Our hairstyles have reflected our sense of style since we were little girls. When I was 6, I loved my pigtails. Then, as a young woman, I had a perm – please tell me why no-one stopped me!

For the next 2 decades, I had hair that reached down to my waist. I actually used to straighten it with a real iron. Did you do something similar?

Then, my kids came alone and, like many women, I decided to cut my hair super short. Family life can be a battle and the last thing you want to do is give your 5-year-old something to stick gum in or pull at an inconvenient time.

My corporate job required a “bob,” or, at least, that’s what I thought at the time! Finally, as I reached my 60s, I settled down with a mid-length cut with a fringe.

Hairstyles for Older Women Aren’t What they Used to Be

If I had been born in another decade, my hair story might end there. After all, older women really weren’t expected to experiment with their hair in previous generations.

These days, women over 60 are trying every possible style. I know women who have colored their hair pink, red, black and every color in-between. Even the women who are sticking with more traditional colors, or going grey gracefully, are experimenting with new styles and hair products.

In fact, this is one of the challenges that we face as we get a little older. Now that we no longer care so much what other people thing, the number of choices that we face can be a tab overwhelming.

So, to help sort through the options, I turned to professional hairdresser, Denise McAdam. Denise is one of the best-known hairdressers in the U.K. Actually, she’s probably one of the best-known hairdressers in the world. I can’t think of a better person to give us all some advice on how to find the perfect hairstyle at any age. Enjoy the show!

Why Does Our Hairstyle Even Matter?

Right about now, I can imagine that there are more than a few of you sighing and saying to yourselves “Who cares? I don’t have anyone to impress any more.”

The truth is that our sense of style is important at every age. We may not feel like we need to dress up to impress other people, but, we can still choose clothing, hairstyles and makeup that make us feel amazing.

Take hair, for example. Hair is a reflection of our personality. In many ways, it tells a story of how we see our place in the world. Are you going grey or coloring away? Do you want to look professional, sassy, fun, relaxed or something else? Is your hair practical or funky? Do you prefer short, medium or long hair? All of these decisions say something about who you are and how you see yourself.

Denise explains that, when it comes to hairstyles for older women, there are several questions to ask.

What Hairstyle Suits Your Face Shape?

While all of us are free to choose whatever hairstyle makes us feel great, objectively, not every hairstyle will look equally good on every person. Why? Because our face shape determines how a hairstyle looks on us.

In addition, as we get a little older, things tend to shift down a bit. This means that, depending on your skin and other factors, long, straight hair may not look as good on you now as it did when you were a teenager.

This is definitely something that your hairdresser can help you with. Just be sure to ask specifically what kinds of style would go well with your face shape. Your hairdresser should be able to give you an intelligent answer. In addition, you can watch my interview with Denise to get some specific tips.

What Hairstyle Suits Your Lifestyle?

Of course, how our hair looks next to our face is only one small factor. We also need to pick a hairstyle that matches our lifestyle and personality.

Do you want to spend no more than 5 minutes preparing your hair in the morning? Or, would you actually enjoy styling your hair for 30 minutes?

This is one area to be honest with yourself – and your stylist! It doesn’t help anyone if you choose a hairstyle that only your stylist can make work. If you want a simple cut, don’t be afraid to say so.

Denise says that a hairstyle should just work. It should blow dry easily, be easy to manage and move perfectly.

How Much Do You Want to Spend on Hair Products?

Another practical consideration is how much you want to spend on products. Getting an amazing cut is counterproductive if you don’t take care of your hair.

Denise recommends getting a great shampoo and conditioner. She also says that you may want to consider using a serum. Her favorites include Joico, and Dove but she also loves Balmain mouse.

Denise is also a big fan of hair spray, which she says acts like a veil to protect our hair from humidity and moisture. She suggests taking a look at the lines by Elnett by L’Oréal or Wella.

Don’t forget that a dry hair shampoo, like Batisse or Klorane don’t “clean” your hair so much as they energize and lift it.

A Few Final Words of Advice from Denise

When it comes to hairstyles for older women, most of us forget two things. The first is to “wake up our hair” with a good brush or our fingers. This means fluffing it up and giving it vitality and shape.

The second is to always check the back of your head with a mirror. You would be surprised how many women look amazing from the front and forget to check themselves from the back.

I hope that my interview with Denise inspires you to try something interesting with your hair. If you have any questions about hairstyles for older women for Denise, please add them in the comments below.

How would you describe your hairstyle? Do you agree that life after 60 is the perfect time to experiment with new hairstyles, clothes and makeup? Why or why not? Please join the conversation.