I don't think any age is "too old" for long hair, as long as it is well kept. I think the style for women, as they age, is to get their hair shorter because they don't have the time to deal with long hair anymore. But it doesn't mean that long hair is "out of fashion". Do what makes you feel beautiful!
My great gram had long grey hair when she passd, it was middle of the back length and beautiful. Do what makes you feel good, I have bra strap length and I am 39, I can wear my hair down and straight, down and curly, up in a clip or pony tail...however I wish, I love the choices you get with long hair.
I think the most important question is "Do you have the time for long hair"? Long hair is a much greater time commitment than short hair (to keep it looking good anyway). I think that's the main reason older women cut it. I kept my hair long until I had kids, because now there are just better things I'd like to do with my time than spending 45+ min a day blow drying/straightening/curling/etc. With shorter hair, I can do a complete style in about 20/25 minutes.
If you don't have the time, then I recommend you do maybe a dramatic color/highlight instead.
I don't think 38 is too old for long hair! As long as it is healthy and in a flattering style, long hair can be worn at any age. Look at Jane Seymor; I've always admired her hair. Someone told me when I was 24 that I was getting too old for long hair; I felt old at that time so I took her advice and chopped it all off. It was a stupid, stupid thing to do.
I'm 48 and my hair is a little past shoulder length. Now it tends to look scraggly if I let it get too long so I keep it medium length. But if you want long hair, then I say get long hair. You are not too old!
When I hit 30, my mum let me know I was too old for my long hair but now I'm 50 and still wearing it long. Will wear it this way as long as it continues to look healthy. I have about 3-4 inches cut off a few times a year so ends don't look dead.
I don't think age has anything to do with it. It's a matter of your face, your hair and your style.
I think a whole lot of people look better when they cut their hair short, especially if that's what makes the difference between them styling their hair (even a little) every day vs wearing it in a ponytail or otherwise kinda ragged. Long hair can really be overwhelming and drag your face down.
On the other hand, sometimes long hair looks fabulous - at any age.
I never understood why women cut their hair short either. I once had a friend tell me 40 was too old for hair below my shoulders? It this some rule I missed?
I'm 42 now, and my hair goes about mid-way down my back and looks gorgeous!
We can do it together! I'm 37 (38 next month, gulp) and growing mine longer for the first time. I also look and feel younger than I am, so I'm not going to sweat the age factor and just have fun with it.
I'm early 50's and have long hair. I had it all cut off in my 30's because my hair dresser said I was too old for long hair. Now I don't care and let it grow. I have it trimmed and keep it neat.
I hope you don't mind me sharing a pic, I had dh take a pic from the back when I came home from the hair dressers.
I think the idea that you get too old for long hair came from another generation. My mother always told me that you should not wear your hair long after 30. I am 54, so you can imagine what generation that I am thinking about. That "rule" has gone the way of wearing your pearls while cleaning house (June Cleaver)! Just like any other hair style, some people look good with long hair while others don't. Wear your hair the way you like!
Too old for long hair?
