Long Hairstyles For Women Over 40… A Do or a Don’t?
Have you ever heard of a 16/61? I never did until recently, and it’s not a polite term. It refers to a woman who looks 16 from behind but 61 from in front! Ouch!!
We’ve all seen women our age who look like this, and you have to admit that it usually has to do with the fact that they’ve held onto their long hair for way too long.
Now, I want to make this clear…I am not saying you shouldn’t wear long hair over 40, some women do suit it, but I believe it is harder to wear long hair as you grow older. It’s easy to fall into the trap of hair that has never changed since college. This long hair type can quickly date you and drag down your looks.
I was curious to get a professional opinion on this, so I turned to top hairstylist Chris Maclachlan. Here’s her take on long hair for women over 40.
Chris: In general, I am not for strict rules regarding fashion or beauty; however, the question, Should women over 40 have long hair? is a little murkier. I have been a hairstylist for many years, and I often discuss it with clients. Here are my thoughts on the best hairstyles for women over 40 with long hair:
Thick Hair and a Full Face? – Wear Long Hair
If you have thick hair with a natural-looking color and are not too thin on the face, you can wear your hair pretty long. How long? The best hairstyles for women over 40 with long hair fall no further than mid-back, or your hair will look unkempt. (but I think this is true no matter what your age.)
I think you need a little fullness to your face to pull off this look successfully because long hair will draw the eye down, making your face look longer and thinner.
Although you might think that looking thinner is more desirable, as we age, it isn’t. A long, narrow, aging face will look tired and worn, and length will also draw attention to fine lines and wrinkles.
Thin Face? – Keep Hair Short or Shoulder Length
My advice to women over 40 with long hair, be it thick or thin, and who have a narrow face is to:
a) Switch to short hair or
b) Try a shoulder-length style with layers and softness around your face. These two styles will be much more flattering.
And remember, showing a little bit of your ear will draw the eye up, lifting everything and showing off great cheekbones. It’s kind of like having a facelift.
Gray Hair? – Don’t Wear it Long
If you leave your hair un-colored, grey, or white, I would almost certainly keep it shorter. I have seen few exceptions are models or celebrities with access to the best stylists daily. Most of us can’t commit to upkeep a style like this.
Going shorter when you are grey is simple: long grey hair can seem ‘witchy’ and make you look like you are making no effort and don’t care. Don’t get me wrong: I love grey hair, but I think it should be in a classic shape like a Bob and not past your shoulders to look nice with a bit of length.
Gray Hair looks excellent in a Pixie.
I’m a big fan of shorter grey hair, especially a pixie cut, which automatically makes you look cute and youthful. Make sure you go to a very experienced stylist for this look. Shorter styles are by far the hardest to get right.
Look Modern – Don’t Keep or Return to an Old Hairstyle
Lastly, one of the biggest dangers to long hair as you age is that it can look like you haven’t changed it since your 20s, and nothing is more aging than trying to look young. Keep your hairstyle current and change it regularly, so you don’t look dated.
Also, be very wary about ever re-doing a trend from your youth. The current resurgence of styles from the ’80s is a danger for us in our 40s. Your asymmetrical cut in high school is excellent again, but not for us. Keep it current but not crazy trendy.
We all know that women get better and wiser with age, so think about that if you are tempted by a look that you have already done. A friend of mine was wearing a t-shirt today that said, “Don’t look back; you aren’t going that way.” If you are ever in doubt about your look, remember that saying, and you won’t go wrong!
Some excellent points, Christine. Thanks!
Check out these readers who have been wondering whether to cut their long hair and see what you think.
Tags: Long hairstyles for women over 40, hairstylist, fashion expert
I am 40, and all my hair is grey, which I have dyed dark brown for years. I recently developed a dye allergy !!! Now, I can not use dye with PPD. My hair is fine and thin past my shoulders.
I’m almost 40. I keep my fine thin hair past my shoulders. I don’t suit short hair. I have a lot of grey hair, so I dye it often. I think whatever hair length you want is acceptable. I don’t care if someone has long, medium, or short hair. Everyone can do their hair how they want.
I had long black hair, sometimes past my shoulders, sometimes shoulder length. It was being dyed and cut monthly, and it took me forever to style it every morning. Then I lost all my hair, wore hats, not wigs, and cried. I would not let anyone see me without a hat, even sleeping. I am ok now, and my hair grew back to salt and pepper and short pixie. It was the most freeing experience of my life. I love it. My husband asked me to dye it a soft brown; I hate it; it makes me look like an old lady. I cannot wait for my hair to grow back to grey again. Yes, I had experienced the 16/61 look from younger men when my hair was long; who are you kidding? I was so upset from seeing them looking so disappointed. We have to accept and stop caring so much about what men think. Please give me the freeing short, wild grey hair that you run your fingers through in the morning and run out of the door to enjoy your life.
I wish I could wear lengthy hair, but it didn’t look that good even when I was young. I have friends who have always had long hair and are older and still look great in long hair. My one friend is 56, and she rocks long hair and looks sexy. Everybody is different
Hi Linda, Funny thing is they are all probably saying they wish they could wear their hair short! I don’t think long hair is any better or more youthful than short hair. It’s what suits you best that will make you glow. Does it sound like maybe you need a new hairdresser?
I like how you said that changing our hairstyle regularly will keep our look from becoming “dated.” I want to use my tax return this year to change my wardrobe to help me feel more modern and confident. Your article excited me to find a local hair salon and change up that part of my style, so thanks for sharing!
Women over 50 rarely look good with long hair that has no style. They look like 20 yr old wannabees. Be confident in your wisdom, experience, and technique! A great haircut is such an asset and a positive image builder. Long hair pulls the face down and diminishes your power because you depend on long hair to have allure. I think the women newscasters look unprofessional with all that hair hanging down.
I wish people would mind their own flipping business. It’s my hair, my head, so I’ll wear it wherever I like. I’m 66 this year, and I’m reading all this stuff. Long hair makes you look old nonsense. Well, who cares? I’ve got some news. We’re all going to get old anyway, so why shouldn’t we enjoy the ride?
That’s true, but you read the article and commented that they pointed out some tips to help the rest of us. Also, I bet you only wear your hair down when you sleep, am I correct? When we get older, the ends of our hair start to look thin if our hair is past our shoulders believe me no one cares what you do with your hair it’s your own business we’re just telling you what will look better I’m sure you have beautiful hair, but I bet it’s fragile. I’m sorry if I offended you. I’m not trying to be rude or ugly, but I was answering your question anyway. Have a wonderful day.
