Hair. Big hair, thin hair, thick hair, short hair, long hair, no hair.
It’s a popular topic among all women. We all have it and we all have to figure out what works for us. The hair fascination came naturally to all of us as we hit our teenage years especially. I bet most of us have a hair story of some sort that we’ve never forgotten. That time our mom gave us a perm and we didn’t want to leave the house or that time the stylist ruined our hair with a bad cut or an awful dye job. Or worse yet, we ruined at home…..with our own dye job! Right? I know I can’t be the only one who has hair stories. Hair is such an important extension of who we are as women and that continues our entire lives.
It started when we were teenagers and we can’t help but feel good or bad about ourselves, based on how our hair is performing day by day. It’s like it has a life of its own, our hair! Have you found the right style for you? It took me awhile, but I think I finally have found the style that’s great for me going into my older years. Not long and not short, sort of in between, that’s what’s working for me. I think many older women can get away with long hair, but sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t. We all have to be honest with ourselves and take a good hard look at what is working for us and what needs improvement. If I had nice soft, bouncy hair, I’d probably wear it long too.
Since I’m going to start doing some fashion and beauty posts on my blog, I thought it would be fun to talk about hair. Hair is SO important to us as women and really can make or break our looks. I used to love those makeover shows that Oprah did, where she took someone who was hopelessly outdated in their appearance and completely made them over. Hair was always a big part of that process and would completely change the looks of a person for the better. The Today show does some great makeovers too and they don’t let people see themselves in the mirror until they are on stage live and it’s always fun to see their reaction, looking at themselves in the mirror for the first time. Lots of screaming and jumping ensues and the family members can’t believe their eyes. Those makeovers are amazing!
Some people find a style that worked for them when they were 20 and they hold onto it far too long? Know anyone like that? Hair is something that needs to continually be evaluated with a good eye to be sure you’re making the best of it as you get older. Believe me, I don’t have it all figured out either! I was the one who wished she had long flowing straight hair, you know the kind that Christie Brinkley has? Bouncy and pretty. I was the one with the big hair.
And because I don’t mind sharing myself on this blog, I’ll talk about my hair over 8 years of blogging. It’s really crazy how much my hair has changed for the better (hello, 2008, what happened there?) and I’m a good example of finding a cut that finally works for me. I have had curly, coarse hair my whole life and have struggled to find a cut that really works for the long term. Having a lot of hair is a blessing and a curse at times, but I really didn’t know what to do for my hair to make it better. My sister and niece gave me one of the first fatter flat irons and trip to the salon for Christmas a few years ago. Think they were giving me a hint? They absolutely were and I did like the cut, but didn’t maintain it back then, for some reason it just didn’t stick with me. I’ve gone shorter and longer, working with and embracing the curl and now finally I’m straightening my hair most of the time and from all the compliments I now get on my hair, I think it’s really working for me. I am finally happy with how my hair is looking.
This shot shows how it looks from the back and side. I’m amazed that I can get my hair this straight now.
I was blessed with a head full of hair, but that doesn’t mean it is easy to take care of and style in a good way. It is really curly, but as I’ve gotten older the coarseness (along with the gray) has gotten worse and it can easily get really frizzy too. Frizzy is NOT pretty! Hair products and a good cut are essential for taming my hair and my flat iron is now my best friend. As is my hair stylist. I was fortunate to find a really great hair stylist a couple of years ago from a local friend and have been going to her for at least 2 years. She is the best I’ve found for my type of hair and I will be totally sad if she ever retires. I brag on her all the time and I’ve had a lot of girls ask me for her number, but she is completely full and won’t take on more clients. She does my cut and color and I love what she does.
One of the other things I started doing in the last year is getting keratin treatments. There are several different types of them, but she has experimented with a couple of them and they do make a difference for me. I’ll probably at least do those during the summer months to help tame the frizz, because it does make a difference for my hair type. I never thought I could get straight hair like this and have it work so well, but the products and the flat iron do the trick, as well as a great stylist.
So, I wanted to do a post about hair and how keeping your hair healthy and with a stylish cut can really make a difference in how you look and feel as you age. That first pic in 2007, I was 50 years old and now about to turn 58 on Saturday, so you can see for yourself how I’ve evolved and aged with my hair and style. Some of those pics are blurry, I had to crop them to find one for every year.
