A number of years ago I made the decision to go gray! The transition looked a little less stellar than I would have liked, but it didn't take long before I had a full head of silver-gray hair.
Now I would like to change up the style a bit. I grew it to a little below the shoulder and cut it into a bob that was about chin length. The classic bob was probably the easiest and best all-around look so far. But I'm not decided yet (and overdue for my next hair styling session).
Time to peruse the latest photos for gray hair and mature good looks.
More Silver Fox Stylings
My kind of hair: somewhat wavy. This is a good length to have for a casual lifestyle. Easy care, but long enough to sweep into ponytails or French rollsNo curl here, which helps it look sophisticated. This look is accomplished with flat-ironing the entire head of hair. Source: wehotflash.com
Allow me to think out loud here. Growing hair takes quite a while to accomplish, especially as we age. There is more breakage, and less replacement. I know I have a lot more hairs falling out than when I was younger.
Whereas cutting it takes only as long as my appointment with a hairstylist. Less than an hour.
So, should I try to grow it to a long length or go ahead and stay with a mid-length cut?
Some Things to Consider
Deciding what lengths to go to in growing out hair.
Long hair (below the shoulders) always draws my attention in hairdo magazines and photos. I love the look of long hair.
However, long hair is harder to take care of and it sometimes turns yellow easier. Quite often it doesn't look as polished, gets frizzy more easily, and can look messy.
Short hair is limited and for me, tends to look disproportionate to my body (for some women it looks fantastic)
Medium lengths are the compromise. They sometimes look exactly that—neither here nor there, and I want something that looks a little more stylish.
Post-2020 Notes
As I also posted in my original article, Silver Fox, Stunning Gray Hair Styles, I now have longer hair, whether I wanted it or not! For me, it is not a look I wish to stay with, and when I am able to visit the hairstylist again, the long locks are coming off!
For most mature women, medium hair lengths are the best, if you don't go shorter. While wearing the long length, a braid or updo works with it until one can get that easy-to-care-for medium bob!
Think About Texture and Skill Level
My hair texture is too thin and wiry for some styles, and my skill levels are certainly low. I always ask my beautician if the look I want will work in my daily life, or is appropriate for my kind of hair.
A simple style that I can tie back on occasion, one that looks good in just a few minutes with a straightening iron is the reason I usually have a classic bob with a fringe of bangs.
One thing that really makes a difference for thin or thinning hair is a hair texturizer! I like the Kenra line, this one gives a lift to your roots without the gooey feeling of a paste. It comes "whipped" which means no aerosol cans, and the light color is great for grays. If you have medium-length hair this will bring some control without heaviness. Having wavy hair, this light control is good for keeping frizzes at bay.
Right now I am trying to grow it longer, however. The problem is that I am getting impatient with how it looks between cuts.
Face Shapes
Which Shape Describes Your Face?
A stacked layering with flipped up ends and smooth length from the crown. Sophisticated and fun.Glassy smooth, long bob is the result of a great cut plus the use of a flatiron. Don't forget the hair serum for that beautiful, reflective shine!
It’s been a kind of liberation to have gray hair. I feel that beauty is not about subterfuge, it’s about authenticity — Vicki Topaz
Short Hair Cuts
There are pros and cons to having short hair. I still worry that a short spiky 'do will make me look like Phillis Diller on a bad day ... or someone that forgot their Halloween "fright wig" was still on their head. However, just viewing some of these photos allays those fears. Be prepared to use styling products like "hair wax" or "hair taffy" to keep things looking good.
Thicker hair (the type I have) pulls hair into a straighter looking style, but the waves show up with some layering. Instagram / @FLINT_HAIR_
Really Short
Ask Your Hairdresser
Is the style right for my hair and lifestyle?
Are there special products or techniques I need to know?
Short and on the wild side, but a really cute look.
Some women look best with short hair, and it is very easy to take care of. Still, short spiked hair needs plenty of product in the form of gels and strong hold styling mousse.
It almost always looks professional and the only thing to remember is to schedule haircuts often enough to keep the lines crisp and well-kept.
This hairdo almost looks like a halo that showcases the fine bone structure. It could overwhelm a finer bone structure. Like someone stuck their finger in an electrical socket, maybe?
Know your face shape for the best hairstyle choice. (More on that below.)
Loose waves and a fringe
Most of the hairstyles you see online will have plenty of hair products used to make them look that way. AND they will have a good cut. While both these are found at a professional salon, take the tips from a Silver Fox and order them at a discount online.
