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Best Hairstyles for Women Over 70

By Sixty and Me March 03, 2024 Beauty

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

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

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

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.

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Janel

My hair is short. It’s a shiny, silver-gray and I have lots of it. A few of my friends have beautiful long hair, some have super short hair (about one inch). The short hair is spiked with gel and it looks great. As a young looking 75 I am grateful to live in a time where we decide how we want to live and look. I suppose I spend more time in nature, volunteering and enjoying my family to be preoccupied with what someone thinks is the “best hairstyles for women over 70.” We’ve made it this far and we can decide that.

It also may have something to do with the fact that I am a social gerontologist. I follow trends, opinions, etc. about aging. I enjoy reading how people navigate family issues, relationships, maneuverability, things like that.

Angie

My hair has changed in the last year and caused me stress. What was thick and could always hold a tousled style is now flatter and just hangs like basset dog ears! lol.. Curling hasn’t helped, nothing. I do color it and will continue-unfortunately I am not a gal that has great looking gray hair! I am going to try the product in the article r/t tousled look. I have told my stylist I want to wear it a bit longer-she has been inching it up the last few times…not for me right now! Thanks for the article! being 68 has given me “hair issues!”

Margie

I’m 72, white wavy hair right below my chin and love it. I would like to wear it longer but it does not compliment my face structure. Everyone should wear their hair that suits them. Younger people are not judged on their length and neither should people in my age group. The first two comments are not acceptable. We have one life to live, be who you want to be. Stop judging and the world would be a better place.

The Author

Sixty and Me is a community of over 500,000 women over 60 founded by Margaret Manning. Our editorial team publishes articles on lifestyle topics including fashion, dating, retirement and money.

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