I will be coming to see you soon! This has been great!
Are you a potential Glam Gal?? Kind of a half baked cookie that looks pretty good for her age, but with a few more minutes in the oven, you could be, oh SO much more YUMMMY!!!
Think it’s too much work to go that extra mile. Then think again.
Here are 7 simple things you can do to take 10 years off in 10 minutes, and make you look Fabulous!
1. Lower your Neckline
An easy way to turn back the clock a few years is to open up your neckline. Steer clear of tops and t-shirts that sit at the collarbone and opt for lower rounded necklines and v-necks. Another great option is to try a wrap top which will create the illusion of sexy. If you find that too low, just add a camisole to peek out at the V neck. A chunky necklace also helps to fill in the bareness.
2. Layer Your Hair
Want to keep your hair long, but don’t to look like you are desperate to hang onto your youth. Then try this simple tricky. Layer your hair. Too many older women with long hair wear it dead straight like they are still in high school. Follow the lead of celebs like Terri Hatcher, Cindy Crawford, Goldie Hawn, Jaclyn Smith and Renee Russo and add a little bounce with a good cut and a few layers to frame the face and create volume.
3. Get Rid of the Glitter
What is it about some women that makes them want to light themselves up like a Christmas tree- even during the daytime? We’re talking about those 40+ gals that go overboard with glitter and sparkles thinking shiny will make them look young. Maybe this really is a problem that comes with declining eyesight after 40??? Whatever the reason, we encourage you to look a little closer. Too much flash can really age a gal. If you want to sparkle, do it with your jewelry, and keep the glitz on your garments to a minimum.
4. Forgo the Frosted Make up
Some gals who would never wear glittery clothes think nothing of frosted make-up. But you know it’s really the same thing. And it’s no help that the makeup companies, just love to put frost in everything from eye shadow to blush to lipstick to bronzer. Although it can be tempting to wear frost, be forewarned… Frosted eye shadow, really shows up all the little fine lines and creases. If you must, just dab it on right below the brow, for a nice evening shimmer, but other than that, you’d be smart to steer clear.
5. Pass on Small Prints
Conjure up an image of a little dowdy little old lady and you probably visualize a granny in a tiny flower print dress. Small prints (especially ones with little flowers) can look really matronly. And, if you have some meat on your bones, small prints will make you look really fat too. Got the picture??!!
6. Pass on Pearl and Gold Buttons
We know a lot of you are attached to your favorite old cardigans with the pearl buttons and shiny gold buttons, but these look old fashioned and too conservative for a true Glam Gal. Instead opt for sweaters with modern plain flat buttons. And don’t forget you can always replace buttons too. A beautiful button on a plain sweater can create a knock-out look.
7.Exfoliate, Exfoliate, Exfoliate
So easy to do and so often overlooked, exfoliating your skin can make dull aging skin glow! Once a week will keep your skin looking fresh and flawless. We love Estee Lauder’s Idealist Micro –D Deep Thermal Refinisher. It heats up on your skin creating a warm sensation and leaves you skin dramatically radiant. It’s an at home alternative to microdermabrasion and makes you feel like you’ve shed mask.
Patsi Krakoff of The Blog Squad (our blogging coach) hit on a very important point about looking fabulous after 40 when she responded to our post Long Hair on Older women – Sexy or Silly?
She said “Hi gals! I’ve had long hair all my life and it wasn’t until 60 that I started wearing medium length hair-same style only shorter. I’m 63 this week and I still get compliments on my hair. The trick is to stay healthy through exercise and diet-your hair is evidence of your health inside. Shoulder length hair seems to work best for me these days, or slightly above.”
Can you believe she is 63? She looks more like 36! As much as we love fashion and beauty and take great joy in helping you to dress to look your best, there is nothing we can do to really make you look fabulous after 40 if you don’t put the time and energy into taking care of yourself.
A tube of lipstick or the latest handbag and shoes can never make-up up for dry skin, dull hair lackluster eyes and a tired overweight body – all signs of too much junk food and lack of exercise.
Make-up artist Bobbi Brown, who is about to turn 50 put it best when she said, the key to looking beautiful as we age is not what you put on your face, but rather how you care for your body. It’s about (how you’re) eating,” she says. It’s about exercise more than anything else.”
Another of our subscribers who positively glows is further proof of this.
Donna from New Jersey sent us this picture of her with her beautiful long dark hair and wrote:I am 43 and I don’t have any real secrets for looking Age-mazing™.
I walk religiously, am conscious about what I eat, wear sunscreen, and stay away from cigarette smoke.
