Oh, Please!

In reading various articles on the internet about long hair over 40, I was eventually led to this blog entry. In a way, I wish I hadn't read it, but I think I'm happier that I did.

The blogger in question seems to generally write a very helpful blog that gives good tips to career women. However, this post has a different tone completely. It seems downright snarky.

She starts off the entry with complaining about Hillary Rodham Clinton's recent longer hair. She descends into making comments such as, " I know this doesn't sound very liberated, but I find women over 40 with very long hair unsettling—particularly if it is straight and hangs more than a few inches below the shoulder. (And don't get me started on straight, blond long hair on women over a certain age!) They look rather sad and dated to me—as if they're desperately trying to rechannel Joni Mitchell in her heyday."

Well no, it certainly doesn't sound very liberated. For heaven's sake, there are many business women who have longer hair!

I think it's a good idea to wear updos to the office if one's hair is too long to look or feel neat and professional for a whole day, and of course, for women with very long hair, there can be practical concerns as well. For those of you who are lost on how to wear professional but flattering hairstyles, there are a wealth of resources on the internet to teach you.

However, most women with hair just a few inches below the shoulders can and do look lovely with wearing their hair down at any age.

What bothers me the most is that almost 45 years after the advent of the Women's Liberation Movement, women are still criticizing women for their personal choices.

Women already have it rough in so many ways. Those who choose to stay at home to raise their children too often feel put down by career women, and many career women feel the need to justify just why they are choosing to work. It just doesn't seem right for women to continue picking on one another for our lifestyle choices or even something as simple as our hair choices.

It really has to stop!

It's 2012, folks. Yes, it's only hair, but isn't it time for we women to support one another and our choices? Is it really necessary to mock an older woman for her hairstyle?

I would never think of criticizing a woman for her hairstyle choice, whether her hair is long or short.

The most important thing to me is how a woman's hair makes her feel. If she's confident at whatever length, then she will succeed. So rock that pixie cut or that knee length hair! Wear it in a way that makes you feel good about yourself! It's worth it.

Love to all, and extra hugs to anyone feeling tired today.
xo