SHOULD we all be sporting the ‘lob’ – that’s a long bob – in our 20s, wearing a fringe in our 30s and cutting inches off the length in our 40s?
Celebrity hair stylist Michael Douglas, who has worked with everyone from his partner, TV presenter Davina McCall, 57, to top models Naomi Campbell, 55, and Kate Moss, 51, knows how to make the most of your ‘do at any age.
“We need to do away with the old-fashioned idea that women should cut their hair short when they hit 40 or 50,” Michael says.
“That said, if you are struggling for ideas there are styles that can be really flattering at certain ages – and they should fit with your lifestyle too.”
Here Michael, 49, reveals the most flattering style for every age and trichologist and brand president for Philip Kingsley Anabel Kingsley reveals how to care for your hair through the decades.
20s: The Pixie
Michael says: “In your 20s, you can really do whatever you like with your hair, though it is a good time to try a short pixie crop.
“When you are older, short hair can be quite exposing but at this age it is striking and youthful.
“It’s easy to maintain if you are building a career and have a busy social life. Colour wise, you can get away with virtually anything.
“Be brave. Don’t focus too much on face shape, think more about your hair type and texture.”
Anabel says: “Right now your hair is at its healthiest so it can withstand heat styling.
“However, I’d still recommend using a heat protectant spray to protect your hair and a pre-shampoo conditioning treatment to restore elasticity and bring frizzy, tangled strands back to life.”
30s: Shoulder length with fringe
Michael says: “Lots of women enter the kids zone in their 30s so keeping your hair long so you can tie it back can be a life saver.
“A fringe is also a good idea. The concave shape, which is slightly shorter in the middle, is super flattering as it frames the face.
“Your hair also gets thinner after children but new thick hair will grow through at the roots.
“Keep it long but all one length to give that thick hair a chance to catch up.”
Anabel says: “Use heat less and focus on limiting damage. If you do put your hair up a lot, make sure to use a gentle hairbrush with rounded prongs and a vented, cushioned base, so it’s not too harsh.
“Using elastic hair bands or tying them too tight can cause damage to your hair or breakage, so opt for a soft scrunchie or silk hairband instead.
40s: Choppy bob
Michael says: “A bob is good, either to the jawline or chin length, but keep it choppy or a bit messy.
“If you go to clean, it can expose your age. Styles with more movement and texture are less ageing.
“I would be wary of going too short. Sometimes it looks fab but I’ve seen a lot of people do this and then be surprised by how old they look as short hair reveals more of the face. If you want to try a shorter look do it gradually.”
Anabel says: “Some women may start to go through perimenopause or menopause and could notice hair thinning.
“Aging hair has a weaker cuticle, lower levels of lipids as well as loss of elasticity, all of which would make strands more vulnerable to damage.
“Taking a gentle approach when styling, as well as protecting and strengthening your hair is more important than ever, so let hair dry naturally and simply style with a soft brush.”
50s: Beachy waves
Michael says: “A lot of women feel they should cut their hair as they get older but that is an old fashioned idea.
“Plenty of women let their hair grow long and it can look as fab as it did in your 20s.
“Long, beachy waves can look really attractive and so youthful. That said, if you go completely grey, having a short crop can look really strong and modern.
“Either of these options shows who you really are: ‘I’m 50, and I don’t care’.
Anabel says: “Keeping your hair long means you can do plenty of up dos in your 50s.
“This is a great option for more sensitive hair that has lost collagen with age or that might have been affected by hormonal changes and years of sun, pollution and heat styling. Up dos often require less heat.”
60-plus: Asymmetric or diamond shaped bob
Michael says: “Often people of this age don’t want to spend ages doing their hair any more.
“A graduated or diamond shaped bob is one of my favourite looks for this age as it’s easy to maintain.
“The diamond shape rises up to your ears and then goes up towards your parting – but an asymmetric bob is also really flattering.
“It can look super modern and ageless and is especially attractive if your hair is grey or curly. Adding a fringe can also be really sophisticated.”
Anabel says: “Keeping your hair short enables you achieve more volume as you get older due to hair thinning and texture changes.”
