How should a 70 year old woman wear her hair? A guide to flattering styles

By age 70, many women have experienced changes in hair texture, volume, and color, which can influence style choices. Instead of adhering to outdated notions, modern stylists suggest focusing on cuts that celebrate natural features, address hair health, and align with personal style to answer the question: how should a 70 year old woman wear her hair?.

Quick Summary

Hairstyles for women in their 70s should focus on health, texture, and personal style, embracing options like layered bobs, elegant pixies, and natural flowing locks that frame the face beautifully while requiring minimal maintenance. The key is to choose a style that adds volume and movement, complements your face shape, and makes you feel confident.

Key Points

• Prioritize Hair Health: As hair changes with age, focus on gentle care, moisturizing products, and regular trims to maintain health and vibrancy.

• Consider Shorter Cuts for Volume: Pixies, classic bobs, and short shags can add fullness and are low-maintenance options for fine or thinning hair.

• Choose Flattering Medium-Length Styles: Lobs (long bobs) and cuts with soft, feathered layers can add movement and frame the face without sacrificing too much length.

• Embrace Your Natural Color with Confidence: Gray or silver hair can be stunning, especially when complemented by a modern haircut and maintained with color-specific products.

• Match Your Style to Your Lifestyle: Opt for a cut that suits your daily routine. A low-maintenance pixie might be best for a busy lifestyle, while a lob offers more styling flexibility.

• Consult a Professional Stylist: An expert hairdresser who understands mature hair can recommend the most flattering cuts and styling techniques for your specific needs and face shape.

Embracing Your Hair's Natural Evolution

As hair ages, it can become thinner, drier, or change in texture and color. These changes are not a limitation but an opportunity to explore new styles that work with your hair's current state. The key is to shift from what used to work to what works best for you now. This starts with a consultation with a stylist who understands mature hair and its unique needs, rather than following rigid, outdated rules.

The Allure of Shorter Cuts

Short hairstyles are a popular and practical choice for many women over 70. They can create the illusion of fullness and are generally easier to manage than longer styles.

• The Versatile Pixie Cut: A pixie cut is a timeless classic that can be styled in many ways, from sleek and sophisticated to soft and layered. A longer, side-swept pixie adds softness and frames the face, making it a great option for fine or thinning hair.
• The Modern Bob: A bob is one of the most versatile and flattering haircuts for almost any face shape. A chin-length or graduated bob with stacked layers in the back can add volume and lift, while a textured bob with wispy layers creates softness and movement.
• The Short Shag: For a more relaxed and edgy look, a short shag cut with its choppy ends and tousled layers adds texture and body. It’s a great option for embracing natural waves and requires minimal styling effort.

Stylish Medium-Length Options

If you prefer a little more length, medium-length styles can be incredibly chic and youthful. The right cut can add volume and soften facial features.

• The Voluminous Lob (Long Bob): A lob that falls just above the shoulders is a fantastic choice for giving the illusion of thicker hair. It offers the styling versatility of longer hair with the easy maintenance of a shorter cut. Add a deep side part for extra lift.
• Feathered Layers: Feathered layers are a great way to add softness and movement without sacrificing length. They can be cut to frame the face and are particularly beneficial for fine hair, creating the look of more body and texture.
• Soft Waves: For those with naturally wavy or thick hair, shoulder-length cuts styled with soft waves add a touch of romance and elegance. This look is effortless and can be achieved with heatless curling methods to protect fragile strands.

How to Choose the Right Hairstyle for You

Consideration	Best for Fine/Thinning Hair	Best for Thicker Hair	Best for All Face Shapes
Face Shape	Pixie with soft layers, layered bob	Classic bob, voluminous lob	Soft curls, feathered layers, textured bob
Maintenance	Shorter cuts like pixies or chin-length bobs	Lobs and shoulder-length cuts	Short shag or natural wavy cuts
Volume	Layered styles, textured pixies	Layered bobs, lobs	Side parts, feathered cuts
Personal Style	Edgy undercut pixie, modern asymmetrical bob	Classic bob, long layers	Natural gray, wispy bangs

Practical Hair Care for Mature Hair

Regardless of your chosen style, caring for mature hair is essential for keeping it healthy and vibrant. Here are some tips:

1. Use Gentle Products: Look for sulfate-free shampoos and moisturizing conditioners designed for aging or color-treated hair.
2. Limit Heat Styling: Reduce the use of blow dryers, curling irons, and straighteners, or use a heat protectant spray when you do. Air-drying is always the gentlest option.
3. Stay Hydrated and Nourished: Healthy hair starts from within. Drink plenty of water and eat a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals.
4. Regular Trims: Consistent trims every 6-8 weeks help maintain the shape of your cut and prevent split ends, which can make hair look thinner.
5. Protect from the Sun: Just like your skin, your hair needs sun protection. Wear a hat or use hair products with UV protection when spending time outdoors.

Embracing Your Natural Color

Many women choose to embrace their natural gray, silver, or white hair, and it can be incredibly elegant. To make the most of it:

• Use purple-toned shampoos to prevent any yellowing and maintain a bright, clean silver tone.
• Consider a clear gloss treatment from a stylist to add extra shine.
• Ensure your haircut is modern and chic to complement the sophistication of your natural color.

Conclusion

Ultimately, the perfect hairstyle for a 70-year-old woman is a personal choice that reflects her individuality and confidence. There are no strict rules, only opportunities to enhance your natural beauty. By considering factors like hair texture, lifestyle, and face shape, and prioritizing gentle hair care, you can find a style that is both flattering and empowering. Whether you opt for a bold pixie, a classic bob, or elegant shoulder-length waves, the best look is the one that makes you feel your best. For more expert tips on managing and styling mature hair, consult resources from trusted sources on hair care for seniors.

Visit the official website of the Davines hair care company for more tips on haircuts and hair care for women over 70.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best hairstyle for a 70 year old woman with fine hair?

For women over 70 with fine hair, a short, layered pixie cut or a textured, chin-length bob is often recommended. The layers and shorter length create the illusion of more volume and fullness, while also being easy to manage.

Are long hairstyles flattering for women over 70?

While there's no age limit on long hair, the right style is crucial. Long, straight, one-length hair can sometimes weigh down fine strands and appear limp. Adding long, face-framing layers and soft waves can add movement, volume, and soften features for an elegant look.

How do I add volume to thinning hair?

To add volume, consider a layered cut, as this adds texture and movement. Use volumizing mousse or root-lifting spray on damp hair before blow-drying with a round brush. Avoiding heavy, long styles that can weigh hair down is also key.

Should women over 70 have bangs?

Bangs can be a great way to soften facial features and add a youthful touch. Wispy or side-swept bangs are often more flattering than thick, heavy bangs, as they blend seamlessly and require less maintenance.

What is the best way to care for gray hair?

To care for gray hair, use a purple-toned shampoo to prevent yellowing and keep the color bright. Gray hair can be drier, so focus on moisturizing conditioners and treatments. Protect your hair from sun exposure with a hat or UV-protectant product.

How often should a 70 year old woman get her hair cut?

For most styles, a regular trim every 6-8 weeks is recommended. This helps maintain the shape of the cut, removes split ends, and keeps your hair looking fresh and healthy. If you have a precise short cut, you may need to visit your stylist more frequently.

Are there any styles that should be avoided?

Outdated, overly severe, or heavily processed styles can sometimes be aging. Styles that ignore your hair's natural texture or are too high-maintenance for your lifestyle should also be avoided. The best approach is to seek modern styles that work with your hair, not against it.