Easy hairstyles are about more than saving time---they're about flattering the shape of your face and working well with the type of hair you have. As women age, hair follicles lose moisture and protein, which makes styling products even more important for creating lift and volume. With the right tools and products, women over 40 can have bouncy, shiny hair that's easy to style. Does this Spark an idea?
Styling Products
Styling products can do most of the work for you when it comes to creating a flattering hairstyle. First, identify your hair's special needs. Many women over 40 have color-treated hair. Dyed hair is fragile---the chemicals used to color the hair shaft can dry it out and make it prone to breakage. Use a shampoo and conditioner designed to restore moisture to the hair shaft, as well as to clean hair gently without harsh sulfates and parabens that strip color from the hair.
Many women experience problems with thinning hair. Volumizing shampoos, conditioners and styling products (such as mousse) can help pump up your strands, coating them with thickening protein for a little extra lift. If you have long hair, you may need even more support from a volumizing root spray.
Flattering Hairstyles
One of the most popular haircuts for women over 40 is a short, layered bob, as seen on Martha Stewart and Helen Mirren. To give your bob a sleek look, rub just-washed hair with heat-activated, leave-in conditioner. Blow-dry your hair with a round brush until it is just damp, moving from root to tip and curling the ends around the brush. Let your hair air dry, and pat down trouble spots with a frizz-controlling shine serum. For a glossy finish, InStyle magazine recommends misting your hands with a silicone shine spray and running them through your hair.
Women with longer hair may feel their options for styling are limited once they're over 40, but nothing could be further from the truth. Chignons are still chic, updos are eternal and long, flowing locks can be curled and layered in an age-appropriate style. For loose, easy waves like those seen on Michelle Pfeiffer, put away the curling iron. Wash your hair at night, and rub damp hair with a quarter-sized dollop of styling paste to give it the ability to hold waves. Gather hair into a ponytail, secure with an elastic, then wind the ponytail around the elastic. Secure the ends with bobby pins, and get a good night's sleep. When you wake up and remove the pins and elastic, you'll have soft, natural-looking waves. Finger-comb to separate and finish with a spritz of hairspray.
Easy Accessorizing
Most women over 40 don't realize that hair accessories aren't just for little girls. Every woman can take advantage of scarves, barrettes or headbands without looking too preppy or too young. A rolled scarf can be used to tie back a ponytail. Simple barrettes in tortoiseshell or muted brown can easily pull hair back behind one ear.
A headband is the easiest way to keep your hair off your face, show off the effects of a facial, or let everyone see that dazzling new pair of earrings. Keep your headband thin and look for styles covered in fabric or suede (visible plastic is a look best left for the kids). Many older women are afraid to pull hair back from their faces, thinking this look ages them; in fact, the reverse is true---just look at stars such as Rene Russo and Sandra Bullock. Pulling your hair back with a headband can make you look fresher and more approachable, a look that works whether you're on your way to the country club, a job interview or a visit with the kids and grandkids.
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