Let’s discuss hair, ladies. Women above the age of sixty have likely observed that the rules regarding hair color within their thirties or forties do not seem to be applicable anymore. Perhaps you have been or still are standing in front of a salon, gazing at swatches and pondering on issues related to why that platinum blonde or jet-black dye does not seem to sit well with you anymore. I understand because I was smiling at my reflection, thinking, “This color is wearing me!” What’s the right color of hair to choose? Trust me, it can not only pep up your face, but also soften your features and help you become the confident woman that you are effortlessly. However, the wrong one can remove your glow and make you appear years older than your actual age.
Hair color as an expression of style is certainly interesting, but it can also serve as a concealed confidence boost for women and honor her remarkable transformation into the woman she has grown into. Given that I am someone who has spent years dealing with color, which came along with a few ‘dye disasters’, I would like to offer three strategies to embrace and three to avoid. No matter your lifestyle, these approaches are budget-friendly for everyone and require minimal effort to pull off. So, are you ready to find your ideal shade? If so, grab some coffee, sit back, and stick with me!
1. Softer Warmer Browns Are Preferable to Jet Black
Choosing jet black as a color option is arguably the most versatile one: it is striking, fantastically conceals gray hair, and offers a classic elegance. However, for anyone over sixty years, this deep color can be brutal. It accentuates existing wrinkles, deep shadows, and is flattening to the hair’s natural bounce and vitality. I vividly recall how edgy I thought I would look with jet black hair, but all it did was sharpen my face more than I have ever felt!
What can be done instead, is selecting a soft black or deep chocolate brown with warm undertones, such as bronze or caramel.
These shades will provide the same gray coverage while still being soft on light reflection, contouring your features and adding depth. Ask your stylist to incorporate subtle highlights so things don’t get too boring. Pro-tip: Use a color-safe shampoo like you will to further enhance and maintain that rich shine. Take a look at this Instagram post if you are looking for some amazing chocolate-brown inspiration!
2. Switch from Icy Platinum Blonde to Softer Warm Blondes
Blondes have more fun, right? Well, not after 60. Light platinum or icy blonde shades can drain your complexion due to harsh-aging skin losing rosy undertones. Plus, you have beats of high-maintenance hair that dry and break. While going for this look may sound enticing, you would be spending a long-time masking brassy tone. With that said though, I’d say go for it.
What to do instead: Go for softer hues of platinum like honey blonde and warm beige. These shades work wonders that you never knew without dimming your glow. For ladies who are anxious with changing their hair, framing highlights serve as an excellent form of no-needle facelifts. If you’re timid with the switch, start with subtle face-framing highlights. The added dimension is ideal for thinning hair. The cherry on top comes with hassle-free upkeep using purple shampoo.
3. Deep Burgundy for Subtle, Balanced Reds Shall Be Avoided
Colors such as burgundy and plum are deep reds and they are striking and interesting. However, they can overpower a sophisticated figure, making it appear as if the face is overly flush and blotchy. In addition, these colors die quickly and mask the shine on the hair, which is not the effortless style we aim for. I once had a client who attempted to try a wine red and was annoyed because she had to constantly retouch it. She changed her mind and never went back.
What to do instead: A warm brown with flecks of copper or a delicate soft auburn would do nicely. These colors reflect off the light, improve one’s features, and fade softy which cuts down on the number of times one has to visit the salon. Also, a couple of reddish highlights would add character without being overwhelming. To achieve vibrant, yet soft hues, a gloss treatment every few months can be added to enhance shine.
4. Revel in Chocolate Brown with Copper Undertones
Let’s discuss these colors in question. The skin tone that emerges from chocolate brown with light copper undertones is literally mouthwatering. It’s friendly, adds a nice shimmer to lackluster skin, and is sophisticated without being abrasive. Women light up when switching to chocolate brown—it is as if they have been hit with a bolt of inspiration. One client said it showed off her hazel eyes like never before!
The best thing about this color is that it doesn’t require much upkeep, stays wearable for a long time, and bestows a crown universal to most face shapes and hair textures. Request a medium-to-dark chocolate base with copper lowlights or baby lights, and her hair will definitely get noticed. Enliven the red pigments in the hair for added warmth. There is distinction in ease achieved from this look, that says “I am confident, and I’ve still got it”.
5. Embrace Authentic Class with Salt and Pepper Hair
The new gray is the new black. Debate is whether gray hair should be easily covered or hidden, but there is no qualms about it being a primary focus and used a badge for sure style perspective. The salt and pepper look, which encompasses natural grays along with darker shades, is modern, empowering, and youthful. Last year, a couple of friends embraced their silver strands and haven’t looked back since. Freed from the dye cycle now, it certainly serves purpose.
This is how to own it: Work with a stylist and begin blending the grays out with some matching skin tone lowlights or toner – silvery for cooler complexion and taupe for the warmer one.
A silver gloss or purple conditioner keeps strands bright. Pair with a structured cut, like a bob, or pixie for polish. It’s not giving up, it’s owning your beauty – check out this stunning salt-and-pepper inspo on Instagram.
6. Try Cool Ash Brown with Smokey Highlights
For a slightly edgy, modern vibe, the combination of cool ash brown and smoky highlights is transformative. It is perfect for those who aren’t ready for full silver since this muted, gray-leaning brown softens features and blends with gray regrowth seamlessly. The smoky highlights add drama while still being subtle. I once tried a similar shade, and it beautifully complemented all the neutral tones in my wardrobe.
Tailor it to your preference – subtle, chic, understated highlights, or bolder, confident chunks for flair. For brassy tones, use blue or purple shampoo, and apply a gloss treatment every 6 to 8 weeks to maintain shine. Combine these with a sleek bob or layered cut for face-lifting enhancement. It is poised yet daring, polished but timeless.
Selecting a hair color after turning 60 isn’t about trying to appear younger – it is about highlighting the best version of you. These suggestions ought to serve as a guide rather than a travel itinerary. Combine and remix until you arrive at something that makes you feel beautiful. Take it easy at first: a few highlights, a gloss, or a conversation with a stylist will do. Embrace your laugh lines and silver hair, and wear a color that makes you feel good. Try new things, enjoy yourself, and let your hair declare that you are bold, radiant, and more than enough.
Hey, I’m Lila Hart, a coffee-loving fashion junkie turning Pinterest dreams into real-life looks — on a budget. I live for designer vibes at discount prices and I’m here to spill all the hacks that make you look rich and feel confident. New tips drop daily, because style doesn’t take weekends off.