One of my pet peeves is seeing older women let their hair go.
Why?
There’s just no reason to let yourself go as you get older. I totally think women can age gracefully and stylishly as well. Hair is a huge part of that, so don’t neglect your hairstyle. Find something that works for you and get a good stylist to help you get the look you want in cut and color, that works for your face and skintone. It really is amazing how hair can do so much to make or break our looks and as women, we are so dependent on “good” hair days vs. “bad” hair days, aren’t we?
How’s your hair these days? Are you highlighting your face with your hair and wearing a stylish cut? If you aren’t, find one that works. Scraggly, gray hair just isn’t attractive on anyone, so color that hair too! I see only a very few older women with pretty gray hair that look really attractive. Most of the time, I think coloring gray hair is the way to go. At least into your 60’s and maybe even 70’s. Again, that is not a rule set in stone at all, just my opinion for most women.
Why look older than we have to?
I love this article from Vibrant Nation on 8 lessons from makeover of women over 50. I love seeing makeovers like this, where hair, makeup, and clothes are all updated. What a difference it makes! This first one is an example of trying to dress TOO young. The 2nd pic is so much better and age appropriate, so that is something to keep in mind too. I try to look at myself objectively in the mirror and never want to come across as trying to dress too young. Keep it stylish AND age appropriate. We are not 30 or 40 anymore, ladies!
Love this makeover! What a difference, from long gray hair and frumpy outfit to a stylish knee-length black skirt and hot pink top, framing her newly cut short do. She is still gray and can get away with it with adding that extra color near her face. And check out how much better she looks in the clothes! She has a very stylish figure and the frumpy clothes were just hiding her shape.
Here’s an example of that long straggly gray hair that we’ve all seen on folks. Wow, what a difference in her more stylish cut and check out the dark color. Way better! She looks at least 10 years younger.
One more great makeover, this one is fantastic too. From frumpy old sweater outfit to a long cardigan and more stylish pants to a chic and sassy shorter cut. Again, that big baggy sweater was actually hiding a much thinner body.
What a difference hair cuts and color can make as we get older! I think this is a fun subject, so I hope you all do too. We women over 50 can use all the help we can get in ageing gracefully and stylishly. I’m going to move towards 60, kicking and screaming and doing the best I can to keep on looking as good as I possibly can for years to come.
I know I have a lot of baby boomer readers too, so I’m not alone. Are you with me?
Are you happy with your hair or struggling to find a new style?
I’ll start doing some fashion posts too (maybe 2 a month or so) and will be sharing some of my outfits that I put together and talk about my thoughts on clothes for women over 50 and we’ll have some fun conversations.
Wreaths are such a pretty addition to the front door during the Holidays, so I’d love for you to check out my style guide all about wreaths and how to use them effectively inside and out!
Laura Ingalls Gunn says
Although I am still a few years away from 50 I loved this post! Sadly, I just got my first haircut since moving to D/FW in September and let’s just say I am now in grow out mode. Hair truly can be a woman’s shining glory and I agree that a nice hairstyle makes a world of difference.
Judy says
Funny you’re talking about hair today, I desperately need a new style. My stylist has given such great cuts in the past; however, the cut I got last August was a disaster! So short and I’m still dealing with the chopped up layers. I have a 73 years old friend with the same hair style from her early 20’s. She still teases her hair into a “huge helmet” and also went from a strawberry blonde to jet black. She dresses so elegant, but you can’t get past her hair.
Kittyluvr says
Those photos were just the shock that I need to do something about my hair…sadly I fall on the “before” side of the line and have let my hair age not so gracefully…color makes all the difference but my hair grows so fast and I have tons and tons of it….it’s a commitment that I need to make and thanks for the push or shove in that direction!
Jeanie says
I really like this topic. I am turning 50 this year and struggling with cutting my middle of the back long hair. I have had very short in the past (not good on me) and very long (most of the time I just put it up) and would like go to shoulder length but am having a heck of a hard time finding a stylist. My last stylist cut my hair WAY too short. Plus so many salons here use Aveda products and my hair does not take that color well. Right now I color my grays at home but I hate the hassle.
