True or False? Women over a certain age should NOT wear long hair?
It’s a myth that many women wonder about and is the subject of today’s FAF Style Question:
Is this hair style age-appropriate? We agree with Billy Lowe...Yes, she looks FAB!
Dear Glam Gals,
I am so unsure about whether I am too old for all this hair! I am 43 years old.
Thanks,
Ivonne Schwartzman
Dear Ivonne,
We have sent your question over to our FAF celebrity hair expert Billy Lowe and here is what he said:
Hi Ivonne!
Well, if you aren’t a throwback to “That Girl” I don’t know who is. CONGRATULATIONS is all I can say for sporting a fabulous do, and looking so fun and fabulous while you wear it. As I always say, you’ve come to the right place for your questions and I’m super excited to work with Fabulousafter40.com to help provide answers to great questions such as yours.
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Hi Glam Gals,
I’ve been wearing my hair short for the past few years and I really like it because it’s so easy to take care of, but my daughter is getting married next May and I’m thinking I want a new style (to go along with my weight loss), so I’m going to have to go through that terrible stage of letting it grow out and then find another “look”. Here’s some pictures of what it looks like now, plus some “before and after” pics. Yes, I’m proud! 
My next goal is to get rid of that extra chin! LOL The only style I can think to grow into would be like Lisa Rinna’s over the years….what do you think? Dee
This is Billy Lowe for the Glam Gals and we think you look BEAUTIFUL inside and out . Thank you for filling us in on all your happenings and the wedding sounds super exciting. I can’t wait to see the pictures.
Like you, I’m growing my hair out – believe it or not – and yes, it’s super annoying. However, getting through the inbetween stages can be easier than you think by wearing more of a messy/unstructured look – which I’m a BIG fan of. Beauty doesn’t have to be mysterious. It’s actually quite easy.
Couple of pointers for you.
#1 – Cancel the highlights. I think your hair looks amazing w/ deeper tones. Gives more contrast to your skin, which makes skin look softer and eyes pop out.
#2 – Keep doing what you’re doing w/ the style – loosely blow-dry w/ fingers and shape using a mattifying clay or shaping wax. Nothing too goopy. Get one that’s stiff and more chalky.
#3 – Stay in contact w/ your stylist every 6 weeks for your trip or touch-up to be sure ends look good and all is healthy.
#4 – no last minute decisions the day before the wedding. That’s simply cause for disaster.
LA Celebrity stylist, Billy Lowe
Send us pictures and let us know how you do.
In beauty, Billy Lowe www.billylowe.com
Glam Gals: Thanks Billy, and Dee if you need some help picking out your Mother of the Bride Dress don’t forget to check out our ebook: Tweak Your Chic- Mother of the Bride. It’s full of fab tips to look extra special!
Dying grey hair and getting just the right shade, be that blonde or dark, is tricky. That’s why we turned to Celebrity Hairstylist Billy Lowe to answer this question from a stressed out reader.
Dear Glam Gals,
Please help me! The most frustrating thing is my hair! It is all grey. I started out with long hair past my shoulders, and everyone keeps cutting it, dying it dark and tons of highlights which my husband likes but is very drying. Everyone keeps trying to return my hair to the natural hair color which was medium reddish brown and my hair is so think it looked very dark at times.
My last haircut the girl dyed it black, with red highlights, wow that is going to look pretty when the grey grows in? I was told by a co-worker to go as light as possible and let the grey grow in and maybe highlight and/or lowlights? Please help with hairstyle/color/highlights that would look the best on me. Thanks! Keep up the good work, we need you! Karen J.
Dear Karen,
Thank you for reaching out, First of all – great photos of you. My first thought is this – if you are going with lighter strands – especially around the faceline, you want to be sure to accentuate your eyes, lips, brows, and perhaps wear larger accessory/jewelry pieces around the neckline (chunky necklaces, etc) so your face doesn’t disappear. Without the contrast, and if hair color blends in with skin too closely, then things start to disappear.
Secondly, if you are going with the darker color, just know that there’s a greater contrast between that color and the regrowth. So the regrowth will be a lot more evident. Catch 22 I know.
I personally like both looks on you, but feel the lighter color suits your personality a bit more – as evident in the photos.
LA Celebrity stylist, Billy Lowe
Going “Heather Locklear blonde” could be an option, but have you tried on any hair pieces to see what you think, and perhaps get responses from friends that might want to go along? That’s always a safe bet because there are countless options when it comes to color and endless possibilities in color formulations. Baby-steps. Try on some fun hair pieces, and see what you think. But if I had to choose, I’d pick the Karen with the soft brunette and the highlights strapped through. Fun, brilliant, and fabulous.
In beauty, Billy Lowe
For more information on Billy Lowe, please visit his exciting beauty blog at www.LoweLights.com or his website at www.BillyLowe.com
Do you find that your grey hair can be a challenge to style?
