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How long can you get away with long hair?
There was a recent article in the New York Times by writer Dominique Browning, 55, about her long hair and how her family thinks she’s too old for it. Typically, long hair has been prized mostly by the under-40 set, as evidenced by the many photos of younger celebrities with long, flowing locks. For some reason, we tend to equate long hair with the freedom of youth, and at a certain point, we believe that we need to cut off our length to better fit into our older roles. Shorter hair looks fabulous on many women, and certainly the maintenance and styling time changes with shorter styles, but if you’re yearning for long hair, don’t let peer pressure sway you. Just look at gorgeous over-40 celebs like Sarah Jessica Parker, Jane Seymour, and Demi Moore. Yes, they have stylists at their beck and call, but you can enjoy your own lovely length with some helpful tips.
Here is my professional point of view on how to have beautifully long locks:
1. Get regular trims to keep the ends looking healthy and neat. With longer hair, every 8 weeks should be sufficient. Don’t sacrifice shape for length, either. A softly sweeping bang or some face framing adds style.
2. What’s the point of having long hair if it’s dry and lifeless? Shine and bounce is critical. Using the correct hair care at home for your specific hair type is really important. A weekly deep treatment at home, and a monthly salon treatment will make a huge difference. You wouldn’t toss your cashmere sweater in the washer with Tide, would you? Pamper your flowing mane with only the best.
3. If you color your hair to cover gray, don’t color it too dark. Your skin tone changes as we age, and your college-age color may appear a bit “Morticia Addams” on you now. A color a few shades lighter, with a bit more of a honey tone will perk up the complexion. Consider a few lighter strands around the face too, to bring some illumination onto your features. (Think about how candlelight flatters you) Have a clear gloss put on top of the hair color service. Gray hair tends to be drier and frizzier for some people. A gloss with help to create light reflection, giving you the beautiful shine that makes longer hair sparkle. And Aveda’s Color Glosses are 99% naturally derived! (Other hair color lines are about 30% natural)
4. Learn how to style your long hair, so you can resist the “default ponytail” or the dreaded “chip clip”. Some salons offer a styling lesson appointment (Atelier does!) to go over the best styling products for your hair and the right brushes and technique. Do you notice that stylists never use their hands alone to style your hair? You’ll need the right combination of tools and products to duplicate the look at home.
5. Yes, it takes time to grow your hair. On the average, about ½” a month. If you want long hair now, consider extensions to add volume and length while your own hair is growing. Atelier is the exclusive salon in the South Bay offering the latest technology in extensions: Platinum Seamless. They are undetectable, comfortable, made of real hair, and we can match your own hair perfectly. Call for a complimentary consultation and color match. 408-244-4222.
With just a bit of know-how, from shoulder-length to mid-back, you can have hair that will certainly turn heads!
At your service, Karie Bennett
Founder and Master Artist, Atelier Salons at Santana Row
