Month: October 2023

Age is just a number, and when it comes to style, women over 60 are rewriting the rules and embracing their unique beauty with confidence. One trend that is making a huge comeback is the wash-and-wear haircut, a liberating and effortlessly chic hairstyle that’s perfect for women looking to celebrate their natural beauty and make a statement with minimal effort.

1. Embrace Your Natural Curls – The natural curly bob is an ideal wash-and-go choice, celebrating natural curls with minimal maintenance. Apply a curl-enhancing product and air-dry or use a diffuser for effortless styling.
2. Pixie Cut – A pixie haircut is a highly convenient wash-and-go style due to its low maintenance, quick drying, and effortless styling capabilities. You can achieve a polished look with minimal effort using your fingers or a small amount of styling product.
3. Work with Your Waves – Shoulder-length wavy hair offers easy maintenance by enhancing its natural allure without the need for excessive styling. It provides versatility for both casual and formal looks. This style combines natural beauty with practicality for an effortlessly chic appearance.
4. Curtain Bangs – Soft side bangs elegantly enhance your facial features by drawing attention to your eyes and cheekbones, making them a flattering choice for various face shapes and style preferences. Their simplicity and minimal maintenance make them a hassle-free option that adds a touch of sophistication to your everyday look without requiring daily attention or styling commitment.
5. Blunt Straight Hair – A blunt cut is ideal for thick, straight hair as it enhances the hair’s sleek appearance and minimizes the need for complex styling. It complements the hair’s natural thickness, offering a versatile, ageless look that suits various face shapes.
6. Super Short – Super short hair is an excellent wash-and-go style, simplifying daily routines due to its minimal maintenance and quick drying time. It offers a practical and time-saving solution, sparing your hair from excessive heat styling.
7. Bob with Bangs – The Cleopatra look for thin, straight hair offers a surprisingly practical and elegant wash-and-go style. Thin, straight hair’s inherent sleekness and quick drying time make it an ideal candidate for this low-maintenance yet regal hairstyle.

Let’s explore how to achieve the look and the empowering message a wash-and-wear hairstyle sends about embracing your age with grace and style. Say goodbye to hours in the salon chair and hello to carefree, fabulous hair at any age!

What Is a Wash-and-Wear Haircut

A wash-and-wear haircut, also known as a wash-and-go haircut, is a hairstyle designed to be low-maintenance and easy to style. This type of haircut is characterized by its simplicity and versatility, making it an ideal choice if you have a busy lifestyle or if you prefer a natural, effortless look.

The key feature of a wash-and-wear haircut is that it requires minimal styling and can be air-dried or towel-dried after washing, hence the name “wash-and-wear.” This eliminates the need for extensive blow-drying, curling, or straightening, making it a time-saving and hassle-free option for everyday styling.

Wash-and-wear haircuts often incorporate layers, texture, and a shape that complements the individual’s hair type and face shape. These elements allow the hair to fall into place naturally, enhancing its overall manageability and style.

Whether you have straight, wavy, or curly hair, a wash-and-wear haircut can be tailored to suit your specific needs and preferences. In other words, work with what you have and not against it.

Is a Wash-and-Wear Hairstyle Good for You?

Determining if a wash-and-wear hairstyle is a good fit for you involves considering several factors, including your hair type, lifestyle, personal preferences, and face shape. Here are some key steps to help you decide:

Assess Your Hair Type

Consider your hair’s natural texture and thickness. Wash-and-wear hairstyles are generally more suitable for individuals with hair that has some natural wave or texture. If you have extremely straight or fine hair, you might need extra styling or products to achieve the desired look.

Evaluate Your Lifestyle

Think about your daily routine and how much time you’re willing to dedicate to hair care. If you have a busy schedule and prefer a low-maintenance approach to hairstyling, a wash-and-wear haircut can be a great choice.

Consider Your Face Shape

Different hairstyles can complement various face shapes. Consult with a hairstylist to determine which wash-and-wear styles enhance your unique features. For example, layered cuts often work well for many face shapes, providing movement and framing the face nicely.

Maintenance Preferences

Reflect on your willingness to maintain your hairstyle regularly. While wash-and-wear haircuts are designed to be low-maintenance, they still require periodic trims to keep the shape and health of your hair intact.

Consult with a Professional

Schedule a consultation with a hairstylist experienced in wash-and-wear haircuts. They can assess your hair’s condition and provide expert advice on suitable styles based on your individual characteristics and needs.

Try It Out

If you’re uncertain about committing to a wash-and-wear haircut, you can ask your stylist for a slightly shorter version first to see how it feels and how much you like it. If you’re comfortable with the wash-and-wear approach, you can gradually go shorter and embrace the full benefits of the style.

