Long hair after 40?

Certain people in my life tell me it`s time to cut off my long hair - after all, I`m 41! My hair is curly, basically one length, and is a couple of inches below my bra line. I do color it, as I have a fair amount of gray - and I cannot stand long gray hair. My hair looks healthy despite the coloring.

I`m torn about whether or not to cut it. I keep it long because I hate to spend time on my hair every day. I`ve had it short in the past, and the shorter it gets, the curlier and more unmanageable it is - - it becomes a hassel. I`m in to low maintenance hair.

What`s the current feeling/trend about older women keeping their long hair? And if it is kept long, where is a good resource as to how to wear it? I can do all kinds of braids (much more quickly than than fussing with short hair), but have never really liked how I look in french braids, etc. Suggestions/thoughts?

I know and have known several women in their forties and fifties who have kept their hair long and looked great. The important question is what you think of the way your hair looks. If you like the way your hair looks long then keep it long. If you like the way your hair looks as you have always worn it then don`t worry about putting it up.

Bottom line is you aren`t required to do anything you don`t want to do with your hair.

Thanks for everyone`s responses - - - and for reminding me that, yes, I`ve had short hair before, and I can`t stand the way it bunches up the shorter it gets. You`ve all given me something to think about, and some ways to respond to others when they tell me to cut my hair!

Hugs to all!

Long hair is gorgeous at any age. Enjoy it while you have it. Even if it`s all gray. And please stay away from Maury Povich.

My wife is over 40 and has hair past her waist that is in terrific shape. She keeps it well nourished (a good diet supplemented with vitamins), well cared for (qualtiy products and a regular mask), with regular trims. She has no noticable thinning or dryness. Maybe she just has good genes but her routine seems to be working.

I would just like to say that I am 41 and have had long hair for most of my life.
I have no intention of cutting my hair - no matter how old I am.
I find long hair very versatile - I can wear it up or down for totally different looks.
When it is up it is just like having short hair - it is tidy and `under control`!! When it is down it is sexy and fun!!
As for whether or not ladies with long hair are noticed more - I would say a definate YES!
When my hair is down I definately get noticed more by men than when it is up!!!!

Hello,

I`m nearing 40 and have no intention of cutting.

Mind you, I keep it up most of the time, so
I guess that is why I don`t hear the "Why don`t you cut your hair" routine that often.

I hope to reach the floor with my hair before I
turn 40, but I`m not so sure I`ll make it.

I have just over three years left,
but I`m sure going to try.

Happy New Year and much growth to you,
Karen Marie
http://www.angelfire.com/wv2/wuvie/STRESSLESS.html

tigger123 wrote: Certain people in my life tell me it's time to cut off my long hair - after all, I'm 41! My hair is curly, basically one length, and is a couple of inches below my bra line. I do color it, as I have a fair amount of gray - and I cannot stand long gray hair. My hair looks healthy despite the coloring. I'm torn about whether or not to cut it. I keep it long because I hate to spend time on my hair every day. I've had it short in the past, and the shorter it gets, the curlier and more unmanageable it is - - it becomes a hassel. I'm in to low maintenance hair. What's the current feeling/trend about older women keeping their long hair? And if it is kept long, where is a good resource as to how to wear it? I can do all kinds of braids (much more quickly than than fussing with short hair), but have never really liked how I look in french braids, etc. Suggestions/thoughts?

Hi,

Thanks for your post. I was where you were a couple of times over the past few years but always hung on to my hair and I am so glad that I did.

My 40s are in my rearview mirror and I have long hair that is currently 4 inches below my waist & still growing. Besides running HairBoutique.com I am also the CEO of a telecom software company w/ 20 employees and when I have to look "businessy" I wear my hair in a big fat bun. I hate the "bun thing" because I prefer my hair down but sometimes I have to do what is best for the company & a quick bun is a small price to pay to keep my hair. :-)

I also belong to a group of 25 female CEOs. We meet once a month to network & do business and most of the members are mid 40s to mid 50s. Although I have the longest hair (they encourage me to wear it down) there are several in the group with bra length or longer hair. Some of these female CEOs are mid 50s with longer hair & they are all very successful and well respected. Their hair has no impact on that and they all seem very comfortable with how they wear it. A few have shorter hair but I think it is because they just prefer their hair that way and for no other age or business reasons.

I am finding that the trend is for women of any age to wear their hair the best way for them and the way they love it. I have 3-4 different buns & twists that are easy and look just great w/ a suit. Braids are OK but they take too much time and I am all thumbs when I am rushing. So I tend to do the bun thing.

I totally support you in keeping your hair if you love it. It is also true that long hair is easier to take care (in my opinion). Although I am lucky and don`t have gray, I do get highlights and it is quick and painless. You could do the same with your gray is you wanted to do so.

Thanks for sharing.

Best wishes,
Karen

tigger123 wrote: Certain people in my life tell me it's time to cut off my long hair - after all, I'm 41! My hair is curly, basically one length, and is a couple of inches below my bra line. I do color it, as I have a fair amount of gray - and I cannot stand long gray hair. My hair looks healthy despite the coloring. I'm torn about whether or not to cut it. I keep it long because I hate to spend time on my hair every day. I've had it short in the past, and the shorter it gets, the curlier and more unmanageable it is - - it becomes a hassel. I'm in to low maintenance hair. What's the current feeling/trend about older women keeping their long hair? And if it is kept long, where is a good resource as to how to wear it? I can do all kinds of braids (much more quickly than than fussing with short hair), but have never really liked how I look in french braids, etc. Suggestions/thoughts?

My grandmother had hair to her waist until she died. She let it turn gray and it actually took on a lot of white. It was gorgeous. She got compliments all the time. She believed in wearing her hair the way she loved it.

GodivaFan wrote: tigger123 wrote: Certain people in my life tell me it's time to cut off my long hair - after all, I'm 41! My hair is curly, basically one length, and is a couple of inches below my bra line. I do color it, as I have a fair amount of gray - and I cannot stand long gray hair. My hair looks healthy despite the coloring. I'm torn about whether or not to cut it. I keep it long because I hate to spend time on my hair every day. I've had it short in the past, and the shorter it gets, the curlier and more unmanageable it is - - it becomes a hassel. I'm in to low maintenance hair. What's the current feeling/trend about older women keeping their long hair? And if it is kept long, where is a good resource as to how to wear it? I can do all kinds of braids (much more quickly than than fussing with short hair), but have never really liked how I look in french braids, etc. Suggestions/thoughts? My grandmother had hair to her waist until she died. She let it turn gray and it actually took on a lot of white. It was gorgeous. She got compliments all the time. She believed in wearing her hair the way she loved it.

Hi Godiva,

It would be great if you had photos that you could share of your grandmother`s hair.

Best wishes,
Karen