I’m 62 with long hair down to my butt, and it’s silver and white with one single streak of dark. I have had women tell me my hair is pretty and men telling me I look hot. So I agree with you, we can wear it any way we want.
Grey hair looks “witchy?” Get with it. Seriously. I’m 38 and turned grey when I was 25. I’ve also had my hair pixie-short from when I was 12 until I was about 32. I’ve never received so many compliments and questions about who my stylist was until it was grey and down to my waist.
I am 30, and the other day I was in the vitamin aisle of a grocery store when an older woman with thick, waist-length silver hair came swishing by me, her long locks waving from side to side. She grabbed a bottle of biotin and said, “This stuff is amazing for your hair.” Then she swished away, her lengthy hair trailing behind her. I swear I almost bought the biotin right then and there. Who says long grey hair can’t look incredible?
Ok, chiming in from a guy… I’m the 48-year-old husband of my 51-year-old wife. It is true; 99% of guys love long hair. It is also true that short hair on ladies over 40 makes them look 10-20 years older and is NOT attractive to a guy- the faster it is, the less attractive you are to men, like it or not. The best comment was that short hair on a 50-year-old woman makes them look like their 55-year-old husband. Truth. I would also agree with the words that it is all about keeping it in some style. Long hair nearly always rocks when it has a type. Whether you are 40, 50, or 60, if your LONG hair has an authentic style and you’ve taken the time to keep it looking like you care about how it seems, you WILL look awesome. If, on the other hand, you leave it plain, unstyled, flat, dull, boring, and long with no style, you will look like a crazy old farmer lady (as my wife says)… I think this is the best advice. Over 40, it will look excellent (even HOT), long, sometimes even very long, so long as you have it maintained in deliberate style and took the time to keep that style. There you go, ladies. Genuine feedback from an over 40 guy. PS: Do NOT listen to ANY style advice from any female under 25. Such advice is about as reliable as asking a 5-year-old boy what it means to be a man.
As a woman looking to attract the fairer sex, I am not concerned with what men find attractive. Guess I’m one of the lucky ones who can wear her hair the way she chooses without worrying about it. That said, the idea of a guide for hair as a person ages is odd. I have always worn my hair long and styled, and probably always will, even after it turns silver on me.
Funny Mike, I am a petite woman with short hair and 63. I look 20 years younger. I get hit on by men more youthful than me all the time, so you’re nuts!!
Yes, well, I assure you that is little help. In all my experience since I was 35 yrs old, weight ages most women.
I love that last remark about not listening to anyone under 25 true
I’ve never understood the obsession with whatever is the correct hair length of the day. Find something you like and spend less time worrying about others.
The idea that a woman in her 50s and beyond cannot and should not have long hair, even when it goes gray, is utterly ridiculous. I’ve seen plenty of women with longer hair who look fabulous with it, even when it’s salt-and-pepper or gray.
I have an old friend around my age whose hair is all white, and she has a butch haircut. I saw a picture of her on Facebook, and she looks way older than her age–precisely like her father. Rather incredible.
Alexia–thanks for your suggestion–it’s a good one.
Thanks, Mike! Agree, agree, agree!!! Don’t expect anyone to cheer you on here, though…..
Thank you. I’ve always thought that pushing short grey hair was terrible advice.
Well said!
I agree with you, Mike… My husband does too. We are in our early 60s, and I would never go short .. we never understood why many do. Long is so much better if well kept with a fuller face with big eyes.. that’s me!
I’m 46 and have long graying hair. I believe that as long as a person does what they can to make themselves feel lovely then the rules do not apply. Long, short, colored, or gray, hair can be beautiful or a train wreck depending on the amount of care that is given to it. Hang the rules.
Seriously?? I turned 40 this year. My hair is long and thick, and everybody tells me I don’t look older than 27. We need to stop being judgmental and apply labels such as “after a certain age, it doesn’t look good” ….wow…
Exactly. I’m 44, have hair that’s gradually passing my hips, and it sometimes gets looks from dudes in their; TWENTIES (not that my style has anything to do with attracting them–it just gets attention on its own). I have no plans to go shorter. I don’t know about this hair-thins-after-40 business because I still have more than I know what to do with! OK, I do know what to do with it. I have a zillion hairdo options.
This past Sunday, I got a compliment from a guy in my TKD class. He said that I didn’t look a day over 20!
I have to disagree entirely with the article. Short hair makes women look older. We don’t need help with that. Long hair can be stylish and age-appropriate so long as it is styled and done. Don’t cut your hair because of this article.
Great advice, and in the end, you need to be happy, so wear your hair the way you like. Having said that, I agree that long hair doesn’t suit older women. And long hair down to your waste? So dated. Shorter hair looks better on someone with a narrow face.
And ladies, don’t listen to your husbands regarding your hair! All men like long hair no matter what.
Noone said women don’t have the right to wear their hair how they like. The article recommends styles that can flatter or detract from a woman’s looks. You have the right to wear a sack and go bra-less too. It’s about how you want to appear – looking your best? Or looking like you don’t give a **** how others think you look. Up to you, entirely.
Oh, and if you don’t give a **** about a stylist’s advice, why are you reading this article?
Yep, that’s me – a rebel all my life and getting more so as I get older. I don’t care what others think about my hair choice.
Many of these comments read like women are still trying to one-up each other. ” My hair is down to my butt, and I still look great!” And consistently some snide comments about short hair, I.e., “It makes you look old!” Many of us are still at the junior high stage, competing for attention and compliments. Why not just live and let live? Wear your hair however you want! Just realize one size doesn’t fit all.
This is great! I am always looking for natural ways to improve my hair! I will try this.
Um, Ya. Turning the big 4-0 next year. I have thick hair, no grey, keeping it long.
Me too! People think I am much younger and I enjoy my hair.
My hair and complete as well; although I have greys, I make sure I touch up with a color that fits my natural color hair…I love my long hair too, and I’m with you. I am keeping mine.
Good for You! I think the benchmark should be finding a style that suits your features, not an arbitrary age Rule!
Seriously?! Wear your hair the way you want to. Articles like this are outdated and ridiculous.
You are correct, Lisa Taylor!
Thank you! Xxxx
I’ve had short hair my entire life, but I was interested in what Chris Maclachlan said. I appreciated what you said about gray hair. Whenever I see an older woman with gray hair, I want to suggest she cut it — but of course, I don’t. Each to their own, right?
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I’ve seen women with long gray hair who look beautiful! People have the right to wear their hair the way they want.
