After the age of 60, many people decide to embrace their white hair. It is undoubtedly a liberating choice. But this type of hair is often thicker, coarser, and more difficult to style. This is why white hair requires special attention. To appear more elegant, the choice of hairstyle and cut is also essential. In this sense, opting for a beautiful short haircut can be an ideal solution to highlight the texture and natural color of white hair. This option also combines practicality and style.
The peculiarities of white hair
In general, white hair appears with age. This is why it is associated with aging, although in some specific cases such as albinism (absence of melanin pigments) or piebaldism (presence of a strand of white hair), white hair can appear from birth. Melanin, the pigment responsible for hair color, is composed of two types of pigments: eumelanin and pheomelanin. Distributed along the cortex, these pigments determine the shade of the hair. Eumelanin, characterized by large, elliptical, and abundant pigments, gives shades ranging from reddish-brown to black. In contrast, pheomelanin, composed of smaller and diffuse pigments, is responsible for lighter shades ranging from light yellow to red. During the lightening process, eumelanin is often the first to dissolve, while pheomelanin can be more resistant to removal.
Melanin production varies throughout life. Normally, its density is lowest at birth, then gradually increases to reach its peak in adulthood. Hence dark hair. Then, melanin production gradually decreases, causing white hair to appear. In addition to contributing to the natural color of hair, melanin acts as a protection against the sun’s rays. It protects hair from drying out, especially in summer at the seaside, where the combination of oxygen in the air, UV rays from the sun, and humidity can cause the melanin grains to dissolve. Thus, white hair, devoid of pigment, no longer benefits from this protection. As a result, it is vulnerable to external aggressions. It can become rougher and more brittle.
The phenomenon of yellowing
Yellowing of white hair is a natural phenomenon, observed in particular on light hair. It occurs due to the loss of melanin which makes the hair more sensitive to external aggressions. Environmental factors such as UV rays and pollution alter the structure of hair proteins, particularly keratin. These chemical reactions can lead to undesirable yellow or golden tones. You can reduce them by using a purple-yellow shampoo. According to the principle of colorimetry, purple is the complementary color of yellow. This is why it effectively neutralizes yellow highlights.
A beautiful short haircut to enhance white hair
Adopting a short haircut is common among women aged 60 and over. And there are many reasons to encourage this choice, including:
- Ease of maintenance: Short cuts generally require less daily maintenance than long cuts. For active or busy people, they save time in the morning by simplifying their hair routine.
- The refreshing look: Short haircuts give a more dynamic and rejuvenating look to the face. They reduce the appearance of wrinkles and highlight facial features such as the eyes, cheekbones, and jawline.
- Volume and texture: A beautiful short haircut gives the illusion of more volume and density to the hair. This is especially beneficial for those whose hair thins with age.
Advising a beautiful short haircut to your clients aged 60 and over the trends
Note that almost all haircuts are suitable for white hair, whether long, mid-length, or short. On the other hand, short cuts are often preferred because they bring dynamism. From the bob cut to the boyish cut, including the pixie cut, different options are possible.
Here is an overview of the trendy short haircuts with their respective characteristics:
- The short bob: a timeless cut that delicately frames the face, highlighting the features while offering a touch of modernity.
- The boyish cut: bold and full of character, this ultra-short cut brings a freshness and lightness that can be particularly flattering for white hair.
- The pixie cut: short and textured, this cut offers a modern and sophisticated look while allowing easy management daily.
- The Short Bob Cut: A modern take on the bob, the short bob is sleek and versatile, offering a chic and sophisticated look while being easy to maintain.
- The Asymmetrical Pixie Cut: An asymmetrical version of the pixie cut, with uneven lengths that add movement and dynamics to the hairstyle.
- The undercut: a daring cut where the sides and/or nape are shaved or very short, contrasting with more pronounced lengths on top, creating a modern style for a more dynamic and characterful appearance.
- The Textured Short Cut: A textured, deconstructed short cut that adds volume and dimension, giving a modern, youthful look.
Create a beautiful short haircut that meets your client’s expectations
Before you propose a haircut, take the time to discuss the client’s preferences and expectations. Some may be looking for a bold and modern style. Others prefer something more classic and understated. From this information, you can suggest cuts that perfectly match their lifestyle and personality. Aside from personal preference, texture is also a consideration. The texture of gray hair varies from person to person, ranging from fine and straight to thick and curly. Hairstylists should tailor the cut based on texture to ensure a flattering and easy-to-maintain result.
Other useful tips for a beautiful short haircut
Layering your hair can add movement and dimension to a short haircut. You create volume, which is especially beneficial for gray hair. It can help give the illusion of density and fullness, masking any appearance of thinning. However, avoid overloading the cut with excessive tapering. This will help maintain a sleek and balanced look.
When it comes to face shape, there are no strict rules, but rather recommendations based on the overall appearance of the person. For example, an older person with a toned figure can experiment with different styles of haircuts. If it is a less active person with a little extra weight, you can recommend a nice short haircut. As for the way to style your hair, the unkempt style is not very suitable when you have a lot of white hair. Hairstyles with beautiful curls, waves, or straight hair are preferable. Finally, scheduling regular touch-ups is necessary to maintain the shape of the cut and eliminate split ends. This way, your clients maintain a neat appearance at all times.
Learn how to make a beautiful short haircut and much more with online courses
In hairdressing, the ability to achieve different haircuts is an essential skill. If you are looking to acquire or improve your skills, our online course offers a comprehensive and accessible solution. For beginners, we have designed the program “The Global Method Haircut – Initiation”. It offers documented lessons, instructional videos, and interactive quizzes, available 24 hours a day and unlimited. This training guides you step by step in the art of haircutting. You acquire a solid foundation to understand and achieve a variety of modern cuts.
Personalized support
The trainer of this course, Gilles BAGARD, is a distinguished expert in hairdressing. His reputation as a hairdresser, trainer, and author of hairdressing methods transcends borders. Indeed, his techniques are used in hairdressing training centers in France and abroad. The method he created offers a complete and accessible approach to learning how to cut hair. During this online training, Gilles BAGARD shares with you his experience as well as the tips and secrets of seasoned professionals. Your trainer will be by your side at every stage of your learning. Thanks to live discussions, you will have the opportunity to ask your questions. Take advantage of interactive quizzes to test your knowledge and observe your progress in real-time.
