The Modern Guide to Aging Gracefully

Long Hair Isn’t Hippie—It’s Hip

Say bye-bye to the Golden Girls puff. If you feel good about the shine and texture of your hair, flaunt it with a long, tailored style, à la Nicole Kidman or Jennifer Aniston. The trick is to have graduated layers that frame your face and neck, “not just a mass of grown-out hair,” says celebrity stylist and Beverly Hills salon owner Chris McMillan. And keep it above the clasp of your bra, especially if your face is thinning (another common sign of collagen loss from aging); longer hair may drag your features down. You’ll need three or four haircuts a year to avoid split ends, which can make hair look fuzzy and unhealthy. Also, since hair tends to become dryer and more brittle as you age, you’ll need a conditioning routine. At the salon, ask for a deep-conditioning treatment after each cut, then deep-condition at home once a week. Look for products that contain omega-6 fatty acids (found in argan oil, for example) or ceramides (moisturizing fats) to nourish and strengthen hair, as well as antioxidants to protect against shine-dulling ultraviolet rays. Try Organix Moroccan Argan Oil Renewing Treatment ($8, walgreens.com).