Hair dos and don’ts

No matter your age, your hairstyle should flatter your face and your figure. One’s crowning glory may change colour, quantity and texture over time, but it is still important to keep it looking good.

Hair experts agree that it is important not to get stuck in a style rut when it comes to your hair. It’s all very well to have a ‘look,’ but if you still have essentially the same hairstyle you did 20 years ago, it may be ageing you.

If you think it’s time for a new or updated hairstyle, play up your good features, and use clever tricks to camouflage any not-so-good ones. For example, if you are often complimented on your eyes, you can play them up with side-sweeping styles, layers or a fringe.

A new style doesn’t need to mean anything too way out (unless that’s how you’re feeling). Discuss your ideas with your hairstylist and take a day or two to think changes over, if you are nervous about a new look.

It is a myth that the moment you turn a ‘certain age’ that you have to chop your hair off and go for short and sensible. Short hair can be both extremely stylish and practical, but hair that falls somewhere below the chin and at the shoulders is also very flattering, and gives options to style yourself in many ways.

Shoulder length hair works on curly hair, straight hair, wavy hair and fine hair. In fact, keeping your hair a little longer can hide a multitude of sins:

  • Round faces look less round with hair that falls below the chin and long faces look less long at this length than with long hair.
  • Short hair exposes a double chin. Shoulder-length hair hides them.
  • Loose skin or wrinkles on your neck are much less obvious with hair around them.
  • Shoulder-length hair is youthful and gives movement and interest to your face.

Consider your hair’s texture when cutting your hair –  women with fine, thin hair look better with hair that’s above their shoulders with a few layers cut in, where women with thick, curly hair may actually look better with longer hair, because longer hair will weigh down the curl.

To keep your hair maintenance to a minimum, a great haircut is important, as are regular trims. Split, frizzy ends on anyone of any age looks bad. A few layers will lighten up your hair and make it appear more modern and healthy.

In between washes, use dry shampoo to keep your hair from looking and feeling lank or greasy. Dry shampoo will also add texture to fine hair.  Whether you have thick hair, fine hair, curly hair or thinning hair, dry shampoo has benefits. The secret is to shake it up, spray about 15cm from your head and wait at least a minute for it to dry before styling your hair. If you don’t have dry shampoo, a little baby powder can also do the trick.

Don’t be afraid to nourish your hair with hair oil – it can protect against damage from heat styling, reduce frizz and increase shine. Hair oils are very light and won’t make your hair look greasy.

Some older women find that their hair thins markedly. If you find you hair thinning, do check with your doctor – this can be a sign of anaemia. If you have thin hair, a short haircut is often a good option, as it won’t be weighed down.

When it comes to colour, the choice is yours! If grey works for you, then embrace it. If you feel a bit washed out, try blonde tones to add warmth to your complexion. Colour is best applied by a professional, beware of doing it yourself! As with a hairstyle, the best colour for you may change over time – be open to new suggestions.

Need some hairspiration? We’re loving the ‘Going Grey Beauty Guide‘ which is full of images of women celebrating themselves and not hifing their greys.