Hi Glam Gals,
My question is a little (a lot) self-indulgent, but I want to hear about how to groom greying hair (mine is frizzy and blah). I color it but It doesn’t respond like it used to. As well, can you give us some fabulous hair styles to consider. I love your newsletter!
Ana
Hi Ana,
Thanks for your question and nice comment! We turned your hair question over to our Fabulous after 40 Celebrity Hairstylist, Billy Lowe. Here’s what he had to say:
Thank you for visiting Fabulous After 40 where we work to answer all your beauty and lifestyle questions. You’ve definitely come to the right place. Yes, greying hair can be a bit challenging. It is often wiry, unruly looking, and can leave one feeling helpless. But not all hope is lost.
The answer is called product – product – product.
- First of all, think about how much time you actually have to work with in styling your hair. If you don’t have a lot of time, I recommend a light styling cream, and a light hold spray. The cream will help tame the ends and give you more control throughout the day. The light hold spray helps hold the shape as well.
- If you have more time, then a little round brushing and a hair dryer will do the trick every time. Once again, I recommend finishing with a light hold spray, or firm hold spray if you prefer more control.
- Adding color to hair does help give some level of control to the hair and many color formulations these days give a greater amount of polish, shine and condition to the hair. Ask your salon professional about the appropriate color (or color type) for you.
- Biggest rule – NEVER DO IT YOURSELF.
We look forward to hearing your results!
LA Celebrity stylist, Billy Lowe
Billy Lowe – CELEBRITY HAIR STYLIST | CORPORATE BEAUTY EVENTS! Beverly Hills, CA (Ph) 310-430-4045 | (Web) billylowe.com
AS SEEN ON TLC’S 10 YEARS YOUNGER!
It’s challenging to look fab day in and day out when a simple blow out at home can feel like it takes forever.
How do the pros do it, and what products do they use to make the whole process easier? Our celebrity hairstylist Billy Lowe says all you need to do is:
Sandra Bullock and her great blow out!
1. Shampoo and condition as usual, using professionally prescribed products for your hair type.
2. Towel dry hair to remove excess water and apply your preferred styling products. I LOVE using styling creams for a great blow-out and often times, a little goes a long way.
3. Begin blow-drying hair with your fingers to remove excess water. Remove 80-90% of the water in your hair BEFORE you use your brushes. Using a brush on wet hair accomplishes nothing, and you’re just pulling and tugging at the hair.
4. I prefer to use a metal or ceramic round brush when drying, rather than boar bristle. They save drying time, are open in the center to allow air to pass through on both sides, and they give a beautiful silky smooth polished look. My favorite brushes are by Olivia Garden and I love the large barrels.
5. Finish with a shaping wax, hair spray, or other product to give the final touch to your style.
Additional tip: If you have wavy hair, Apply a style cream to the back and scrunch through. Allow the back to air-dry on its own (leaving it curly) and smooth through the front to polish and straighten the face framing area. The result is a beautiful dimensional effect that has lots of body, movement and style.
Do you have a favorite blowdrying tip? Comment below and let us know. Finally,Congratulations to Terri McCann and Christal Bevans…… you are the winners of an Infiniti Pro blowdryer from Conair.
Are you considering going grey?
Dear Glam Gals,
My hair is about 75% grey/white and dark in the back underneath. It’s very curly/frizzy and course and thick. My usual natural color (the color I color it) is fairly dark brunette with a tint of red. It’s about shoulder length. I get a lot of compliments on my hair, but it also grows very fast, therefore the roots need to be colored every 2 and a half weeks. I have olive skin and bright light blue eyes. Do you think I should try to go grey and if so, how do you proceed with this without looking like a skunk?
Thanks for your advice.
Debb Masterson
We have turned you over to our celebrity hair expert, Billy Lowe! Here is what he has to say:
Hi Debb:
Greetings from the red carpet here in Hollywood. I must say you’ve come to the right place for beauty, fashion and everything “fabulous after 40!” I’m thrilled to be part of the team for hair, make-up and skin care tips and yes, intelligence does start to show up a little more in these fine years in the form of silver linings here and there. But fortunately, there are lots of options.
First of all – red is a very difficult color to commit to if you’re concerned about grey coverage. Red fades the fastest, needs more routine touch-ups to keep the color true and vibrant, and it’s hard to shift or move the color once its set. I suggest moving into a brunette with highlights. Anytime you use a single process color to cover grey, the regrowth is very obvious because of the single process application. However if you break up the color with subtle highlights, then the regrowth is not as obvious and you can get a little more “wear and tear” out of the color.
In the meantime, try going brunette with subtle highlights. I think you’ll like the results, and I think you’ll be less frustrated by regrowth and in-salon time.
In beauty,
Billy Lowe
LA Celebrity stylist, Billy Lowe
P.S.
I’m excited to roll out my Billy Lowe Be Beautifull campaign this year where I’m traveling around the country, working with clients just like you and helping them discover the right cut/color/styling. Many clients may never make it to Hollywood or New York for their own make-over, so this year, I’m bringing the red carpet to you. So if your salon is interested in hosting a fabulous week with celebrity beauty brought right to you, please feel free to reach out to my team by visiting billylowe.com.
Dear Glam Gals,
I will be 50 on May 8th. I have never had short hair. This picture is with my son at his best friend’s wedding. I’m thinking about going longer for my 50’s debut.
Cindy Ramirez
Almost 50 and looking youthful and radiant, but should she go longer?
Wow…you look FAB, Cindy!
We wanted to make sure you got the best advice available so we sent your letter and photo to our friend, celebrity hair guru, Billie Lowe to get his input on your question.
Here is what he said:
Dear Cindy,
I think you look fabulous at 50 and I love it when women are confident enough to wear longer tresses.
I do, however, think a shoulder length cut (maybe a tad longer) would be perfect on you. When I saw your photo, my first glance caught your hair at the right shoulder area and I missed the tresses at the back. I immediately thought that shoulder length look would be perfect for you, yet still give you some length to play with.
Find a great stylist and one that knows your hair type and can work with you on this journey. Longer hair? Not so sure. But 3-4 inches off to start would be a fun look for you. You can always take more off later, but start with a few inches for now and see how you like it.
Best of luck and send us updated photos!
Billy Lowe
www.billylowe.com
for Fabulous after 40
Billy Lowe, LA's premier stylist!
Good luck Cindy… and have a great Birthday!! ~JoJami and Deborah
If any of you are out in LA, you can visit Billy and get a $50.00 discount on a Keratin Straightening treatment or Brazilian blow out! Call 310-430-4045 to book your appointment!
Natalie asked, "How long is too long?"
Last week we had a question from a reader about long hair. Here is another style question from this lovely reader who sent it in her photo :
Dear Glam Gals,
I am thinking about cutting my hair, because my face is long and thin, to just above my shoulders. What do you think? I just don’t want to be an older person whose hair is too long for her age.
Thanks for the input,
Natalie Z.
And pretty Pearl, sent her picture in too:
| Dear Glam Gals,
I recently joined your site and I love it!!!! I was reading your article
I am 40 and I love wearing my hair long. But my friends think it is time to cut my hair short. Can you tell me whether short hair will suite me? If so do you have any recommendations? A picture of me (taken last month) is attached.
You guys are great!
Pearl |
Pearl asks,"Now that I am 40. should I cut my hair?"
We asked LA celebrity stylist Billy Lowe to weigh in on this question and here is his advice:
Natalie: While I’m a fan of blonde manes, think Heather Locklear, not Heather Lioness.
The color is great on you, but I would add a little dimension so it doesn’t appear over processed. I would also lighten the weight, and add great texture, and bring it up 2-3 inches. Keep it long, but lighten it up. Easy on the hot rollers, and just rock it.
Pearl: Move into a rich chocolatey color with soft strapping of highlights.
Bring it up to barely hit the shoulders and allow the top layers to grow just a bit to release the bulkiness at your ears. Your top layers seem to be cut too short so it’s creating a blooming effect around your head, and a disconnect with the overall length which is bouncing out at the shoulders. So you have 2 options. Grow the layers out, or bring the length up.
Here are more notes from Billy for the rest of us!:
I’ve always said hair rules are definitely made to be broken. The biggest problem with most stylists is that they don’t think outside the box. For years stylists and beauty experts have focused on face shapes and rules that may apply to them. While there is some truth and guidelines that hold true, I don’t believe our hair should be defined by our face shapes alone.
The biggest opportunity I try to tap into is learning about a client’s lifestyle. When engaged in a consultation here are my key points:
- How much time my client has
- What products and tools is she comfortable working with
- What her lifestyle is about (career, mother, extracurricular activities, etc)
- Will she feel great about her new cut or color
If I can tap into these elements, then she’ll for sure walk away looking and feeling her very best, AND be able to recreate the look at home. If I give her a cut or style that is too difficult to manage, or one that requires working with a round brush when she’s not comfortable using one, then she will ultimately be disappointed.
I have MANY clients who are in their 50′s, 60′s and 70′s who have longer than shoulder length hair. But it’s a matter of creating a style that works for them, their look, and their character. Mind you, mid-length hair on a 20 year old and mid-length hair on a 60 year old says 2 completely different things. The same thing goes with blue-jeans, or the kind of car you drive. So take it all into account.
YES – you can wear longer hair styles and YES you can be proud doing so. Just be sure that within that longer cut & style that you have a SHAPE that works well and expresses the real you.
LA Celebrity stylist, Billy Lowe
Billy Lowe is an elite talent responsible for creating extraordinary beauty behind the scenes of Hollywood. Stay tuned for these and other great beauty tips from Hollywood’s own Hot-Head.
Thanks so much Billy! What great advice, we are thrilled to have you as our hair expert on Fabulous after 40!!!
