The myth that people should cut their hair around the age of 70 is something that perplexes me, especially because it happens to both genders. Why should I drop a hairstyle I’ve had for decades for the sake of a number? Personally, I do believe hair is an integral part of one’s personality, and it describes who that person is. That said, it really doesn’t matter whether it is long or short; I believe we should wear what we want and not based on society’s expectations.
Every now and then, it does cross my mind that maybe it’d be more practical to manage shorter hair. It would also require a lot less time to maintain it and, in turn, a polished look. That said, however, I have come across so many older people and their long hair and the way they use it as an accessory shows so much grace and confidence. No matter the age, watching individuals defy age paradigms when it comes to fashion is truly inspiring. It serves as a reminder that the only opinion that actually holds value is the one I have for myself.
To me, hair is more than just a physical feature, it is a self-expression. I love styling my hair in new creative ways and even letting loose on certain days. Why should I give up my freedom because of a societal milestone? I prefer to think 70 is a celebration instead of a limit on my growth as an individual.
For sure, everyone has their own motives behind the decisions they make. But with haircuts, it seems no one rule exists which fits for all people. It is more about being happy and confident in one’s own self regardless of whether it is short, long or somewhere in between. That feeling of authenticity is what actually matters.
Short Hair For Elderly Women – Where Did This Custom Come From?
Personally, this custom of elderly women having short hair is something I have pondered upon quite a bit. In my younger years, as soon as I clicked noticing short hair on elderly women, I didn’t give it much thought, I accepted it without either thinking two ways about it. As I have grown older, however, I have started to reflect on my own appearance and the bodies I inhabit. On a deeper level, I started to analyze my surroundings, and that is where I tried to explore why this is such a common practice. Was this for sheer ease and practicality? Or perhaps there is some deeper understanding rooted on social perspectives of growing old, beauty and femininity.
While looking deeper into it, I found out that there is considerable practicality in having short hair. Short hair can be very easy to manage and maintain especially for a woman who might be rather occupied in fulfilling a lot of responsibilities or has just slipped into a phase of life.
But what struck me the most is how this can also represent a form of freedom. Many women speak about feeling liberated from the expectation of wearing long hair, which is so often associated with youth and beauty. For these women, chopping their hair off is a way of saying: “I’m claiming my territory now, it’s my rules.” That understanding impacted me deeply — it’s much more than a change of hairstyle, but a powerful statement.
Do You Have to Cut Your Hair Short After 70?
At the same time, I can not overlook how much this practice seems constructed by social frameworks. There is this notion that has been infused through the years, that shorter hair is more “age-appropriate” or a marker of maturity. I appreciate those who choose, myself included, to think this way, but how many do so out of societal obligation? This makes me think quite a bit about how I want to experience my life and reflect on the ideas of aging and self-expression. For me, it’s not about the following a custom just because it exists – but that forging my own custom brings joy with each step along the way.
Is Short Hair Easier to Maintain for Older Women?
People have told me that short hair is easier to manage as you get older. Logically speaking, this seems true—less hair would make washing, drying, and styling quicker. However, when I decided to give short hair a try, it became evident to me that “easier to manage” is not as simple as it appears. It may dry faster, but keeping it styled the way I prefer requires work. Unlike long hair, which I used to toss into a ponytail when I was rushed, short hair is even more work: regular trims, certain products, and styles have to be maintained or else it looks messy.
For me, the decision to get a haircut was not just about the practicality of it. I wanted a change in my appearance to see the way it would make me feel. The very first time I looked at myself in the mirror, I was shocked and could not recognize the new version of myself. Over time, the new haircut instilled confidence in me that I did not have before. There is a freeing nature in taking bold leaps and attempting something new, even if it defies your deeply set comfort zone.
Feedback is one thing I did not expect to receive in large amounts, but I did. Many people complimented my new look while others along the way asked if I missed my long locks. I was surprised to see my hairstyle create so much buzz. It made me understand the attachment we have with hair, identity, and how personal the choice of hairstyle can be. I find these conversations remarkable because they showcase that beauty is not universal and show the importance of embracing whatever choice is right.
There are days when I really miss my long hair, not only for its no-fuss styling options but also because of its versatility. With my short hair, I don’t have the same creative freedom to play around with braids, curls, or even buns. Regardless, I have come to appreciate the beauty that comes with less effort. It is cleaner and less complicated, which resonates with my urge to remove trivial frills from my life. These days, my focus is on keeping my hair healthy, regardless of its length.
In summary, the ease of maintaining short hair differs from person to person depending on their lifestyle, personality, and preferences. For me, it is a matter of finding the balance between what feels good and what aligns with my core values during this phase of my life. Ultimately, hair is a form of deeply personal expression, whether styled short or long, and I appreciate the choice to feel like myself.
