Why do ladies cut their hair so short as they age?

1. 93

   peeplesposted 10 years ago

   Why do ladies cut their hair so short as they age?
   
   I've noticed I almost never see a woman over 60 with long hair, even when they look like they are in great shape and wouldn't have trouble keeping it up. Why is this? Is this the average or just what I have been seeing?

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2. 91

   lisavollrathposted 10 years ago

   I keep mine short because it's easier. It takes less time to wash and care for short hair, and less time to style it. I'm also more than 50% grey, and my grey hairs are coarse and wiry, which I think looks better short than long.

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      peeplesposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks, I had no idea that grey could come out a different texture.

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   2. 91

      lisavollrathposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Grey is often a different texture. It's not silky and shiny, which is why long grey hair often looks flat and dull. And it can be wiry, which makes it difficult to control.

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   3. 60

      fpherj48posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      When my sister's hair re-grew after losing it all thru Chemo...What was once dk brown-w/grey straight hair...all came in a beautiful PURE white & CURLY...soft perfect curls.  That was however, temporary.

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3. 83

   M. T. Dremerposted 10 years ago

   I also noticed that there seems to be a default dog for older women as well. Small with light curly hair and big dark eyes.
   
   But, I think the hair is a combination of convenience and style they grew up with.

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4. 63

   deecoleworldposted 10 years ago

   I guess because its easier to maintain and perhaps makes them look younger (and more put together/sophisticated). I think older women with long hair looks older. I have seen a lot of older women  with longer hair (especially when they have gray hair) and the hair ages them.

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      fpherj48posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      When I see a woman OBVIOUSLY (visibly) mid to late 40's or older, in a mini skirt 12 lbs of makeup, false lashes,nails & gawdy jewelry ..I have to silently smile. My Dad would always say, "Give her a break, she's trying to make a come-back." LOL!

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   2. 92

      MizBejabbersposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I do agree with that, Paula, but it's kind of ridiculous on the younger women I see in my office. I don't think it is very professional.

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   3. 63

      deecoleworldposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      hahaha @ come-back part!!! I admire most older women that do, BUT some should just stop because they look crazy!!! I know when I get older I would not be cutting my hair, I may even color it crazy colors just because!!!!

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5. 38

   ChristinSposted 10 years ago

   I don't know, it could be a texture thing.  My mother has always had the most beautiful thick hair, but hers is much coarser than mine ever was and as she got older, her greys were even moreso and so she started cutting it chin length.  I love my longer hair *usually* and so I don't think I'll ever cut it short, but never say never I guess.  I know a lot of women have hair that thins as they get older also and shorter hair looks fuller.

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6. 60

   Sparkleaposted 10 years ago

   Peeples, I was raised by my grandparents....the nightmare of my hair...ALWAYS SHORT...THOSE AWFUL BOX PERMS!
   If I live to be 100 I will NEVER have short hair.  Older women have remarked to me in the past, "as you get older you should have your hair cut shorter."  WHAT???  Under who's authority?
   As each year passes, I am determined to be myself.  Myself is NOT short hair.
   I have a very close friend who used to have long permed hair...she looked beautiful.  Then she got it cut...way, way short.  I loathe it but I have never told her. 
   You are correct.  Even women in their forties and fifties have short hair.  I cannot stand short hair on a woman. 
   I don't know if you watch The Big Bang Theory comedy, but the Penny character had beautiful long hair.  Now it is super short and I can't stand to look at her.  I will never get used to it.  I loathe it.
   All of this is just my personal opinion.  Thanks for a great question, Sparklea

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      MizBejabbersposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      You look great in long hair in your photo, Sparklea. I wouldn't advise you to cut it either, but if you saw me in long hair... Even my 5th grade school pic with shoulder-length hair screams "cut, cut!"

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7. 0

   Daniella Lopezposted 10 years ago

   I would assume it has a bit to do with their hair getting thinner and more brittle as they age. Also, it probably has a little to do with convenience.

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8. 66

   OldRosesposted 10 years ago

   Long hair emphasizes the lines and wrinkles in your face that develop as you grow older.  Middle aged women wear their hair short because long hair makes them look older.  It is also recommended that if you are a dark brunette and color your hair to hide gray, that you use a lighter color because dark hair also emphasizes facial lines and wrinkles.

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9. 82

   peachpurpleposted 10 years ago

   as old people reach that age, they cut short their hair bcoz can't stand the heat. My mom and mother in law cut their hair at 60 years old.

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10. 60

    fpherj48posted 10 years ago

    I wouldn't even assume to know why women have long, short or medium length hair....regardless of their age.  Hair, length, color and style, I have always believed is by choice for any multitude of reasons.
    Throughout my life I have had all of the above, but much more often, and for longer periods of time, I keep it fairly short.
    My reason is simple.  I look better, younger and more "Me" with my hair short.  It suits my face shape, my personality and lifestyle.  Also for me, it has much to do with the texture.  My long hair and I never got along well.  So I made peace with it, said Good Bye and have had my short do for at least 20 years. I wash it, towel dry it, run my fingers through it and I refuse to fight with it...so, it has enough body, wave and gratitude to look just fine by having it's own way!  LMAO!

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11. 85

    cianekoposted 10 years ago

    My mom does this. And I heard that it's because it's easier to comb and that it lessens the humid feeling in times when high temperature (we're from a tropical country) is apparent. In addition, it's also for economical reason because shorter hair means less use of shampoo and conditioner. I hope this answers your question :-)

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12. 92

    MizBejabbersposted 10 years ago

    Being an older woman myself, I think I can answer this question. Society pressures us to keep it short. Check out all the articles written that women over 45 or 50 should not wear long hair. They claim that it makes older women look even older. Some even go so far as to accuse us of trying to "recapture our youth". I wish Hillary would get her hair cut short again. It was so flattering to her face.
    As for myself, I have almost always worn my hair short. My parents kept my hair short when I was a child, but in high school, I resisted their pressure long enough to grow a foot-long ponytail. That lasted about a year. When I saw my photo with that ponytail in my freshman college annual, off the hair came.
    Next in my early 30s, for a couple of years I grew hair that reached the middle of my back. I did that mostly because as a single parent, I couldn't afford to get it cut. Then in the 80s I went for a Farah Faucett do. When I saw my photo and how unflattering all those wings and curls were, and had Mr B telling me I looked like a cocker spaniel, I got a short haircut. Now I wear my hair short and naturally straight because I realize how silly I look in curls.
    I asked my hair stylist why so many of his old lady customers wore 1960s teased-up bubbles, and he said it was because they don't know how to fix their own hair. They come in once a week and get their bubble done and it has to last the week. Unbelievable!
    I will say that after I retire I may not be able to afford a haircut every six weeks, and my hair may be allowed to grow regardless of what the fashionistas say. I do look pretty good in a French braid.

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       fpherj48posted 10 years agoin reply to this

       MzB...I watch for the sale ads w/ $$-off coupons from the "walk-in" salons like Fantastic Sams, etal.  Also most of them give a Sen Cit disc  Between the disc & coupon it ends up costing about $8.00 shampoo & cut/blow dry!! 

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