V A is a long standing and recognised digital creative; her voice resonates with many. In the last ten years, the site has developed into an online destination for fashion, beauty and lifestyle advice. Her sense of style, editorial flair and practical counsel offers an inspired and graceful approach to living.

V A is a long standing and recognised digital creative; her voice resonates with many. In the last ten years, the site has developed into an online destination for fashion, beauty and lifestyle advice. Her sense of style, editorial flair and practical counsel offers an inspired and graceful approach to living.

Edit by: Vicki
Sep 12, 2017

The Art Of Ageing: Hair Care

The Art of Ageing Hair on vickiarcher.com

Ageing means a re-think of our hair.

Let’s start with the colour.

The colour situation is an obvious one and we are either in the going grey or keeping colour camps. You know my position on that. I do waiver from time to time and I will admit the grey is confronting at times. I like the freedom of no colour and the alternative is less attractive.


At this point in my “grey life” I would be scared to re-colour.


If I did go back, what colour would I choose? Platinum? That would be a difficult maintenance challenge with the yellow glow becoming a problem. Grace Coddington red? I love it on her but it is too striking for me. I would probably hit the auburn shades with some golden streaking. That could work although the way my hair grows I would be in the chair every six weeks for three hours. I am not vain enough as yet nor committed enough.


So grey it is for now. I agree to disagree with those who think it is too ageing. I hear you.



How long is too long?

Length is an individual decision and very much plays to our comfort zone, it also depends on the thickness and quality of the hair. I am a fan of longer hair for older women if the hair is in good shape. As we age our features become less defined and the longer hairline provides softness. This doesn’t mean short hair isn’t fabulous; it is. Any length works as long as the cut is fresh and the style working.


There is such a thing as “too long” and at times I am guilty of that. Longer hair becomes a kind of security blanket that makes growing older a little more comfortable; don’t ask me why, it doesn’t make sense. There can be all the difference in the world to how longer hair looks; it depends on where it sits on the shoulders or back. The art is finding your sweet spot and working out the length to give the appearance of an attractive mane without weighing the face down. It is a question of trial and error.


I grow and trim and then decide where my hair looks best. I find nowadays I prefer the length beyond my shoulders otherwise it is too hard to manage. I wore a shorter bob for many years but my jawline was perkier.


Length of hair is important and can make the world of difference. The answer is to be brave but calculatingly brave. Don’t rush in, think it through very carefully but do try different lengths.



Turn up the volume.

Turn up the volume but don’t burst an eardrum.


Volume on an older face is far more attractive than a very flat style. It is all about where we place the volume. Too much volume aka teasing and we can look elderly before our time. Volume worked with brushes and the right shampoo is a whole other art and one we need to understand.


If the hair is too flat it tends to draw our faces down rather than lift them up. It also draws attention where we may not necessarily want it. I don’t know about you, but I need all the lift I can muster.



Changing styles.

It is important to mix it up and not wear the same hairstyle for 50 years. We change our clothes and our decor so why not our hair?


I know many women don’t change and it is their signature look but I am not convinced it is the answer for everybody. Changing our hairstyle can be a great lift and make us feel wonderful.


Change can be as little as a length adjustment, the introduction of layers or a move to the blunt.  The art is not to be stuck in a look. Be flexible and celebrate your daring.



Invest in the cut.

Whether long, short or in-between, invest in the cut and don’t let that slide. A good cut is everything and more. Find a hairdresser you trust and build the relationship; my worst haircuts and I have had many are those I have on an impulse.



Know your product.

The shampoo, conditioner and volume products can mean the difference between a good hair day and a bad one. Many shampoos and conditioners are too heavy and the hair feels flat, making it impossible to create the volume or shape you want.


Like skincare, it is also important to change product now and then.


It goes without saying, healthy hair looks and feels the best and any products should enhance the quality of our hair.  Hairspray can be the enemy, dry shampoo our saviour.



Beware of accessories. 

Hair accessories can be gorgeous on a young woman but extremely ageing on an older one. They are probably best left in my old life.


Subtlety when it comes to dressing the hair is paramount. Tie it up, clip it back and pin it but use tools that blend into the hair.


Wearing scarves and headbands? I am not sure; they don’t work for me anymore. What do you think about those?




Hair can be our best friend and a true asset; we need to be well acquainted. xv





 

Can’t Live Without Hair Care

i started using leonor greyl hair care products about 15 years ago; i chop and change but always come back; they are the best


shampooing au miel for everyday  ||  bain volumateur aux alges alternate every few weeks  ||  masque fleurs de jasmin once a week  

voluforme styling spray when and if  ||  mousse au lotus volumatrice with the blow dry  ||  travel kit for volume  





image joyce carpati for advanced style

Edit by: Vicki
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