The Cliché That Women Over A Certain Age Should Have Short Hair
I distinctly recall the very first instance when somebody proposed to me that I style my hair into a bob because it ‘suits my age better.’ I was perplexed. It was hard to fathom why the head on top of the hair would determine what cuts of hair are suitable for me at a particular time in my life. It seemed to me like an arbitrary norm, as if there was an eager woman somewhere waiting to use that box on me simply because I was getting older. I started asking myself whether I had, without realizing it, surrendered to other omnipresent bullying norms and the answer shocked me and therefore I decided to take on the challenge of fighting that one.
There’s a narrative that maturity and sophistication come with shorter hair. I have nothing against short hairstyles; I’ve had fun experimenting with them. What irks me is the assumption that these styles are mandatory, not optional. Hair is one of the ways I can express myself and the thought of having that creativity limited because of my age is suffocating. We certainly do not stop being vibrant or creative as we age, clearly indicating that we should never limit our appearance.
What astonished me most was how this stereotype is woven into the fabric of our culture. I’ve heard friends express the pressure to conform to a certain age norm even when they loved their long hair. For me, it is a clear indication of how much society expects us to behave a certain way, even when going against our true selves. The shift toward hair and beauty standards has long been a reality and this narrative scaffolds those who do not have the freedom to embrace change. It is liberating to make a decision that I want without having the need to validate it against someone else’s perceptions of fundamental social decorum.
I’ve had to learn how to block out those voices and center myself on what feels like “me.” From wearing long curls that fall glamorously down my shoulders to sporting a chic pixie cut that makes me bold, hair has always been an extension of my identity, not a marker of my age. I do my best to remind myself – and other people – that it is perfectly okay to try to break the balance and rewrite the rules for yourself. Regardless of what anyone chooses to say, looking and feeling authentic and true to yourself is always the best look to wear.
The Difference in Hairstyles for Women Over the Age of 70
Nobody told me that the privilege that came with age was going to be this liberating – especially in the context of my hairstyles. For the major part of my life, I felt bound by expectations – “stay conservative,” “don’t go too short,” or “gray doesn’t look good on you.” All of those whispers, which I assumed came from everywhere, made me doubt my decisions. Now, I see so much freedom in trying so many different hairstyles. From sporting a bold auburn bob to showing off my natural silver hair, I have come to view hairstyles and age as unconnected. My hair is a way to express my creativity.
I can still recall the time I decided to do something bold and risky by adding a pop of color into my gray hair. My stylist recommended adding a striking purple highlight, which made me feel uneasy at the time. What if people stared at me? Would I appear to be trying too hard? But the moment I looked into the mirror I couldn’t stop smiling. That purple highlight felt like a soft shove, a reminder that I still had the option to be daring and playful. It was empowering myself to try new things regardless of my age and encouraging others to do the same without hesitation. It truly showed me that no matter your age, stepping outside of your comfort zone brings incredible new experiences.
It was fascinating to see women over the age of 70 and the different choices they decided to opt for instead. Social media is a wonderful place where I saw women showcasing everything from pixie cuts to flashy shaved hairstyles and everything in between. Cliché standards of beauty are steadily being forgotten and it is heartwarming to know that so many of us are using social media as a platform to redefine it. Seeing someone with bold styles reaffirms the fact that true beauty comes from self-esteem, not age.
Ultimately, I came to understand that the hair you have on your head (or skin) matters. There are definitive approaches to hairstyles and life. While some prefer to accentuate their natural textures, others like myself enjoy experimenting with color and texture. It is important to celebrate that we have the freedom to view and redefine ourselves at different life stages. This is a treasured lesson that I aim to impart to other people.
How Hairstyles Reflect Personal Attitudes?
A hairstyle is to me what an outfit is to other people; an extension of one’s self. It tells a story of one’s current life chapter and emotions. Unlocking my hair, adding bangs, highlights and even going the extra mile to listen to new music, are indications of changes within me. It’s entertaining how something so basic as hair can be perceived as a representation of someone’s feelings, but that is the world that I live in.
Similarly, I notice that my hairstyle more often than not coincides with my confidence, or lack thereof. For the days where I feel particularly strong, confident, and fearless, I tend to go for bolder choices: stripes or fierce ponytails that make me feel sharp and put together. More quiet days often feel more introspective days with less loose. It’s like my hair becomes a silent storyteller for how I’m navigating the world.
