At 70, I decided to shake things up. My hair had been the same style for years—safe, predictable, and honestly, a little boring. So I challenged myself to try seven different hairstyles over the course of two months, documenting the journey and how each one made me feel. What I discovered wasn’t just about hair—it was about rediscovering confidence and embracing change at a stage of life when many people think it’s too late.
Why I started this experiment
After my 70th birthday, I looked in the mirror and realized my hairstyle hadn’t changed since my early 60s. It felt like I was stuck in a time capsule. My daughter showed me photos on Instagram of women my age rocking modern, textured cuts that looked effortless yet stylish. I thought, why not me?
Research suggests that changing your appearance can have profound psychological benefits. Dr. Helena Grant, a lifestyle psychologist, notes: “Transforming your look at an older age often symbolizes empowerment and renewal in one’s identity.”
“Transforming your look at an older age often symbolizes empowerment and renewal in one’s identity.” — Dr. Helena Grant, Lifestyle Psychologist
The soft shag that started it all
My first experiment was a soft shag with feathered layers. My stylist explained that this cut adds volume without demanding excessive styling—perfect for someone who values simplicity. The moment I saw the result, I felt lighter, both physically and emotionally.
The shag brought natural movement to my hair and required minimal effort each morning. I learned quickly that embracing texture rather than fighting it was the secret. For more inspiration on age-appropriate short haircuts that boost confidence, this style proved transformative.
Discovering the power of the pixie
Next up was a stacked pixie cut. I’ll admit, I was nervous—going shorter felt bold. But hair stylist RaDona’s words kept echoing: “For women over 70, a stacked pixie adds sophistication and movement, making hair look fuller and more youthful.”
The pixie turned heads everywhere. Friends who hadn’t seen me in weeks barely recognized me. The cut added volume at the crown and framed my face beautifully. Maintenance was simple: a quick blow-dry and some lightweight mousse.
Three styles that missed the mark
Not every hairstyle was a winner. I tried a blunt bob that felt too severe for my face shape, a curly perm that looked dated rather than vintage-chic, and an asymmetrical cut that required too much daily styling effort. These experiments taught me as much as the successful ones—knowing what doesn’t work is just as valuable.
- Blunt bob: Too harsh against my softer facial features and lacked the movement I craved.
- Tight curls: Made my hair look older rather than refreshed, despite the stylist’s enthusiasm.
- Asymmetrical cut: Required constant attention and styling products I wasn’t willing to commit to daily.
The rounded bob that changed everything
Style number six was a rounded bob with subtle layers. This cut struck the perfect balance between structure and softness. It gave me volume where my hair had thinned and required almost no effort to maintain.
According to professional stylists across the country, this style is experiencing high salon demand because it flatters diverse face shapes while accommodating natural texture. Similar to other successful bob variations after 60, this became my go-to style.
Essential products that made the difference
Throughout this journey, I discovered that the right products matter immensely. Heat protectant spray became non-negotiable, especially for my fragile, aging hair. Volumizing mousse gave lift without stiffness, and a silk pillowcase reduced overnight frizz dramatically.
- Heat protectant spray: Shields mature hair from styling damage while maintaining healthy texture.
- Lightweight mousse: Adds body and hold without weighing down thinning hair.
- Silk pillowcase: Reduces breakage and preserves your style overnight, especially crucial for shorter cuts.
What this journey taught me about aging
Trying seven different hairstyles at 70 taught me that reinvention has no age limit. Each cut revealed something new about myself—my preferences, my confidence, and my willingness to embrace change. For those considering salt and pepper styles this season, I encourage experimentation.
“Age-inclusive styles are about embracing texture and natural grays while using gentle products to preserve style and health.” — Katherine Hall, Beauty Editor
Ready to try something new yourself?
If you’re considering a change, start by consulting with a stylist who specializes in age-appropriate cuts. Show them photos, discuss your lifestyle and maintenance preferences, and don’t be afraid to experiment. Similar to finding time-saving styles after 50, the right cut can simplify your routine while boosting confidence. What style have you been wanting to try but haven’t quite found the courage for yet?