Aging Short Hair

Woman in her forties, wearing her hair short
Photo: Rade Kovac/Shutterstock
Q: A couple of women in my neighborhood who are in their forties recently cut their hair short. They probably did it because they believe long hair is no longer appropriate after a certain age or because they hoped a shorter style would make them look younger. The surprising thing is that, in both cases, the short haircut made them look older than they did before.
 
I never realized that short hair could have such an aging effect. How can you tell whether a short haircut will make someone look older instead of younger? Shouldn't hairdressers give honest advice and try to prevent clients from making haircut choices that don't flatter them, especially when the goal is to look more youthful?
 
A: A skilled hairdresser will always try to guide a client toward the most flattering hairstyle. An experienced stylist will consider the client's face shape, hair texture, lifestyle, and overall appearance before recommending a cut.
 
But hairdressers also have to balance their professional opinion with the client's wishes. Many clients come into the salon with a very specific hairstyle in mind, sometimes inspired by a celebrity or a friend. If the stylist strongly advises against it, the client may go elsewhere. Most stylists try to give good advice, but they also have to respect the client's final decision.
 

The Myth of Short Hair and Youthfulness

The biggest misconception is that short hair automatically makes a woman look younger. Hair length alone has very little to do with whether someone appears youthful. A flattering haircut is one that complements the woman's facial features and hair type. For some women, that is a pixie cut or a bob. For others, shoulder-length or even long hair is more flattering.
 
When a hairstyle is not well suited to the woman wearing it, it tends to draw attention to features that the wearer may prefer to soften. This is one of the main reasons why a short haircut can sometimes appear aging. Very short styles expose the face much more than longer hairstyles, leaving little hair to soften the jawline, neck, or forehead.
 
A 50-plus woman's long-to-short hair makeover
 

Cutting Method, Density and Texture

The cutting method also plays an important role. A short haircut with strong geometric lines, sharp angles, or heavy choppiness can echo similar lines in the face, such as wrinkles and folds. As a result, they may stand out more than they did with a softer hairstyle.
 
Hair density and texture are also important considerations. Fine hair can sometimes appear fuller in a shorter cut, while very thick or coarse hair may require additional length to prevent it from becoming too bulky.
 

Debunking Age-Based Hair Rules

There are no universal rules that say, "If you're over forty, you should wear your hair short," or "Long hair is only for younger women." Those ideas are outdated. Many women in their fifties, sixties, and beyond look stunning with long hair because it suits them. Likewise, many women look fantastic in very short hairstyles because it complements their bone structure and personality.
 
And of course, personal taste always plays a significant role. Beauty is subjective. When a woman replaces her long hair with a pixie cut, some people will think she looks fresher, more confident, and years younger. Others will feel that her longer hair framed her face more attractively and gave her a softer, more youthful appearance.
 
©Hairfinder.com
 
See also:
 
Age appropriate hairstyles
 
A look at long hair and the mature woman
 
Hair tips for looking younger