Best Hairstyles for Women Over 70
Are you contemplating a makeover for your hairstyle? Have you stuck to the same look for an extended period and feel it’s time for a change? In the past, societal expectations often dictated that women over 70 should maintain a specific, usually short and white, hairstyle. However, times have evolved, and women in this age group are now more active than ever, expressing their personalities through diverse hair styling.
Explore some hairstyle options that might spark inspiration for your own transformation. If you find a particular style that resonates with you, consider bringing this article to your hairdresser to convey your desired change.
5 Long Hairstyles for Women Over 70
Gone are the times when women over 70 all looked the same with the same hairstyles. Don’t let anyone tell you that you should cut your hair now that you are over 70.
Updo Locks
Well maintained locks are beautiful on women of all ages. Locks, known for their versatility, can be gathered into an elegant updo, creating a chic and age-defying look.
This style not only defies stereotypes but also celebrates the individuality and confidence of women in their 70s. This updo style offers a blend of classic charm and contemporary flair, providing a fashion-forward statement that defies age norms.
Long Blond Layered Hairstyle
If you’re still into coloring your hair, consider taking it a step further by letting it grow past your shoulders and incorporating long layers. This style adds an extra dimension to your overall look and offers a range of styling possibilities.
Whether you prefer a sleek and straight finish or want to add some curls for a more textured effect, combining long, layered hair and blow-drying with a large round brush opens up a world of styling possibilities.
Wild Colors
Don’t allow anyone to dictate that you can’t express your personality through your hair color, especially as you age. A growing trend among women over 70 is embracing vibrant and unconventional hair colors, such as bright dyes, shades of purple, daring reds, or even punk-inspired hues. The sky’s the limit when it comes to experimenting with colors that truly reflect your unique style and personality.
Lush Beachy Waves
For long, unlayered hair, achieving beachy waves offers versatility. Use a hot wand for precise styling with adjustable heat settings, or opt for a heatless approach using a curling rod headband. Both methods create a relaxed look perfect for various occasions.
Kitsch Satin Heatless Curling Set on Amazon
These heatless curling rods create amazing curls and waves without the damaging effects of heated wands and curling irons.
Check out this tutorial video explaining how to use the ribbons to create beautiful curls.
Long Straight Hair
If you are blessed with healthy, robust hair that grows effortlessly, consider the freedom to wear it at any desired length.
The health of your hair is a crucial factor in determining how long you can let it grow. Having hair that thrives and maintains its vitality allows you the flexibility to explore various lengths, catering to your personal style and preferences.
9 Short Hairstyles for Women Over 70
Short hair typically refers to hair that falls above the shoulders. There’s a wide array of short hairstyles to explore, ranging from ultra-short pixies to bob cuts that graze just above the shoulders.
Tousled Pixie Hairstyle
This tousled pixie style not only adds a touch of playfulness to your overall appearance but also reflects a contemporary and trendy aesthetic. It’s a fantastic way to embrace the evolving nature of your short hair, infusing it with personality and character.
So, if you love pixie cuts but crave a bit more length, the tousled look achieved with texturizing spray offers a stylish and dynamic option for expressing your individual style.
L’ANGE HAIR Sea Salt Texturizing Spray on Amazon
This texturizing spray is excellent for adding interesting texture to your hairstyle. You can use it on any hair length to create a beachy, lived-in look.
Chin Length Bob
This timeless hairstyle suits various face shapes and offers flexibility in color choices. Whether in your natural shade or tinted to match your personality and lifestyle, this classic look remains versatile and elegant.
Bob with Bangs
This timeless and beautiful hairstyle is a classic that transcends age and suits any color choice. Introducing bangs to a bob hairstyle effortlessly imparts a Cleopatra-inspired feel, adding a touch of elegance to the overall look.
Pixie with Layers
Adding layers to a pixie cut provides dimension and movement, transforming the look into a stylish, dynamic option. The layers create a textured finish, allowing for a playful and modern vibe that complements the short and chic nature of the pixie cut.
Natural Curls Pixie
Embrace the beauty of your natural curls by allowing them to flow freely. Opt for a short hairstyle that complements your curls and enhances their natural texture. Incorporate suitable hair products that provide conditioning and moisture to maintain the health and vibrancy of your curls.
