Stylists Share How to Get the Best Short Hair for Older Women

Once you get to a certain age, you must cut your hair short, right? Well, not necessarily. There's no hard and fast rule about when to make a major chop, but most stylists agree that shorter hair looks better on more mature women, even making them look younger. Long, thinning hair can visually drag down the face, but a short crop works the opposite. However, the question at stake remains: How short is short enough?

Kimberly Gueldner shares that as women age, their hair starts to thin out due to hormonal changes. "Cutting the hair short can make it appear fuller while helping to hide signs of hair loss," she says. Plus, textural changes, like frizz, brittleness, dryness, and wiriness, are better camouflaged with a short hairstyle.

Another reason to consider cutting your hair short? It will appear more voluminous. Zahir Ziani suggests shorter hair for older women "because it holds volume and fights against gravity. Gray hair also looks good worn short by bringing youthfulness to the face." He adds that while some women consider shorter hair to be more masculine, that’s not the case when it is cut to complement your face shape. 

One thing to keep in mind: Going short doesn’t mean less maintenance, says Richard Marin. "The hair needs consistent trims to maintain it, and daily styling becomes more important," he says. :Short hair needs attention." Equally as important are the right hair products. "Shampoo and conditioner can give short hair shine and manageability, especially if it is dry," he says. "I love Meaningful Beauty Age-Proof Strengthening Shampoo and Smooth & Shiny Conditioner for adding shine, strength, hydration, volume, smoothness, and encouraging a healthy scalp."

No matter how short you go — or don't — the best hairstyle flatters your face and factors in your hair texture, type, and lifestyle. So consider these classic cuts as inspiration for the next time you sit in your stylist’s chair — you can even put your spin on them too.