I recently asked my hair stylist Charlie Brackney and colorist Marlee Solomonson of Haus Salon what are the actual wearable hair trends for women over 40 this spring? I mean, we aren’t necessarily going to give into that side shaved head or those colored spiked tips, are we? I know I’m not! I want something wearable that isn’t going to make me look like I’m trying to be 20 something and Miley Cyrus’ look alike, because really, we did that once already and why would we consider it again.
While I love Cameron Diaz, the ombre hair, not so much.
According to to Marlee, for hair color the ombre look is done, over, finito. Good, because I never, ever got into it. To me it seemed like everyone was just being lazy and letting their roots grow out, way out, and I never understood it. She also said that overly blonde/platinum hair is out as well as that overly dark hair, for women especially over 40 these are out. The dark is is too heavy and aging because it drains the color out of your skin and the overly blonde/platinum shade does nothing for skin tone either.
So what can we do? Natural looking and sun-kissed is the way to go this spring and summer. Lighten it up by doing balayage to give it that sun-kissed look and it also makes the hair color variations look more natural. This gives hair a more youthful, fresh look. If you have naturally dark hair this will lighten the look and not drain the color out of your face either.
Charlie says that for hair styles a longer bob or lob is really in. Gone are the super-long locks and this new bob skims the shoulders and neckline, not the severe bob of the past aka Victoria Beckham style from a few years ago. This is softer, more feminine and leaves you with styling options as well. It can be worn straight, or with soft curls and the part can go from side to center as well. Talk with your hair stylist about what works best for your particular face shape.
Here are some variations of the lob that we are loving.
All images from Pinterest
That’s exactly what I’m doing, Kari! I had a shorter, asymmetric bob and decided it was a little TOO edgy for me at age 52. So I’m growing it out a bit, and it’s almost reached “lob” status. My stylist says my hair is extremely healthy and full, so why not? (and I wouldn’t go back to my 20’s if you PAID me a million dollars!!!)
I agree completely..ombre is over and I love rich browns with touches of gold or red for our age group or golden honey blonde..the softer the better:)
Have a great weekend!
xoxo
Ann-Marie
I agree – couldn’t pay me enough to be in my 20’s! Good luck with the grow out!
I know a few women who have worn short hair forever it seems, in various styles and colours and it still looks great on them. If you have a great stylist/colourist who works with the structure of your face and skin tone, you will always look your best.
For a few years now, I have worn mine short as well and am keeping to variations of bleached, sometimes cool, sometimes warmer etc…and I always get compliments. I’m a a big believer in do what works for you and get got up in what the masses are doing. You can’t go wrong at the hands of a great stylist & colourist…I’ve seen some women walk out of high end salons with terrible cuts & colours and some look fantastic….it’s all about the stylist/colourist who truly has a good eye for the individual client.
correction – I’m a big believer in do what works for you and DON’T get caught up in what the masses are doing.
I LOVE Charlize Theron’s cut and color;I think that’s what I will do this summer.
I also love Charlize Theron’s cut but I’m wondering what styling tool she is using to get those beachy waves?
Yes, I’m wondering too, but it doesn’t say on Pinterest. I’m guessing some texturizing spray and a wide barrel curling iron would do the trick.
I just stumbled across your blog and I LOVE it!
One month ago, I cut 11″ off my hair as I was feeling like I was looking like one of the “Real Housewives” – NJ, Beverly Hills, OC … you take your pick. I felt my long hair was aging me.
I took to the salon, the photo you posted of Jennifer Aniston. I would say, I ended up with a cut that’s pretty close. I have very thick hair.
While it’s taken me a little time to get used to, I will say I’ve never received so many compliments – mainly from strangers. My husband likes it much better and my bestie said it took 10 years off. I’ll take it!
I wish more women would cut their long locks off and go for something that softens their face and makes them look younger.
Thank you for this post. It makes me feel better about my decision (women get so attached to their hair).
By the way, I love the make-up page you posted. I am headed to Nordstrom and Sephora this afternoon! 🙂
I just noticed you live in the Mpls area. Me, too! 🙂
I love hearing stories like this!! Thanks for reading Heather!