How to wear your hair up at 60? Chic, Simple, and Elegant Updo Hairstyles

As hair ages, it can become finer, drier, and more delicate, making certain styles challenging. Knowing how to wear your hair up at 60 with confidence and grace is entirely possible with the right techniques and hair care strategies.

Quick Summary

Creating elegant and flattering updos at 60 involves using gentle techniques, focusing on volume and texture, and choosing styles that complement your hair type. The key is to prioritize hair health, use suitable products, and find looks that are both easy to manage and chic, from a classic chignon to a relaxed, modern bun.

Key Points

• Gentle Techniques: Use soft hair ties, fewer pins, and avoid pulling hair tightly to protect fragile strands.

• Build Texture: For better hold, add grip and volume to fine hair with dry shampoo, mousse, or texturizing spray before styling.

• Low Chignon: A timeless, elegant option for formal and everyday wear, easily created by wrapping a low ponytail into a bun.

• Voluminous Messy Bun: A chic and modern choice that adds volume and a relaxed feel, best achieved by loosely gathering and pinning hair.

• French Twist: A sophisticated updo that creates a beautiful vertical roll, perfect for special occasions.

• Half-Up Styles: Ideal for keeping hair out of the face while showing off length, with options like simple twists or braids.

• Prioritize Hair Health: Maintain moisture with gentle products and minimize heat styling to support the health of mature hair.

Embracing Updos After 60: A Guide to Timeless Elegance

Hair changes with age, and for many women over 60, this means adjusting their styling routines. While your hair may be finer or more fragile than it once was, this doesn't limit your options for beautiful updos. The focus shifts from high-tension, intricate styles to those that are gentle on the hair and highlight natural texture and volume. Simple modifications, like using softer hair ties and fewer pins, can make a significant difference in both comfort and hair health.

Why Updos Are a Great Option for Mature Hair

Updos are not only stylish but also practical for several reasons:

• Volume and Lift: They create the illusion of fuller, thicker hair, which is a common desire for those with aging hair.
• Face-Framing: Strategic wisps and loose pieces can soften facial features and provide a youthful, polished look.
• Comfort: Keeping hair off the neck and shoulders can be cooler and more comfortable, especially in warmer weather.
• Protection: Updos can protect the ends of your hair from damage and environmental factors, keeping it healthier.

Essential Preparations for Successful Updos

Before you start styling, a little preparation goes a long way. This groundwork ensures your updo is not only beautiful but also holds well throughout the day.

Hair Health and Texture

Starting with the right foundation is crucial. If your hair is too slick, it won't hold a style. If it's too dry, it can be unmanageable. The right products can make a huge difference.

• Dry Shampoo: Use a volumizing dry shampoo at the roots to add grip and texture. This is especially helpful on clean hair that might be too soft.
• Texturizing Spray: A light spritz of texturizing spray adds body and definition without weighing down fine hair.
• Mousse or Root Lifter: For extra volume, apply a small amount of mousse or a root-lifting product to damp hair before blow-drying.

Choosing the Right Tools

Gentle tools are non-negotiable for mature hair to prevent breakage.

• Soft Hair Ties: Opt for silk, satin, or spiral hair ties that don't pull or snag the hair.
• Bobby Pins: Use good-quality, non-slip bobby pins. For extra security, use hairpins in addition to bobby pins to keep the style in place without putting too much tension on any one section.
• Gentle Brushes: A boar bristle brush can help distribute natural oils and add shine, while a paddle brush is great for detangling gently.

Elegant Updo Styles for Women Over 60

There are numerous stylish updos that are both beautiful and easy to achieve. Here's a look at some of the most popular and flattering options.

The Classic Low Chignon

A chignon is the epitome of timeless elegance. This style is created by gathering your hair at the nape of your neck into a neat bun or knot. It's sophisticated, polished, and looks great for both casual and formal occasions.

How to Create a Classic Chignon

1. Start by creating a low ponytail at the base of your neck. Secure it with a soft elastic.
2. Twist the ponytail tightly and then wrap it around the base of the elastic, creating a coiled bun.
3. Tuck the ends of your hair under the bun and secure it with bobby pins. If your hair is thin, a "doughnut" bun shaper can be used to add volume before wrapping.
4. For a softer look, gently pull out a few face-framing pieces and loosen the bun slightly with your fingers.

The Voluminous Messy Bun

A messy bun doesn't have to look unkempt; for mature women, it can be a relaxed, chic, and purposeful style. The key is creating texture and volume, not a sloppy look.

How to Create a Chic Messy Bun

1. Use a volumizing spray or dry shampoo to create texture throughout your hair.
2. Gather your hair loosely into a high or low ponytail, but don't pull it all the way through the last loop of the elastic. This creates a loop.
3. Secure the bun shape with another elastic. Then, pull pieces of the loop and the ends of the hair to create a fuller, messier shape.
4. Pin any loose ends and pull out some soft strands around your face and neck to complete the look.

