Long hair in my seventies

Gosh, we women endure so much misogyny and ageism don’t we, and so much revolves around our physical appearance. Never worse than when other women judge us, rather than offering solidarity and encouragement!
Mary Beard clearly has an admirably positive sense of self, as well she might given her contributions and accomplishments in life so far, and embraces her age in her own unique way, as we all should ?

For anyone who cares to know, my hair is a long, thick, wavy mass of different shades of silver! Very versatile. But then I’m another who embraces my age and stage in life, and feel bien dans ma peau/ good (enough) in my skin, crepey or otherwise.

And heaven protect me from having a man who would shoot me for my looks, or anything else as superficial ?

Lucky you WharfedaleGran. Unfortunately what we look like is important to some of us. Shallow or not, losing my hair has made me suicidal.

I was picking up on Kircubbin’s post Blossoming. I’m fully aware of her academic achievements thank you.

Kate1949 .

Oh Kate, bless you

I've had long hair all my life at various lengths at the moment it is just above waist length and is due a trim of about 2ins before my holiday.
I wear it up most days in a bull dog clip or in a ponytail in a soft scrunchie.
As long as you keep your hair in good condition it doesn't matter how long or short it is whatever your age.
The only problem I have is the drying time.

Longer hair is soooo versatile . It can be pilled on top of head to look OOOOO LA LA.

A short style can only be kept in the 1 style.

I have a fabulous hair bun that matches my shade of hair and is all loose curls ( my hair is naturally straight ) so I can be ohh la la 1 day and long and straight another, as long as your hair is not whippy.

I grew my hair in my 50s mainly because having set days off of Sunday and Monday, I could never find a salon open to get it cut!
It is quite simple , having long hair, to pin it up in different variations, but now in my 60s I think it makes me look older, mirroring the fact that gravity has had an effect on my face!
Can't wait to have it cut shorter to at least chin length!

Everyone has a different opinion, mine is long hair is fine , short hair is fine , it’s the ubiquitous bob I think is ageing.

kircubbin2000

Just look at Mary Beard.Short is best.

why? I mean what is this thing about judging people by their looks?

Kate1949

Lucky you WharfedaleGran. Unfortunately what we look like is important to some of us. Shallow or not, losing my hair has made me suicidal.

massive sympathy. I have got a bald spot but it doesn't seem to be getting worse.

I am currently growing my hair longer than usual, as we have finally booked a much needed holiday. I thought it would be more versatile and able to wear it up too. So far friends and family like it.

Most women past their primes look better with hair well up from the jawline.

If I still had thick hair I'd have it mostly uncut and I'd pin it up at the nape and sides in some sort of pleat, roll, or plait.

But my hair is poor and thin so I have to have it short especially at the nape and sides.

I am very sorry to read your post Kate1949.

My neighbour has an illness and confided in me that she lost all her hair years ago and wears a wig. I had no idea, it is so natural. How about finding out about one?

Thanks everyone..Thank you Shandy. I have a hair system. No one would know it's not my own hair. I have to fund it myself.. There is no help. Unfortunately losing my hair has had an effect on my mental health, especially as I lost my teeth aged 11.. Apologies for hijacking the thread.

It’s up to the individual and nobody else. If you fancy long hair then just let it grow. Mine is shoulder length, strawberry blonde (it used to be bright ginger) and I love it.

I love Mary Beard's look .And I love her programmes .
I think that the model in the Gudrun Sjoden catalogue looks great .

I have very long hair and have had for about a decade .

I used to have it cut and styled, but it's difficult to do as it's so curly .I'd find a hairdresser with similar hair who could do it then she'd retire or move .
Even with all that coifuring - I seemed to end up spending hours washing ,conditioning and styling it and then going out in our English weather and looking like Jiffy the Broomstick man !

I never wear it loose .
It's always put up in a variety of styles .
It's quick and far cheaper to do !

Katie1949 ???

My hair is long and I'm heading for 70 ? Usually I wear it in curls down my back. Over the years I've collected a variety of hair slides, bands, clamps and clips and use them to clip my hair back, along with the occasional scarf wrapped around my head. When the curls start straightening out I sometimes put it up in a messy bun. I do think it's true that once your face starts drooping having hair hanging down the side of it isn't very flattering, but there's no reason why it shouldn't look great pulled back a bit. If you're looking for ways to style it You-Tube is your friend.

Reading this I realised I couldn't remember when I last washed my hair, I've been so busy lately. I've just used one of the Grum shampoo bars my daughter bought me, it's fantastic.

Glad you found a solution Kate1949. My neighbour said she only found her 'natural' looking wig through a lot of expensive trial and error. I sympathise that you also lost your teeth, my husband had severe gum disease and had to have all of his removed aged 34, it was very traumatic for him. I remember when he had his new teeth fitted, we went to a barbecue and he piled his plate up - but couldn't eat a thing, I had to eat his as well so as not to appear rude!

My friend's son was distressed by his hair receding and went to Greece for a hair transplant - they take the hair from the back of the neck. Looked very painful, he agreed for his procedure to be filmed and put on the web.

Mine's always been long, but during lockdown I grew it to about half way down my back. It was nice but so knotty as it's curly. I then decided I looked like an aging hippy so had it cut to shoulder length. It's much easier to manage and I think it looks better. But if you like your long Allsorts keep it. Don't worry about what other people say.

Esmay. I agree that particular Gudrun Sjoden model is a star!

Mine is near shoulder length - it is great - I leave it loose or stick it on top of my head - either way it is no bother. I cut it myself - if anyone wants to know the technique, I am happy to share it.

So, no hairdressers' bills, or having to be at the mercy of their whims.

It is dark brown with no grey.

I have never understood the idea that when you are older you need to cut your hair. Who wants to get into the old lady's statutory haircut?! Not me.

I go to a choral society and there they all are with cloned old lady hairstyles ... why, I ask myself.

I'm in my 70s and have almost waist length hair. I'm lucky in that it has changed colour to very light blond instead of grey. I'm glad that I can wear it up, down or tied back or in plaits depending on what I am doing.