Is it wrong to have long hair when you're old?

[Alcemeg]

So this is my hair. I feel lucky that it's not gone grey yet (I'm in my mid 60s), but I remember over the years having it drummed into me that once your'e over a certain age you look like a witch with long hair.

The trouble is, I don't know what else to do with it! I have this vision of "choppy layers" or something, but am not sure if it would work as my hair is very fine. I just don't know what to ask for at the hairdresser's.

Advice welcome!

Your hair looks amazing! Personally I would do whatever I want/like.

I think that “rule” died a death years ago.

I've got long, thick hair and I'm as old as Moses.

Yesterday in the Times an article, nearly a full page, in praise of long hair. especially when older.
You get yourself a good cut and a style you like.

I think long hair can look witch like on older women if it's dyed a matte black or very dark brown and looks dyed or that artificial burgundy/red that Sharon Osborne has.

Yours looks glossy and NOT witchlike.

It looks lovely. I have grown mine long again at 60 and get a lot of compliments on it. It is coloured though as long grey witchy hair isn't my best look.

I've always thought it was odd when people say that women shouldn't have long hair when they get older. I remember when I turned 30, my Dad told me that I should get a nice perm like my Mum's. I'm now 65, and my hair is still nearly waist length and in very good condition. I like it even more now that it is mostly grey.

Ageism has welcome home in the style and beauty threads.

Is it wrong to have long hair when you are old?

Of course its not wrong.

Going to go slightly against the grain here and say that, while your hair is really lovely, my yardstick wouldn't be age related but does it suit your face? I have a small face and long hair drags it very much and it suits me much better shoulder length.

Your hair is amazing! Keep it.

I also have long thick hair, but going a bit grey. I do get you, sometimes I think what if I’m that woman that people fancy from behind and then I turn around and they see my face and think ‘eurgh so old why does she have long hair’!

And I do think we might need to change our style - I’m currently into having a ‘micro fringe’ to give my hair a bit of structure. Just long and parted feels very heavy on an older face, in a way that if you are younger wouldn’t matter as much.

Or very well cut layers?

58 year old here

My hair is just pass the shoulder blades and I love it this length so this length it shall stay

Your hair is gorgeous OP

I think it depends on your face to be honest. (And the way you wear it/care for it). Just like how you might now suit the same hair cut you did age 3 to 8 to 12 to 30. As your face changes (ages) it might not suit long hair. On the other hand it might. But no one suits a hairstyle they’re not happy with - so don’t cut it short if you feel happy with it long.

@CherryPieMadness That's it, I'd hate to give small children nightmares 😨 🤣

and I sort of fantasise about a choppy cut that gives it all bounce and swing. I just have no idea what to ask for!

Re the face, I think so far so good. My mum likes to recite the Gilbert and Sullivan lyrice "She may very well pass for forty-three. In the dusk, with a light behind her" 🤣

you look like a witch with long hair.

the fact that there is no corresponding negative association for men in old age means this sterotype is all about sexism and ageism and not about what suits women best

Some women look amazing with short hair, no matter their age

Some women look amazing with long hair, no matter their age

@IClaudine I know exactly who you mean and I was expecting to see them here already

Your hair looks stunning. Keep it long.

'If it ain't broke, don't fix it!'

Your hair is fabulous. We were talking about this today, funnily enough.when I was 26, just had second baby, hair was down to my elbows,ex H, convinced me we were both "old",I had it cut to a chin length bob, the hairdresser cried. I subsequently found out,he didn't actually like long hair,(he was a physcopath controlled every aspect of my life, apart from the hair,I grew again and refused to have short) when we divorced,I had it shaved and spiked on top.i grow it,I have it cut. Was a natural blonde, front went white in my 60s, now 72, shoulder length and lo lights,very subtle. Everyone I've ever known and my DDs prefer my hair long, shorter, seems to age me.

Seems like have I broken two of the "rules" - long hair in my 60s PLUS I no longer dye it. Wicked Witch of the West!

Your hair is stunning! I'm hoping my grey will turn the same colour as yours.

Lovely to read I'm not the only one!

@NancyPickford I'd kill for wavy hair like that. That's why I think about "choppy layers" although I just don't know if that works with fine hair.

The colour is all mine so far, apart from that brief experiment with henna (gorgeous until it starts to fade, then looks a bit cack, and I am too lazy to keep doing treatments)

Your hair is lovely cant belive your in your 60s

Is it wrong to have long hair when you're old? No, no and thrice times no!

What's wrong with looking witch-like? Im actively cultivating it.
I had my hair cut into the regulation Judi Dench pixie cut and I looked DREADFUL. It was so depressing. I know it looked really bad because so many people have since come up to me to say how much better i look with longer hair.

Absolutely this. Rooted in the belief that when you’re reproductively past it you should immediately relinquish anything that might give mixed messages about your age or attractiveness, as you’re now an ‘old woman’ and have effectively outlived your useful purpose and place in the world.

I agree that longer hair on older women tends to look better when it’s in good condition (there’s a woman who lives near me with amazing, very long silver grey hair that I’m genuinely envious of) - but even if it isn’t, why should any of us have to police ourselves in this way? Grey, straggly, dry, whatever - if you want your hair long, have it long! All that matters is you feel happy with it when you look in the mirror.

Yours looks really great by the way (fellow longie here, hair in similar condition and still halfway down my back at 56; give zero fucks what anyone thinks, I like it!).