The French Twist

This classic updo is deceptively simple and incredibly chic. It works beautifully on shoulder-length or longer hair and creates a sophisticated vertical roll.

How to Create a French Twist

1. Gather your hair into a low ponytail, but instead of securing it, twist it upward.
2. Keep twisting the hair up against the back of your head, creating a roll.
3. Tuck the ends of your hair into the roll as you twist. Secure the twist with long hairpins or a decorative clip.
4. Use bobby pins along the seam of the twist to hold it securely. A few spritzes of flexible-hold hairspray can help set the style.

The Half-Up Twist or Braid

For those who prefer to keep some length down, a half-up style is a perfect compromise. It keeps hair out of your face while showcasing your length.

How to Create an Elegant Half-Up Style

1. Separate the top half of your hair, from your temples or ears up. Clip the bottom half out of the way.
2. You can twist the top section and pin it at the back, or create a simple braid and pin it.
3. Secure with bobby pins, and use a light hairspray to control any flyaways. This works especially well with a few loose waves in the bottom section.

Comparison of Updo Styles

Feature	Low Chignon	Voluminous Messy Bun	French Twist	Half-Up Style
Style	Classic, Polished	Modern, Relaxed	Sophisticated, Sleek	Casual, Versatile
Difficulty	Medium	Easy	Medium	Easy
Best For	Formal Events, Work	Everyday, Casual	Special Occasions, Formal	Casual, Day-to-day
Volume	Low to Medium	High	Low	Medium
Hair Type	All, especially fine hair with a shaper	All, good for adding volume	All, best with medium to long hair	All, works well with layers
Longevity	Very High	High	High	Medium

Important Hair Care Tips for Senior Hair

Beyond styling, proper care is essential for maintaining hair health and ensuring your updos look their best. Here are some key tips:

• Hydration: Use moisturizing shampoos and conditioners. As we age, the scalp produces less oil, leading to dryness.
• Protect from Heat: Minimize the use of heat styling tools. When you do use them, always apply a heat protectant spray.
• Gentle Handling: Brush and style your hair gently. Avoid tight ponytails or anything that puts too much strain on your hair follicles.
• Nutrient-Rich Diet: A diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein can support healthy hair growth.

For more in-depth information on caring for aging hair, consider exploring resources like the American Academy of Dermatology's guidelines on hair health.

Conclusion: Confidence is Your Best Accessory

Don't let aging hair discourage you from enjoying elegant and beautiful updos. By choosing gentle styling techniques, prioritizing hair health, and embracing styles that work with your natural texture, you can confidently wear your hair up at 60 and beyond. Whether you opt for a classic chignon for a formal event or a relaxed messy bun for a casual outing, the most important element is your confidence. Experiment with different looks, use the right products, and celebrate your style at every age. Your hair is an expression of you, and it deserves to be styled with care and creativity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most flattering updo for a woman over 60?

The most flattering updo for a woman over 60 often depends on hair length and type, but a low chignon or a soft, voluminous messy bun are universally flattering. These styles are gentle, add volume, and create a sophisticated, soft look.

How can I add volume to fine hair for an updo?

To add volume to fine hair, start by applying a volumizing mousse or dry shampoo to the roots. You can also use a texture spray throughout the hair. Gently backcombing sections before styling can also help create lift and body.

What tools should I use for styling updos on mature hair?

Use soft elastics made of silk or satin to prevent breakage. Non-slip bobby pins, long hairpins, and gentle boar bristle brushes are also recommended. A "doughnut" bun shaper can be useful for creating a fuller bun.

How do I make my updo last all day?

To make your updo last, prep your hair with a texturizing product and use a flexible-hold hairspray. For updos, a matte-finish hairspray can provide grip without appearing shiny. Secure the style with a combination of bobby pins and hairpins, and finish with a final mist of hairspray.

Can I use hair extensions for an updo at 60?

Yes, clip-in hair extensions can be a great way to add volume and length for an updo. They are not permanent and can be easily removed. Look for high-quality, lightweight extensions that match your hair color and texture for the most natural look.

What's an easy everyday updo for senior women?

An easy and chic everyday updo is a low, twisted bun or a relaxed, half-up style. These take minimal effort and are comfortable for all-day wear. Pulling a few soft strands around the face can soften the look.

Are high ponytails appropriate for women over 60?

While some high ponytails can be too harsh, a soft, voluminous high ponytail can be very flattering. The key is to avoid pulling it too tightly and to add volume at the crown to soften the overall appearance. For most, a mid-level or low ponytail is a more comfortable and elegant option.