It is sometimes hard to come to terms with getting old, but society and these sorts of articles telling us how we should look and feel make it all the more difficult. Do what you want to do with hair, etc. Nobody has the right to stipulate how another’s hair is worn, for goodness sake. I am so over it all.
It’s nice to read about many older women wearing long hair. I started wearing my hair this year after years of wearing it shorter and realizing I don’t look good in short hair. I am 54, and I have very healthy hair, some gray, but I color the gray with semi-permanent hair color, making the grays look like highlights. My hair is a medium brown tiny grey, and it is thick. I usually wear it pulled back, away from my face, with it hanging down in the back. I get lots of compliments on my hair. I dont understand why or who started this idea that older women should chop off their hair. For centuries, esp in the 1800s, women had long hair. I believe you need to wear your hair the way it looks good on you. Some women look better in short hair, while others look better in long. I look better in long hair, or at least past my shoulders, probably because I have a fuller, round face. The day I decide to cut it shorter will be because I am tired of having long hair, but I find long hair a lot easier to maintain than a short haircut which needs daily styling and expensive salon visits every 2 or 3 months. With long hair, I can put it up away from my face or where it a dozen different ways. And I dont buy that 16/60 notion unless you are also trying to dress like a 16 yr old which I don’t.
I agree! I am 59 & long hair has always been more straightforward & a lot more options!
I agree; I am 43, and my hair goes down to my waist, and I am 5’11; I have had long hair my entire life; yes, I still wear the 80’s style as well, lol, the feathers on the side( go to a hairdresser today and say feathers and they all layer it! So I cut my own, ). Still, that is who I am; I told my husband the other day I was thinking about cutting my hair shorter. He said, “why? It’s beautiful, and you will regret it, and it will take forever to grow back,” so I’m not letting anyone dictate my hair to my age; I WOULD regret it, so now just looking to add a curly perm to it. That’s just me?
No woman over 40 looks good with hair down to their backside. Your husbands may say they like it, but believe me, it is too long. That said, longish hair with layers that expert cuts can look fantastic. My biggest complaint ( I am 54) is that older women don’t condition their hair enough. As we age, our hair gets very dry, especially when it is grey. Three women in America look good in a fairy, so I think that is a horrible idea. Certain things do look better on an older woman. I find dark color clothing, predominantly black, is too harsh. Soft scarfs are lovely; the colors grey, Ivory, lilac, and peach are gorgeous. Lastly, something is to be said for just making an effort to look nice, not younger, stylish, and happy to be alive. Oh yes, and my pet peeve: those short pants that hit mid-calf should be illegal.
I would have to disagree with you; for the most part, been married for 25 years & I am 43, with hair down to my bum, and 5’11; my husband is not one to mince words, so believe me, if he didn’t like it he would tell me, I also have good genes so still get carded for everything, I agree with you should take care of it and not look like a matted mess lol, I condition mine regularly and plan on getting a curly perm to add style, I also wear black daily, that is my favorite color, most people who see me regularly always tell me I wear the cutest outfits and always look nice, so have to disagree with you on the black clothing statement as well, I would never wear a scarf as in my opinion that makes you look older, so it’s all in views?
You can’t put an age on how old someone can carry off a specific look. Yes, some women don’t look good at all with long hair after 40, but others do – especially if they look younger than their age due to genetics and can get away with wearing their coat longer than most women. Like my parents and sister, I have always looked more youthful than my age. My hair is very healthy; I constantly have people tell me my hair is beautiful. It’s soft and silky and not grey because I color the little bit I have, I often see older women with shoulder-length hair, and instead of dying it, they blend blond highlights with the gray. The highlights help add some shine to otherwise dull, grey hair. But it looks best with hair that is not below the shoulders and needs to be at least slightly layered. I’ll probably want to do that once I have too much gray to dye. 50% gray hair is hard to color; there isn’t enough pigment to hold any paint in the hair.
It’s not essential if you or anyone else likes long hair. It only matters if the person with the longhair likes it
I agree with you on those silly capris, I seriously pick a length, but I felt the need to point out that color rules based on age don’t work any better than hair length rules. I am a very fair, blue-eyed redhead, and colors like grey, peach, lilac, and ivory make me look like I died months ago and didn’t get the word. On the rare occasions I have worn those colors, people, including strangers, have asked if I feel ok.
Lol! So glad to read your comment after reading the “color” comment. I wear black nearly every single day myself. I’m a blue-eyed blonde whose hair has been turning white since I was 20, and I’m 43 now. I look rather striking in black and would NEVER wear peach or lilac because that reminds me of my 80-some-year-old Nana. Maybe when I’m 80, I will wear those colors. Who knows. But never now!
Yes, but as he’s my husband, id more likely takes his opinion as he’s the one I like to please. He loves my long hair, which is neither thick nor thin but how we want it.
I wouldn’t be caught dead in lilac and peach. Not only are they awful on me with my coloring, but they are also such stereotypical and outdated “old lady” colors! Every grandmother in my neighborhood wore those colors to church on Sunday, along with their permed hair and face powder. I can’t go there!! Blanket statements about what looks good on someone based solely on age are also outdated. Everyone has to find their colors, hairstyle, clothing style – whatever they are comfortable with, not what anyone says we should or shouldn’t do based on age.
I’m 66, and my hair is mid-back length and growing, and I’ll wear whatever Flippin color I like including on my hair. It gets hot where I live so I’ll wear capris too.
When I attended my 50th-year high school class reunion in October of 2019, one of the women I went to school with had salt-and-pepper hair down to her butt, which she wore in a single pigtail. It looks beautiful on her!!
I am 43 years old. I have a young-looking face, so long hair looks good on me. I never liked myself with short hair, Everyone seems to like me better with long hair, and I agree.
I hear you. I’m considerably older than you, I’m adamant about keeping my hair long, and I’m doing so. I’ve had short hair, hated it, and couldn’t wait for it to grow back out long!
Some people don’t know the words free will and choice. It’s what we have as human beings and our hair, so we can wear it how we want.
I want to point out that I never met a man who wished to be a fairy (aka old lady hair), wouldn’t choose healthy gray over a dye job, or didn’t hate it when his wife got the dread “middle age bob.”
Just sayin’…
I completely agree! I’m about to turn 56 and finally realized that short hair is not my friend. I quit dying my hair; it’s a light red color (not orangey red), I don’t have a long, thin face, and my hair is thick, wavy, and down to my hips. Once the shorter parts get to my hips, I’ll cut them and most likely keep them at my hips. It’s the longest since high school, and I love it…so does my partner, Greg. I will NEVER have the old lady bob. People think it’s easier to have short hair, but you must get it cut all the time to keep it up. I wash and go. I can pull it up, back… It’s never been easier!
