8 Hair Colour for Older Women Mistakes… And How to Fix Them!
You know it when it happens because you start to look washed out and tired – your hair colour isn’t working. To say it isn’t flattering is probably an understatement. Are the things you’re doing to hide the grey hairs aging you? That’s not the way it’s supposed to be.
Is the colour you are using designed to make you look younger or older? Yes, there are even younger people looking for the gravitas endowed by grey hair.
Read LONG OR SHORT HAIR OVER 60?
Best Hair Colour for Over 60s
There are so many choices of hair colour out there, and it can be difficult finding the right shade due to hair length, skin tone, etc. What looks good on one person won’t necessarily suit another, either.
So, this is a list of the most common hair colour mistakes made by women over 60 and how to fix them. It isn’t rocket science – or even hairdressing.
Mistake #1: Using Too Dark a Colour
Using too dark a colour creates the illusion of more fine lines and wrinkles! Also, the clear line that appears when your colour grows out and the grey makes a re-appearance is not a good look, and you should not espouse it.
Instead of an overall dark colour – and don’t forget natural hair is never one solid colour – try a warm tone which is a shade or two lighter and adds light reflection to your skin. Another alternative is subtle highlights which create dimension to an all-over dark hue.
Get effortless sun-kissed highlights with Frost & Design Dramatic Hi-Precision Pull-Through Cap. Its time-saving formula delivers creamy highlights, while the Pull-Through Cap allows a precise selection of strands for desired lightening without mess-ups. Choose between two styling hooks for subtle or bold highlights, then finish with a toning rinse for added shine.
Mistake #2: Using Too Much Ash
Your hair, blonde or brunette, should not have an ashy appearance. If you’re of a paler complexion, the smoky look will make you appear washed out. Add some warmth to brighten your skin.
L’Oréal Paris Cool Supreme Permanent Gray Coverage Hair Color
Achieve 100% gray coverage, even on stubborn grays, with this triple protection color featuring anti-brass technology. It safeguards your hair during and after coloring for up to eight weeks.
Mistake #3: Funky Hair Colour for Over 60s
You may like bright-coloured hair, and that’s fine. You can choose to go for the trendy bright colours like red, purple, or blue. Just try to use shades that aren’t too bright as this can wash out your face depending on your skin tone.
Also, be prepared for the upkeep because bright colours tend to require a lot more retouching than typical hair dyes.
Schwarzkopf Color Ultime Permanent Hair Color Cream – Vintage Red
Enhanced with Diamond Brilliance serum, this hair color delivers a luminous shine. Color Ultime’s hair dye kit is formulated with a special UV filter and provides added protection. It delivers up to 10 weeks of intense color – even on gray hair.
Mistake #4: Looking Too Brassy
Your hair can look dull and damaged if it is too orange or reddish. Now is the time to start using an ash toner! Brassy hair makes your skin look redder and tired, and it puts years to your age.
Ban the brass by using a purple shampoo to eliminate the yellow. The two neutralize each other. I use purple shampoo every day because my hair pulls red when it’s bleached!
Read WHAT IS THE BEST SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER FOR GREY HAIR, ACCORDING TO WOMEN OVER 60?
Shimmer Lights Purple Shampoo for Blonde & Silver Hair
Shimmer Lights Shampoo, an award-winning formula enriched with protein, effectively reduces brassiness in blonde or gray hair while enhancing color.
Mistake #5: Going Too Light
If your face isn’t ready for it, being too light can be as aging as being too dark. Again, hair is not one colour all over, and it’s important to maintain a level of contrast.
If your hair is too light, it looks as washed out as your face. Add some colour with lowlights that are a little lighter than your natural hair colour.
Madison Reed Light Works Balayage Highlighting Kit
Achieve effortless highlights at home with the Madison Reed Light Works Balayage Highlighting Kit. This two-step, ammonia-free formula lightens and tones hair for beautifully sun-kissed highlights.
