Bold And grey
IS YOUR HAIR PUTTING YEARS ON YOU? EXPERT HAIRDRESSERS SHARE TIPS FOR CONFIDENCE-BOOSTING locks IN LATER life WITH Katie Wright
a reason hairdressers play such a big role in makeover shows such as 10 Years Younger. The right hair cut and colour can transform your look and really boost your confidence – especially as we start clocking up the years (something to be celebrated, of course).
“Our hair is an integral part of how we see ourselves and how we want others to see us,” says Nick Willis, master stylist at Charles Worthington Salons. “What we don’t want is hair that ages us.”
That doesn’t mean you have to eliminate any trace of grey. Nor do you have to stick to modern trends at all costs – it’s about deciding what’s best for you.
Here, hair pros offer their expert advice for making the most of your locks at any age...
1.Find the right shade
“The wrong hair colour for your skin tone is the biggest mistake we make in terms of your hair ageing you,” says Nick. “As we age, our complexion evolves and we tend to lose pigment, known as melanocytes, this can make us look less radiant if we are choosing the wrong hair tones.”
While on some people, grey hair is “a statement and looks fabulous”, on others it can “sap the radiance from you and can make you look older”.
Christel Barron-hough, founder and creative director of Stil Salon, says cool-toned blonde shades can have the same effect: “Adding subtle sun-kissed low lights can be a great option to soften the blonde, as well as using a conditioner with a hint of gold.”
For grey hair, she recommends using a purple shampoo, as it “makes it look fresh, cool and bright, which will brighten the complexion”.
2.get the right length
Gone are the days when women over 50 were expected to chop their locks into a prim and proper bob. Just look at 56-year-old Sex And The City star Sarah Jessica Parker and her cascading waves.
“I believe longer hair is anti-ageing,” says Nick. “I would recommend my client keeps their hair at a mid to long length. With the right shape and layering techniques, you will have movement and volume, both huge factors in looking and feeling younger.” Natalia Vera, designer stylist at Live True London, agrees that “medium length haircuts are a safe bet for any woman of any age” – but if you feel fab with a short, sassy do, go for it.
Sam Hillerby, hair stylist at John Frieda Salons, says: “Change up your style and create a more youthful, modern look by going for the big chop – think Helen Mirren or Judi Dench style. If you’re not feeling that adventhere’s
turous, then add choppy layers to give texture and volume.”
3.get a confidence-boosting cut Talk to your hairdresser about a style that’s flattering for your face shape and hair texture. Belle Cannan, co-founder of Salon Sloane, says: “Hair gets finer as we get older and pulls the face down. The texture will change and become frizzy.” She recommends avoiding “blunt cuts like a bob at jawline – go for a slightly longer length with some soft layers to create a fuller look”, and style with “a lightweight oil that will not weigh the hair down but boost the hair with shine”.
4.look
after your locks
No matter the colour and style you have, it’s important to take care of the health of your hair. Nick says: “Shiny, healthylooking hair makes you look younger. Use repairing and moisturising treatments at home and ask your stylist which are the best restorative products for your hair type, and ask for Olaplex [a bonding treatment] to be added to your colour in salon.” To counteract dryness, Natalia recommends “using less shampoo and more conditioner” as well as getting a haircut at least every three to four months. Also, be gentle with your tresses to avoid damage: “Don’t use an excess of thermal tools, and avoid pulling your hair too tight,” she says.