The gray hair shampoo my readers love the most is by Pravana. The second most popular is Rene Furterer Okara Mild Silver Shampoo. I don't think you could go wrong with either of them. I usually use Paul Mitchell's Forever Blonde, which does the same thing: cancels the yellow with violet-toned ingredients.
For me, with slightly wavy hair, plus the gray-hair frizzies, a flat iron is a must.
Use a serum or pomade to bring out the shine—that makes a vital difference in the look of gray hair.
Face Shapes
What are the main face shapes?
Oval
Oblong
Square
Heart-shaped
Diamond
I am a diamond shape and some fringe across the top of my forehead, with layering near my face is often a great look. I can't decide on that or a sleek bob. The classics are a sure thing for an older woman. We just have to avoid getting stuck in a fashion rut.
I love that mid-length layered haircut with the flirty ends. It has a young look without trying too hard.
Source: undercut.com
Medium Lengths
Usually, I ask for something in a medium length and when I do, it makes me happiest with how I look. Maybe because it doesn't visually drag and is easiest for me to style and care for. It is versatile for those who like to catch their hair into a pony tail or dress up a French roll or half-up-do.
Sometimes I tell my hairdresser: " Make me look like Helen Mirren". Bringing in a print of a photo is a better idea. Especially with her new updated look.
Grey Styling
If you have medium textured, wavy hair, I hope these styles gave you some ideas. It is a way for me to keep track of the styles and tips that I am using myself.
If you have naturally curly hair, very fine or very straight coarse hair be sure to check with someone who knows hair how these styles would work for you.
Celebrate your uniqueness!
Do You Have a Favorite Type of Hairstyle?
Classic Short Bob
let me know in the comments which is your preferred style:
I am officially excited to have come across the type of beautiful hairbrush that is perfect for gray hair. It is a boar bristle brush made of beechwood. If you have learned anything about your gray hair, it is that it is more fragile and prone to breakage when roughly treated. Boar bristles with nylon will glide through your hair. The wooden base feels comfortable and luxurious.
Sharp plastic and artificial materials on the brush will not be kind to your hair. So I wanted to create this post to showcase a lovely hairbrush and comb set which is also reasonably priced!
Natural boar bristles and European beechwood backing make this gorgeous brush a real find
The boar bristles are combined with Nylon ones. The comb is a useful tool for me -not only to clean hair from the brush, but to lift sections when styling my hair.
I see more hair loss than I’d like in my brush, especially when the seasons change. Reducing hair breakage is a definite goal.
I have used this oval paddle type of brush for many years, it is my go-to. When drying my hair, I do use a round brush (also with boar bristles). However, lately, I see that this hairbrush shape is useful in drying your hair as well.
It works well with my lightly wavy locks, although usually I go for a straight , smooth finished look . That is, when bothered enough to actually style my hair. The best advice is to get a good haircut from a stylist you trust. Then it is easy to just brush and go….
Boar Bristle Brush & Comb Styling Routine➰🫶🏼 This is probably my favorite way for the past couple years to style my curls by using the Denman boar bristle brush and a comb to create the shiniest ringlets possible. It’s definitely more time consuming, but if you have been feeling like loving on your curls lately, the results can be really worth it🥰 The key with any brush styling is to apply tension to create curl clumps and then if the clump looks a little too large you can separate it with a comb. That’s the easiest way to put it! I find I do get better results when I use the bristle in smaller sections than large ones…always good if you’re in a hurry though!! When it comes to “scrunch out the crunch”, I’ll go for it after if I’m using a strong hold gel like I am here and other times I’ll just use less oil for a lighter hold gel, be gentler, or leave a slight cast if I want it to last even longer(like in warmer months). Products used to style: Curlsmith Shine Cream (adds great slip for brush styling) Innersense I Create Hold (new favorite strong hold gel) Bread Hair Oil (scrunches out the crunch) #brushstyling#shinycurls#denmanbrush#curlyhair#curlyhairtutorial#curls#curlyhairroutine#hairtutorial#curltok
I am ashamed to say that I tend to keep brushes much past their “sell-by” date. A new brush is really a treat to use. I realize that some antique implements are still useful, but when you wish to upkeep scalp cleanliness, a new, easy to clean, hair tool is the way to go.
Why Choose Boar Bristles?
The hair of boarsa type of wild pig closely resembles a human’s. A brush made from them will gently detangle and distribute hair oils for a healthier scalp and better looking strands.
They feel good. That’s a great reason for using them.
It is best to not soak your wooden boar bristle brush in water- that could loosen the bristles and damage the wood. Instead, quickly wash and dry.
If you decided to go silver, winter is time to love your gray hair and take care of it. That includes protection from the elements, using the right hair care products, and styling.