Mistake #6: Using Too Many Highlights
Too many highlights can make your hair look damaged and tired. It may even look like wire wool. Don’t go for cool-toned highlights which work well when you’re young but not now. Golden tones around your face make you look more youthful because they add brightness.
Mistake #7: Going Too Red
I know a lot of women love all over red hair. But I think it is aging and old-fashioned. Your skin starts to lose pigment after 40, and the contrast between hair and skin is too much. Use a colour-enhancing shampoo, or even a few highlights or a little copper to look more natural.
CHI Ionic Color Illuminate Shampoo
Mistake #8: Being Too Bold
Chunkiness often doesn’t work past 60. It looks too unnatural. Banish chunkiness by making sure the colour is blended in. It’s a sophisticated look, and an air of sophistication sits well on women our age.
The secret of chunky colour is in the placement; such as a section in your fringe or around your hairline to frame your face. If you’re grey, experiment with pastel tones like pale pink or smoky blue. That can be very stylish.
If you want to know even more about hair that’s grey or greying, or if you have more Bad Hair Days than you have cups of tea in a month, get your copy of Grey Hair & You. Will it help? Yes!
Read HOW TO TRANSITION YOUR COLORED HAIR TO NATURAL GRAY
Do’s
Things to keep in mind in regards to your hair and hair color.
Style
You may have the perfect hair color, but if the style is outdated and doesn’t flatter your features it won’t matter.
Read 15 HAIRSTYLES FOR WOMEN OVER 50.
Upkeep
Make sure to keep your color fresh and minimize root growth by getting touch-ups regularly.
Read 6 BEST HAIRSTYLING TOOLS FOR MATURE WOMEN.
Experiment
Hair grows and color can be easily changed. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your hairstyle and color.
Read 6 PRODUCTS TO HELP MAKE YOUR FINE HAIR LOOK FULL AND THICK.
Research and Get Inspired
Read some of our helpful articles and bring photos of your inspirations to your hairstylist to show them what you have in mind.
Here’s an article that contains some helpful tips and tricks and more information about hair colour: Spectacular Hair Colour Options for Fabulous Older Women.
Also, read 60 BEST HAIRCUTS AND HAIRSTYLES FOR WOMEN OVER 60 for more ideas.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
Are you guilty of any of these hair colour mistakes? Are you happy with your hair? Do you despair of ever having gorgeous locks again? Share some of your woes and triumphs; we love to hear from you!
I used to have blonde highlights and dark blonde (my natural colour) low lights in my hair, to naturally work my grey, rather than completely hide it.
I then had an incident at work, that resulted in me losing a promotion, due to, according to the feedback, “We don’t like blonde haired or old grey haired ladies in this department”
I was, obviously gutted, and eventually left that company.
I got another job, but comments from that feedback seriously got to me, so before the interview, I coloured my hair light brown.
A fair few months into joining my new company, where they are plenty blonde and grey hair ladies, who are all equally valued on their skills, not hair colour, etc, I’m now seriously regretting colouring my hair this colour. I have had to use a face fake tan, as I look like I’ve just been dug up, the colour has had the opposite effect, I’m pretty sure I look older and see more wrinkles, and every 3 weeks I’m having to colour my roots, which is a right pain in the proverbial.
I’m currently using John Friedas ‘Go Blonder’ shampoo and conditioner, in an attempt to lighten up the brown, so my white ‘hot’ roots don’t look so awful and hopefully be able to go lighter.
Should have listened to himself..ahh well..
I have been blonde for 65 years. Following a tragedy my hair darkened, then fine threads of grey appeared. I can’t afford to visit a hairdresser nor to purchase a hair colour every six weeks from the supermarket. Now in my seventies, when I look in the mirror I don’t recognise myself nor do I lookhealth and vibrant. Don’t know what to do ???
I’m sorry to hear about your tragedy and I hope you are pulling through. Just know it’s ok to take care of the inside first. Stay healthy by eating right, getting the exercise and fresh air. Even if it’s a walk around the house with the windows open. Also take care of your mind. Don’t worry. Leave everything in God’s hands. Trust him. And your outward beauty will shine. God bless you.