The Most Flattering Haircuts For Women Over 60

There’s a certain expectation that the older you get, the shorter your hair should be. But if Helen Mirren has taught us anything, it’s that, when it comes to hair and ageing, there simply are no rules. Indeed, in recent years, the septuagenarian has made the case for both breathtaking bombshell waves and an elegant pixie cut; she’s even shut down the red carpet with a jazzy pink rinse. The choice is endless, if a little overwhelming. Too overwhelming? The first step is to book yourself in for an appointment at your favourite salon. “It’s all about the consultation,” confirms Ondine Cowley, artistic director at Gielly Green.

What’s a good hair length for a 60-year-old woman?

“I don’t subscribe to the idea that the older you get, the shorter your hair has to be,” says hairstylist Luke Hersheson. “I think you can have long or short hair depending on your original style and have a great shape that brings out your best features.” Indeed, it’s not about finding the right hair length for a woman over 60; rather, it’s about finding the right hair length according to your face shape, hair type and hair texture. For example, Andie Macdowell, Angela Bassett, Michelle Yeoh, Demi Moore, Madonna and Jane Seymour all have long youthful-looking locks. Meanwhile, Glenn Close, Judi Dench, Jodie Foster, Jamie Lee Curtis and Tilda Swinton look just as fabulous with short, directional chops.

Regardless of length, one thing Hersheson does recommend is a grown out fringe à la Goldie Hawn. “As women age, they lose hair and fullness around the temples. I think curtain bangs help to make that area look thicker and fuller.” Not quite ready to embrace the fringe effect? Ask your hairstylist for face-framing layers. “What you don’t want to have is long, one-length hair. You want something that’s got some kind of architecture to it so it actually supports itself and gives itself height, volume and movement in the right places.”

K18 Leave-in Molecular Repair Hair Mask

£55

Cult Beauty

Ouai Scalp Serum

£46

Cult Beauty

Percy & Reed Give Me Strength Strengthening Shampoo

£21

Sephora

Vichy Dercos Densi-Solutions Thickening Shampoo

£13

Boots

What’s the most popular haircut for women over 60?

While we’re all in agreement that the length of your hair should no longer be dependent on your age, hair stylists are seeing more and more requests for bobs. “Many women realise bobs make the hair look more dynamic and relevant,” says hairstylist George Northwood. “A bob is one of the most low-maintenance cuts to have, because actually having it slightly messy and textured looks better. It looks very modern.” Just take a leaf out of France’s leading ladies’ books, Isabelle Adjani and Isabelle Huppert, both of whom have nailed the elegant look.

Augustinus Bader The Shampoo

£41

Cult Beauty

£41

Augustinus Bader

Hair by Sam McKnight Happy Endings Nourishing Balm

£36

Cult Beauty

Philip Kingsley Philip Kingsley Elasticizer Hair Treatment

£35 £24

Cult Beauty

The Nue Co Supa_Thick Hair Treatment

£35

Cult Beauty

What are the most low-maintenance haircuts for over-60s?

If you’re worried about maintenance, lean towards a blunt cut with a few layers, suggests Skye Edwards, artistic director at Gielly Green. “The blunt length will hold its shape while the few layers will mean the hair isn’t too flat.” Always make sure that you’re going to the best possible salon, too. “The quality of the haircut will determine how easy or difficult the cut is to maintain,” says David McNeil, colour specialist at Brooks & Brooks. “A good cut should take minimal styling and effort to look good.” Another thing to bear in mind? As women age, their hair becomes less greasy and therefore requires less washing, making life easier overall.