Having thick hair at 70 is a wonderful asset, offering a fantastic canvas for a variety of beautiful hairstyles. The key is to choose a cut that not only complements your features but also works with your hair's density and texture, rather than against it. The right style can feel liberating, look incredibly chic, and be surprisingly easy to manage. Forget outdated rules about age-appropriate hair; today's best cuts are all about celebrating your individual style with confidence.
Understanding Thick Hair After 70
As we age, our hair's texture and behavior can change. For those with thick hair, this might mean it becomes coarser, wavier, or more prone to dryness. A great haircut takes these factors into account. The primary goals for a haircut on thick, mature hair are often to:
- Remove excess weight: To prevent the hair from feeling heavy or looking bulky.
- Create shape and movement: To avoid a boxy or helmet-like appearance.
- Enhance natural texture: To make styling easier and more intuitive.
- Frame the face beautifully: Softening features and drawing attention to your best assets, like your eyes or cheekbones.
Top Haircuts for Women Over 70 with Thick Hair
Choosing the right silhouette is crucial. These styles are consistently recommended by stylists for their ability to flatter and manage thick hair with elegance and ease.
The Layered Bob
A bob is a timeless classic for a reason. For thick hair, incorporating layers is non-negotiable.
- Chin-Length Bob: A bob that ends at the chin can be incredibly flattering, especially for those with a strong jawline. Strategic layers can remove bulk and create a beautiful, rounded shape.
- Lob (Long Bob): A shoulder-grazing lob offers more versatility. It's long enough to tie back but short enough to feel fresh and modern. Soft, long layers help the ends flick and move naturally.
- Stacked/Graduated Bob: This style features shorter layers in the back that gradually get longer toward the front. This technique is fantastic for creating volume at the crown while reducing bulkiness around the nape of the neck.
The Chic Pixie Cut
A pixie cut is a bold and confident choice that can be surprisingly low-maintenance. It's an excellent way to showcase facial features and can make thick hair incredibly easy to manage.
- Textured Pixie: With short, choppy layers on top, a textured pixie provides volume and dimension. It can be styled sleekly or tousled for a more playful look.
- Soft, Swept Pixie: A slightly longer pixie with a side-swept fringe softens the look and provides a touch of elegance. It's less severe than a very short crop and works beautifully with the natural volume of thick hair.
The Modern Shag
The shag haircut has made a major comeback and is perfect for women who want a style with personality and movement. It consists of feathered layers on top and around the crown, with thinner, longer lengths at the ends. This built-in layering is ideal for managing the weight of thick hair, especially if it has a natural wave. It's an effortlessly cool style that requires minimal styling—often just a bit of mousse or texturizing spray.
Shoulder-Length Cut with Long Layers
If you prefer to keep some length, a shoulder-length cut is a perfect compromise. To make it work for thick hair, long, seamless layers are essential. These layers should start around the chin and continue down, helping the hair to move freely without creating a triangular shape. This style is versatile, allowing for updos, ponytails, or simply wearing it down.
Comparison of Popular Styles
| Haircut Style | Best For | Maintenance Level | Key Benefit for Thick Hair |
|---|---|---|---|
| Layered Bob | Most face shapes; straight or wavy hair | Medium | Removes bulk, creates a classic shape |
| Chic Pixie | Oval, heart, and square face shapes | Low to Medium | Extremely manageable, highlights face |
| Modern Shag | Wavy or curly hair; oval or long face shapes | Low | Excellent weight distribution, edgy |
| Shoulder-Length | All face shapes; versatility lovers | Medium to High | Maintains length, highly versatile |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Haircut
- Face Shape: Consult with your stylist about what cut will best flatter your unique face shape. For example, softer, layered styles often complement square jaws, while bobs can beautifully define an oval face.
- Lifestyle and Maintenance: Be realistic about how much time you want to spend on your hair each day. A pixie cut can be a wash-and-go style, whereas a shoulder-length cut might require more blow-drying and styling.
- Hair Texture: Is your thick hair straight, wavy, or curly? A shag cut, for instance, is phenomenal on wavy hair as it enhances its natural texture, but might require more effort to style on pin-straight hair.
Styling Tips for Thick, Mature Hair
- Invest in Quality Products: Use shampoos and conditioners formulated for dry or coarse hair to keep it moisturized. A leave-in conditioner can be a lifesaver.
- Use a Diffuser: If your hair is wavy or curly, a diffuser attachment on your blow dryer will dry your hair without causing frizz, enhancing your natural texture.
- Don't Over-Wash: Washing thick hair too frequently can strip it of its natural oils, leading to dryness. Aim for every 2-3 days.
- Get Regular Trims: To keep your style looking fresh and prevent split ends, book a trim every 6-8 weeks.
Conclusion: Embrace Your Best Look
Ultimately, the best haircut for a 70 year old woman with thick hair is one that makes you feel confident and beautiful. Styles like the layered bob, chic pixie, and modern shag are fantastic options because they are specifically designed to manage the volume and weight of thick hair while providing a stylish, modern silhouette. Communicate openly with your hairstylist about your lifestyle and preferences to find the perfect cut. With the right style, your thick hair can be your greatest accessory. For more lifestyle and beauty tips for seniors, consider exploring resources like AARP.
