Short hair for a tall woman

[MaryFlynn]

Help please S&B people!

I am a tall woman who has always had longish hair. Unfortunately, since turning 50 it has started breaking to the extent that it looks really thin and crappy. I have finally faced the fact that I need to cut it above the shoulder at least.

The trouble is I am afraid of looking "mannish". I am 5 ft 11 and solidly built (size 16 - 18), I also have a big head and strong features - so I feel that I am losing my femininity with my hair IYSWIM. Can anyone suggest a feminine hairstyle that might work or anything else on the style and beauty front that might make me feel a bit more womanly?
(No girly pink frills though!)

Thank you

[ChinUpChestOut]

I too am tall and over 50. Not quite as tall as you at 5'9", but I have a fairly substantial frame and usually wear a large 14 to 16. It has taken me some years to work out that small and dainty does NOT look right on me.

So here's what I've learnt so far:

Hair: After years of either short or shoulder length hair, I have finally grown it to just below my shoulders and will try to go a bit longer. I regularly wear it up with a sweeping fringe. My advice to you is a) go to a really good hairdressers and get a regular cut, keeping it as long as you can, maybe with a couple of layers in so that it doesn't just hang. Use a volume building shampoo, and don't overload with conditioner. I have hit the menopause, and passed the menopause. What about you? Could your hair condition be at all related to that? I take calcium tablets, and have done so for about a year. My nails are now so much better, and my hair is in a lot better condition too.

Stiletto heels look too spindly for me. A slightly bigger heel is better, and I am grateful for all those block heels that are now in style.

Bootcut, or palazzo trousers suit me better than slim fit or skinny, unless I am wearing a tunic top.

Dresses: I am not a natural dress wearer, but when I do, it looks better when dresses are just below the knee in a full or flared style. My shape (mostly pear) does not work well with slim fitting dresses.

Make up: I look better with makeup. If you're not really into make up, go and get a lesson at a make up counter or at a beauty salon and ask for a simple every day look. This will counter any fears you may have of looking bloke-ish by having shorter hair. Some jewellery will also help.

I have also started going to the gym (again) and started shaving off the weight, 100g by 100g. I have eliminated (mostly) wheat and dairy from my diet and this is starting to have an impact particularly from my puffed up tummy. I am hoping for a good size 14, as this weight loss thing doesn't get any easier the longer you leave it.......

[MaryFlynn]

Thanks for taking the time to reply.

Much of what you say rings true for me. I know that I suit my hair longer - It sort of balances me out that way, but it just looks shocking at the moment. I really don't think there is anything I can do except have it cut and then work on the condition so that I can grow it again. I am experimenting with lots of different hair products, but I haven't found one that makes a difference. Any specific recommendations?

I haven't started the menopause yet but I think that this could be an indicator that it is on its way. More joy to come! I am taking a hair skin and nail vitamin supplement which contains calcium at the moment so I will stick with that and hope that it helps.

I agree with all of your comments about clothes and shoes. We must be quite similar shapes. You are right about hitting the gym of course. I would feel happier a couple of sizes smaller.

Grrr I hate getting older!

[ChinUpChestOut]

I use Aussie Mega shampoo and conditioner - it really seems to work with me. Also John Frieda. I am prepared to pay a bit more for a good shampoo, as I do think a good one makes a difference. I also use mousse on my hair before drying it upside down, to get a bit more body in it.

How much calcium does your vitamin supplement contain? I take 2 x 300mg tablets every day, which also includes vitamin D3. And HRT to help with menopause symptoms that still persist.

[MaryFlynn]

I have just been to look and I was mistaken. The supplement seems to have everything BUT calcium in it! I will add calcium tablets to my shopping list. 600mg a day sounds like a lot. Are there any negative side effects?

[MyFirstName]

Just be wary of calcium if you are on levothyroxine - do not take at the same time of day as calcium inhibits the uptake of the medication. Maybe the case with other medications - just I know about they thyroxine thing as I have an underactive thryoid.

As for hairstyles - are you dark? blonde? grey?. Curly/wavy/straight. Does your hair do volume easily or is it a bit thin/lank/wispy.

You do not have to go tight to the head pixie (think that would be a bit pin-head). Some volume will help so there are plenty of styles to chose from.

[MaryFlynn]

MyFirstName
Well, my original colour was darkish brown, but it has a lot of grey in there - cunningly disguised with highlights of various shades. I have been covering grey like this for decades but I think I my have to rethink the colour too as the bleach is probably making the breakage problem worse. Not sure I can cope with short and grey hair though. Any ideas for covering grey and improving the condition of hair at the same time? My hair is wavy and prone to frizz. I used to have very thick hair and the top is still quite thick. Anything below my ears is now VERY thin and wispy. It looks ridiculous. My fringe also seems to have gone thinner.
Wow I sound gorgeous don't I?

Thanks for the caution about calcium. I am not taking any medication at the moment, but it is useful to know these things.

[MyFirstName]

How about something like one of these then. (I know they are dark) Messy, volume, uses your wave and will disguise the thinning?

BTW Disclaimer - I am noooo expert...
s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/eb/f6/33/ebf63354506820ec773faf3f64274f51.jpg

hairstylegirls.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/short-hairstyles-for-thick-hair-wavy-hair.jpeg

[MaryFlynn]

They are both lovely on their owners. If I was a pretty young "elfin" type that is just the kind of thing I would go for .... but sadly I'm not. What do you think of these?

therighthairstyles.com/15-classy-simple-short-hairstyles-for-women-over-50/41/

therighthairstyles.com/15-classy-simple-short-hairstyles-for-women-over-50/48/

[ChablisChic]

Mary, I think you can still do short hair if you're tall. I'm 5'8" and have mine short & choppy - Jamie Lee Curtis is what I aim for. I also have quite a lot of grey but this cut blends it in (my daughter thinks it looks funky) so I don't colour. I'm 60 by the way.

[MaryFlynn]

Oh Jamie Lee Curtis always looks fab! Lucky you!
I think short hair looks great if you are tall and willowy but I am scared that I would look like a bloke.

[ChablisChic]

I was always a bit scared of the 'mannish' look, especially as I suit classic styles (can't do frilly or floral), but always wearing a bit of makeup, especially lippy, and nice jewellery - and nicely shaped eyebrows - seems to do the trick.

[Lagoonablue]

I'm 5 foot 8 and when my hair was shorter some bloke called me mate in Tesco!

[MaryFlynn]

Oh God - That doesn't help Lagoonablue

Has anyone looked at the styles I linked to? Honest thoughts?

[5446]

I think that you can do it. However I am fairly tall (5ft 9) with an absolutely massive head and the shortest I can really go is slightly below chin length bob.

For me, it's more the head size than height or clothes size. It seems to accentuate the size of my head the shorter my hair is.

[ChablisChic]

I definitely need to put some kind of putty product through my hair to make it a bit spikey and give it some texture and movement. If I don't I can rock the pinhead look!

[MaryFlynn]

I absolutely get what you are saying about a large head 5446

I have booked an appointment with a hairdresser tomorrow. Do you think that either of my links might be full enough to compensate for the shorter length?

[TSSDNCOP]

I'm built like you and am sporting this. I work in a dress shop and people actually photograph my hair to take to the hairdresser!

Short hair is very technical. Pay the most you can afford. Then mascara and blusher all the way.

[MaryFlynn]

That is really beautiful TSSDNCOP I just don't think that I am pretty enough to carry it off.

[MaryFlynn]

I see what you mean about the make up though. Her eyes look great. It is also a fabulous colour and v shiny.

[TSSDNCOP]

Neither am I OP, trust me

If the cut's a good one it'll have the texture to stop your hair looking like a Lego man. That's v important. Bit of colour threaded through and a bit of product and you're golden.

[TSSDNCOP]

I have what could charitably be called an interesting face

[whatlifestylechoice]

Hi, if you're still looking for a volumizing product, then the Head&shoulders hair thickening tonic is brilliant. I've been using it for a few weeks and it's made my hair look naturally fuller and leaves it in great condition.
I'm also 5'11" and built, so I understand the worry.

[MaryFlynn]

Great! Thanks for that. I wouldn't have thought to try Head and Shoulders as dandruff is one of the few problems I don't have! I will give it a try.

[whatlifestylechoice]

I know, same here, but I just noticed it one day in the supermarket and thought I'd try it. It is also cheap as chips, which is handy. It took about a week before I saw results, though.

[NinkyNonkers]

I'm 5'8" odd and a 16, and have very short hair. I like it! As long as I get it trimmed every 8 wks or so.