My grandmother still had long hair when she was 92. And yes, she was still alive when I was 18. She was full-blooded Najavo; she wasn’t cutting her hair off for anyone. And I agree, the times I cut my hair short, I heard the disappointment from the men in my life from my boyfriend and then-husband (even if they tried to be nice about it, I knew they hated that I cut off my long locks). So, sorry, pixie chicks- men do NOT prefer short hair.
I agree. I just got my first Bob, and it is the only hairstyle in 25 Years of marriage my husband has said he doesn’t like. I am 50 and felt I should look more my age. I’m growing it out. It’s not me.
I find the 16/60 analogy very rude and typical of our culture’s narrow perspective about aging. I could almost hear the 20ish-I’m-all-that-don’t-you-forget-it-crowd whispering behind the backs of older women…” like you look younger from the back but… O-M-G…look what happened when you turned around!” We should also look old from the back to not shock anyone! Newsflash ‘youngins, you haven’t cornered the market and what is genuinely beautiful,’ thank you very much!
I’m past 60 and began going gray at 9 (nine) years old. Through the years, I have worn my hair from a few inches past the shoulder to a pixie cut and enjoyed it all. However, as women age, the hormones change and not for the better, I might add. Although some may think that wearing long gray hair makes a person look witchy, I find short hair makes most 50-year-old women begin to resemble their 55-year-old husbands. I keep mine long because it makes me feel more feminine. It’s more of a shiny silver than gray, so I tell people it is my version of platinum blond. I wear it up in a messy bun when I leave the house…it works for me.
I agree with you. Longer hair is much more feminine no matter your age and looks pulled up. I will never cut my hair shorter than shoulder length.
The truth is that society wants to be able to distinguish between younger women and middle-aged women immediately. We want to “mark” our over-35 women as no longer a part of the sexual marketplace. Long hair is not “owned” by the young. This concept of ridiculing middle-aged and older women with long hair as “ridiculous” is a made-up way to keep women in their place. Almost all men like long hair on a woman. Only a tiny minority of men like short hair on a woman. When a woman gets a short haircut, she gets compliments from… women friends. Of course, she does… the other females compliment the short haircut as a sigh of relief for having one less competitor.
Sherry couldn’t have said it better; I am 61, have a very long, almost waist length, and plan to keep it. It’s in excellent condition and is looked after well. Why should I get it cut? My hubby likes it, and I love i. That’s all that matters; besides, I’ve seen some terrible-looking hair on younger people, so why are we at our age told ours is straggly and messy.?
Are you competing for what, exactly?
DO WHAT MAKES YOU FEEL BEAUTIFUL- I’M ALMOST 55; PEOPLE TELL ME I LOOK 45!
Trust me; a GOOD stylist will suggest when it is the time!!
I dont give a hoot what stylists say; I never go to them. My hubby or sister gives me a trim every few months. I’ve had too many bad experiences with stylists that ignore what I want and cut too much
Why is everyone so terrified of getting older? I have a surprise for you. It’s going to happen, so get a grip. My long hair and I don’t care; we are the way we are and do not plan to change for anyone.
Jeeze…I’m 44, and my hair is mid-back (dark brown) with subtle layering around my face. I’ve never had anyone tell me I NEED to cut my hair off. Also, I’m not planning on cutting it. I also don’t look at other women and think they must follow the status quo by following a rule when they hit a certain age.
I don’t usually comment, but I talk about stereotyping older women.
Wow. Witchy? I think it may be time to create a new aesthetic for aging beautifully! I love my big bossy silver mane, and I hope I can get it even bigger before I turn 60. I know these are only one person’s opinions, but I feel a little like I’m expected to adhere to a particular standard of beauty set by people who know nothing about me. I think I’ve earned the right to present myself as I see myself. So be it if I have to suffer the “witchy” consequences.
Thank you, I was thinking the same thing, money! As we get older, we have to defend our choices more and more. Why? I’m in my early 40’s, and my hair is 75% grey. I stopped coloring it for a year and let it grow out wholly natural, and wow, the world responded to me so negatively!! I *felt* witchy!
Wait a minute here…when did we let others decide what makes us feel beautiful?
Quote: “The reason for going shorter when you are grey is simple: long grey hair can seem ‘witchy’ and make you look like you are making no effort and simply don’t care.”
Do you know how much time and effort it takes to brush, wash, condition, oil, etc., long hair? A french twist with a ponytail looks unkempt? If I leave my hair down (It’s almost long enough to sit on), others assume I don’t care. I think that is such a crock.
My plan in life has been to be an old lady with a big bun of grey hair, I love how that looks, and so far, I’m hitting my goal at 42; it’s just going grey but looks fabulous.
Funny, no one pulled me aside and said to look like a proper woman, I had to cut off all my hair and have a pixie cut. I had concise hair for 20 years in just about every amount I can imagine; the upkeep on that was much worse than my long hair. Besides, it keeps me warm in the winter…no scarf is needed!
I don’t dress nor act 16, so why would anyone look at me and think, “Oh, that extra 25 inches of hair is her trying to look like a teen “…that makes zero visual or factual sense.
Believe what you want, wear what you want, and enjoy your hair. However, it is that makes YOU feel comfortable.
A “frozen shoulder” made me give up styling for six months: too painful. I washed conditioned and went from a simple low ponytail to a braid over one shoulder as it grew. My hair is dark brown with a bit of grey at the top, straight, with no dye. Low and behold, I find my easy non-style has become fashionable, lol. I’m 63. Strangers have told me that my hair is lovely. I think I’ll keep it awhile.
A long face does not get less long with shorter hair, but a smile shortens it, so wear a style that makes you smile more. Why “frame your face” when your face is wrinkled and has some sags? Wear it as you like it, ladies. Don’t fall for the hype—16/60: his problem, not mine.
I’m in my forties and have no desire to look 16. I also have no desire to look 60 (no offense to anyone of these two ages; I believe in looking the “age you are”). So I wear my hair a little shorter in the front to frame my face (I never had a complete look – not even when I was younger) and then wear the rest of my hair longer so it still has a fun, feminine feel. I believe it’s the best of both worlds (hair-wise)!
I’m almost 62. My hair is long, wavy, and Healthy… It’s me! I don’t give in to what society thinks I Should do with my hair….,again, My Hair! I keep it trimmed and layered. I get many compliments from women and men. No gray hair yet…
I am 41 and still have long hair, but I have a fuller face and can get away with it. Regarding0 the moment, I would instead from one angle than 60 father rofromll angles!
