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Original poster

BRIGHT red hair in my 40's. Can I get away with it?

37 replies

PatchworkPerson · 01/10/2013 22:13

Ok I know this is probably a classic mid life crisis. But I really want to dye my hair crimson. It's waist length and poker straight but I'm 41! Will it be completely ridiculous? I have always been a bit of a hippy chick. I had purple hair in my youth and piercings but felt the need to conform when I had kids and was working for other people. Now I'm starting my own business, children are almost grown and I would really like to get a bit of me back. I just don't want to look desperately sad!
So opinions please would you find a 41 year old woman with crimson hair a bit tragic? Be honest I can take it Smile

OP posts:
Hopasholic · 01/10/2013 22:20

Well if it is, you can call me tragic! My hair is long & curly and it had gradually been dyed darker & darker. My aim, after 4 hrs in the hairdressers was for auburn but it ended up bright red! Grin

Love it though! Go for it. I had it done on my forty third birthday Smile

nilbyname · 01/10/2013 22:23

Well I think if that is what you Want then you should go fior it!

However, I do think this colour is ageing.

NoGoatsToe · 01/10/2013 22:26

DO IT!!! I think the whole key is that you need to already have a pretty edgy and strong style / look and just front it out. It won't work if you don't have the balls to carry it off with confidence and sidle into rooms hoping nobody will notice you. that's why I couldn't do it

Original poster
PatchworkPerson · 01/10/2013 22:38

Thanks for the replies Grin I think I will give it a go. I can always dry it back. It will be a laugh if nothing else.
Nil - I agree the colour can be aging that is what worries me. Waist length hair is aging enough but I hate going to the hair dressers so this is where it has ended up.
But hey ho. May as well have some fun with it.

OP posts:
Sleepwhenidie · 01/10/2013 22:41

I don't think it's a matter of age but I do think bright red (dyed) hair needs full make up to pull it off well, by which I mean good foundation, bit of eye makeup and lippy. Otherwise it can really wash you out. Do you do this anyway, or would you be happy to?

tadado · 01/10/2013 22:42

I think it will look great. Check out this blogger - www.notdressedaslamb.com, she looks fab with long red hair and is 40+.

SecretWitch · 01/10/2013 22:47

I am 48 and have naturally long red hair. I love it. I will dye it if begins to fade or turn grey.

Lazysuzanne · 01/10/2013 22:53

I dont believe the woman in that blog is 41...she looks closer to 50 to me Hmm

imo 41 is far too early to be worrying that you're too old for long hair or red hair :o

NotDead · 01/10/2013 22:55

ha I know a wonderful 60 year old with great red hair...she's really cool and it suits her. Its great!

DownstairsMixUp · 01/10/2013 23:00

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at the poster's request.

everythinghippie29 · 01/10/2013 23:32

Do it! I LOVE seeing older hippie ladies rocking looks like this. I think it exudes confidence and fun.

Like you say, its just hair, you can dye it back but if it makes you feel like you, go for it!

I'm always in awe of people who look/dress differently as they get older, besides, 40 is still young!! xxx

VerySmallSqueak · 01/10/2013 23:37

Go for it.
I think the whole 'mid life crisis' crap is just those who are too dull and unimaginative to try anything new,trying to put down those who aren't.
Live life the way you want to live it,while it is there to be lived.

Lazysuzanne · 01/10/2013 23:40

waist length red hair!
you'll be on fire Patchworkperson :o

SabrinaMulhollandJjones · 01/10/2013 23:42

Nope- not mlc at all. Sounds amazing - I would love it! I'm in my 40's and have long dark hair, but would love to go bright red Smile

SundaySimmons · 01/10/2013 23:53

jane goldman

LividofLondon · 02/10/2013 07:00

I think go for it...after getting your hair cut into a more funky style to complement the red. IMHO, just dyeing a boring style pillar box red looks odd (and aging). But ultimately sod what other people think, if you want it and can carry it off, do it.

Sleepthief · 02/10/2013 09:44

Another vote in favour here. I'm 39 and currently sporting a bright pink pixie crop. Going to go pastel blue next. In the last six months I've been lavender, green, yellow, violet, multi- coloured, and now pink. It's a reaction to years of enforced conformity - was a teacher, now a SAHM expecting DC4 with no one but myself to impress entertain Grin.

IME reds can be a bit ageing - was my colour of choice back in the day, but now finding bluer shades suit me better (although I am loving pink ATM).

There's a woman in her 50s who goes to the same hairdressers with turquoise/purple long hair and she looks great! Not to everyone's taste, but that's all to the good, I say Grin

Sillysarah49 · 02/10/2013 10:03

Go for it - but remember red is the worst colour to try to remove if you decide you don't like it - it requires a lot of stripping. Agree with other comments that you do need to wear more makeup as it drains colour from your face.

MyBoysAreFab · 02/10/2013 10:06

Go for it! I am 50 and have naturally copper coloured hair. Greys are starting to show so I colour it a fairly bright red and I think it looks great, feel so much better when I have done it. Who wants to grow older gracefully?

RevelsRoulette · 02/10/2013 10:10

I have mine died red, the live xxl range, currently it's pillar box red. It's lovely. But I also have it cut into what they call a 'choppy' style. Which is basically code for all over the bloody place Grin I will be 40 in a couple of months and I don't feel the colour or the style is too old for me.

Dumpylump · 02/10/2013 10:16

I am (much) nearer 50 than 40 and have bright pillar box red hair with black bits.
I don't think it's particularly ageing, but I pretty much always have make up on so maybe that's why. I am often surprised by people who tell me they love my hair but would never be "brave" enough to do it for themselves. What's brave about dying your hair ffs? It's only hair, and if you don't like it, or don't think you suit it, just dye it again!
I would disagree with pp who said it was really difficult to get rid of red, in my experience it fades much more quickly than other colours.

Sleepthief · 02/10/2013 10:34

Green's the hardest to get out - even with major bleaching...

MinnieBar · 02/10/2013 10:38

I went to school with that blogger and can confirm she really is 41! I am younger

Lazysuzanne · 02/10/2013 10:54

BLACK is the hardest colour to get out :o

Lazysuzanne · 02/10/2013 10:57

I'd have put her at a well preserved Forty eight MinnieConfused

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