Bangs or Botox? It’s one of many moves which a woman of a certain age might ponder. Like a game of chess, the next step requires thought and must be strategic because the stakes are high when the opponent is age. Father Time waits for no one.
The good news is that I know many moves one can make when playing the game well, and mine don’t require needles. First, the seasoned player knows it’s not so much about aging as it is about growing into it gently. I have never bought into the adage, “Beauty fades”– no, indeed. Beauty transcends time, runs deep into the soul, and can be enhanced with just one marvelous accessory. That accessory is the one thing that travels with us everywhere we go, our hair, and it absolutely must be a winner.
Abandon the notion, “If it was good enough then, it’s good enough now.” The most surefire way to look dated and older is by holding onto yesterday’s coiffure. The hairstyle should be updated just as your wardrobe has been through the years. It’s not about losing who you are, but more about evolving into a contemporary version of the woman we adore. Be open to incorporating a newer vibe into your hairstyle with a few of the tips I have learned over the past 20 years of making pretty.
Hair color that is one flat shade is too severe as we age. It is much harsher against the face than multidimensional hues. As a woman ages, the lines of the face soften and, yes, sometimes begin to droop. In these situations, Balayage, a French hair coloring technique of free-handing color onto the hair, can turn back time gently. The complexion becomes more radiant when the hair color is awakened, revved up just a bit.
One of my other little secrets for defying age is using the razor to keep the haircut modern. Ask your stylist to give you wispy layers carved into chin-length cuts keeping the edges soft, fringy and loose. Bangs might be deeply parted for a nod to the 1970s, keeping on trend while the length falls between the lashes and brows. Add some face-framing wisps around the cheekbones, and, voila, time is your friend again.
Throw away those teasing combs, stiff hair sprays and ponytail holders because youthful hairstyles move in the wind and will take you from the past right into the future. And while you are heading toward your more youthful future, imagine what a present you will have!
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
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