Ultimately, the decision to choose a wash-and-wear hairstyle should align with your personal preferences and lifestyle. It’s important to have open communication with your hairstylist, as they can help tailor the style to suit your needs while considering the unique characteristics of your hair and face shape. Remember, the goal is to have a hairstyle that enhances your natural beauty and makes you feel confident and comfortable.

How to Achieve a Wash-and-Wear Style

Achieving a wash-and-wear hairstyle is all about selecting the right haircut and adopting a minimalistic styling routine.

Consult with a Hairstylist

Start by scheduling a consultation with a hairstylist experienced in wash-and-wear haircuts. They can assess your hair type, face shape, and lifestyle to recommend a suitable style. Consider bringing pictures of hairstyles you like for reference. Based on your consultation, select a haircut that aligns with your goals for a wash-and-wear style.

Use the Right Products

Invest in high-quality hair products to maintain your wash-and-wear style. Depending on your hair type, you might need a lightweight mousse or styling cream to enhance texture and hold. For added shine and control, consider using a serum or hair oil.

Wash and Condition

Start with a good quality, sulfate-free shampoo and conditioner suitable for your hair type. Overwashing can strip natural oils, so aim to wash your hair 2-3 times a week or as needed. Use a conditioner to keep your hair moisturized and manageable.

Air-Dry Your Hair

After washing, gently blot your hair with a towel to remove excess moisture. Microfiber towels are great for wash-and-go hair as they don’t excessively squeeze hair follicles.

Allow your hair to air-dry rather than using a hairdryer. This helps maintain your hair’s natural texture and reduces heat damage.

Bondi SPA Microfiber Hair Towel

Style with Fingers

Once your hair is partially dry, apply a small amount of styling product to your hands and distribute it through your hair. Use your fingers to scrunch, tousle, or shape your hair as desired. Avoid overusing products to prevent a weighed-down appearance.

Regular Trims

To maintain the shape and health of your wash-and-wear haircut, schedule regular trims with your hairstylist. Trimming every 6-8 weeks can prevent split ends and keep your style looking fresh.

Embrace Bedhead

Don’t worry too much about achieving a perfect look. Part of the charm of wash-and-wear hairstyles is their relaxed and slightly tousled appearance. Embrace the “bedhead” look, and you’ll exude effortless chic.

Remember that wash-and-wear hairstyles are meant to simplify your daily routine, so don’t be too concerned about achieving a flawless look. Welcome your hair’s natural beauty and let your confidence shine through this effortlessly stylish choice.

Wash-and-Wear Haircuts

Say goodbye to the time-consuming hair rituals and hello to a fresh, stylish, and effortlessly chic look!

Embrace Your Natural Curls

This haircut is an excellent choice if you want to embrace your natural curls while maintaining a manageable and sophisticated style.

A natural curly bob haircut is a stylish and versatile hairstyle for wash and go. This chic and timeless look typically features hair that falls above the shoulders, with curls that enhance volume and movement. The bob’s clean lines and well-defined curls create an elegant and effortless appearance.

It’s a hairstyle that exudes confidence and celebrates the beauty of your natural texture, offering a fresh and youthful appearance while requiring minimal daily maintenance.

Apply a curl-enhancing product and simply let dry or use a diffuser.

Marc Anthony Curl Defining & Enhancing Lotion, Strictly Curls

Go for a Pixie Cut

A pixie haircut is a fantastic wash-and-go style for several reasons. Its inherent low maintenance is a standout feature, requiring less time and effort for daily hair care routines due to its short length. The swift drying time after washing is another advantage, making it a hassle-free choice as you can opt for towel-drying or quick air-drying.

Pixie cuts offer effortless styling, allowing you to achieve a polished look with minimal intervention, either by using your fingers or applying a small amount of product for texture.

Joico Hair Shake Liquid-To-Powder Texturizing Finisher

Work with Your Natural Waves

Shoulder-length wavy hair carries an innate allure that can be easily enhanced with minimal styling, eliminating the need for excessive heat tools or an arsenal of styling products. It offers the advantages of quicker drying times and reduced product usage while still providing enough length to experiment with various looks and styles.

Shoulder-length wavy hair offers versatility. You can wear it down for a relaxed, casual appearance or experiment with ponytails, braids, or buns for more formal or adventurous occasions.

This hairstyle’s beachy, relaxed vibe is universally appealing and ageless, making it suitable for women of all ages, including those over 60. It exudes a timeless charm that complements various face shapes and personal styles.

