Women with Long Hair: How Old is Too Old?

Donna Thacker
I was recently in my favorite salon for a hair cut. When I sat down the stylist asked me, "Cut or trim?" I told her to just trim it up. My hair admittedly is not as thick as it used to be. I also have a few gray hairs (I earned every one of them) popping up. I have always worn it as long as I could get it...just below shoulder length. I got to thinking about my age.

"How old is too old for long hair?" I asked as she trimmed away. I watched her face in the mirror to be sure she wasn't just pacifying a client.

"You know, "she said. "Through all of my training, no one ever mentioned that there was a certain age for long hair, short hair or anywhere in between."

She went on to say that it really depended on how the person cared for their hair, their personality type and lifestyle. "Of course," she added. "A head of long hair that is completely gray and dead and lifeless is not very attractive." She quickly added that I had great hair, even with the few gray strands!

30 is to Old for Long Hair?

Recently, I discussed the issue of long hair on older women with my daughter in law. She stated that her grandmother always said that 30 years old was time to stop wearing long hair. Well, I was several years past thirty, so was I too old for long hair?

We must remember that times have changed, and what was the rule of thumb years ago, doesn't necessarily stand up today in the world of fashion etiquette. When my grandmother was my age, she certainly dressed and acted different than I do. When I was young, Grandma wore prim flowered dresses she made herself and a big apron over it to keep it clean. She reminded one of Aunt Bea from the Andy Griffith Show.

Let's look at the fashion giants and the television stars. I could not even imagine the likes of Tyra Banks or Jane Seymour with anything other than their long lovely locks. Cher also comes to mind as being known for long hair. Of course they all have the money for the best hair products, unlike the average person.

Your Hair, Your Choice, Your Age

There really is no hard and fast rule about long hair and a woman's age. Perhaps older woman choose to cut off their long locks for ease of care. Perhaps they no longer consider it their "crown of glory" and place their confidence on other attributes.

Whatever your age, your hair should be kept well cared for and looking good. Should it matter that it is a short bob, or a long mass of curls? Ask yourself what type of hairstyle fits your lifestyle and your personality. If the long hair fits, then I say, "Wear it!"

http://www.hairfinder.com/articles2005/maturelonghair.htm

http://www.hairboutique.com/tips/tip004.htm

Published by Donna Thacker - Featured Contributor in Lifestyle

Donna is an award- winning fiction author, recently published with Twin Trinity Media. While she enjoys writing fiction, Donna also has a knack for writing informative articles that show her knowledge and p...  View profile

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  • Dawn Fisher7/9/2010

    Two years ago I left the professional world of finance and let my hair grow. I love the freedom of throwing into a pony tail when I head outside to garden or ride my horse. Keep your hair trimmed and in good shape and wear it how you want it, forget about what everyone else thinks!

  • Patricia Sicilia6/2/2010

    This is my pet peeve. I have gorgeious, naturally curly hair, and it looks great long. My mother cut it short all my life, and when I finally moved out in my late teens, I let it grow long. I have the best hair in my family, and when they started telling me I was "too old" for long hair, I told them they were just jealous. I wear it just below shoulder length now. As for "too old," hey, our great, and great-great grandmothers let their hair long until old age -- they just always wore it up. And all men prefer long hair on their woman, that's the truth.

  • Charlotte Kuchinsky6/1/2010

    I've heard the "too old for long hair" thing multiple times. I don't buy it!

  • CJ Mathis5/31/2010

    I had a hairdresser tell me a few years back that long hair was for under 30 so I cut my hair. Now I cannot get through that horrible stage of letting it grow out and it grows a lot slower than it did when I was young. So I am still with short hair.

  • Bobbi Leder5/30/2010

    I totally think it depends on your face shape, what you look best in and your hair type. While my hair might look best (on someone else) with a bob, I look terrible with short hair. It also depends on one's personality...I'm 40 but I act like I'm six most of the time (LOL!) so I think I can pull off long hair. So many "older" models wear their hair long today as well so I think it's OK as long as the hair is in good shape.

  • Jean Brewer5/30/2010

    I am 40. Until a couple of years ago when I got bored I had hair I could almost sit on. It was actually much easier to care for than short hair IMHO. I think I'm going to let my hair grow back out now. I miss how easy it was to put up and forget about.. even if some considered me frumpy for my "old fashioned" hair styles!

  • Lady Samantha5/30/2010

    I'm 32 my hair is halfway down myback. My mom is in her 60s and it's longer. So if you like it, keep it.

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