Now that I have spent a number of years allowing my hair to grow into its natural silver and white, it is time to spill the beans on the realities of keeping my mane looking its best.
Problems and solutions follow, along with some hairstyle looks for inspiration.
As Years Go By
Do I still love it? Yes, going gray was one of the best beauty decisions of my fifties. Has it rendered my haircare totally carefree? No.
I should get my haircut refreshed far more often than I do. What a difference a professional cut can make- giving shape and movement to create a more lively look.
I have also learned the hard way that a pennies amount of protection and prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to maintaining the good looks of gray.
I continue to seek the perfect style. (I am starting to believe this dissatisfaction has more to do with losing bodyweight than fixing my hair.) I did want to update a few of the tips which have stood me in good stead for that past few years.
I have had some challenges as a Silver Fox that I never had when I was a Brunette.
The most irksome:
Yellowing. This is the worst problem and the one which has been hardest to deal with.
Flyaways and thinning, related to aging, rather than the color; but requiring care and products to manage.
Challenges of growing it long and keeping it looking good.
Those have to be the top three problems for most gray locks ( except for the last one, not everyone wants to have long hair!).
Silver Styling
This is the default long bob hairstyle, that I will ask my hairdresser to use if the longer lengths do not work out.
Short Gray Hair
Not everyone needs or wants to chop the length, but it is one way to deal with the above named topknot troubles. It was easiest for me to maintain shine and silveriness when I had a mid-length bob.
Cutting off hair that has been damaged by the elements or heat styling is a tried and true way to control the dryness and discoloration.
It also gives a fresh new look that is instantly rejuvenating.
Love Really Short Hair?
Pixie for over 60
Growing It Long
source: pixabay.com
I know there are many women, like me, that see those gorgeous long locks of shining gray hair. It is so tempting to desire those below the shoulder lengths.
So I gave in, after two or three false starts, and began to grow out the length of my hair. I must be honest and say that the results are mixed. I haven’t given up yet, but if I remain ambivalent about this look, I will go back to the smooth, mid-length pageboy.
I like this loose, slightly wavy style.
What Is My Beef with Body?
Thinning means less hair to give “body” to a style, and I have had layers put in to keep the style from going flat. Layers, however, can be more prone to flyaways when the weather turns cold (a trial for all types of hair).
Tame Flyaways
Serums are still the best bet for taming flyaway hair, although hair pomade like Alberto VO5 works, too. Beware of too much which can weigh down and flatten your style.
Have you tried to grow out your silver locks? What were your hurdles?
Stop Turning Yellow!
Clarify
I admit it, I didn’t use the color correcting products as often in the past year. The shampoo and conditioner formulated for gray hair make a huge difference under most circumstances.
I had an experience with battling a bout of yellowing after a beach vacation two years ago. I am convinced that using sun protection would have prevented it. I even went to my stylist and had a “Malibu Treatment” at the time, but I felt the results were negligible. Perhaps it will work better for you?
So far, the best antidote has been Paul Mitchell’s Platinum Plus line.The company has changed the look of the packaging, but this shampoo remain the top choice for silvery locks. In the future I will make a review comparing and contrasting several product lines, but this is my top tip so far. Buy Now
Natural Tip
Try rinsing with the juice of a lemon added to two cups of water. It will help clarify and brighten.
I have to contend with hard water, exposure to the elements ( LOVE being outdoors), what are your bug-a-boos? City pollution? Certain hair products? Chlorine?
UhOh Argan Oil
Maybe this personal anecdote is silly, but every time I used Argan oil, which makes hair very soft and pretty and is good for skin, I noticed a yellow cast to my hair. Hard water is also an issue in my area, but I believe the Argan oil was yellowing. Coconut oil is a better solution when moisturizing hair.
Alberto VO5 for gray hair has been my go-to for smoothing when styled, but I like natural oils for occasional replenishing.
Gray is the New Blonde
The longevity of the gray Celebrity fashion has been a happy circumstance. More and more models and actors display silvery manes. It is no longer remarkable when seeing women “of a certain age” with natural looking hairdos.
The beauty of maturity is accepted and even celebrated, though I believe we have a ways to go in appreciating the middle-aged and aged.
A few highlights for a vibrant look in maturity:
Keep the style “young”, but not faddish.
Maintain hair health, whether short or long.
Good grooming is always in style, don’t go for frumpish.
Shampoo often
Protect from too much sun and heat.
Take vitamins- good looks are from the inside out!
Find the products that work best for you- experiment.
I hope these tips, styles, and reminders are helping you keep up appearances in the best possible way. I love my gray hair and would never go back to the artificial coloring regimen. I think it has the lighthearted feel of a Blonde, with the intelligence attributed to the Brunette, and an attitude of confidence all its own.