Shoulder-length wavy hair combines the beauty of natural waves with practicality, offering an effortlessly chic look that’s easy to maintain and style.

OUAI Wave Spray – Adds Texture, Body & Shine for Perfect, Effortless Beachy Waves

Adopt Soft Side Curtain Bangs

Soft side bangs, with their graceful framing of your face, have an innate ability to enhance your facial features naturally. They delicately draw attention to your eyes and cheekbones accentuating your best features and creating a flattering focal point. This elegant framing effect can work wonders, whether you’re aiming to highlight your eyes, downplay a high forehead, or add a touch of sophistication to your everyday look.

The beauty of soft side bangs lies in their simplicity. They require minimal styling and maintenance, making them an ideal choice if you are seeking a haircut that doesn’t demand daily attention. These bangs can be effortlessly blended into the rest of your hair, or you can sweep them to the side for a casual and natural appearance. This fuss-free styling means you can enjoy the elegance of side bangs without the time-consuming commitment that often comes with more demanding hairstyles.

Blunt Cut for Thick Straight Hair

Do you have thick straight hair? Thick, straight hair already boasts a sleek and refined appearance and a blunt cut accentuates this inherent elegance. The weight of the hair falls evenly, reducing the need for complex styling or excessive product usage. This simplicity is particularly advantageous for busy lifestyles, as it allows for quick and stress-free hair routines.

In addition, a blunt cut complements the natural thickness of straight hair, offering a chic, geometric shape that enhances the hair’s overall structure. This style is versatile and works well for various face shapes, providing a timeless and ageless appeal.

John Frieda Anti Frizz, Frizz-Ease Straight Fixation Styling Creme

Go Super Short

Super short hair is a fantastic choice for a wash-and-go style. With minimal hair to wash, dry, or style, this haircut eliminates the need for prolonged daily routines. This style offers a practical solution for women seeking convenience and simplicity in their hair care.

After washing, it can be towel-dried or air-dried in a matter of minutes, sparing you the use of heat styling tools. This not only saves time but also minimizes potential heat damage to your hair.

Shea Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner Set, Jamaican Black Castor Oil Strengthen & Restore

Cleopatra Look for Thin Straight Hair

The Cleopatra look for thin, straight hair can be an unexpectedly practical and elegant wash-and-go style. While it may seem intricate, the simplicity of this hairstyle lies in its clean lines and minimal upkeep. Thin, straight hair is naturally sleek and requires less daily maintenance compared to other hair types, making it a great candidate for this wash-and-go look.

Thin hair also tends to dry more quickly, and its naturally straight texture means you can skip extensive styling routines, avoiding the use of heat tools and excessive product.

With little effort, you can embrace the regal charm of Cleopatra’s iconic look, showcasing your natural beauty while simplifying your daily hair routine.

COLOR WOW Dream Coat Supernatural Spray

Read 13 BEST LOW MAINTENANCE HAIRCUTS FOR WOMEN OVER 50.

Also read WHAT ARE THE BEST SHORT HAIRSTYLES FOR OLDER WOMEN? (VIDEO).

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you have a wash-and-go hairstyle? Which wash-and-wear style would you choose for yourself? How do you normally decide what hairstyle to go for? Tell us about it in the comments below.

Info: @paige_desorbo

Originally posted at: Paige DeSorbo’s Silver Metallic Pants

Have you ever thought, “I wish I could do that?” Write a novel, start a business or a charity, run a marathon, or live in a foreign country for a year?

Have you ever longed to create something beautiful, pursue a calling, or have a difficult but necessary conversation with a loved one?

And then do nothing at all to make it happen?

If so, join the club.

I’ve been fascinated by the craft of writing ever since I can remember. Think about this for a minute:

Someone gets an idea and records their thoughts using words, which get packaged into an electronic or printed form, somehow making its way to you and me.

Reading these words causes us to visualize all kinds of things, feel all sorts of emotions, get our own ideas, and maybe even take action of some sort. And sometimes, these words-representing-ideas come to us through a human who no longer even exists!

It’s magic.

Language has always been easy for me. They tell me I had a six-year-old’s vocabulary at age two, and my love of books and reading has become legendary.

So, given all this, you’d think I’d have been consistently crafting and sharing my written words for most of my life.

But no.

The Shadow Artist

The truth is I was a writer who didn’t write.

I was what author and teacher Julia Cameron calls a shadow artist. I was disconnected from my creativity while admiring other writers and secretly wishing I could do what they do.

While I’m grateful to have reconnected with my creative self about 15 years ago, I’ve learned that making something new and beautiful happen in your life can be scary.

Standing alone for what you believe in or truly desire can be challenging, regardless of age.

You feel so vulnerable.

And the fear of vulnerability can stop us in our tracks.

We can get stuck in what author Steven Pressfield calls Resistance – that destructive force inside us that rises whenever we consider an ambitious course of action that might do us some good. And what’s underneath Resistance is more fear.

I think we’d all agree that it’s best to call on our courage and move ahead anyway.

Because we don’t want to wake up one day and realize that 20 years have passed, and we didn’t even try to do that thing we really wanted to do.

But how do we do it? How do we face vulnerability and fear and head off into the unknown?

A few years ago, I came across a phrase I now use as an affirmation, a meaningful reminder of how I want to live and work. It’s been tremendously helpful and works in every area of life – relationships and parenting, work and livelihood, personal growth and creative pursuits.

Strong Back. Soft Front. Wild Heart.

Brené Brown, Ph.D., whispers these words to herself when she feels unsafe and worried: Strong back. Soft front. Wild heart.

Brené describes herself as a researcher and storyteller who has spent the past two decades studying courage, vulnerability, shame, and empathy.

In her book Braving the Wilderness, she describes how she learned Strong Back, Soft Front from Zen Buddhist teacher Joan Halifax.

Our Strong Back

Having a Strong Back means being brave enough to stand alone rather than being driven by what others (or our fearful selves) think.

We must get to where we love and respect ourselves so much that we won’t judge ourselves harshly or allow others to silence us. We work to maintain a sense of feeling safe, strong, and grounded in belonging to ourselves.

Our Soft Front

Having a Soft Front means staying open and present in the face of whatever discomfort occurs.

Brené defines vulnerability as uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure. “Vulnerability is not weakness; it’s our most accurate measure of courage.”

So, we work at embracing vulnerability with courage, love, and compassion rather than approaching life with an armored front.

Our Wild Heart

Having a Wild Heart means believing in and trusting ourselves so deeply that we can share our most authentic selves with the world. It’s showing up in our vulnerability and courage, being both fierce and kind.

As Brené writes, “A wild heart is awake to the pain in the world but does not diminish its own pain. It can beat with gratitude and lean into pure joy without denying the struggle in the world. It’s not always easy or comfortable – but what makes it possible is a front made of love and a back built of courage.”

Be Gentle with Your Sweet Self

Talk to yourself like you would talk to someone you care about. Remember that suffering and feelings of inadequacy are part of the human experience – something we all go through.

One of my favorite prose poems is Desiderata, originally published in 1927 by Max Ehrmann. These words are especially encouraging:

“Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.”

Permission to Be Imperfect

There is no such thing as perfection. Be willing to give yourself a break and accept your weaknesses – we all have them.

Even if you struggle to find the right words and feel vulnerable, initiating a difficult conversation is better than not communicating and allowing resentment or misunderstanding to build up. The imperfect writing that gets published is better than the “perfect” piece that never leaves your computer.

Neutralize the Negative

I’ve learned that negative thoughts tend to be our default way of thinking. Psychologists call it negativity bias. It’s like our brains are VELCRO® for bad experiences.

If 10 things happen to you in a day, and nine are positive while one is negative, you probably think of the negative one the most.

Notice your negative thoughts and emotions, but don’t let them take you over. Instead, observe them with curiosity and ask what you can learn from them.

Trust Your Inner Guidance

Take some quiet time daily to listen to your inner wisdom and let that calm, clear voice guide you to your best choices.

Listening to and trusting your intuition can help you make better decisions, navigate challenging situations, and find creative solutions to problems. It can help you get your life back on track when you get blown off course.

We work at being brave enough to act on our inner guidance and live our truth, even when others don’t understand or agree – even when this makes us feel vulnerable.

Ask for Help When You Need It

As independent, strong, and competent women, we often find it hard to ask for help.

But everyone – even self-sufficient types – can benefit from support now and then. The stresses of life are easier to bear when we have encouraging people to share our joys and sorrows and offer practical assistance.

When we ask for help, our vulnerability allows us to connect and strengthen our bonds with others.

These days, instead of saying, “I wish I could do that,” or longing to create something new and beautiful in my life, I choose to show up for myself and take constructive action. When I feel the most vulnerable, I’ll whisper, “Strong back, soft front, wild heart,” and, more often than not, ask for help.

If I can do it, you can too.

Let’s Start a Conversation:

Does showing vulnerability make us appear weak? Does the fear of vulnerability stop us from building the relationships we really want? Does it stop us from pursuing our dreams? Please share a story about when you’ve overcome fear and vulnerability in your life – we could all use some encouragement.

Originally posted at: Taylor Ann Green’s Pink Sequin Dress on WWHL