There’s a certain magic about hairstyles and the way they retain memories. I recall the time I cut my hair super short after achieving a big personal goal. It felt like such a clean restart as if the past was being shed off. If I look back at pictures from that period now, I remember how liberating and proud I felt. I feel like I’m evolving and transforming by simply going through moments of growth, and for me hairstyles, are not just about aesthetics, but rather fractions of time marking small victories.
Above all else, giving myself the chance to try out different hairstyles has helped me learn a great deal about self-expression and self-acceptance. There are no right or wrong ways to style one’s hair, the same goes for being yourself. What counts is that each step brings you closer to your true self. For me, the process of changing my hairstyles and hair in general has been a celebration of my identity marked by flaws, and I wish the same kind of joy and freedom could be experienced by others in their own life journeys.
The Effect of Family and Social Role Changes on Hairstyle Selection
Seeing how my family impacted or in this case, more so influenced my hairstyle choices makes me smile. My mother had a huge impact on how I chose to style my hair and honestly, as a child, I did not mind. Showing care goes a long way. I remember her making sure every single hair she braids is in place while getting ready for school. It’s so surprising how moments like these can go unappreciated in the moment. Those small moments helped us bond and now, as an adult, I find myself gravitating towards effortless hairstyles and appreciating them as a reminder to my mother’s soft nature.
With every stage of life I moved through, from attending school to now entering the workforce, I found myself altering my hairstyle. All of a sudden, I found myself thinking about professionalism and how I presented myself to other people. I remember feeling like there was a box I needed to fit into and that box had hair that was prim and proper. More recently, however, I have begun reflecting and thinking—why am I doing this? After coming to the conclusion that I dress and present myself in whatever manner I desire has helped me feel confident wearing hairstyles that feel true to myself.
The people I surround myself with greatly influence how I choose to experiment with hairstyles. Friends of mine tend to have bold styles and this encourages me to try new things. I have vivid memories of one of my friends persuading me to try new hair colors, something that I could have only dreamed about. To my surprise, I absolutely loved it. These moments have taught me that stepping outside my comfort zone can have positive results and that hair can be an incredible medium for personal expression.
Regardless of the social roles I have taken up in my life, my relationship with my hair remains deeply personal. From one family’s social set to another’s, every stage of my life seems to add a new layer to my identity. What is profoundly amusing is how I can use hairstyles to celebrate not just my identity, but everyone who has had an impact on my life. It isn’t just about the look; it’s about capturing my inner essence.
Women’s Hairstyle Trends Above 70 Years of Age
While picking an appropriate hairstyle for myself, I ensure that it is as comfortable as it is expressive. At this age, everything needs to require minimal effort. Like many women my age, I have started noticing a trend towards shorter styles that don’t require much effort. I get it. A soft or pixie bob can add a lot to make one’s mornings simple, allowing more time for essential tasks – at least, that is what aids me in coming up with the reason for style over comfort. So, that is the secret behind all the stylish folks out there.
The way I explained being aware of our own self perception impacts the way we feel is by using an example from my life. In the past, I used to view having gray hair as an element that should be concealed. But now I think it is the other way around. I often hear women saying how liberating it feels to grow out their natural color. And I think there is so much power in embracing who we are, and allowing our hair to tell our story. For me, I am learning to see every gray hair as a reflection of my lived experiences.
My attitude towards self experimentation later in life is the one thing that brings pure joy. For some reason, many women believe that after a certain age, bold choices do not apply to them, and I couldn’t disagree more. Just the other week, I got softer layers and I can’t tell you how much that has changed my perspective of myself. Texturing hair, or hair styling in general, reminds me how notions of aging is not surrendering to creativity but celebrating it unapologetically on our terms.
What surprises me is how everyone seems to care about comfort and health in equal measure. Most of us seem to care about maintaining vibrant hair and are willing to spend money on scalp treatments or nourishing products. Personally, I have grown to love those small ceremonies, like applying a conditioner or relaxing under a nourishing hair mask. They are good reminders to be kind and to treat ourselves well, even in the minor details of life.
Lastly, I think the favorite feature of my hairstyle is the social aspect. From informal conversations from the stylist to sideline praises with peers, there is so much warmth laced in the underlying narratives of a haircut or style. At this point, every strand of hair seems like a story worth preserving. My hair no longer serves only an aesthetic purpose, but reminds me of the countless stories of strength and tenacity I have encountered with each passing year.
Ask Yourself These Questions
- How does your current hairstyle make you feel about yourself?
- Does your hairstyle reflect your personality or a phase in your life?
- Are there any significant memories or experiences tied to the way you style your hair?
- When was the last time you experimented with a new look, and how did it affect your confidence?
- What values or traditions, if any, influence your choices in haircare or styling?
You can find a few more hair favorites I’ve used and loved in these posts:
