At what age should I have my hair cut shorter?

[Rebecca41]

I've always had longish hair, apart from a brief spell in my early 20s when it was short. It comes down to about half way between my shoulder and my elbow. It's wavy, light brown, no grey yet!

I'm 43, and I've noticed that fewer and fewer of my contemporaries seem to have long hair now. Most people get their hair cut shorter by this age.

I remember having a teacher at school who had long grey/black hair. She was in her 50s and we all thought she looked like a witch!

Anyway, I don't want to look like a witch, nor do I want to look like someone who's trying to be younger than they are.

So, do you think at 43 I ought to get it cut shorter?

I know it's all personal opinion and I should have the guts to do what I want rather than what's expected, but I hate the idea of people thinking I look odd.

Any thoughts?

It has nothing to do with your age .
It has everything to do with the quality of your haircut, the condition of your hair and your personal style.

This weird thing about specific ages for matters of personal style completely bemuses me.
Decide what suits you - unless you think that Michelle pfieffer and Susan boyle should dress broadly the same

I agree with Pagwatch.
I hate the mentality that once you are 40 ish it has to be cut short.

I am in the process of growing my hair. It's just below shoulders now and it is hightlighted and cut by a great hairdresser who is really getting what I want without me looking like I'm homeless.

Have also always had long, wavy hair (42).

Last autumn (age 41) I had a mad moment and instructed my hairdresser to lop the lot off. She is a good friend of mine and was very scared but I insisted.

I now have a very short, scruffy, pixie do.

I am a small person and sporty.

It dries naturally in no time at all and I just ruffle it about a bit with some hair putty.

One of the best things I've ever done.

I have a lot of greys and colouring it is easier than ever. It doesn't matter if it rains (I cycle to work) - I just ruffle it again!

No need to tie it up for gym or running!

Agree with pagwatch, it completely depends on you as an individual. No problem having long hair at that age if you look like Julianne Moore!

However I do think it gets harder to pull off as you get older, and I have actually done the same myself after a decade or more of long hair - I wasn't greying either, but I felt it wasn't the right look for me anymore - felt I was starting to look like a slightly more faded version of my younger self - much happier looking older and a bit different.

Meant to add - everyone wonders why I didn't do it years ago as it really suits me. Nothing to do with age - it's about your personality/style and the condition of your locks.

Everyone loves it except DP who calls me "the dyke on a bike". Bastard.

I got my long hair dark brown hair cut into a graduated messy bob and high-lighted blonde. I cant believe i done it. I love it and everyone says i look much younger. Im 34. Im even thinking of going shorter next time.

Make sure you do some research and find a style which suits you then go for it. Mine is so much easier to manage