How Much of a Factor Should Age Be When Recommending a Cut or Color to a Client?
There are a million spoken or unspoken "rules" about fashion and beauty that we all subscribe to in some way, shape, or form. No white after labor day. Don't pair black and brown, don't pair gold and silver, don't wear socks and sandals. Okay, that last one might be for a good reason. But when it comes to women's hairstyles as we age, the expectation is often to hide what is considered "unflattering" and to minimize the boldness of the style. As stylists-- what is our role in engaging with the status quo?
Bangs Over 40
Recent articles have touted celebrities who turn to bangs at 40 and beyond and have even accredited it as what hairstylists recommend most for "women of a certain age". While bangs can look great on anyone, of any age, encouraging this style to intentionally hide forehead wrinkles or distract from smile lines can end up planting new seeds of doubt with our clients.
We're Their Cheerleader
When we build real, ongoing relationships with clients we start to see their personality more and more in the chair. For natural communicators, this is one of the great joys of our careers! We get to dole out confidence, inspire them to try something new, and make sure they leave feeling fabulous.
So when you see a client trying to hide themselves, become smaller and less noticeable by getting an "age appropriate" haircut, do you intervene? Obviously, there's only so much we can do. Hair is how we present ourselves, how we show up with confidence in the world, and how we express our personal style. Who are we to allow an expiration date on self-confidence?
A Fresh Approach
When a client asks you what haircut would be "most flattering" or "age appropriate" instead of defaulting to the current trends for their age bracket, dig a little deeper to find out what they'd actually feel good with. Maybe they missed out having highlights as a teen and want to try it. Maybe they do love bangs and have a photo they're too nervous to ask for. Maybe they're in the middle of a personal style journey and want advice on what to pair with the wardrobe they are curating instead.
When we turn to expansion instead of hiding things-- a whole new world opens up. Don't help your clients make themselves small in order to do what they're "supposed to" if you know that's not what they truly want. Be a beacon of inspiration that they CAN pull that off. And then show them how by giving them the best darn cut and color of their lives.
Should Age Impact Your Recommendations?
In short, no. Why limit your client to only what you deem is appropriate for them? Ask the right questions, get to the heart of their day-to-day habits, personal style, and aspirations for their hair and go on that journey together to find a style that is perfectly suited and gives them all the confidence they deserve when they leave your chair. Maybe it's bangs, maybe it isn't. Be your client's guide to finding what they truly love.