During the COVID lockdown, my hair turned half gray and I faced what many women do as they age: “Should I keep coloring my hair or let it go natural?”
I contemplated it for a while because getting my hair dyed is not something I enjoy. I am inept at doing it myself without destroying the bathroom. Sitting in a hair salon waiting for the dye to take is torture for me, but worth it.
I also often wonder about the chemicals in hair dye and what it can do to my body.
If the ingredients in hair dye concern you and you don’t mind dying your hair yourself, Madison Reed offers non-toxic hair color formulas that are gorgeous.
In the end, I decided to keep dying my hair. I may consider going gray when I’m 80 or 90. I’m not sure.
Just a note: If you have embraced going gray I applaud you. Many women look stunning with silver locks. I’m just a big baby. LOL
Experimenting with colors
I was at a party that had hairstylists on hand for the guests. They were putting colorful extensions on just for fun. I had them add six strands of multi-color hair to my locks which I wore around town for several weeks. I’ve done hundreds of anime voices over the last forty years so I thought it would be cool to “anime” myself.
I left them in for several weeks, mostly because I didn’t know how to take them out. Nobody turned their head when I walked into a store because women of all ages go around Los Angeles with multi-colored hair. It has become a haircare trend for older women as well.
I interviewed Tracey Thomas who directed a film for the first time in her 60s. Her hair was a different neon shade in almost every scene. She said she uses temporary hair color that lasts for about 30 washes. Temporary hair dye, especially bright colors, is a good option for those who want to “experiment.” It will go away when you get bored and it’s fun.
Older women are doing their own thing with hair and why not? You don’t have to follow all the “rules.”
Silver-haired women on Instagram
There are a large number of older women on Instagram who look elegant and sophisticated with gray hair. They also look incredible in clothes. If you are on IG, be sure to follow them. These are just a few:
- @iconaccidental
- @mayemusk (mother of Elon)
- @silverstorm777
- @silverdisobedience (I love that name!)
Their profiles are awesome!
What’s the best hair length for older women?
We are no longer relegated to the archaic rule of short hair or standard hair color over 60. It’s all about what makes you feel good.
Short hair looks lovely on many women over 50 but every time I’ve had a pixie cut it didn’t turn me on. I kept my hair long for years but now wear it in a shoulder-length bob. It works because I’m petite and it doesn’t overwhelm me. Do what makes YOU feel good.
Jennifer Aniston has been wearing a version of a bob called a “fluffy lob.” It is a long (shoulder length) bob, with subtle layers called “ghost layers” which give it volume. It also works well with fine hair. I love it!
My hair is a version of the “fluffy lob” in the image below. It looks cooler on Jennifer, but what can I do?
Wigs are an option
Owning a wig or two is a great way for older women to diversify their looks without worrying about cutting and coloring all the time. They are also a confidence builder for women undergoing medical treatment like chemotherapy who are losing their hair.
This Paula Young wig on Amazon is lovely.
You may even want to try out a gray wig to get used to transitioning to your natural hair. The wig below is a variation of the “fluffy lob.”
Hair issues as we age
Hair dryness and thinning are common for women over 50 because as our hair goes gray, it loses melanocytes which is the substance that gives it color. That changes the composition of the hair follicle and causes it to become brittle or frizzy.
If your hair is thinning you may also want to try a leave-in plumping treatment by Body Mass to add extra thickness.
I tried a hair treatment device called the LaDuora Duo that uses red light technology. A liquid pod is inserted into a vibrating wand. The device infuses your hair with a strengthening treatment. It can also give you a soothing massage.
What about you? Silver hair or dyed, short, long, or shoulder-length? Please leave a comment below.
This post was updated on 3/2024
My cousin’s husband lives in New York City and in his industry, looking “old” is a thing, too. But men don’t have the same problems women do. As for my experience, in a job where I do not have to meet the public, I went grey in my 30’s and just got tired of dying my hair by the time I was in my early 60’s. My hairdresser actually was the one who encouraged me to go grey and I’ve never looked back. (I’ll note this was right before grey became stylish – for once I’m a trendsetter, lol.) At work, another woman (younger than I am) has gone totally grey. I certainly haven’t started a trend, though. So, I would say “do what feels right for you”. There is no right answer.
You’re right about that, Alana. It’s an individual choice. I’ve seen twenty-year olds on Instagram sporting silver. It’s pretty amazing. Glad you’re happy with your choice. It’s so much easier.