We see them everywhere. There are books, magazine articles, blogs, radio and television programs, all dedicated to teaching women, how to look great at any age. You will find tutorials on skincare, makeup application, cosmetic surgery, lifts and injections. There’s even wonderful advice on wardrobe selection, right down to the swimsuit that will accent your positives and camouflage your “not so happy about” physical traits.
A few years ago, Oprah Winfrey devoted her show entirely to this topic. She introduced us to incredible women of all ages who exemplified staying fit, healthy and youthful. On stage was a panel of specialists…clothing designers and stylists, makeup artists, hairstylists and hair colorists and nutritionists to name a few. They each contributed their expertise for the “makeovers” on these lovely women.
Videos showed the ladies in action with their daily routines of exercise, eating right, working or volunteering. One beautiful, seventy-something woman was shown diving off a highboard into a swimming pool for multiple laps every morning. Her body was like a perfect sculpture of muscle and tone.
The best part for me though, was when Oprah asked Bobbi Brown “What is the one thing a woman can do to look her most vibrant best?” She answered with one word, “Haircolor.” Now this is the owner, creator of a hugely successful cosmetic company. I thought she might say “Lipstick. Use it on your lips and cheeks and even your eyes.” Or, she maybe “Moisturizer. Good skincare is the basis for everything.” But no, she said haircolor! As a haircolorist, I was overjoyed. I thought “Yay! She gets it!” Even the most subtle bits of hair color can transform your looks. I could write a whole blog on the variety of choices. Beautiful hair color and a great cut go a long way in creating your individual style.
But, the biggest faux pas I see on the streets today, and I’ve wittnessed it everywhere, is the woman who hasn’t changed her hairstyle since she left highschool or college. One of the first guests in my styling chair here in Georgia was so remarkable in so many ways…except for one thing. She was very active athletically. She lived near the ocean and swam, fished, kayaked and went scuba diving. She had worked out at the gym to stay toned. But, she also had gone through a facelift, tummy tuck and breast lift. She had it going on…except for that one thing.
You could see her through a crowd or from a distance walking down the beach. It was her hair. It was bleached to the max and teased high like a monument to the hair gods. There was this slender, tanned and toned body and wrinkle free face with the biggest, boufant “hairdo” you have ever seen! One look at her and you could tell exactly how old she was.
I remember gently coaxing her to try a new look, soften her style with an updated haircut, do a deep conditioning and create a dimentional blonde with highlights, lowlights and a glimmering glaze. She said “Someday I will. I’m just not ready. I have important things coming up. I’m afraid to do that right now. What if I can’t handle it?” To this day I wonder if she ever got the courage to change her signiture hairstyle.
Take a cue from the style icons of today. Yes, big hair is back in a big way. Even the “Bee Hive” has made a resurgence. But, like all things retro, it has a modern edge. The twist sits at the back and doesn’t go straight up to the sky. It has texture and movement…not hardened with “Aqua Rock” hairspray. And yes, the Pixie is everywhere too. Sometimes though, a more mature face needs a softer length. Take it to chinlength at least. If it’s curly, be sure the curl is smooth, and leave the fuzzy texture to the runway models.
Keep up the good work, working on your overall health and wellbeing. And, consult with your stylist/colorist to give yourself the best look possible regardless of your age.
Happy Hair Days!
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