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!

@Alcemeg My hair is quite straight - I'd just experimented that day with heated rollers and it came out surprisingly wavy. Your's is glorious and close to what my natural colour was.

"Long, thick, full hair is a marker of fertility."

Just popping out to get extra condoms! 😂

Beautiful hair. You’re so lucky. Can I ask what colour you use on it? I’m going grey and would be happy to have your recommendations.

It's wrong to drown kittens, or to put a curse on your neighbour's cattle. It's not wrong to have long hair.

According to Mumsnet existing when you're old is wrong!!!

I'm 50 and my hair is grey and the longest it's ever been, down to below my bra strap now - who cares what's the 'done thing' your hair looks lovely, wear it the way you want

Works fine for Mary Beard!

I'm 58 with long curly grey/ white hair I love it and get many compliments on it . The rules be damned !!

I actually don't use colour on it yet. That's my natural colour (apart from the one on the right in the 2nd photo, an experiment with brown henna). I'm lucky to share the genes of many generations of women in my family who just never went grey, or only a bit when ancient. I'm enjoying it while I can because I spent many years bleaching the life out of it (Debbie Harry has a lot to answer for!!!)

Your long hair is beautiful OP and there are no rules at any age. The short hair/Myra Hindley comparison isn't great though. A lot of women look great with short hair too.

yes, sorry, didn't explain that one. I didn't mean short hair. I mean that's probably why I stopped bleaching it as I got older. Imagine my surprise when my natural colour turned out to be much nicer!

I had the exact same message drummed into me. I've spent years with a little voice in my head saying, cut it, it's too long!!! I'm 60.
My hair is naturally blonde and fine (but with a lot of it) and I've always had lots of layers. During lockdown the layers grew and I suddenly realised it looked better/healthier etc. I've now decided to keep it like that, it's passed shoulder length. On days where the little voice pipes up, cut it! I wear it up, on others down.
Don't cut it! It looks fab and really healthy.

Really depends on the face. I remember a woman at work with very long hair, no fringe getting it cut shorter and blunter. She may have had a bit of a long side fringe - a while ago now. It was a real "Wow" moment when she walked in. Completely changed and updated her look. It was still long as in below shoulder length but just completely lifted and energised her look.

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.

Thanks for this! I’ve always had long, fine hair, but as I get older it’s thinner too. It’s not great and I’d love thick hair, but it’s what I’ve got. I still don’t want short hair and despite its obvious shortcomings I prefer mine the length it is. It’s depressing to know that people do still think that once you’re past a certain age you only get to keep it if you’re blessed with thick hair as always comes up on these threads.

The reason why older women have short hair is because menopause causes it to thin and it looks neater short.

But if you're lucky enough to still have thick hair and it looks nice and healthy then go for it.

I'm 55 and mine it armpit length and that's how I intend to keep it.

Your hair is absolutely stunning. I love the natural colour.

You have beautiful shiny hair! Why would you cut it if you're happy with it. I'm envy your lack of greys.

Your hair is beautiful. I love the henna! I’m 46 with similar hair and no intention of cutting it. Sick of box dying the (few) greys though, so henna is something I’m thinking about. You’ve inspired me.

Have your hair however you feel happy!
I think what can happen when you get older is that hair can thin and lose volume so long hair can look a bit straggly - but still, no need to cut unless you want to.

Wow, what absolutely beautiful hair. Deeply, deeply envious.

My grandma wore her snow-white hair almost waist length until she died at 88, usually in a bun or braids. To five year old me, she looked like a magical, witchy goddess.

I’m 36, and fully intend to go to my grave with long hair - either dyed red till the day i die, or left to go bright white or silvery grey. I love long hair and it’s part of who i am!

HOW on earth do you not have any grey hair?? You lucky thing.
I started going grey in my late 20s!!

At 50, I wear my arse length hair however I please, despite my mother badgering me for years to have a middle age bob like my twin.

I have been nearly every colour of the rainbow, although gave up bleaching about 15 years ago, and am now looking forward to my few grey hairs becoming a wondrous white waterfall.

I can wear my hair long. I can wear my hair short like today, using a plethora of sticks in all manner of materials & colours. The best thing I ever did was dumping those atrocious elastics & scrunchies, barely a spilt end in sight since I did.

I even use pens & the odd crochet hook (I’ve always stashed the odd screwdriver into my bun if I’m doing a practical job). I couldn’t do that with a pixie cut.

Never wear your hair to make someone else happy.

You have lovely hair. I think cutting your hair when you get to a certain age is an old fashioned idea.

I’ve had long hair for most of my life. I’m 68 now and see no reason to change - I often wear it up now and have been told I look elegant so that’s encouraging! 🙂