Sally, I think you are fashion awareness & still now beautiful female at 41. I share a link where I found some beautiful long haircut pics; you will enjoy & get ideas about long hair ut. at
http://etmz.blogspot.com/2013/02/long-haircut-sample-for-womem.html
Thanks to all fabulousafter40 views & admin style expert Deborah Boland.
There are so many things wrong with this article. 16/60 – not complimentary! I see 60-year-olds every day that look beautiful and more lively than a spotty 16-year-old. The rest of the article is rubbish too. Long grey hair is fabulous.
Oh my goodness, ladies, I make you all look so good. It sounds like I have committed every sin in the hair and age bible. I have been around the sun 66 times, going on 67 this summer. I have not only long hair but fine hair, and it is white to boot! Short hair on this gal is equivalent to cocoanut hair on a balloon. With my hair having length, I cant up into a French roll, a simple bun, or rolled cluster curls; with flowers, yes, I do love owners in my hair. I can hear the gasps. LOL Keeping my length gives my hair the body that I lack. Now the most critical aspect of this stylishness is it makes me feel marvelous darlings. Some of the comments gave me a bit of a giggle while reading,” I could care less how you wear your hair, but, If you’re over such an age, rhubarb, rhubarb. So happy to see that you care so much, or was that a judgment call? Nonetheless, I shall keep loving you all, no harm or foul.
I have very thick and naturally curly hair. I dye it a medium brown with blonde highlights and a little bit of my bra in the back. I have been thinking about getting bangs as almost all of my hair is the same length, and I feel I am too old to wear it this way. I am 49, and after a shower, everything I comb through already has rats in it again. My gosh, this can take hours just trying to get the rats out, and I wonder if shorter hair, although yes, it is some work as well; it takes me three hours to straighten and curl my hair? Short hair couldn’t possibly take that long to care for. I will try trimming four inches and having it conditioned more often and maybe layered to start, so it’s not so shocking to go short. I came to your site because I don’t have any friends to ask and I don’t know what to do. I like that I can do a ponytail; it does pull some wrinkles out but not enough. I thought that bangs would hide the forehead wrinkles that make me feel so much older. I don’t try, but I am muscular, not manly looking. I look like I work out all over every day, so I look like a guy from behind,d and I am sure people are shocked when they see my face. I wouldn’t say I like that either. I need some ideas from some women who are not being hateful but want to help someone who truly needs their help and no insults.
By the way, I visited two doctors recently (specialists) — both women who had hair down to their knees! Both wore their hair pulled back in a long ponytail that dangled past the hems of their white coats. It turned me off. For a doctor, I think it’s inappropriate. It just looks sloppy and dirty. I don’t want to come out of that office pulling four-foot-long hairs off my clothes. If Your hair should be short or tidy, work closely with other people or food, your
Nonsense
Whether or not you wear your hair long isn’t as important as keeping it neat and clean. Like many women of the ’60s and ’70s, I had waist-length hair as a teen and in my early 20s. I also lived in a hot climate, and sweat made my hair so oily I had to wash it twice a day. Most of the time, I kept it pinned up or held back with combs. When I entered the workforce, I started cutting my hair shorter. Not only was it easier to take care of, but it also looked more professional. Women should have the hairstyle THEY want — not what someone else tells them they should have. But it’s nice if the style is practical and attractive and adds rather than detracts from your looks. I’ve seen women who refuse to cut their hair because they say, “My husband likes it long,” or they don’t want to bother with a new style. There’s nothing worse than a 60-year-old woman with waist-length hair who imagines she still looks like she did when she was 18.
Honestly, I think older women with long hair look ridiculous if it is long. Like grow up and accept that you are older. I don’t get why people are so attached to long hair. I had waist-length hair for years. I am 45. I got a pixie cut, and I love it. I would never go back too long. To each his own, but once you hit 40, your hair shouldn’t be longer than a couple of inches past your shoulders. It’s like you can’t accept that you are older.
Some people don’t mind getting older. I know that’s a new concept to some people.
So I guess it’s not REALLY to each her own, then! Long hair has nothing to do with aging; the entire debate is silly. There are preconceived notions of how a woman should look or act at certain ages, and most women here seem to be saying that they don’t buy into that. Hair is personal and individual; having it long doesn’t mean a woman has a fantasy of looking as she did at 18 – I think we all know what we look like – but it is an individual choice.
And for the same reason you want short hair, it’s your choice dont you think older women have a right to their choice of long hair for no other reason, but we like it and want it and dont care if we r getting it it it older? It’s our right to do as we please.
I need to voice my reply to your comments on long hair in older women. I’ve had long & short hairstyles in my lifetime & trust me, it has nothing to do with needing to “grow up,” as you put it.
I am aware of my age, 51 now, & dress with complete awareness that I can’t get away with what I wore hair/clothes when I was younger. ( I have highlighted mid-length thick hair in good condition ) short hair suited me 20’s age but not sure it would now. I feel more feminine. Nothing to do with not being able to accept I’m getting older. I don’t plait it or wear pigtails; that is a no-no for me. I keep it in good condition. When my daughter says, “mum, it’s time for a shorter style, ” I will know, as she is always candid with me.
I’m 59 and have had many different styles and colors. Right now, my hair is rather long. I also have tons of it! My hair proliferates, so I always need a trim. While I know I’m lucky to have a good head of hair and love long hair; I need suggestions. I usually have bangs and layers. But, those who have cut it before made it look like some “70’s shag. EWW. I love the layers because my hair is so heavy, but I don’t need to look like a “’70s throw-back! Thanks!
I’m nearly 58. I dye my hair at home and keep it waist length. I NEVER leave the house unless it is in a bun (hair stick), and I have side-swept bangs. I’ve been considering getting a “professional” haircut for the past 37 years. Yeah, probably never going to happen. ;)
Of course, this is all opinion. Some of these comments sound like too much protesting, though. Frankly, most women now seem to have a similar long haircut. It seems unimaginative to me. No one will tell you that your hair doesn’t look great unless they’re insulting. It doesn’t mean they’re not thinking about it. I’m 58 and have had many lengths of hair in my life. In high school, it was to my waist and took an enormous amount of time to wash and many hours to air dry. Once I had a husband, job, and kids, there was no time for that, so it was either short or a little past my shoulders. I have fine hair, but lots of it. Hello, tangles! I wear it in a one-length bob now for lack of better ideas. The color is brown with lighter highlights (with age, the paint got so mousy looking, but I don’t want the commitment of time and money for all-over color). If I let it grow out, it gets overwhelming in tangles and bulk. It still takes forever to dry, and its amount of natural wave is enough to stick out in random spots if I don’t blow-dry. Sigh.
