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Due a haircut.. do I cut it off? (with pic)

91 replies

StillMedusa · 26/12/2019 23:00

I haven't had my hair cut since September..and it has grown a lot. I did have a very long side fringe but got bored and took my sewing scissors to it a fortnight ago.. (not great but could be worse)

I'll be 52 next week, my hair is dye free of 4 years and my mother keeps muttering about not looking witchy (ie she thinks I should have it cut..she's never coloured hers and always slightly looked down on me for my very varied hair colours!)
My hair is brown but has LOTS of grey in it, streaks and more through the front, tho less noticible with a fringe.

I have no idea what to have done..booked for a week's time. Should I cut it? Am I too old for longer hair? I quite like having hair I can tie up for work but it IS greyyyyyyyyy. I could colour it again but am not sure I want to commit to the upkeep.
Honest suggestions welcomed! (This was yesterday at Xmas dinner!)

Due a haircut.. do I cut it off? (with pic)
OP posts:
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Oblahdeeoblahdoe · 26/12/2019 23:18

You are definitely not too old for long hair! it's so much more versatile. I still have my hair coloured every four weeks because I can't stand the greys and regrowth look. Some might say that is high maintenance but I've done it for years. Ask your hairdresser for advice on colour, perhaps high/low lights which won't need so much maintenance. I like the fringe btw.

TARSCOUT · 26/12/2019 23:36

The longest hair anyone over 40 should have is shoulder length. Get a decent cut, it will take years off you and decide on your colour after that. Sorry blah, no offence.

laburnumtree · 26/12/2019 23:39

I think it looks lovely long on you and looks in quite good condition/shape. Personally I would colour it as I do think the grey is a little aging on you in that style. So I would go for a colour and tidy up trim but not shorten it.

CatintheFireplace · 26/12/2019 23:43

I really like your hair! The length is good and there's nothing wrong with grey unless you dislike it, in which case go to a REALLY good hairdresser and discuss the options with them. I'd maybe either get a fringe cut or else grow out the bits around your face. Utter bollocks about only shoulder length hair after 40. My 80+ year old MIL has hair down to her arse and rocks it.

Cinammoncake · 26/12/2019 23:44

The longest hair anyone over 40 should have is shoulder length Hmm

I think it looks good OP and you're very pretty. You did a good job on the fringe imo. Maybe a couple of inches off and jazz up the colour?

TanselleTooTall · 26/12/2019 23:48

Bah hahaaa! Keep your hair chopped after 40...tis The Law, didn't you know?! Oh, whatever. Confused

EmmaGrundyForPM · 26/12/2019 23:52

Anyone of any age can have long hair, don't listen to crap about women over a certain age needing to keep their hair shorter.

That said, I love short hair. I keep mine short because it's so much easier to look after. You've got a lovely face and could easily wear your hair short or long and still look great.

sammybins · 26/12/2019 23:55

I like the shape of your hair. Instead of trying to take out the grey, why not emphasize it? Make it more silver? I wonder what it would look like after a few wash and conditions with something like 'provoke' silver? If you like it, easy to maintain, just wash it once/twice a week with the silver shampoo and conditioner...

TanselleTooTall · 27/12/2019 00:01

That crossed my mind, too Sammykins.

OP take a look at grey colouring on Instagram. Nothing fuddy duddy about any of the models.

Chocmallows · 27/12/2019 00:04

It looks thick and healthy. How about a mix of warm brown low lights and a tidy up?

Cuddling57 · 27/12/2019 00:04

I think you look lovely already too!

tinytoast · 27/12/2019 00:06

Keep it the same length as shoulder length will be a pain to tie up but if you're going grey would you consider putting a nice red based brown in? It would look absolutely stunning on you!!

You have such a beautiful face you lucky thing!!!!!

BlueWonder · 27/12/2019 04:26

I don't know, though the chap with the gravy boat looks jolly!

Nat6999 · 27/12/2019 04:38

My mum keeps on moaning at me to get my hair cut short again. I've just spent nearly 3 years growing it to bra level. She has a picture of me on a cruise we all went on with very short hair (think Victoria Beckham when she had hers short & spiky) this picture is hung in mum's hall. I'm staying over Christmas & new year & every time she walks past it she remarks that my hair looked lovely then. I'm 53 & in her head now I should have an older woman's haircut & be wearing clothes from M & S to suit my age, I refuse to do either.

DarlingCoffee · 27/12/2019 08:02

You have a lovely face and nice eyes so I think you should cut it to show them off. I think you could get away with a bob but otherwise a long bob with layers would look equally great. Colour wise I see a rich brown on you. Go for it!

funmummy48 · 27/12/2019 08:07

I think your hair looks great and it’s cut in a nice shape. Maybe a bit of colour would “ring the changes” but otherwise, I think it’s fine.

userxx · 27/12/2019 08:08

@TARSCOUT What absolute bollocks.

Keepmewarm · 27/12/2019 08:12

@TARSCOUT according to who?

Op, your hair looks thick and healthy. I like it.

Oblomov20 · 27/12/2019 08:15

I think you look hood and it's a great length. Go and get it trimmed, and get the hairdresser to make sure your fringe hack is trimmed properly.

Maybe just a few lowlights to tone down the grey?

AFistfulofDolores1 · 27/12/2019 08:19

All these ridiculous "rules" that women of a certain age need to follow. Pfft!

OP, do what you want.

ILikeyourHairyHands · 27/12/2019 08:27

It's fine to be over 40 with grey-ish hair past your shoulders. I was told this week I should dye my hair and I could look 15 years younger. I don't want to look 15 years younger. I'm really happy looking my age.

The most chic thing you can do, the thing that really annoys people most, is to be yourself. To be so comfortable and pleased with your hair all grey, not dark and respectable or silver and fashionable. Just your hair, doing it's thing.

You don't have to ask for permission to be you.

And as a PP said, the gravy-boat man looks thrilled to be there, so why are you questioning your place?

Due a haircut.. do I cut it off? (with pic)
k1233 · 27/12/2019 08:31

""The longest hair anyone over 40 should have is shoulder length.""

What a load of bollocks. Anytime I've seen an older person chop their hair off, they age instantly.

Once my hair gets to the too grey stage, I think I'll go this route. I'm a bit addicted to hair videos on YouTube LOL there are a lot of lovely techniques with a grey look to them.

Due a haircut.. do I cut it off? (with pic)
ILikeyourHairyHands · 27/12/2019 08:31

My point is, don't ever let anyone tell you you're not good enough, or not doing whatevering enough.

That's their problem, not yours.

HeartZone · 27/12/2019 08:37

I would agree - trim and regular base colour with highlights every three months or so. If it’s the cost, find a good mobile hairdresser.

OhWellThatsJustGreat · 27/12/2019 08:41

You've done great with that fringe!!!!

I have to echo pps, the style really suits you, what about some long layers to take some weight out without killing the volume?
Colour wise, if you're happy with the grey coming through, what about some white highlights around the sides and back to balance out the front, and again a purple shampoo would be brilliant for pulling the greys into a silver and will add an instant glitter/sparkle to your hair.

Ignore anyone that says you should have a certain cut after a certain age. The hairstyle anyone should have is the one they want/suits them. I'm 29 and have had short hair for the past 15 years, long hair doesn't suit me (I actually have hair envy right now)