Over 50 - Hair style - help!

[tartanterror]

I have very thick and very straight hair. I previously wore a bob just above shoulder length which was ok through my 40s but recently the hairdresser has been leaving it longer which I thought was ok until I saw some photos… I’ve decided that the longer cut isn’t doing me any favours and I’m feeling very firmly - although that might be more to do with my increasingly saggy face…

Any suggestions on a new hair style that might suit:

• me at 50
• very straight & thick hair
• 5ft10 height
• professional job?

Thanks!

with thick straight hair, I would lean in to a really sharp bob cut - keep it really sleek and smooth to stay professional
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In the same in every way that you describe (except my hair isn’t grey because I dye it red).

This summer I had a few layers cut in around the front (not feathery ones, chunky ones that just add some volume higher up the length and more movement). They’ve made a real difference.

I’ve grown out a short sharp bob to get here. I liked the growing out when it got to just over shoulder length. I disguised the growing out by keeping a very sharp angle so that the front was longer than the back. When it was a lob that looked great and I am sure I will go back to it in future once I’m bored with my longer swishy layers.

Although I will add that I think your hair looks great and PHOTOS LIE. In real life your hair will move. It will not look like the ‘thick lump of hair’ you fear. I feared that after a couple of bad photos. I was wrong.

ETA I can see your hair is more blonde than grey, hope I haven’t given you something else to worry about!

I'd second the suggestion of large, choppy layers to add body and to frame the face.
I'm late 50s and also have thick, straight hair. Mine is above the shoulder and more shaped at the front and sides, and I've layered it slightly but plan to grow it a bit and cut some choppy layers into it.
In the past, whenever I've grown it, wanting a slightly softer look, it soon ends up looking like two straight "curtains" which isn't very flattering and has the effect of "dragging" my face downwards. So I'm hoping to alleviate that next time around with more obvious layering.

Thanks! The photo probably makes my hair blonder than it is in real life. I had a few highlights put in at the front earlier in the year just an inside layer which did lighten it around my face - but it is just the overall weight! I fear I look a bit too much like this chap...

Thanks for this - going shorter again may be the way forward although none of the women pictured have to deal with huge volumes of hair! I wonder if I need to ask for a teeny tiny bit of a fringe to break things up?

I like your hair and would just go for long layers and extra highlights, shortest i would go is shoulder length. Don't go for a chin length bob if you are worried about a saggy face, though am sure it's not as bad as you think!

I am a month off turning 51 and I have a short short pixie cut. I find that contrary to popular opinion so many people can pull off pixies, especially if you have straight hair.

I would look up one of those try-a-hairstyle apps/websites and play around!

Lovely thick hair! I like Keira Knightley's hair in the current Waitrose advert - would that suit your hair, or would the thickness make it go triangular?

Mine is similar and i have choppy layers and a cut at shoulder length. It gives it so much more movement and can be messed up or slicked down as preferred.

Go for a French Facelift haircut. Lots of layers and movement.

ooh thank you - googling that looks like good potential!
I'd never have found that on my own
Any suggestions as to what instructions for the hairdresser?
I feel a bit idiotic asking for a French Hair Facelift?!?!

Take the photos in with you. It’s basically a layered Bob with lots of movement. I have similar hair to you, although mine is wavy, and it works really well.

I am a bit younger, but had long hair until a week ago and went for this cut. I love it. I have dead straight, fine but voluminous hair - which I suspect is similar to yours. This cut has given my hair shape and movement, frames my face better and is easy to maintain.

Thanks so much for this picture! I used to have a style like this a long time ago and it worked well for my hair. I feel a bit more confident now about asking for something that will work - the volume and fine-ness can easily go wrong if a hairdresser tries to”fine” layers >>> frizz. Got to be “chunky”. I’ll report back!

What about something like this? They call it a chic shag! Have a look on Instagram at Glam Girl Gabi - quite sensible hair styles!

As ever, it’s all about having the right hairdresser. I have had the same one for 20 years! She knows my hair and my habits (lazy about my hair) so is careful to say no to cuts that won’t work for me and makes adjustments to any pics I suggest for my type of hair and face shape. Honestly don’t know what I’d do without her!

I’m lucky that I have had a hairdresser that does seem to understand my hair so layers underneath to thin out a single length bob… I’m yet to try her out on visible layers…. He previously wasn’t keen but I’m hoping that was a fashion thing as it was a while ago…