So Long, Granny Haircuts. Here's What Women Are Doing Instead Today

It’s never too late to have a truly fabulous haircut. Yes, hair changes as we age, and you may not have the same thick and healthy tresses you sported when you were 18. But that’s no reason to resort to what some stylists call a “granny haircut.”

In the old days, it meant a tight perm and a blue rinse. Now, it refers to any wash-and-wear, low-maintenance cut.

But there are endless options to keep things fresh and lively, so there’s no need to resort to a full-on granny style (unless you absolutely want to). Hairstylists point to older style icons as inspiration.

“I always think of the women of Advanced Style on Instagram and how cool their hair always looks with their outfits,” said hair designer Luisa Popović . (If you haven’t followed it yet, it’s a project of photographer Ari Seth Cohen that’s dedicated “to capturing the sartorial savvy of the senior set.”)

Other stellar examples, she said, include Vivenne Westwood, who died in 2022, and who was famed for her signature bright orange hair . She also cited the “powerful looks” of Michèle Lamy , the raven-haired 79-year-old French fashion designer. “It all just emanates fearlessness,” Popović said.

Tempted? Talk to a stylist.

If you’re ready for a refresh, redo or bold new direction, stylists have lots of fresh ideas that can make you feel at the top of your style game, no concessions to age required. “A big haircut can really change up the energy in your life,” said stylist Nikki Providence . “If things feel stagnant, sometimes a haircut can shake everything loose.”

“When we’re changing our hairstyle, our age doesn’t have to decide whether we go for long or short hair,” said stylist Mahogany Grace . “The health of hair matters a lot in choosing a new style. Try