Society's Hairy Obsession With Age

Society seems to have a bizarre obsession with dictating how women should age, and the “long hair rule” for older women is a prime example. Somewhere along the line, someone decided that once you hit a certain age, your hair should never fall below your shoulders—because, apparently, gravity applies differently after age 50. 

However, strangely enough, at the age of 91, my Italian grandmother wore her hair in a braid that reached down to her waist. The societal norms of her generation dictated that short hair was for young people. This belief was epitomized by the adoption of short hair by the Flapper, who naughtily shorn her locks as a rebellion against the shackles of the stereotypical gender roles of her time.

Today, short hair has taken on a different significance. Short hair is associated with wisdom, responsibility, and practicality, while conversely, long hair represents freedom.

Society has adopted an unwritten rule steeped in ageism, that long hair on older women somehow disrupts the natural order of things. If a mature woman with waist-length hair walks into a room, derogatory whispering can be heard, intimating that this woman is trying hard to look young. The irony is that men can keep their hair length and color (or what’s left of it) however they like, and they’re hailed as “distinguished” or “rugged.” Meanwhile, a woman with a salt-and-pepper Rapunzel vibe is labeled as either eccentric or in denial. Long hair after 50 is judged by some as scandalous as wearing white after Labor Day.

Luckily, more women are laughing in the face of these ridiculous rules and choose their hairstyle solely on what makes them happy, and why not. Hair doesn’t come with an expiration date and doesn’t affect the essence of your being.  

A little test… If you can get your hands on a long-haired wig, wear it the next time you meet with friends you haven’t seen in a while. Wait for their reaction. It should be interesting!