If you are 45 and work in a professional setting, how long can your hair be?

[Anonymous]

Let's assume for discussion that the woman is Caucasian, looks about 42-45 y.o., and has an average body type (size 8-10) and average looks. Nothing really notable.

Let's also assume that the hair would be worn down sometimes with a proper "long hair" cut, meaning graduated layers framing the face and no Zooey Deschanel bangs. (remember, professional DC office, not art gallery in lower Manhattan).

Thoughts? How long is OK for a white policy analyst who indeed appears to be 45?

[Anonymous]

I've read that shoulder length or shorter is best on an older woman and layer the hair too. I think women who have very long hair and are older just look even older or are "trying to look young." Very long hair is for little girls, ladies in their 20's. It's better to look your age than to look like you're trying to look younger than you are.

[Anonymous]

My hair is just below my shoulders. That's as long as I think advisable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I've read that shoulder length or shorter is best on an older woman and layer the hair too. I think women who have very long hair and are older just look even older or are "trying to look young." Very long hair is for little girls, ladies in their 20's. It's better to look your age than to look like you're trying to look younger than you are.

So Bethany Frankel = "no", right? She's 42. Celebrity J-Lo hair extensions are obviously a no-no in DC.

I'm trying to put my finger on -why- it's not OK, though, to have long natural hair if the woman's hair is in great shape, good color, styled, not wearing H&M rhinestone clips, etc.

I tend to agree with you PP, but I can't articulate why.

[Anonymous]

You need to have really great hair to have it long at that age. Very long is to the shoulder blades, long is the shoulders. Unless you are an actress of heiress. What I love is "I am growing it out for locks of love" -- cut it! It does age you.

[Anonymous]

Bethany Frankel, net worth 120 million+ qualifies as an actress/rich person. Different rules. Sigh.

[Anonymous]

Long hair makes your face look longer, which emphasizes wrinkles or looser skin (assuming since OP is asking this that she's not all tucked, plumped, plucked, and dyed to within an inch of her life already). Shorter hair makes older women look younger while longer hair makes younger girls look older.

[Anonymous]

See that's the thing. I personally think well-cared for, beautifully styled long hair possibly trivializes you, makes you seem coquettish and not to be taken seriously. Like a celebrity. That's why I hesitate, since I'm a professional. I think that's the opposite of "aging" you, since it makes you look like you might go clubbing or go to a policy briefing -- you'll decide later.

Also, I like the bun or french twist option, which is of course the epitome of office polish.

[Anonymous]

Long hair is feminine and beautiful. I will never cut my hair.

[Anonymous]

Well, why don't we all get the short, curly "mom perm"? I think you know what I'm talking about. That, IMO, ages one horribly.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Long hair is feminine and beautiful. I will never cut my hair.

How old are you?

[Anonymous]

You are starting to get any "sag" or loosening of the skin, particularly the jawline, long hair will make you look older .

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Long hair is feminine and beautiful. I will never cut my hair.

How old are you?

And, are you a white, non-Hispanic woman who has the typical medium mouse brown natural hair color?

- - - -

There are certain Argentine women I've seen with black and white streaked loong hair, with more black than white but close to 50-50. Thick, long, artist hair. Those women? should go into their coffins with that hair.

But this thread is not about them. It's about the middle aged DC office worker.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Long hair is feminine and beautiful. I will never cut my hair.

How old are you?

And, are you a white, non-Hispanic woman who has the typical medium mouse brown natural hair color?

- - - -

There are certain Argentine women I've seen with black and white streaked loong hair, with more black than white but close to 50-50. Thick, long, artist hair. Those women? should go into their coffins with that hair.

But this thread is not about them. It's about the middle aged DC office worker.

No, and I'm not the complete bitch you appear to be, either. Clearly you read more into that than a simple question warranted.

I doubt your hair is anywhere near as attractive as you think it is. And for the record, I'm neither a DC office worker, nor anywhere near 45--I asked because one's perspective often changes with age.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Long hair is feminine and beautiful. I will never cut my hair.

How old are you?

And, are you a white, non-Hispanic woman who has the typical medium mouse brown natural hair color?

- - - -

There are certain Argentine women I've seen with black and white streaked loong hair, with more black than white but close to 50-50. Thick, long, artist hair. Those women? should go into their coffins with that hair.

But this thread is not about them. It's about the middle aged DC office worker.

Newsflash: these women? Often look like they just rose out of a coffin. And should have stayed there.