This article has been updated since its initial publish date to include more expert insight.
As we welcome a new year full of new beginnings, many of us also want to revamp our hair with a trip to the salon. We sought insights from expert hair stylists regarding two hair colors that “should be avoided” by women over 40 this winter, as they can make one look older inadvertently and even emphasize thinning and loss.
Furthermore, experts suggested two more flattering and trendy hair color options, as well as various tips for achieving a timeless and dazzling look. Read on for suggestions and insight from Ghanima Abdullah, hair expert and cosmetologist at The Right Hairstyles, Greg Decker, pro hair stylist and colorist, Lauren Udoh, pro hair stylist and Hair Creative Director at WigReports, Jerome Lordet, director and professional stylist at Pierre Michel Salon and Gina Rivera, celebrity hair stylist and founder of Phenix Salon Suites.
Fall Hair Transformations for Women Over 40: Which Colors to Embrace and Avoid
1. Skip Heavily Bleached Looks
If you want to go blonde (or blonder) this winter, Abdullah stresses not bleaching your hair down to your roots if you're over 40. Bleaching or coloring "all the way down to the roots" is a big no-no, Abdullah stresses.
"If the hair dye or bleach reaches the scalp, it can cause damage to the scalp, which can then cause hair thinning," she warns. Instead, Decker and Udoh recommend the trendy 'mushroom bronde' hair color that is currently all the rage on TikTok, and a great way to freshen up your hair while still rocking a blonde look.
When it comes to a 'mushroom' hair color, Decker explains that this look "mimics the many ashy tones of mushrooms as well as the deeper hues on their undersides to create that subtle and cool color." He adds that it is ultimately a "blonde hair color but a bit on the darker side with gray and purple undertones."
Instead, Try The Trendy 'Mushroom Bronde' Color
Regarding the ever-so-popular 'bronde,' Decker points out that it is "surely [one of the] the top trends of this season, and it is a sweet blend of brown and blonde tones." It helps you strike a balance with "stunning sun kisses while rendering that neutral effect." This multi-dimensional color, he adds, "features a dark base with subtle highlights to get the desired look."
When combining these two elements—mushroom and bronde— Udoh says that this creates the "perfect balance between dark and light tones, and is the ideal choice for those wanting to lighten their complexion subtly without going too bright."
She also says that Hailey Bieber's "soft blend of ashy warm browns and cool smoky grays" is the perfect option for clients looking for "something on trend yet still versatile enough to transition seasonally."
2. Don't Go *Too Dark*
While there's oftentimes nothing more sleek and powerful than jet-black dyed hair, this color might be a little too harsh for mature beauties, and it often draws attention to fine lines, Abdullah notes. "If your hair is thinning, you don't really want to dye your hair black. Dark colors can emphasize any scalp that's showing," she says.
Udoh adds that going too dark can sometimes "make the hair look thinner and lifeless," while going too light, on the other hand, can "make the scalp more visible." It’s important to find a color that compliments your skin tone, she says, and gives the hair a healthy-looking shine.
If you don't know where to start, both experts recommend trying a rich chocolate brown that is just dark enough for brunettes to feel stunning but light enough to keep attention on their features like their eyes and cheekbones rather than wrinkles.
Instead, Opt For A Rich Chocolate Brown
This look has become rather popular, Lordet notes, because it "helps to make your complexion warmer, giving you a cozy feel during the colder months." If you're used to a darker brown or black hue, going a little lighter or for a more vibrant chocolate brown like Emily Ratajkowski can "add texture to your hair, making it look fuller as well," Rivera notes. She adds that changing your color over 40 is a "terrific option for adding depth and dimension to fine hair," especially as it naturally becomes less thick with age.
Overall, these are just two trendy colors to try this winter (but there are plenty more). The most important tip to keep in mind according to these experts is to not go too light or dark this fall where your scalp is either showing or damaged. Talking to your hairdresser about your skin tones and what would work best for them is a great way to change up your look and feel more confident, Rivera concludes.