Becky B. says
Fifty is YOUNG! Wear your hair the way you like it. I did cut mine at 50 to shoulder length and have enjoyed it very much. Gotta have my pony tail. 😉
Kelly says
Great post and I so agree that hair can make you feel so good or so old. The only time you can do a wash and go is when you are 5!
patty says
So glad you are doing these post. Can you talk a little more about the keratin treatments? I have thought about getting them not sure if that is a good ideal since my hair is colored?
Your hairstyle is cute! Mine is similar but not quite as long as yours…
Rhoda says
Patty, my stylist has used 2 different keratin treatments on my hair and they both worked well. One had formaldehyde in it & she didn’t want to use those, so found another one without it Talk to your stylist and see what they have. There are speedy keratin treatments and longer ones. Mine lasted a good 4 months or more and those cost more than the speedy ones do. Definitely worth it for summer months for sure. They paint the keratin on your hair and leave it and then it gets washed out and somehow changes the texture of hair for the better, getting the frizz out.
Janie says
Great post, Rhoda. You look fabulous in all of your pics, and actually look younger in the ’14 shot than in the earlier ones! Agree it’s important to not fall into the frump trap. Those before/after photos prove that. Above all, we need to eat right, get proper exercise, stay spiritually aligned. Good physical and emotional health is the most important fashion accessory.
Becky B. says
I love your hair and it was fun seeing the pictures. You remind a bit of Beth Moore, the author. Very cute!
Rhoda says
Thank you, Becky! Don’t get me started on Beth Moore. I have worshipped her hair for 10 years at least. She has great hair!
Tricia says
I have been blessed with thick hair. I used to wish it was straight (especially in high school) but since it has turned gray I have it colored & this has straightened it out some. I wear it chin length & it’s an auburn color instead of my natural dark brown. I only wish I could find a hairstyle that’s different than the one I’ve had for years. I’ll be 66 in February & am thinking about letting it go gray since it’s costly to color. I enjoy your blog, Rhoda.
Jules says
I’m in my early 50’s & love keeping up with the current fashion and make-up trends. There are some designers that make great stylish clothing, shoes & accessories for women of all ages (I’m talking about you Tory Burch). I love skin care products & make-up, enjoying VIB Rouge status at Sephora. However, after my hair grew back following chemo, I quit coloring my hair. Why? My stylist says I have color-resistant hair. The dye had to sit on my head FOREVER & I’m trying to cut out some of the chemicals I use on a daily basis. When my stylist saw my black hair naturally highlighted with silver, she begged me not to color it anymore. I do have a cut that I love, but I won’t color my hair again. I feel great about my hair! Women need to find what works best for them so they can feel great about themselves. LOVE your hair, Rhoda!
Rhoda says
Hi, Jules, I so agree, we all have to do what works best for us. Your hair sounds beautiful! Agree on fashion for older women too, there are lots of good lines of stylish clothes out there. I just found a shop here at our outlet mall called C Wonder and racked up on a ton of new clothes over the weekend for such a discount. They are unfortunately closing the outlet, but I have just discovered this store and it’s Tory Burch’s ex husband!
Bonnie says
I am still going thru hair styles. Although the angled bob is amazing on so many people and looks gorgeous on you, Rhoda, I am not sure it is my best look. I am going back to my hair stylist where I use to live (2 hrs away) since she knows my hair and it needs to look good for this wedding I have to attend soon. (Like 2 wks from now – yipes!) She knows exactly what to do with my hair as I used her for 12 or 13 yrs. I have a bubbly fun personality and I think maybe that is why the polished look feels so strange on me. LOL! You are tall & elegant so it suits you to a “T”. Wish me luck…..I go tomorrow!
Meg says
Rhoda, thank you for this post!!! I search and search for this kind of material, and it’s so much more meaningful when presented by a blogger that we know & love, than just a magazine article somewhere, probably written by a 20- or 30-something. One question: how do you prevent damage from flat iron use on a regular basis? I have hair similar to yours, and also loved using the flat iron until the damage was so bad that I had to stop. Thank you so much!