I think it’s up to each individual to decide how to wear their hair. Everybody is not looking for youthfulness and is just fine with aging.
I am 53. I cut my hair short a couple of years ago. It was pretty high maintenance keeping it in style. Now that I have grown, it is much more accessible and versatile. I wear it loosely up during the day, so I feel it does not drag my face down. It’s up to each person.
“… they’ve held onto their long hair for way too long”…. is nothing more than the opinion of the person who wrote the article and the individuals who agree with her.
I am a 61-year-old woman who decided at 36 (feeling somewhat like a dinosaur) to crack under pressure from other people, and I cut off waist-length hair. I’ve spent the last 25 years growing it back. Never, ever again will I chop my hair, despite criticism (“Why do you want your hair that long? You’d look so much better with it shorter.”), derision (being nicknamed “hippie”…a fashion trend I missed because I was a pre-teen during the hippie revolution), and other unpleasant insinuations (“Are you trying to look 19?”). Nope.
Fifteen years ago, I was getting something out of the back seat of my car. The passing car stopped, and the driver said, “Hey, Baby!” When I turned to see if I knew him, he yelled, “OMG! HE’S OLD!” and sped off. was all 46, and my hair was half the length it is now. I did not go into the house and cut off my hair. I shared a good laugh with my 21-year-old son, whose hair was almost as long as mine.
Long hair isn’t for everyone, but it is for me. W en I speak with a woman or girl with long hair who is thinking about cutting it all off, I advise them to try a short wig before chopping off their hair. N t everyone is traumatized emotionally by cutting off long hair, but some of us are, and we don’t know we will be until it’s too late. F r $50, a person can get a decent wig and try out a style before making a decision that will take years to reverse.
I care that I look old, but I am old. D, I wish I looked 20 again. An absolutely. H wever, cutting off my hair will only conform me to society’s standards for older women…short hair after age 35. Please t ll me how that’s an improvement…and why I should regard anyone’s opinion above my own regarding my appearance.
I’m “right there” with Lynda and Oslo. I came to this site to find suggestions for long hair at age 60 style suggestions, and I am told to cut it. D disappointing.
I agree with you! I’m over 50 and choose to wear my hair. It’s natural grey, and I was advised to cut it short. It looked cute to me for a few days, and I wanted my ponytail back. Short grey hair makes me look older than long grey hair, except with a bang which I find annoying. Fancy hairstyles are not for everyone. Most only look good in mirrors and photos or withholding gels and sprays. A few minutes after one steps outside, they are gone with the wind or whatever climatic conditions obtain. A ponytail or bun is low maintenance, pulling the wrinkles back! LOL
Lil. I want to tell you a true story. I was shopping one day, passing through the hat section,n and saw a woman from behind. It was 15 degrees outside, and she wore a short mini-skirt and go-go boots. She had long blonde hair down to her waist. I wanted to look at her face because I wanted to see who this crazy person was… venturing out in the cold in a mini skirt. As she turned to look at me, I literately let out a mini shriek and jumped back. It was not to offend her; I was genuinely shocked! She was skinny, her eyes sunk back in her head, her skin was sagging off her face, and she was plastered with wrinkles that she tried to hide with a bucket of makeup! This was a woman clearly in denial. Please don’t be that woman… embrace your maturity unless you are 60 and look 30! If you must keep it long, try wearing it in a messy bun when you go out.
I had long, beautiful hair most of my life… I am almost 50 now. It is still down to my mid-back, but I am dying to get it cut. Everyone who knows me keeps talking me out of it. So I wear it on my head in a messy bun, and it only comes down when I go to bed at night… I think the long hair drags my face down.. and if it’s up all the time… why not cut it??!! Pixie cut, here I come! Good luck, Lil… think about what I said.
Why do people always assume when you are 60, you will look haggard and have very wrinkly skin? As long as you’ve looked after yourself, stayed out of the sun, and used sunblock, this won’t happen look at Sophia Loren at 80. She looks fantastic. We have the right to wear our hair any which we like, and at an age, we don’t have to listen to so-called know-it-all about what we should do when we get to a certain age.
I’m 45 years old with red/brown hair turning gray and going from fine, thick, and wavy to coarse, thick, and curly. I’ve worn long hair for about 15 years and don’t see why anyone would care about how long or short it is. It’s a matter of how I feel and think about it. If I feel feminine and sexy with my natural hair being long, then I say that’s cool. If I decide it makes me look old, and like my crazy great aunt the family never talks about, I’ll feel comfortable doing something else with it. Short hair isn’t cute on everyone. It makes most women look like they’re trying to pass as men to get equal pay and benefits, but that’s just me.
Yes, that IS just you.
This is a good article; I’m still undecided on how long to have my hair; I was thinking shorter, but then I was told I would look older than I already am! I have been looking at the ones on haircutideas.org, and I think I like them, but I am just unsure. Any suggestions?
It is a matter of to each his own. All these styles may look great on Photoshopped pictures with 10ounces of makeup, but try them on fresh-faced after a sleepless night. Eighty percent of the time, the kind only looks good in the hair and does NOTHING to flatter the face. Also, most of them are held in place by tons of goop. Is there anything more awful than bangs in Summertime? I am entirely grey, cute-faced, never wear makeup, and did an almost buzz cut with a little extra on top, which I used for side-sweep, full bang, or curls on top. It took too much time to make that hair look good. I need enough hair for a ponytail. That always is my cutest look, and it pulls back the wrinkles. I am allergic to holding sprays and goop. I feel like I can’t breathe when they are in my hair for two minutes. Leave-in conditioners make grey hair look yellowish and dirty. I agree that grey hair fits better with makeup, but try looking at those faces with those too cute styles after a long day! Like I said, sometimes the style only looks good IN THE HAIR.
I must say, I agree with this article to an extent, but it is an individual thing. I thought my long hair looked good on me, but my 21-year-old daughter told me the other day that she’s glad I cut my hair (it’s shoulder-length now) because the long hair made me look old. I’m only 41, and I have the “ideal” hair and face mentioned in the article to be able to have it long, but it just doesn’t suit me long. I’ve seen women older than me, even some with thinner, longer faces who can still pull off long, wavy, almost bohemian-style hair. It is individual. I advise asking a teen/20-something you know and whose opinion you trust about how you look in long hair.
Are you kidding? At 41? Sometimes daughters do not appreciate the fact that their moms still look HOT! You should have asked a few guys, and you’d have received different advice!
