You may have spent 70 plus years figuring out what hairstyle looks best on you, but that doesn't mean you have to keep it forever. In fact, you may just decide that now’s the time to change things up. Age is just a number, after all. In addition to working with your everyday routine and lifestyle, your best hair look is a cut and color you're comfortable with. But you should also consider your face shape and hair texture when choosing a new style — not to mention your mood! To aid you in finding a new look, we've rounded up some of the best haircuts for women over 70.
How does hair change as women age?
Your hair goes through a lot of changes as you age. As time goes by, there’s increased shedding and slower hair growth, more frizz and dryness, less volume, and loss of pigmentation in the hair strands resulting in gray hair. In addition to the effects of aging, many women are also impacted by the hormonal changes of menopause. These can impact sebum production, which may lead to increased dryness of the scalp and and a potential increase in DHT (dihydrotestosterone) sensitivity, which may be linked to hair thinning and hair loss. That’s why it’s incredibly important to care for your aging scalp with treatments like
hair serumsto help combat hair loss, purify, soothe or renew the skin.
courtesy of Davines Hair Art Director Tom Connell
What are the best haircuts for women over 70?
Whether you want to look younger or embrace your age, these are our favorite hairstyles for women over 70.
Pixie cut
Undoubtedly one of the best hairstyles for anyone with fine hair or rapidly thinning strands, a pixie cut is perfect for women over 70. A pixie haircut refers to a style that is short on the sides and back and slightly longer on top, usually with short, wispy bangs styled to the side. Pixie cuts are versatile and fairly low maintenance. They also encompass several different looks and have come a long way since the classic pixie of the 1960s. Rather than spiking layers up, keeping them angled downwards can help mask the areas where the hair is sparse, and also allow for bangs to blend seamlessly into the rest of the style.
Classic bob
The classic bob is another great hairstyle for women over 70. With this one, strands are cut to the same length all around the head. The classic bob is typically parted in the middle or off to one side, and is generally styled straight. If you have thin, straight hair this cut will give your strands extra volume and lift. In addition, women with long, narrow faces find that a classic bob helps to shorten the face, adding balance. However, those with very round or square faces, or thick or curly hair may find that this bob makes them look even bigger and wider around the face, which is generally not a great look.
Baby bangs
A well-cut fringe can make all the difference when it comes to revamping your hairstyle — and women over 70 are no exception! Baby bangs. These super short bangs, also known as micro bangs, are super chic and perfectly flatter your facial features. Unlike traditional bangs which tend to stop at your brows or below, baby bangs are hiked up, typically stopping a few inches above your brow line. They can be choppy, blunt, soft and tousled, pin-straight, super textured, and more.
Shag haircut
A
shag haircutoffers choppy ends and tousled layers that flatter fine, thin strands- making it ideal for women in their 70s. The typical features that make up a shag hairstyle include choppy layers around the crown and lots of texture. The modern shag is choppy and has lots of texture but doesn't make you look like you're in an '80s hair metal band. It works on almost every hair texture and length — just keep in mind that too many layers can make this style appear a bit too choppy and dated.
courtesy of Davines Hair Art Director Tom Connell
Natural shoulder-length
By the time you reach 70, you may find that you’re no longer into all the fuss of a high-maintenance hair routine — and honestly we don’t blame you. So why not go the natural route? Keeping your hair type and texture in mind, try adding some subtle layers to give your hair body while keeping the pieces framing the face lighter. This will keep the cut looking youthful. And if you've got curls, investing in the right curly hair styling products is key to keeping them defined.
Graduated bob
If you have thin fine hair, longer hairstyles can be less flattering. That’s why our next recommended hairstyle if you’re over 70 is a graduated bob. Also known as a stacked bob, a graduated bob features longer layers in the front and a shorter, layered back that can also take on a curved shape. Haircut lines that graze the chin are an amazing way to accentuate your features. Plus, this look is helpful in adding length to the neck if you want to appear longer from your shoulders.
What are the best hair colors for women over 70?
Darker colors around the face can be dramatic and exacerbate wrinkles and harsh lines. Whether you want to stick to a more natural color, or you're considering something different from the usual, these are our favorite hair colors for women over 70.
Salt and pepper
Salt and pepper hair is a mix of gray, silver, and brown or black hair. If you were born with dark hair, chances are as you transition to gray, you’ll notice silver streaks of hair along with areas of your hair that are still close to your original color. As time goes on, more and more of your hair will lose its color before completely going gray or platinum white.
courtesy of Davines Hair Art Director Tom Connell
Silver
The key to confidently rocking silver hair is making sure it's healthy and shiny. Pair your silver strands up with your favorite products for gray hair to help minimize brassiness and add tons of moisture. We also recommend seeing your stylist for a clear gloss treatment over your hair to keep your hair looking shiny and bright.
Platinum
Going platinum is a great way to stop resisting the growth of gray and go with the flow. In fact, your 70s are the best time to try this hue. Because platinum already looks so much like light gray hair, your roots won’t matter. And any stray grays that sneak in will just add dimension and movement. Plus, the platinum trend is hot this season, so your stylist will know exactly what to do to make this transition effortless and easy to maintain.
Golden blond
When it comes to hues that flatter every skin tone, there’s a strong contender in golden-toned hair colors. Blended with notes of honey, gold, and buttery tones, this hair color adds shine, dimension, and brightness to any head of hair. A true golden blonde is neither light nor dark and glimmers beautifully under the light, making it a flattering shade for any woman over 70.
Rose gold
The best part about going rose gold if you’re already gray after 70 is that you don't even need a trip to the salon. Replace your regular shampoo with a
red shampoo. Keep using it until you’ve reached your desired shade of rose gold. Then use it once or twice a week to maintain your color.
What are the best hairstyles for women over 70?
Now that you've got your cut and the color squared away, let's break down the best hair care products to use and styles to wear in your 70s.
Product picks
Our LOVE Smoothing shampoo and conditioner help restore the hair’s elasticity, eliminating frizz and making it shiny. The nourishing oil and hair milk from our OI line soften, detangle, and control frizz. These shiny hair products combat dull strands, and along with hairspray, help tame wiry, brittle hair. Use a heat protectant any time you use style with heat and keep our Liquid Spell texturizing liquid on hand to plump up thinning strands. All Davines formulas are free of harmful toxins and made from natural ingredients. And everything is made with renewable energy and packaging that minimizes the environmental impact.
Favorite hairstyles
Finally, arm yourself with a few of the best hairstyles for women over 70. We love a half-updo because it’s easy to pull off and works for most hair lengths. Leaving the hair loose and pulling it up at the top of the head and away from the face is incredibly flattering and a great way to draw attention to the face and highlight your features. A headband is another great way to keep hair out of your face and it couldn’t be easier. Plus, if your hair is thinning, this can make it look fuller. If your hair is shoulder length or longer, braids are always a chic option for looking youthful.
Final thoughts caring for your hair after 70
Aging hair tends to lose shine, elasticity and volume, so take care of your strands the same way you would your skin. Drink lots of water, eat a healthy diet and use only high quality
anti-aging hair productsto moisturize your hair from within.
by Jaclyn LaBadia, featured contributor
Photos by @goldandglowco
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