These days, we know that things like UV radiation and cigarette smoke can prematurely age the
skin and can lead to looking older than your years, so most women take steps to avoid of counter these factors. We also have cosmetic
treatments like laser rejuvenation and botox therapies to stop the development of fine lines and wrinkles and help to preserve the
healthy look of younger skin.
Because women today look younger for their age, the rules change. You don’t need to do
different things with the hair to draw attention away from other unflattering features (such as frown lines and brow furrows). Women can
wear their hair long and the only factor to consider is whether or not the style flatters them.
Why Long Hair?
Long hair has always been seen as portraying the image of beauty. Look at art throughout
history. The beautiful maiden is always seen with long hair. All of the representations of Venus: the goddess of love and beauty show
her with hair that is long, wavy and flowing. It’s romantic and feminine.
We are taught that long hair equals youth and beauty from an early age. Look at our fairy
tales. Rapunzel was envied so much for her beautiful long hair that she was locked away in a tower. The mere sight of her beautiful
hair inspired the young prince to risk his life to try to reach her. We are taught that long hair is something to be desired and
envied, because of it’s indication that the woman who has it is more alluring and sexy. For many women – because of the lessons
learned while young - wearing their hair long at a mature age is a subtle way of telling the world around them that they are still
sexual and desirable beings.
Another reason many women choose long hair is that long hair takes more effort to care for
properly and a woman who wears long hair that looks good is a woman you know spends time on her appearance and likes to be appreciated.
This usually won’t be a conscious decision, but the desire to be appreciated means that a woman is more than willing to put up with the
extra effort in order to ensure the attention.
Long hair is also versatile and can be worn in a wide variety of looks and styles. With long
hair you don’t have to have simply hanging lengths, you can wear the hair up in elaborate and intricate styles, or a simple, smooth
twist. You can add curl for an ultra-full, voluminous look, or you can flat iron it for a super-sleek style. This doesn’t even consider
the in-between styles available with long hair: half-up-styles, ponytails, braids, etc.
Tips for Healthy Mature Hair:
As a woman ages, hormonal changes and even genetics can mean that the hair begins to grow
differently, or can become drier and less manageable. Because of this you need to meet the hair’s changing needs, and compensate for
some of the inevitable deficiencies:
• Be sure to use a gentle shampoo with humectants and a moisturizing
conditioner to keep the hair hydrated. You will also need to add shine
products to your styling routine, such as spray laminators, and anti-frizz
serums, since maturing hair tends to lose its luster.
• Avoid using all-over hair color as your sole source of color, particularly if you
are beginning to gray. The color results tend to become flat and the hair looks
bland. Instead, choose dimensional color services featuring highlighting and
low-lighting to create color varation in the hair, ensuring a more natural looking
color result. In addition, don’t fall for color trends: such as chunky colors and
the like. More natural coloring techniques will mean the hair looks more youthful.
• Have your stylist add layering into the hair in areas where you need it
according to your face shape. Rounder faces should have layers at the top of
the head to create height, while narrower faces should have layers along the
middle lengths to be styled outward and create a wider silhouette. You can
use layers around the face to soften features or mask an over-large forehead,
and add asymmetrical elements (side partings and angled bangs) to compensate for angular or over-balanced features.
• Finally, be sure to maintain your overall health. This includes getting proper
nutrition, drinking plenty of water, and getting enough exercise. A healthy
body will be better able to grow healthy hair.
The bottom line is this: Age is no longer a reason to limit your choices in hairstyle. Any woman, of any age, can have long hair that is
healthy, vibrant, and strong. So, keep your youthful locks regardless of what the calendar says.