You don’t ask anyone under 25; they are clueless about style for the over 40s. They don’t want any competition. Course they will tell you to cut wait until they reach 40. It will be a whole different story.
I’m 60 and don’t give a rat what others think. My hair is long and ombre colored, light on top, dark underneath my head. My hair others don’t get a vote.
Sorry I generally don’t like long hair on older women. No matter how good you think it looks, it ages just like the rest, maybe more so. Now with that being said, you have to be comfortable in your skin, but it’s not very attractive on most women over 40 past shoulder length, especially those straight styles that seem to hang in struggles if your hair is not shiny; time to chop it.
Chop your own Jami. I’m keeping mine. I’m 60, and I don’t take advice from anyone.
Well, I’m turning 48 this year. I have worn my hair long most of my life, but I’m sorry, ladies. We have to face it, long hair on us, no way. It makes us look ridiculous! A short bob, stacked, hi-lighted, beautiful makeup is much sexier. Just look at Lisa Renna; even Sandra Bullock wore a bob!
Don’t mention bobs to me; I hate them had one when I was much younger and couldn’t wait till I left home and parental control and grew it long, which its been ever since
Well, if you reckon I look old, then so be it; I’d rather be old with long hair.
I couldn’t disagree more with this article. I am 61 with silver-streaked thick, wavy waist hair[ which horrors I wear loose sometimes!]I have learned to cut my hair at home and no longer go to salons due to this thinking by salons and hairstylists. My hubby loves my hair, and I get compliments from strangers. I will never look 16 from behind due to its color, so that’s not an issue. My silver hair sparkles and shines, unlike how it looked dyed[brassy and flat], so I will never dye it again. It also thickened up tremendously once I stopped dyeing also. Long silver hair makes no money for the salons; regular dye jobs and cuts are their bread and butter. Think about that when you see articles such as this.
Long silver-streaked hair can be stylish; I have long bangs wavy, layers, and a v-cut that my hubby did an excellent job cutting. So it never looks straggly when loose. Why does everyone think all long hair equals straggly, especially if longer than mid-back?That is so not correct.
Good for you, Dulcy. And I so agree with what you say about salons not making any money from people who don’t dye their hair. I cut my own, and on a couple of occasions over the last 15 years or so that I have been to a salon for a cut, I have been disappointed. I am 70 and have a layered bob which people say suits me, and I’ve had strangers asking me where they can go for a similar cut.
Having a hairstyle that you are comfortable with and that suits you is vital thing.
“Your hair is beautiful” differs from “you look great with that long hair.”
When an older woman with long hair asked for an opinion, I did NOT have the guts to tell her the truth. Her hair was beautiful. But did it suit her? No, it looked ridiculous on her. I heard others who were also asked tell her she had beautiful hair. It’s an honest answer but be careful how you interpret it.
By the way. I’ve never had trouble growing my hair. It’s mid-back, a mix of blonde and light brown, and I don’t care what others say. I’m 60, which gives me the right to tell people to MYOB and get a life.
I’ve heard of that 16/60 remark. I have long hair, but I don’t give a fig. I am 60, so what’s new?
Love your confidence, Lynda!
I wore short hair for years and never liked it. I am now 66 and have allowed my grey hair to grow to shoulder length and am much happier with it. I feel short hairstyles look dated unless you can have a particular stylist style them, and you can keep them looking stylish. See me at shirleymckellar.blogspot.com. I usually wear it up but can wear it down without looking out of place if I am inclined.
Nothing says, “I’m an old hag who has given up on life” more than short hair on an older woman. It is rarely flattering. Trim the ends to keep split ends at bay; that is all the maintenance it needs besides a good shampoo and conditioner.
Wow! I think nothing says “I’m an old hag who is trying to cling to my youth” more than women with long hair who can’t pull it off. I doSomeer women can still pull off long hair, but not all; it makes most look older. I am 48 years old, and when I got my hair cut shorter, everyone said it made me look younger, although people have said I don’t look my age with long hair either. I have seen some women keep their long hair, and it seems like all they do is comb it after a wash and leave it, which is not usually attractive, frizzy, and blah! Then there is the other spectrum of older women who have long hair and style it like they are doing a photo shoot for Playboy and look pitifully trying to stay young, but instead of looking young, they look 10 to 20 years older than they are.
And, of course, this is just MY opinion. As I said, some older women can pull it off. And people do what they want regardless.
I agree with all the ladies who don’t care what others think. If you’re old, it should be short brigade obviously can afford the hairdresser every four weeks.
Mine is long and an absolute mess. But it’s my mess & I love it.
Agree with you, Diana! So many catty comments here.
Hello, I found your website through Sylvia’s and wanted to look. I had t commented on this one, as my ginger red hair is long, mid-back, and I love it this way. I would look silly with short hair; it wouldn’t suit my face. I belie e if it doesn’t bother you with some extra time, and you like the look, why not? There e no rules, as long as it is healthy, not damaged and straggly.
Jess, great to hear from you. Your long, flaming, red hair is gorgeous! Talk about signature style. I agree that some women like yourself suit long hair after 40, and even 50 so long as it is well kept- shiny, good cut and color. Grooming becomes so important as we age. A few layers can also help perk up long hair after 40 for those women who want to keep their hair long but feel it’s looking a little limp. Cheers! Deb
I think the emphasis on color for older women is unfortunate. Paint is expensive, can damage hair, and is just unnecessary. There’s quite a trend now towards natural, gray hair, even longer, and it’s beautiful. To say that long hair is ok only if kept in perfect condition and colored is limiting and judgemental. How dare we look at our age, right? Yes, grooming is essential, but so is ditching some limiting societal expectations. Cut it or don’t, color it or not, but it’s what makes each person happy and NOT to satisfy someone else’s preconceived notion of what a woman “should” look like at a particular age! We can’t win. We are trying too hard. Gave up. Let herself go—mutton dressed as lamb. Granny. Tart. 16/60. How about we each do what makes us happy and leave judging each other on the side of the road where it belongs?
I never had long hair when I was younger; I had to keep it short. I was too busy with kids to fuss with my hair. I am a natural blond, and even now, at 51, I still have the same shade of color as I did when I was younger (no, I do not color my hair) but growing it out, I have always wondered about styling it what is better. Right now, it’s the longest it’s ever been. How do you know what the better style of cut is?
I found your blog on http://40plusstyle.com/women-over-40-blogger-community/ and thought I would stop by. Now I am glad I did. You have an excellent blog!
