Too old for long hair?
Dear Answer Angel
Ellen: Like so many others, I haven’t been in a salon for a haircut in many months — six and counting. That might be an adult record for me. Anyhow, for the first time since I was a little girl, my hair is long enough for pigtails. (That is not the look I’m going for but to illustrate my point.) It’s inches past shoulder length and I’m surprised to say I like it! I’m a middle-aged woman and I’m wondering if I’m too old for longish hair. What do you think?
— Sara J.
Dear Sara: Go for it. I’ve heard from a lot of readers who are trying out hairstyles (and do-ityourself trims or even major overhauls) that they’d never have considered before the salons shut down. Once you’re out in the world again (whenever that might be) it will be interesting to hear the reactions of your friends/co-workers/family. That might have a pro or con influence on your next step. Many women also are giving their natural hair color a second chance (especially gray) and loving it, so you might discover this longer hair is the perfect new look for you. Maybe you were ready for a new ’do and didn’t even know it. We all get into a fashion and hair rut from time to time. (My hair hasn’t been this long since I was a
Girl Scout and I like it.) One cautionary note: We get into trouble when we try too hard to look young rather than embrace the changes. I’m thinking short shorts, bare midriffs and such that truly don’t work for women of all ages. With respect to your hair, you’ll have to be the judge of that.
Dear Answer Angel
Ellen: Are thongs still “in” or are bigger panties more in style?
— Chaz M.
Dear Chaz: Anything goes. Full-size briefs (think retro ’50s), highcut briefs, boyshorts, hipsters, bikinis, thongs, G-strings. It’s your choice, from full coverage to none at all. Some women are all about comfort while others are concerned about the sexiness factor — or both, though maybe not at the same time. I’ve said it often: In fashion there are no rules, and that goes for underpants too!
Dear Answer Angel
Ellen: Do you have a recommendation for a waterproof eyeliner?
— Rita M.
Dear Rita: For starters, I’m going to rule out any eyeliner that requires that you use a separate sharpener. How many times have I broken off the tip of the eyeliner trying to get a nice point? Rooting through drawers to find the sharpener is also a time-waster. My current eyeliner favorite is the automatic, mechanical pencil “Unstoppable” by Maybelline (drugstores, maybelline.com, $5.98 and up). It doesn’t smudge even when you wear it while swimming.
Angelic Readers 1
An email from Karen T.: “On the topic of sun protective clothing, like you I too wear Lands’ End long sleeve UPF 50 rash guard shirts. I ordered various colors (end of the season or during some of the 40% off sales) and wear them as normal clothing — not just for swimming and the beach — with light pants or skorts. I also bought the same tops to match my swimsuits and wear them for hours in my sister’s pool. Coolibar.com offers sun protective clothing but is pricier. Years ago, I purchased a few fashionable sun protective scarves from that website that I still wear.”
Angelic Readers 2
Bill H. suggests this method to keep track of toiletries: “When I buy or open certain perishable products, I write the date on the container with a Sharpie that I keep in the storage area. It only takes a few seconds and saves me from using expired products.”
Reader rant
Christina S. writes: “As for unflattering looks, hair color that doesn’t match your face (age!) is ridiculous and downright laughable. This goes for both men and women. Thanks for letting me vent.”
Now it’s your turn
Send your questions, rants, tips, favorite finds — on style, shopping, makeup, fashion and beauty — to answerangelellen@gmail .com.