Hair: Help Me Rhonda on hair length in your 40′s
Dear Rhonda,
I have heard that the older you get, the shorter your hair should be. I have hit 42 this year and have hair that hangs to about the middle of my back. I love this length because it is easy to pull up in a pony on those days when I just don’t have the energy to 
blow it out! Is it “time” to get it cut? I don’t want to go too short, but I also don’t want to look like I’m desperately clinging to my youth.
Dear 42,
When it comes to age and hair, there really is no hard and fast rule that applies to everybody. Sure, most older women tend to have shorter hair but that doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone. The rule that does apply to everybody is this: “Thou shalt get a haircut that accentuates your FACE SHAPE!” If you ask me, nothing ages you faster than a hairstyle that does NOT work with the shape of your face. For example, someone with a long, thin face should not have hair that hangs vertically straight down beside her face because it will only make her face look that much longer.
If you have a square jawline, don’t pick a style that ends right at your chin because it will make your face 
seem even more square and wide. If you have an oval-shaped face (like Amanda Peet pictured on the right), count yourself lucky because you can wear almost any hairstyle.
So, the answer to your question is “Cut your hair IF AND ONLY IF it accentuates your face. But if longer hair works with the shape of your face and is also the best choice for your lifestyle and time constraints, then keep your hair longer. Just be sure to keep your hair shaped up and in good, healthy condition because long hair that’s dried out or has a ton of split ends won’t look good on anybody, regardless of face shape.
If you’re unsure about your face shape and whether or not your current length works best on you
, ask your stylist about it and explore your options. But, rest assured, there’s no rule that says forty-somethings can’t have long, gorgeous hair. Enjoy it.
Rhonda Moulder, pictured right, is a mama to two beautiful daughters and is also a stylist in Bentonville at Estella Studio. E-mail her a hair question at mamas@nwaMotherlode.com or call for an appointment at 479-586-5100. Have a happy hair day.
