How to wear your hair

Your age
Women of every age want to find and wear a fashionable hairstyle, but it's especially important to make sure the cut you select is appropriate for your time of life. Let's face it, certain styles are suitable for the young, and others are better tailored to more mature women.

Long hair is difficult for older women to wear because it tends to draw the facial features downward. A general rule for women 'of a certain age' is to keep hair shoulder-length or shorter. This also helps keep hair in good condition (as we age, hair becomes drier.) On the other hand, if you're over 40 and your long hair makes you look fantastic and feel comfortable and confident, go ahead and break the rules. Consider a long, layered cut that keeps your hair modern and updated. And always remember to trim the ends every four to six weeks.

Lifestyle
When choosing a cut and style, remember that your hair is something you wear every day. Decide how much effort you're willing to devote to grooming and maintenance without altering your lifestyle - and be honest! Ask yourself how much time you actually have, then choose a style you can achieve daily without going out of your way to accommodate your hair's needs. Be sure to discuss your lifestyle and time constraints with your stylist before making a decision.

Maintaining your cut
To properly keep up a good haircut, stylists recommend a trim every six weeks. The reason is simple: on average, hair grows half an inch per month. By cutting at least a quarter of an inch every six weeks, you eliminate the frizz and split ends that play havoc with good hair health and maintain your clean, stylish look.

Why not chat to other iVillagers on the Haircare message board. Take a look at some of the LIVE discussions taking place on the message board right now: