When is it time to quit with long hair?

[CharlottesComplicatedWeb]

So, I think I look like this...

But actually have a feeling I look more like this...

How will I know when it’s time to go for a sensible/appropriate cut for a 57yr old woman?

I'm older than you and my hair is longer than ever since lockdown. It has taken me years to grow the fringe out and now it is all one length. No way am I getting it cut.

Long hair needs constant attention I know that. If you can afford it, let your hairdresser look after it and take suggestions from them as regards styling and colouring.

Once it is cut all you will do is grow it back so make the most of it is my advice.

I guess it’s bra strap length but all one length. It lives in a bun 🤷🏻‍♀️

Saw photos taken of me with it down, two weeks ago. It looked awful. Like a crazy woman (it WAS a wet windy day) and I’d spent 20 mins faffing with it in the morning. I made DH delete the photos. Genuinely shocked!

Not in a year with further lockdowns likely! Long hair can be tied up. Short hair requires far more frequent professional attention

Ha, Claudia from Dark, tangent but I loved that show.

I think if you keep it only a little below your collar bone, you can keep it long forever. jennifer aniston is a lot more attractive than I am, a lot more golden. She's older than I am, but I think my ''cut your hair short now'' moment will come before hers!

Well 63 and still long, now really long after lockdown was due a cut in March, had to trim myself. I honestly do not know when I will cut it. Below my shoulders now. Fringe grew out in lockdown and it actually looks better have bought some hair bands to keep it off my face.

Have a good style cut into it. All one length long hair doesn't look good but it will if you get it cut well.

I am 56 and still have longer hair. But it used to be down to my bra strap and now its a couple of inches below the shoulder (so I bit shorter than Jennifer Aniston in that pic). The colour has also softened as my complexion has changed - moving from a brighter blonder to a softer more natural fair hair - with bits of grey and ash blond highlights.

I have a very good hairdresser and I take their advice. I still have thick and healthy hair and the shape of the cut suits my no broader face. I regularly discuss whether I should go shorter but they have said keep is as it is for now. I loathe bobs and dislike the thought of having my hair cut every 6 weeks and needing constant styling/ blow drying.

Do what's right for you. Don't listen to ageist notions of hair length and style. But ask the opinion of people you know to be honest and with good style sense.

Layers then? Break it up a bit?

Have to admit my one length is emphasising my hard earned marionette lines 😂

@CharlottesComplicatedWeb

Layers then? Break it up a bit?

Why not?

Sounds like a plan !

I’ve lost a stone and a half in lockdown and though I feel better physically, it’s down bugger all for my face 😐

That 2nd pic is the spit of my MIL. Just drags her down I think.

I have long hair and find that the layers need to be long, if they’re shorter than the last 3 inches off the ends then my hair seems to bounce up and look huge! I also don’t like it when hairdressers feather the ends around my face or cut the corners out, so if you are wanting layers be clear with the hair dresser as the first thing they will do is frame your hair around your face, you may love it, but I hate it, it ages me.

Don't judge your hair by the bad hair day pics.

I'm not sure layers will look good though, layers are a bit dated and hair looks thicker and healthier if cut bluntly. Maybe a blunt cut with layer at the front?

I don't understand why hair is expected to be short on women after a certain age. I think a long bob at least is flattering for most, depending on hair type of course.

2nd pic lady's hair would look lovely with a shoulder length bob.

My hair is very long and more glorious each day. I was always a disappointing wishy washy dirty blonde but, in my late fifties, day after day shiny silver stands are now appearing. I love them and can’t wait to have a full head.

My mums hair grew over lockdown and it looked amazing. She was absolutely aghast even though we were all telling her it suited her and the second she could she got it chopped back up again. She was so happy so we all agreed but it looked fantastic before! I don't think everyone has to have short hair as they get older, sure it looks perfect on some but I don't think it should be a given.

A beautiful cut and well looked after, no problem. Otherwise it looks like that dreadful fate "She's let herself go" said in a lowered voice. Not looked after very well it falls into the same category or men who age and don't bother taming their facial hair.

Long forever. Or do something unusual with it that you really love.

Don’t be safe.

There is nothing more boring than a middle aged woman with a shoulder length bob followed by an older woman with that awful Gloria Hunniford style cut.

You can have long hair for as long as you want. Mine is a bit longer than yours, layered a bit, does what it wants. Goes up in the summer in a p9by tail, but otherwise it’s down. I like it, that’s all that matters

There is nothing more boring than a middle aged woman with a shoulder length bob followed by an older woman with that awful Gloria Hunniford style cut.

What is so "exciting" about long hair. Are you telling me the woman in the second picture doesn't look boring because she has long hair?

The time to quit is when you fancy have short hair.

You can keep long hair nice.

In India women never cut their hair, even in 70s they treasure their long hair. The idea that 'older' women should have short hair is just cultural.

You had a bad hair day, in windy conditions. Try a richer conditioner before you cut it off.

If you go to a hairdresser you will come out with:
(a) a hideous hard to tame bob or 'lob' (that will frizz out into a triangle shape, with any luck)
(b) a funky grandma cut
(c) a Gloria Hunniford perky cap style, as a pp mentioned
(d) the speak to the manager cut

All of which will take a lot more 'styling' work and look a lot more horrible than your bad hair day, every day!

I think it all depends on your personal hair. If it's thick and in good condition, a good (long) cut will sort it out. If it's fine and tends to frizz no matter how much time you spend styling it ( and not just when you've been out in the rain, in all weathers), it might be time to go shorter.

I'm the latter and I've recently gone shorter. I absolutely love it and it's gone from a constant battle to keep it looking acceptable to thicker-looking and well-styled. It takes me less than 10 mins to style...and no, it's not a loathsome bob.

Hair is such an individual thing, it's some people's best feature; for others, like me, it's a pain that we just want to keep decent-looking.