Are You Accidentally Aging Yourself?

By BR Amelia

While there’s nothing wrong with ageing, in fact it’s to be embraced, there’s a lot to be said for getting older… such as the wisdom of experience, and the sense of knowing oneself… at least that’s what my Nana tells me. However, if you’re anything like the rest of us gals at BRHQ we want to age as gracefully and slowly as possible, and that means slathering ourselves in creams, products featuring retinols or alpha hydroxy acids, and sunscreen. But there’s one thing we hadn’t considered could be ageing us – and that was our hair. So what steps can we ladies be taking to ensure our hair ages as gracefully as we do? 

First of all, we need to keep our hair in excellent condition. That means regular trims, using shampoos and conditioners that suit our hair type, especially those that moisturise and/or lock in shine if you’re hair is prone to dullness or frizz. Also it’s important to show your hair some extra love by treating your locks to a deep conditioning treatment once a week. As for styling your hair, try not to overdo it with your straightener or tongs as this can further damage your hair, and when you do use heat to style your hair ensure you use a heat protectant first.

From there it’s all about cut and colour, and no matter your age a good cut and colour can make all the difference between looking youthful or not. 

image Daily Mail

So does getting older mean you automatically have to lop off your long locks? I think we both know the answer to that question. Not. At. All. The key is to finding a cut that flatters your face. Any length can be made to work, but it’s the cut that matters. While you’re young you can get away with harsh and blunt cuts, but it’s recommended that you move away from that style as you age and instead add in a few layers to frame the face. Fringes are still possible, although a blunt fringe can be aging, and a wispy fringe can emphasise thinning locks. However a chunkier side swept fringe can be hugely youthful looking.  (Check out the queen of long hair Jane Seymour - who is 64!)

So what colour should you be thinking? I remember reading years ago that you should lighten up your hair as you age. These days the thinking is that a block of colour is a no-no, and that women should use high or lowlights to work with their hair colour and complexion. If you’re blonde you don’t want to have your hair so light it blends into your face, so add darker blonde or caramel lowlights to help lift your complexion. If you prefer your hair to be a darker hue, consider adding some highlights to add dimension. Embracing grey is also an option, and one that can look amazing. If growing your greys out is an option you’re keen on, a visit to a hair stylist is a worthwhile option as they can add in lowlights and highlights to make the transition seamless.

Still not sure what kind of cut or colour would suit you? An easy rule of thumb is to find pictures of celebrities whose style you admire, then take those looks to a hairdresser you trust (or one recommended to you, our salon reviews may help with this), have a chat and then work together to discover what look will work for you.

At the end of the day, it’s your hair and you can do what you want with it – as long as you’re comfortable with how you look, who cares what others think? 

So do tell… do you want to youthen up your hair? Have you already taken those steps? What would be your advice to those thinking of following you in your steps? Or are you happy with your style and will be keeping it that way? Chat away…