Factors to Consider for the Perfect Shade
Choosing a hair color is a deeply personal decision, and there are several key factors to weigh, especially for mature hair. What worked in your 30s may not be the most flattering option now, as skin tone, hair texture, and maintenance requirements change.
Your Skin's Undertone
As we age, our skin tone can become lighter and more transparent. A hair color that once looked vibrant can now wash out a complexion. Knowing your skin's undertone is crucial. To determine this, look at the veins on your wrist:
- Cool Undertones: If your veins appear blue or purple, you have cool undertones. You'll typically look best in colors like ash blonde, cool browns, or icy silver.
- Warm Undertones: If your veins appear green, you have warm undertones. Golden, honey, and caramel shades will complement your skin beautifully.
- Neutral Undertones: If you have a mix of both, you are neutral and can pull off a wider variety of shades.
Eye Color
Your eye color plays a significant role in which hair colors will make your features pop. For example, warm blondes can bring out blue eyes, while rich brunettes can make green or hazel eyes stand out. A professional colorist can help you find a shade that harmonizes with your eyes and face.
Hair Health and Texture
Mature hair is often finer and more fragile. Harsh chemical dyes can cause damage and breakage. Opting for gentle, ammonia-free, or semi-permanent formulas can help preserve hair health. Additionally, coloring techniques like highlights and lowlights can add dimension and the illusion of thickness without subjecting all your hair to a full-color process.
Flattering Hair Color Options for Mature Hair
Gone are the days of feeling limited to one color. The modern approach to aging and beauty is about celebrating your style. Here are some of the most popular and flattering options for women over 70.
Gentle Blondes
- Honey and Caramel Blondes: These warm tones are perfect for adding a sun-kissed glow to complexions with warm undertones. They are softer than stark, icy blondes and create a radiant, natural look.
- Soft Platinum: If you have cooler undertones, a soft platinum or beige blonde can be stunning. It blends beautifully with natural white or gray hair, making root regrowth less obvious and requiring fewer touch-ups.
Rich Brunettes
- Caramel and Honey Highlights: Instead of a solid dark color, which can be harsh and draining, opt for a softer brunette base with strategically placed caramel or honey highlights. This adds warmth and dimension, preventing the color from appearing flat.
- Soft, Medium Brown: A gentle, warm medium brown can look incredibly sophisticated. It's less stark than a dark espresso and complements a wide range of skin tones.
Vibrant Reds
- Copper and Auburn Tones: A warm, reddish tone can bring life to a pale complexion. A soft copper or a rich auburn can be incredibly elegant, but be aware that red dyes fade faster than other shades.
- Mahogany Brown: For a deeper color with red undertones, mahogany offers a rich, warm hue that works well for those with olive or neutral skin tones.
Embracing Your Natural Gray
Many women are choosing to embrace their gray hair, and for good reason—it can be incredibly beautiful and low-maintenance.
- Silver Blending: A professional can blend your natural gray with highlights and lowlights to create a seamless, multi-tonal silver. This can smooth the transition and create a stunning, dimensional look.
- Full Silver or Platinum: For those who are already mostly gray, a full silver or platinum look can be striking. Use a purple or blue-toned shampoo to keep the color bright and prevent brassiness.
Comparison of Hair Color Options
| Feature | Warm Blonde (e.g., Honey) | Soft Brunette (e.g., Medium Brown) | Natural Silver Blend | Vibrant Red (e.g., Copper) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maintenance | Medium (Requires toning) | Medium (Less frequent touch-ups) | Low (Focus on toning) | High (Fades quickly) |
| Effect | Brightens complexion, youthful | Adds dimension, sophisticated | Modern, elegant, bold | Adds warmth, lively, eye-catching |
| Best For | Warmer undertones | All skin tones | Embracing natural aging | Adding color to fair skin |
| Key Benefit | Softens features | Versatile, rich color | Ultimate low-maintenance | Restores vibrancy to skin |
Hair Health and Maintenance for Mature Hair
Regardless of the color you choose, maintaining the health of your hair is paramount. Aging hair is often drier and more susceptible to damage. Here are some tips to keep your locks looking their best.
- Choose Gentle Products: Opt for sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners designed for color-treated hair. These are less harsh and will help preserve your color longer.
- Minimize Heat Styling: Excessive heat from blow dryers, straighteners, and curling irons can be damaging. Air-dry when possible, or use a heat protectant spray to minimize harm.
- Deep Conditioning: Incorporate a weekly deep conditioning mask to add moisture and strengthen strands.
- Regular Trims: Schedule regular trims every 6-8 weeks to get rid of split ends and keep your hair looking fresh and healthy.
- Consider Supplements: A balanced diet rich in protein, iron, and vitamins is essential for hair health. Talk to your doctor about whether supplements like biotin could benefit you.
For more detailed advice on choosing and caring for mature hair, consult resources from trusted sources like AARP, which often covers style and beauty tips for older adults, including hair color options and maintenance strategies. See this article for further inspiration: 11 Hair Color and Dye Tweaks and Styles for Older Women.
Conclusion
The best hair color for a 70-year-old is the one that makes you feel confident and beautiful. Whether you choose to enhance your natural gray, opt for a sophisticated blonde, or embrace a rich brunette, the key is to prioritize hair health and select a shade that flatters your unique features. Consulting with a professional colorist can help you find the perfect color and technique to achieve your desired look with confidence.
