How to Choose Hair Styles for Older Women

As you age, your style should mature as well. Super-long hair, wild colors and trendy young styles look out of place on someone who has earned the right to wear more sophisticated styles. However, being older doesn’t mean that you are destined for old-lady hair. Plenty of styles will flatter you without aging you. The trick is to choose a style that enhances your good features without making you appear like you are trying to look younger than you really are.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Getting the Cut

1. Take off some length. Long styles tend to accentuate wrinkles, making you appear older. Length can also wash out your complexion, resulting in a sallow, dull appearance. As you age, hair gets thinner, leaving you with a thin, stringy mess that is best dealt with by wearing a ponytail daily if you leave it long. Taking off a few inches or more will make you look younger instantly. If you’re over 50, look for styles that are shoulder length or shorter.

2. Look for styles that appeal to you. Become a people watcher. Look at other women your age and see how they are wearing their hair. Browse hairstyle books and the Internet for styles. Always look for models who are close to your age; this will give you an idea of what is considered flattering and appropriate for your age. Select several hairstyles -- at least five to seven -- and save them.

3. Organize each photo according to hair and style characteristics. Look at the texture and thickness of the hair. Eliminate styles from your list that feature models with hair that is very different from your own -- it’s possible that your hair will not look right if you choose styles selected for different hair types. Look at the models’ facial features as well. Always look for someone who looks as much like you as you can. This will help you zero in on the right cut for your features.

4. Pay attention to how the hair is styled. If you’re a five-minute gal, do not pick a style that takes 30 minutes or more to execute. Maintenance and lifestyle play a huge role in selecting a style that you can live with.

5. Select a style that appears wispy and fringed around the edges. Texturized styles lend a youthful appearance without making you appear like you’re trying too hard to look young.

6. Keep narrowing your choices until you find your favorite. Don’t be afraid to ask for opinions before you change your style. Friends and relatives can be a great resource for big hair decisions.

Choosing a Color

1. Select a color that is two shades lighter than your original color. If you must go with your original color, add a few highlights to soften your look. Dark hair makes wrinkles and facial flaws more noticeable. Keep your hair lighter for a more youthful appearance.

2. Choose a warm color. Gray hair lacks gold, orange and red color pigments, which are essential for natural-looking color. Choose a golden blond color if you want to stay light, or a reddish color if you want a little more depth. If you don’t like red, choose a brown color with red undertones such as brown cinnamon.

3. Avoid semi-permanent color applications. Semi-permanent colors will color most of your hair, but they will only stain your gray, leaving you with strange colored highlights. To cover gray, you must choose permanent hair color that boasts 100 percent gray coverage.

4. Consider adding a few highlights. Highlights add interest, and can make you appear younger. They also add variation to one-toned color, which does not flatter at any age.

Tips & Warnings

• If you’re still clueless, ask a stylist. Professionals know what styles are in for every age group. They can even tell you what styles and color will work with your hair type and skin tone.

• Avoid sudden, drastic changes. Ease your way into a shorter style by taking off a few inches at a time. Give yourself time to get used to a shorter 'do before taking it all off. Do the same with your color. Start out with a subtle change and work your way into the color you want. After all, you don’t want to send yourself and those around you into shock with a dramatically different you.

References

• Milady's Standard Textbook of Cosmetology; Catherine M. Frangie, Arlene Alpert, et al.