I think that long gray hair can be BEAUTIFUL if it is kept trimmed and well cared for—the secret is not to let it get to a length where it looks stringy. Nothing is more aging to women than gaining weight, short hair over the ears, and almost shaving in the back. That is like a GRANNY ALERT. I think pixie cuts are usually a disaster on older women. They can occasionally look cute on super pretty, thin, young girls, but overall I think they masculinize women and kill all sex appeal. Yuck!
Short grey hair is not youthful: It is granny hair…
I just got a chuckle because Jeann Gardner emailed me about this post to say: Hey, if I can look 16 from any angle, I’ll take it.
Look at most any female on TV over 40 who has long hair; news anchors, Katie Lee Gifford, Jersey Shore women, soap operas, lead actresses, etc. I agree it needs to be current, stylish, and well-kept.
I know you mentioned it, but I’ll repeat it if you’re going to wear your hair long, or any length for that matter, don’t stay with the same style you had in high school. Period.
Hi Cathy, so true. Long hair can look dull and dated if you don’t throw in a few layers or highlights. You have to stay updated instead of holding onto the past.
I had a long shoulder-length bob in high school and hated it and couldn’t wait for it to grow. To this day, I can’t stand bobs. My older sister initially cut it, and I told her if she ever came near me with scissors again, id tie her up and do the same to him. She knows I would to
I wore my hair (mostly) short through my 20s, let it grow a bit in my 30s, and went back and forth in my late 30s and early 40s. Most recently, it was well past my shoulders, and even though I don’t deal with much grey, I am 47 and went back to short about two months ago. I can’t tell you how amazing it felt. I will NEVER go back to long hair and have promised to make my hair a priority (regular cut and color). Short hair ROCKS!
How old school can you get? I was surprised by this article’s old fashion beliefs and anti-aging sentiments. Long grey hair is one of the hippest things; I’ve read many articles in fashion magazines talking about the trend. I’ve worn mine for years, and I can’t tell you the thousands of compliments I have gotten. Strangers even stop me. Love Fabulous After 40 for challenging and encouraging older women to feel confident about uniquely expressing themselves, but this article was so off the mark.
Hi Evelyn, I think Chris is saying that long grey hair takes a lot of maintenance to look good, so for the average woman, it doesn’t work. That’s all. I don’t know how much time or money you put into caring for your grey hair or if you are one of the lucky silver foxes out there gifted with naturally beautiful hair, but it sounds like you are doing what is suitable for you.
I don’t understand why everyone thinks that long (gray or not) hair takes so much time and money to maintain. It’s easy – a good trim once in a while and regular hair care. My friends who have gray hair, long or not, say that it was very liberating to let their hair go gray – much less work than constantly touching up the color. Mine is colored now, but only because it isn’t a nice gray yet. When it is, I’ll let it go and give up the six to eight-week root touchups!
Maybe it was the “witchy” comment. The underlined tone seems hostile to me. As Paula points out, how is any of this advice different from any chair color?
My favorite woman who rocks long gray hair is Emmylou Harris. I think she’s cut it recently, but she was wearing long, romantic, layered gray hair for a while. It was so pretty! It still is, just more shoulder length now.
Hi Paula,
Emmylou Harris is magnificent, and her gray hair is stunning. She’s an actual silver fox!
I have long (just above the bra strap), blonde, naturally curly hair at 50! I love my long hair and have no plans to cut it because of my age. I suggest you find a perfect salon and a younger hairdresser for anyone who wants long hair and is concerned about looking dated. Mine is in her 20s, and she keeps my style current. She uses today’s cuts, styling techniques, and products that avoid the “haven’t changed my hairstyle since college” look. I can straighten my hair and look stylish or leave it natural for convenience. At work, I often pin it back from my face. I get trims about every three months to keep it looking healthy. I think that the key is to keep it modern.
If you aren’t sure about your look, have some pictures taken (candids if possible, by a good friend) and look at them honestly. Do you like what you see? or do you wonder who that older woman is?? If you don’t like it, find that good salon and talk about what you want your look to be.
I wouldn’t say I like the 16/60 thing – unless you have a facelift, you’ll look 60 someday. Are we supposed to look 60 from behind, too? Not sure how to do that… :D
Excellent tips, Paula, for wearing long hair after 40.
I decided to gray a few months before School ended this year! I wear my hair in a pixie, so my hair color was out in about three months. I get compliments daily from people of all ages, male and female! Had I Known It would have this effect, I would Have listened to my husband, who suggested I do so five years ago! He thought I would look sexy! I love my gray!
What about long naturally curly hair? That is what hair type I have and I am constantly wondering if I am doing the best I can with it. Currently it is down to my mid-back and I recently had it layered around the face to frame it better. What are your thoughts?
I also have long, naturally curly hair…I would refer to it as kinky. I always wear it in the summer since I live in the south, and we all know what humidity can do to very curly hair. I am starting to get some gray hair and turned 40 this past October. It is past my shoulders. I’ve thought about having short hair but am afraid of maintenance. I refuse to put straighteners in it because it makes it look frizzy and unhealthy.
Hi Michelle, I ask why it fights. If your hair is naturally curly, it probably suits you best that way. It’s not worth putting a straightener in if it’s going to make your hair look stressed.
Long grey hair is beautiful; as for dying, it tries instincts and temporary dyes. They wash out in 28 days. I have found my hair tends to hang on to the paint in the grey and washes out in the not grey; for those of us on our way to grey, it is more natural and not harsh on hair. I’m 47 and surely full grey by 57 and sporting waist-length curly wild hair, and my husband loves it. Sweeping locks of medium curls, as my husband says. As for salons,s I save my funding for the nails :)
I just turned 60. I love my age and my long hair. I’ve had every style- perms, bobs, pixie, down to my butt. I’ve had every color-blonde platinum, red, reddish dark brown, and medium brown. Luckily, I have highly healthy, thick hair due to a great gene pool. I’m going to keep it long(middle of the back). The only thing that is so annoying is that it grows so fast that I have to color it every three weeks. I do it myself, but it’s such a pain. I will forgo the dying and go grey in the near future, but I’m keeping the length. When I go grey, I’ll leave it to the professionals because I want it to look as natural a process as it can be. I say to be true to yourself and forget the social pressure.
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Mine is naturally curly. I love the way long, curly, gray hair looks! Sometimes I straighten, especially in the winter when dryer air means less spring in my curls. I’ve recently started going to a new hairdresser to convince me to stop the straightening as it damages the curl structure. I don’t color anymore and have a dark blonde with white highlights. Maybe no color and no heat styling will mean healthier, more excellent curls. I will try it his way for a while and see what happens.
To the author: Read what you wrote–below–when you are 61, and see how it makes you feel: