Are you in a style rut? Keen to spark up your look as Winter comes to an end? Although many over-60s keep their hair long and healthy, we often opt for a shorter hairstyle as we get older. Whether it’s for ease of styling, or because your hair no longer grows with the thickness or good health that it used to, there’s no need to feel left out when it comes to styles and different looks. While some think short hair can only sit a certain way or isn’t as variable as long hair, this actually isn’t true! Your short hair can look awesome with some TLC and these handy hints.
1. Make your own salt spray
Salt spray provides texture and depth to the hair, often associated with the type of hair you get when you’re on a beach holiday. Don’t spend a fortune on expensive products to get a beachy texture – you can make it at home. Simply combine 250ml of soda water with a teaspoon of sea salt in a spray bottle and spritz over damp hair after showering. Scrunch it up in your hands and leave to dry naturally for a relaxed, beachy feel.
2. Tease the hair to make it look thicker
In our sixties and beyond, we often find our hair loses thickness and the only way to make it look like the lustrous healthy locks we used to have is to tease it out. Tease a section of hair from temple to temple, and then push it against where you normally part your hair to increase lift. Finish with hairspray to hold in place all day.
3. Blow dry half way, then air dry
Blow your hair dry for half the time you usually would and then let it air dry. Not only will this cut down on heat damage, but it will also leave you with a natural texture. Tip: if you do blow dry your hair regularly, use a hair oil or heat protecting spray to prevent dryness and split ends.
4. Wear a funky headband
Headbands don’t have to be plain and boring, or designed for kids and teenagers – the variety nowadays is endless! You can wear a pretty gold leaf on a band, or diamantes or velvet. They’re a great way to add a little style to a casual look and bring colour into an outfit.
5. Wrap it up with a scarf or hair wrap
For an even more vibrant look, why not try a scarf? You can wrap it around your head in so many ways.
And, be sure to search the many and varied ways you can wear a scarf in your hair – so you don’t just wear the classic Thelma and Louise!
6. Get a fringe
To make a very short cut look more feminine, grow out a fringe (bangs) portion of your hair, and wear it soft or side swept for a classic, chic look. You can ask you hairdresser to cut a longer fringe to begin with a shorten it over the next few months until you find the perfect length for your face shape.
7. Use products that add texture
The trick to keeping short hair modern and youthful is to use products that add toughness and texture. Opt for waxes, pomades or even texture powder instead of gels, sprays and mousse.
8. Change up your part
Just because you have short hair, you don’t always have to wear it the same way! For something different, try changing the placement of your part. It can show off colours you didn’t even know were in your hair.
9. Dry shampoo is your new best friend
Dry shampoo is a must-have in every woman’s bathroom. It’s great between shampoos and it also aids in adding texture to newly shampooed hair, especially if it’s very thin. Use it to bulk up your crown, to make your hair thicker or to an hide oily scalp.
10. Stick to a trimming schedule
If you can manage it, try to get your hair cut every four to six weeks. If you’re trying to grow it out, you could go 10-12 weeks without a trim. It’s really up to you!