Rhoda says
HI, Meg, so far after 2 years of using the flat iron, I’m not seeing a lot of damage. My hair actually feels better when I use it. My stylist uses a product on my hair when she flat irons called Kenra Platinum Silkening Mist and I have it at home too and spray down my hair when I’m getting ready to flat iron it. I only wash my hair 3 times a week now so it’s not getting flat ironed every day. Talk to your stylist about a product that will help protect your hair.
Meg says
Thanks so much, Rhoda!
tina says
I’m several years younger than you but I color my hair. For now. The women in my mom’s side of the family go grey young. However, I have (had) very dark hair so I’m hoping I ‘m like Jules above and have pretty silvery hair. I have to disagree with you a bit on the grey hair as I actually see more women now days with beautiful shades of grey/silver. I think it has some upkeep too – to keep the color pretty and you need to update/change your makeup to work with the grey. I also thinking working with what you have and not against it usually has the best results.
tina
Jean says
You must be from a family of those rare women who have gorgeous silver hair. Jealous!! Mine looks like an sos pad and I’m 65!
Edith says
Hi Rhoda,
My birthday is on Saturday also. I’m turning 60 and don’t mind at all. Never been happier! I have lots of wavy hair but it’s fine and wants to frizz in the humid Texas summers. The best style for me is to have it shoulder length, just long enough to be able to clip it up in the back when I want. My hair looks professionally highlighted but I do it myself. I got tired of spending $75. every 6 weeks. I buy my products at a beauty supply store and apply a cool blonde with 30 vol. developer all over the new growth. This lightens the brown hairs to a pretty blonde without covering any of the gray ones so that the gray act as the highlights. It looks super and let’s me gently transition into more and more gray as I’m aging. And it costs me about $7.00 per application.
Rhoda says
HI, Edith, that’s great that you’ve found products that work for you at home. I used to highlight my hair at home for years and finally let my stylist do it for the last couple of years. My natural color has really gone drab so she uses 2 shades and uses foils. I just can’t get the same look doing it myself anymore. But I agree, home color has come a long ways! I’m very fortunate that I don’t have to color my hair but every 3 to 4 months.
Wanda @ Just Vintage says
I enjoyed seeing the before and afters. And love the new look on you! I have always thought you looked great.
How fun that you’re going to start doing some fashion posts! I’ve lost 50 lbs and am looking for a new look. Now that I don’t need big, flowy tops, that’s all I can find. Or it all looks rather matronly or officey. I’m so uninspired. Even Anthropologie hasn’t excited me much this year. My work is at home and out at the sales digging through piles of junk, so there’s no need for office attire and as petite as I am, I can still do “young.” Just not cutsey or junior style. Ya know?
But back to hair. With my hubby’s retirement, I stopped going to my expensive stylist. But I do so need her! I’m sorta okay with my hairstyle now, which is similar to yours, but know that Amy could do it so much better. My problem is that with menopause came thinning hair. It used to be so thick I could barely get it in a ponytail. I was actually happy when it started thinning. Then it kept on. Now I want to cry when I look in the mirror, lift my hair at the edge, and see my scalp. I’m trying Rogain, but 5 months in I’m not sure that’s helping. Perhaps, it was caused from insulin resistance rather than menopause. If that’s the case, I hope if I get my numbers down to regular people range (I’m on the high side of normal right now.) maybe it will start to thicken. Of course that may be wishful thinking and this might be something I’ll always have to deal with. You’re so right. Our hair is a major concern. Who would have thought my hair, of all things, would be in my prayers?
Donna says
Wanda, is your iron at a good level, and how are your thyroid numbers? Those are critical for hair growth. B vits. are also very helpful.
Lisa E says
I’m going to enjoy these articles as I did this one and especially loved those before and after shots! My hair is very dark. Most think it’s black, but it’s not. I didn’t start going gray until my late 40s (I’m now 54). I absolutely love hi-lites and used to have them. However, now I can see new growth in just two wks, so to have costly hi-lites put in and then the gray start showing, well it just wouldn’t make sense. Every few months I get my hair dresser to touch-up my roots, but I usually do it myself because it’s so much cheaper. I have thought of going natural eventually because as I go more gray, with such a dark color, I will look like a skunk unless I touch of every two wks which is crazy! Mentally I’m not ready to go gray, and definitely don’t want to go blonde to hide the frequent touch-ups needed. Torn.