Illustrated how-to From directions to remove nail polish to full instructions on how to polish!
You can shell out your hard earned money for a pro manicure or pedicure, or you can get real luxury results at home by learning how, yourself .
Pretty Hands and Pretty Feet for Dancing
Giving yourself a home pedicure or manicure is easy and saves time and money that you might not have to spare at this time of year! This guide was written for those who like to perform belly dancing, but anyone who wants to show off pretty hands and feet are welcome to all the tips here...
Get ready to shine for the holidays.
Most bellydancers use a barefoot look, and all of them use expressive hand movements, so a good grooming regimen with pedicures and manicures are actually part of the costume. You can get it done professionally or save money by doing your own manicures and pedicures at home.
Why not try to care for as much of your foot grooming and manicures at home? Follow the links, get some luxurious products and make your graceful hands and feet beautifully cared for.
Nothing softens like a paraffin foot bath
Pretty Feet
Ancient Romans and later the French and British utilized the benefits of a paraffin for skin.
Paraffin wax is a common option in heat therapy treatments for people with arthritis- relaxes, relives pain, and moisturizes.
Paraffin increases the permeability of molecules into the skin. It is one way to drive beneficial ingredients into the stratum corneum skin layer.
Benefits of warm paraffin treatments include: an increase in extension of soft tissues; removal of toxins from cells; enhanced blood flow; increased function of tissue cells; relaxation of sore, stiff muscles; and relief of painful arthritic joints.
Ooooh, how fun to get a kit with so many fabulous products. Opi fine quality. Half the fun is a long lasting polish in a fun fashion color. This brand is one of my favorites, and I usually pick it from the selection at the salons, too.
These two videos make it easy to assemble your supplies and follow along in the steps needed to pamper your own feet. While we all love a trip to the salon, it isn't always possible time wise or within the budget.
Opi is the premiere name in nail care- they have such high quality products! They give your nails a professional look, and in fact I have had pro nail services that use Opi products and polishes. Love them.
A Dancer's Feet
Few things are more important to a dancer than the condition of their feet- something that we can all take notes from. Our feet are often neglected and even abused by our modern lives. We stuff them into shoes that squeeze them and leave them hurting. We forget them until they give us a problem- but taking care of our feet can give a sense of well being and will prove surprisingly refreshing.
To the Tips of Your Toes: Belly Dance Costuming for Your Feet When planning your belly dance costume, don't forget about your feet! Use this article to help you complete your look. This page appears on The Art Of Middle Eastern Dance by Shira, which offers over 1,000 articles related to belly dancing: historica
Flower waters can be so refreshing especially on a hot summer day. I love to use them as skin toners, or as a light perfume, when summer heat means many perfumes are too heavy. Rose water is one of my favorites, and the most all-around useful.
Types and uses of rose water: Since rosewater can lend a subtle flavor to foods, there is a culinary type, but the most popular use for it is as a beauty aid. Bulgarian Rose Water is some of the most famous that is commercially available, and it can be used for a hydrating skin toner straight from the bottle on a cotton ball.
“The different species used for oil production yield different compositions of oils and thus different scents. Moroccan Rose Oil (Rosa centifolia) is rich in Phenylethanol (63%), but contains less Citronellol (10-15%), Geraniol and Nerol (8%). The Bulgarian type (Rosa damascena) is naturally rich in Citronellol (35-55%), Geraniol and Nerol (40%) but only 2% Phenylethanol. Although traditionally Rosa gallica supplied the demand for Rose petals used for medicinal purposes, it is no longer possible to ascertain the exact species of red roses in circulation in the trade today. Rose petals used medicinally should be of a healthy, deep crimson colour and have a strongly aromatic scent.” –about rose water
I recently bought a spray on from the Wild Oats store and that has been an easy way to spritz a little on when the day is hot and I want something cool on my face and neck. Redolent of the beautiful Eastern custom of sprinkling rosewater on the hands and faces of guests.
Physically, rose water applied to the skin is supposed to not only hydrate but be anti-inflammatory. It is used to treat acne and skin irritation, and calm sunburn. Rose petals have tannin, which is an astringent. The 30-petal damask rose (Rosa x Damascena trigintipetala) has been cultivated since ancient times for the precious attar (rose oil) and rose water. Its aromatherapy reputation is that it aids strength and vitality while enhancing harmony and balance.
rose water skin care recipe make your own floral water Rose water is used a great deal in the Middle East, used for anything from adding flavor to their cooking to freshening bedroom linens and, of course, in perfumes.
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