Asymmetrical Bob
Infuse a playful and dynamic flair into your bob hairstyle by considering an asymmetrical cut, where one side is intentionally shorter than the other. This innovative twist on the classic bob adds a touch of edginess and individuality to your overall look. By opting for an asymmetrical bob, you introduce a contemporary and fashion-forward element that stands out while maintaining the timeless appeal of the bob hairstyle.
Lighten Your Natural Color
For those who continue to color their hair or have yet to see any signs of white, contemplating a subtle shift in shade can be a refreshing choice. If you typically opt for a particular color, consider going one shade lighter than your usual choice. This adjustment can bring a subtle and natural-looking radiance to your overall appearance.
Add Lowlights
For an entirely white hair color, consider adding lowlights to introduce texture and interest. This technique brings depth and dimension, preventing your hair from appearing flat.
Lowlights offer a nuanced and natural look. Consulting with a professional stylist ensures a seamlessly blended and sophisticated hairstyle.
L’Oreal Paris EverPure Sulfate-Free Brass Toning Purple Shampoo and Conditioner Set on Amazon
Purple shampoos and conditioners help to keep yellow tints out of your hair. Stylists recommend using it on white or salt & pepper hair once a week to keep hair perfectly white.
Shoulder Length Waves
If you’re lucky to have healthy, plentiful hair, why not let it grow to shoulder length? This provides a versatile canvas for various styles. Shape natural waves around your face for an easy, chic look. The simplicity of this style celebrates your hair’s health and beauty, making a statement of self-care and confidence.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
What hairstyles do you like? How do you style your hair? Are you a woman over 70 and thinking about changing up your look? Tell us about it in the comments below.
“Lighten your natural colour” is still the colour of my hair apart from a few grey parts at the sides starting now that I’m 75. My hair is long as I’m growing it to make a wig for someone with Breast cancer. It is now long enough to have cut for a wig to be made however my husband and both daughters keep telling me not to have it cut short. That just means I will keep growing it a while longer before I get it cut for the wig. My hair should then still be reasonably long.
Rosamund, what a beautiful gift. My daughter-in-law does that, too.
I am 72 with a little bit of gray hair – and am not yet ready to go totally gray/white so I get my hair foiled twice a year and love it! My hair looks very similar to the way it always looked and is very natural looking. I am thankful we now live in a time where there are less societal expectations for seniors (re: fashion and hair) with less judging if we continue to colour our hair or dress differently than our mothers did! No white hair perms for me!!!! Lol.
I’m with you Judy. 72, long hair, get it foiled 2x a year to my mostly natural colour which is blond. I doubt I will ever do grey or white. My mother never did, looked great in her 90’s. I like seeing bold colours on older women too. Do what’s fun for you and not follow what some consider hair “rules” or clothing “rules” for when we are apparently over the hill as in 50 plus!
Reading the first two comments below, I am thinking what prejudice these women have! I am a youthful looking 76 year old, and have beautiful healthy hair past my shoulders. I don’t have enough gray to go natural, so I just weave in some blonde to “restore it to it’s natural color” (as a 21 year old, lol). I have bangs and some feathery layers around the front, and just shape the ends around my face after blow-drying. I found that for me, short hair was much more difficult to style. Vive la difference, ladies!
Lisa Stege, it sounds lovely!
I agree
…long hair on old ladies looks pathetic..short..styled hair is classy…julie andrews looks great!..
I think the use of the word ‘pathetic’ is rather judgy. How dull the world would be if we all had a cookie cutter haircut. .
Wow, that’s rude. Who died and made you the hair police?!
Very rude, and opinionated when no one asked for your opinion
Long hair ages your face. A bob or a pixie is your best bet as you age.
While I agree with what you say, I do think women should have the choice as to what they want to do with their hair, whether we think it is suitable or not. I figure if it doesn’t cause any harm to me or others, then it’s not my business.
Correction: Long, straight hair MAY age your face. Everyone is different. I have a very round face, so bobs and pixies make me look like a beach ball. I wear my wavy hair at least shoulder-length (often longer) specifically to lengthen my face. I’m 61, but most folk think I’m in my early 50s. So no, long hair doesn’t necessarily age your face.
Wow! Just stating facts, huh? Guess you must be an authority.