Why do nearly all women over 50 have shorter hair styles?

Answer 1

never noticed.....

Answer 2

My Great Grandmother, who was Mexican, always wore a braid. Many older women in Mexico wear braids. My grandmother, whom has lived in The United States for forty years cut her hair short when she matured, because everyone was doing it and it really looks nice on her. I think it is a cultural phenomena relative to the United States and a few other Western countries. It might have some symbolism, such as the progression of age or the end of youth. Hair in American society can say a lot about your relationship status. A women who puts less emphasis on her hair by cutting it short may signify that she has settled down. However, this is all dependent on the individual, not so much on the society, so I could be wrong.That's my two cents anyway.

Answer 3

Some women may have thinning hair, but IMO, it's mostly a "cultural mandate" or expectation that only younger women look "good" or acceptable w/longer hair. I disagree. My hair is quite thick (I'm 53) and has some grey, which I color to match the rest (auburn). I wear it shoulder length, and often done up in summer. Personally, I think shorter hair on both men and women is less attractive. Look at actors like Johnny Depp ("Secret Window" and "Blow") and Viggo Mortenson (in LOTR)..NICE!

Many middle-aged and "older" women (Katherine Hepburn, for example, Michelle Pfeiffer, Susan Sarandon, Brooke Shields) have left their hair long(er) and look great.

I DESPISE the look many younger women have now, like they just stuck their heads in the garbage disposal and gave it a good twirl--all raggedy and uneven! Ugh.

Then again...some women look awful w/long hair (Demi Moore). And TONS Of men couldn't pull it off...like...well, I can't think of any except Dennis Franz...but he's just plain ugly!

Answer 4

I think that is an individual (cultural) preference. My great grand mother (from the south) had beautiful silver hair to her waist and tied it in a bun everyday. She would take it down at night to brush it and then tie it back up.

The longer the hair the more time you have to spend caring for it. Some women probably prefer doing other things besides their hair.

As I have gotten older I prefer a more conservative hair style. It is still long, but not as long as I used to wear it.

Answer 5

Here are some possibilites~

~They are old now, and think that longer hairstyles are too youthful
~They have become simplistic now because of their age and no longer want to go through handling long hair
~They probably have at least some grey/white strands and want to minimize the focuz on their aging hair
~They just like shorter hairstyles more

Etc., etc. ...Nice observation btw ... Now that I think about it, I barely ever see any older women with long hair ... o_O ... And if I do, it's usually put up ...

Answer 6

I've noticed that too. It's like a required style. But then picture a woman with long hair from the back and you see her turn around with an old face. Unfortunately the styles go with the age. If you are a young looking 50+ woman and can pull it off nicely, then go for it! Respect your age by appearing age appropriate - goes for what you wear too.

Answer 7

Good question - I have asked myself the same! I have seen some older women with long hair and it looks rank, but is that just because I am used to seeing other older women with short hair?? Confusing!
Because it is easier/cheaper to dye? Can't be a*sed with long hair anymore? Arms don't work as well to hold the hair drier for too long??? Its a mystery!

Answer 8

It's all just a matter of personal preference. I have short hair and guys like it. And i prefer a person with short hair over a person with long hair because long curly hair tends to make guys look too girly.

Answer 9

I'm turning 55 next month and my hair is long. So is my older sister's. My boss, who is 53, has hair down past her butt. Guess we're a bunch of old hippies. I tried short hair when I was younger, but I prefer to be able to make a braid or pony tail on those bad hair days. My mom, who's in her 80s, has long hair that she wears in a bun. So I guess we don't fit your question, but I wanted you to know that this is definitely not a universal truth.

Answer 10

In some cases, such as my own, they cannot raise their arms because of shoulder pain from arthritis or torn rotater cuff. This limits what you can do with long hair. I am looking for a good hair cut that I can take care of easily and still look fairly good.

Answer 11

Women lose hair just like men as they age. Longer hair more easily snags and loses alot of the body that women with long hair enjoy. Long hair without body may remind them of a happier youth also so they cut it.