Long Hair On Older Women: Sexy Or Silly?

It's all Michelle Pfeiffer's fault.

I was just about over my desire to grow my hair long when I saw a picture of the 49-year-old actress. She looked absolutely gorgeous -- with long, shining, gloriously highlighted locks.

I realize she's a celebrity who likely has a lot of help to look that good. But I've also noticed more and more "normal" women in their 40s and even their 50s sporting beautiful, long hair.

So -- I'm back to square one: Should I cut or should I grow?

The Long & Short Of It

Christopher Hopkins, also known as "The Makeover Guy," said that while it may seem like long hair seems to be a younger woman's domain, it's really not about age.

"It's a combination of how young you appear, hair quality and whether longer hair looks good on you at all, regardless of age. If you've never looked good in long hair, you likely never will," Hopkins said. "But if you've always had long hair, and it's still holding out pretty well, meaning it's thick and shiny and can be worn natural without a lot of what looks like work, then likely you can still wear it well."

To illustrate his point, Hopkins shared the stories of two clients -- both with long hair and over the age of 40.

"My friend Cindy was known for her long hair. A dance contestant on Dance Fever in the early 80s, she had the long ponytail down to her lower back. She is now approaching 50, an age when most women would not consider long hair. But she's still a size 4, and her face is still youthful, and though her hair isn't as thick as it was when dancing for Denny Terrio, she can still wear it past her shoulders just fine. It suits her," said Hopkins.

"On the other hand, one of my clients, another woman in her late 40s, has been coming to me 'for a trim' for a few years now. I've always felt it too long for her face, her age and thin and fragile hair," said Hopkins.

"Recently I cut it -- gasp! -- to the upper shoulder blade. (She was) a knock out. It was way better," Hopkins added. "She spent two years coming to me, spending a fortune to look iffy. I think she wasted a few years of looking fantastic for the sake of, well, length."

Signs Your Hair Is Too Long

Hopkins said that if you suspect your hair is too long -- you're probably right.

If any of these five signs apply to you, long hair is not meant for you.

1. You're always pulling it back and rarely wear it down.
2. It only looks good for the first 20 minutes after you style it.
3. You catch yourself in the mirror later in the day and quickly pull it back.
4. You keep fluffing it whenever you look in the mirror.
5. You know better, but you're doing it for your husband or significant other.

Prepare the shears. All five signs apply to me. I should be calling to make an appointment at this very second -- but wait!

Significant Other Factor

What about my husband? He thinks long hair on women is sexy. He doesn't ask for much. Shouldn't I give long hair a chance?

Hopkins said that there's merit to wanting to look beautiful for your partner, but not at the expense of not looking your best.

"True, the average man likes long hair. Instinctively, long hair represents fertility and youth," said Hopkins. "We're still primitive in many ways. If it's important to you to keep your hair long for male approval, then at least you know why. Often a woman isn't more attractive, her hair is just longer. But many men don't see the details," Hopkins said.

Does Long Hair Cut It At Work?

What about long hair in the workplace? Hair that is between chin and shoulder length offers a more professional appearance. Once your hair grows past shoulder length, the look is often less office professional.

Trudy Canine, a certified career management practitioner, said that it's not so much about the length of the hair as it is the way the hair is cared for.

"Long can be neatly tucked into an 'up-do' that can be quite professional and competent looking. More important in my opinion -- does it match who you are? Does it complement the force of your character?" said Canine. "It's about being authentic to who you are. If long matches the total you, it works with your presentation and it works for you."

Canine told the story of a woman she interviewed for an accounting supervisor job.

"She came with her long hair in a bun, a skirt down to her knees, wire rim glasses and a conservative looking jacket," Canine said. "She was the perfect hire for a very conservative company."

But on the first day of work, that conservative look went away.

"I didn't know who she was -- her hair was out of the bun and frizzed up thick," Canine said. "Her legs were covered with skin-tight shiny purple leggings. The wire rims were gone. She dressed for the interview and got the job. She showed up for work a different person. Even though she was competent, people were confused about who she really was. She lasted 90 days. Her boss decided she wasn't a good fit for the position."

Ann Cole, 46, is a stay-at-home mom who's looking to get back into the workforce. She recently cut her hair because she felt if her look wasn't up to date, a potential employer might think her skills or attitude aren't either.

"I just cut my hair because I thought my longer hair made me look older than I am. And I'm looking for a job. I feel more confident when my hair is stylish," said Cole. "Your hair is a big part of that first impression. I like to try different looks every year or two. If someone never changes their look, that tells me they're afraid of change and not open to new things."

Is that true? Maybe.

But I consider growing my hair quite a change and a challenge. The odds are against me. I don't have any of the natural attributes to attain my goal: My hair is fine and thin -- not especially shiny. But I have motivation (a happier husband) and support (lots of hair products and an obliging stylist).

"If it feels sexy to you and you are comfortable in denial, then keep it," advised Hopkins. "Who am I or who is anyone to tell you anything different? You want to feel sexy, and if it's the hair that does it, keep it. Just know we're all talking behind your back."

Yup. I'm in denial and well aware people will talk. That's OK. It's all Michelle Pfeiffer's fault.