Rhoda says
Lisa, my sister was a brunette her whole life, but when her hair started getting grayer and grayer, she went blonde and hasn’t looked back. It works on her and is easier to maintain than dark hair would have been.
Lisa E says
I know many do, but I just can’t do the blonde thing. Just can’t. Nothing against blondes, but for me with my more olive complexion, would want to go with something that would look more natural. Besides, I think my three sisters would kill me, lol!
Rhoda says
I hear you, Lisa. Skintone plays a big part in hair color too.
Lori says
Thanks for this post Rhoda! I enjoyed it, and I really enjoyed reading everyone’s comments.
I am 53 and have not colored my hair for going on 2 years. There is a little grey on the sides and top, but not enough that its really noticeable. I do need to shorten it up a bit, but gosh I like my longer hair….
I wish all the comments had photos of everyone on them!
Kristen says
I see some very cute, very fit ladies who are probably in their very early 60’s at the gym. Both of them have very dated hair. One of them has the same 80’s curly bob she’s probably had forever. The other has a very “fixed” teased and sprayed bob that looks like a helmet, and the color need to be lighter, I think, also. Mentally, I fix her color and make that style softer around her face. Both of these ladies are attractive and probably dress fashionably (their gym clothes are fashionable and up to date) but their hair dates and ages them and makes them look frumpy. They are just blind to needing a hair style update.
I constantly ask my (younger than me) stylist if my hair needs to be updated or tweaked. She says I’m good, but it is something that I watch. Because I mention it, I know she’d not hesitate to suggest a change to me.
Catherine says
Yes, our hair sure is our “crown & glory!” I’ve always had a gOOd head of hair–truly a blessing. But as I’ve passed from peri- to full out menopause my hair has made subtle changes I’ve been trying to adjust to.
I’ve been really curious for a while now to try out the WEN product line, so I finally pulled the trigger. I don’t know how to exactly articulate the difference except to say– my hair FEELS better. Healthier even. And I’m a convert–no more “washing” my hair! It feels and looks like the hair I always knew~but better!
Catherine
Rhoda says
Catherine, that is good to know. I might have to check out WEN products, just went and read about it. sounds very interesting! I am using sulfate free shampoo now, because of the keratin treatments and these sound really good.
Catherine says
Rhoda–It’s almost three months now of using WEN and would not want to go back to shampoo ever again! My hair is even growing more!
But I will tell you that I have one grievance–their auto billing and shipping comes faster than I need so I’ve given extra product to a few family and friends to try out—and now THEY really like it too!
Catherine
Terry says
Catherine – you are able to adjust your shipping dates with auto-delivery.
Barbara (WA) says
I was just admiring your hair the other day when you first posted the photo of you & Parker 🙂 But that is a lot of expense & a lot of work to go through – no wonder you look fabulous!! I can ever seem to be dedicated enough & yet I moan about my appearance, heheh. Presently I can’t do a thing about it due to my broken wrist. I’m just thankful I can shower & wash my hair while wearing a cast cover. Inspiring post!
Rhoda says
Hey, Barbara, I go to a very reasonable stylist, so I don’t spend nearly as much as others do on their hair. I think you can find some reasonable ones out there if you look. I lucked out when I found her!
Becky in 'Bama says
My comment will sound nasty…but it’s meant as a heads up: if you have thick, wavy (or straight) hair – please don’t complain about it to your friends who have thin, scraggly uber-straight bland hair (me). Ha. Seriously, I’ve wrestled with my hair for my entire life (age 60 now). I cannot imagine complaining that my hair is ‘too thick’ or ‘too curly.’ I have spent a small fortune over a life time of perms, body waves, hi-lites, styling products, etc… because of my thin, spider web hair. I can live with it in during the winter when the air is cold and crisp…but living in the South from March to the end of September the humidity turns my hair into limp locks. Thus, I’m forced to go the short hair (helmet) head route, because a heavy hand with hair spray is my only saving grace. Sorry. Rant over. 🙂 Oh yes…and my brothers got the wiry, curly hair. Boo.