Again, all good healthy habits to keep you looking vibrant. Then being fashionable after 40 is the icing on the cake!
Christopher Hopkins, “The Makeover Guy” has it right when he says it’s really not about age.”It’s a combination of how young you appear, hair quality, and whether longer hair looks good on you at all, regardless of age. If you’ve never looked good in long hair, you likely never will. But if you’ve always had long hair and it’s still holding out pretty well, meaning it’s thick and shiny and can be worn without a lot of what looks like work, then likely you can still wear it well.”
So true! Nothing worse than seeing a gal with scraggly long hair, trying to hang onto her youth by wearing long hair just for the sake of long hair. On the other hand, we can think of a handful of clients and plenty of celebs over 40 who look stunning with long hair.
Long hair can look Sexy, but be forewarned. You need lots of time and money for all the super high maintenance involved. Just look at the celebs who are LONG on style!
Christie Brinkley
Sandra Bullock
Michelle Pfeiffer
Cindy Crawford
Elizabeth Hurley
Iman
Jaclyn Smith
Terri Hatcher
Jayne Seymour
Marcia Cross
Demi Moore
Renne Russo
Meryl Streep???
No, Meryl would probably look better shorter!Didn’t she look great in The Devil wears Prada?
But not too short-ouch Diane Lane!What happened?? Don’t get carried away.Too short can be aging too!
Are you over 40 and looking fab in long hair? We’d love to see your picture. Email us at info@fabulousafter40.com
Amidst a big cloud of aerosol we’re catching our breath, having just got back from seeing the latest Hollywood hit movie, Hairspray. Thank goodness, we don’t have to spend hours teasing our locks into mountains of rolling hills like those gals did.
Obviously they didn’t have the active lifestyle we enjoy today. It just wouldn’t be practical to go to all the trouble of lacquering up our hair, only to have it deflate after a hot yoga class!
Whether you liked Hairspray or not, there were some great lessons to be learned about what hair should NOT BE LIKE in 2007! Avoid Hairstyles that are:
1. Too Poufy
40 years later and there are still some women living in a time warp who can’t resist the heavily teased look that ages you more than any other thing. While we are moving away from the long dead straight look that has been so popular over the last few years, (and thank goodness for that because it only looks good on you if you are 21 with perfectly unlined skin), be cautious about teasing. A little at the sides to add some volume to a thin face is o.k. or a touch at the crown to give your hair some oomph, and that’s it. A good blowdry with a volumizing product should elimate the need to tease altogther. However,if you must tease, tease only a touch to make your hair look like it’s got a bit of body and wave, not to make it look stiff and sky high.
2. Too Stiff with Hairspray
Watching John Travolta play Mrs. Turnbladt with that stiff helmet hair gave us a good giggle. With the shelves amuck with product it’s hard to know what to use to get that hold, but to look natural. Right now Deb is using a pump (Pantene pro-v for extra body and I’m using aersol(Final Net-my old standby). Our The best tip for a natural spray is to flip your head upside down and spray hair from underneath. It not only adds tons of volume, but it also keeps hair from appearing stiff or sticky.
3. Too Bleached
A lot of women assume the blonder they go, the younger they will look. Not always the case. Michelle Pfeiffer is a gorgeous gal and she’ d look like a goddess even if she had orange hair, but the ultra blond shade she wore in this film made here look washed out and much older than she normally does. She looks good here in this touched up photos but on screen she looked quite pasty and worn out. We couldn’t help thinking how much younger her real life sandy colored,soft blonde highlighted hair makes her look.
4. Too Short
When many women become moms, they get the infamous short “mommy cut” and wear their hair that way long after the kids have left home. While short hair can look stunning on some gals with great bone structure (think Sharon Stone), short hair makes many 40+ women look harsh matronly like Miss Wimpey, (the teacher) in Hairspray. If you are looking for a change, try a nice gently layered cut to the shoulders or just above. This style promises to soften your features and play down your fine lines.
5. Full of Thick Highlights
At one point in the movie, Tracy’s hair goes wild with terrible fat, overdone highlights. Highlights are great, if they look natural and add some shine and light to your hair. But these streaky skunk stripes look silly. You might be able to pull it off as a funky twenty something but they will not make you look youthful after 40+ like some gals think.
Good for you, for holding our feet to the fire on that.
Just before I went on vacation I freshened up my hair with some blonde highlights. I knew that even a day outside site seeing in the hot Mediterranean sun would bleach out my blonde hair, so I took a big hat and wore it everywhere I went.
Deborah before
JoJami before
