How old is too old

[Shoo]

Um, has she ever tried to color black hair?  What does she want you to do, exactly?

She might like being married to her hair dresser, having to get her roots touched up every 8 weeks (or more often).  But black hair?  You'd have grow out a week after you colored it.  It would be difficult to maintain, and you'd HATE it.

It sounds like she's jealous of your carefree, low maintenance (and probably beautiful) hair, and is trying to get you sucked in to the never ending cycle of cut 'n color .... cut 'n color ... cut 'n color.  Blech.  I wouldn't color my hair if I didn't have to (way too much gray to go natural).

[caranfin]

I've always heard (and I agree) that extremely long hair and extremely dark or light hair were rarely flattering to older women (and you can define "older" as "beginning to have wrinkles"). So what she's saying is just traditional fashion advice. However, the fact that it might be generally correct (a) doesn't mean it's correct in your case, and (b) doesn't give her the right to say it!!!

[MadMadge43]

I'm 37 and have always been a blonde.

Last month people still assumed I was in my late 20's.

That was until I decided to go red. I immediately aged 10 years. I can not wait to get back to blonde.

I had always heard that you should go lighter as you get older and didn't think too much about it till this little episode. I'm not saying the OP looks bad (I wouldn't know), but in my experience there is a definite truth to this theory.

[kareng57]

I had a interesting comment made to me by a friend yesterday.

I am too old for my hair color and cut.

I have long hair about half way down my back that is naturally black. It is healthy and low maintenance, but I like be able to do different things with it occasionally. I do get it trimmed every 6 weeks without fail, I see this as a bit of me time.

My friend told that women our age (mid 40s) and older shouldn't wear long dark hair. That is only for young women (under 30) and we are now too mature for that. I thought that she was joking, but she wasn't. According to her we are at an age where no woman should have hair long than her neck and never darker than medium brown preferably blond.

She even offered to make me an appointment at her salon as a birthday present.

Where did this nonsense come from? Or did I miss that bit of information along the way.

It really does depend.  Naturally there are some women who still look great with long hair even past their mid 40s - but IMO they're in the minority.  Maybe you're one of them, it's hard to say without knowing you or seeing a picture.  But the unmistakeable fact is that gravity does start taking its toll - and sometimes, long hair can "pull down" the complexion even more.

I've known a few middle-aged women who keep wearing their hair long, the same style that they've had for 30 years or so.  While I'd never say anything to them about it, I've really felt that they would look so much better with a shorter style.  I've rarely had long hair, it's never suited me.  But about three years ago, I went to a shorter short-cut than I'd previously had, and with a lighter colour - and people who barely knew me were complimenting me on it.

[Venus193]

I've heard this one, too.  And what kills me is how many women I see in public my age and older with the Helmet Perm or with their hair so short they look more like men.

Not for this woman.

[Evil Duckie]

.

[Elfqueen13]

My mother is 51 years old and has dark hair down to her knees.  Do whatever makes you happy.

[housewife2k]

First - BEAUTIFUL!!!
second-do you work at a fest or just like the garb? Hubby and I both grew up working MRF (minnesota's fest)
third- My Great-grandmother was a feww weeks shy of 90 when she passed, she had knee length silver and black hair, and she would only pull it up to cook, or when it was very windy. She looked fabulous, everyone complimented her on her hair, she loved it - granted it also took me two hours to brush and comb it for her, but I felt honored.

Fourth-with how black your hair is, it would have to be bleached out some for any color to lighten it up, please don't.

Woman can have whatever hair they choose whenever they choose, even if they have to go out and buy some!

[ccnumber4]

I think you look great.  Tell your friend to stuff it. 

[CutebutPsycho]

I think you look great.  Tell your friend to stuff it. 

I second this notion. You look fabulous and your hair suits you, if I do say so!

[guihong]

I don't think your friend has seen Cher lately  .  Her hair's her trademark, and she's a lot older than mid-40's.

gui

[Bijou]

I had a interesting comment made to me by a friend yesterday.

I am too old for my hair color and cut.

I have long hair about half way down my back that is naturally black. It is healthy and low maintenance, but I like be able to do different things with it occasionally. I do get it trimmed every 6 weeks without fail, I see this as a bit of me time.

My friend told that women our age (mid 40s) and older shouldn't wear long dark hair. That is only for young women (under 30) and we are now too mature for that. I thought that she was joking, but she wasn't. According to her we are at an age where no woman should have hair long than her neck and never darker than medium brown preferably blond.

She even offered to make me an appointment at her salon as a birthday present.

Where did this nonsense come from? Or did I miss that bit of information along the way.

Truly nonsense.  If you want to distract her from talking about your hair, tell her that you know someone who has hair to mid rear, hasn't even gotten it trimmed in 40 years and (horror of horror) it is two toned....burnette and gray.  And I may be old enough to be her mother!

[Chartreuse]

Point out to your friend that not everyone looks good having a short haircut, no matter what the age.  In fact, I'd say MOST people don't look great with a short 'do.  Your hair absolutely suits you.  And for the record, most of those old fashion "rules" have been completely thrown out (don't wear white before Labor Day... match shoes to your bag...etc).  At this point, if you keep to some of those old "rules", it's a sign you have no clue. 

If you cut your hair off, I personally will hunt you down and kick you.     You've got a beautiful head of hair, it's healthy, it's full and thick... it's something to be extremely proud of.  It's gorgeous! 

[Emmy]

I think the hair looks great on you.  It is crazy to think that everybody over a certain age has to dye their hair a certain color or cut it a certain length.  Just do what looks good on you.  Tell your friend, her opinion about your hair is only welcome if you ask for it.

[kingsrings]

I've got gorgeous, naturally blond hair from my Finnish heritage, and someone with that Locks of Love organization gently chastised me once for not growing it long and then cutting it and donating it to their organization. Excuse me, but I look young, innocent and girlish enough already (which I hate!) without growing my hair long enough to look like Alice in Wonderland.