Jennifer Aniston
Age may be just a number, but a hairstyle can determine whether or not a woman looks 50 going on 51, or 50 going on fabulous.
No one knows this better than Sandra Barbetta, co-owner with her husband, Cosmo, of Cosmos Salon and Day Spa. Sandra and Cosmo make regular treks to the runway shows in New York and Europe to observe the latest trends in fashion, makeup, colorizing and, of course, hairstyles. Well known around the Valley as stylist to local television news anchors and personalities, Sandra is a sought-after trends expert.
She offers these simple suggestions to help women look their best in their 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s, and uses celebrity hairstyle choices to illustrate.
“Young women in their 20s love to express themselves through their hair,” Sandra stated. “For this on-the-go age group, hairstyles should transition easily from day to night. Long hair creates versatility, allowing them to play around with braids, a modified bun, a messy ponytail, peek-a-boo hair color and so much more,” she said. She points to Lauren Conrad as an example of the multiple looks to be achieved with longer hair. “Cosmos stylists can create these styles for proms and special events,” Sandra continued, “as well as show clients how to do their hair at home.”
As women approach their 30s, they want to convey a more polished and elegant look. They are entering their prime success and earning years, and moving toward their goals. “A chin-length haircut can revive self-confidence by re-introducing personal style through different textures, from sleek and straight, to wavy and curly,” Sandra said. ”These styles are quick, and require minimal effort, perfect for the busy 30-something.” Sandra recommends Victoria Beckham’s styles for this age group.
“As a woman approaches her 40s, those nasty grays often begin to appear,” Sandra said. “Try a vibrant hair gloss to subdue grays, and medium-length hair cut with shorter layers to create a more voluminous and youthful appearance, which will encourage confidence. Jennifer Aniston shows she’s still got it with soft highlights and natural layers.”
Sandra pooh-poohs the idea older women can’t have longer hair. “Just because a woman turns 50, doesn’t mean she should cut her hair short. Women in their 50s are beautiful, sexy and more stylish than ever.” To enforce confidence, the ultimate hairstyle is mid-length, just below the shoulder, with some layers or bangs, she suggests. For a refined look, add a radiant gloss over the natural hair color with a few highlights around the face for luminosity.
“Julianne Moore’s rich red color and subtle layers are the epitome of a sexy hairstyle for a woman in her 50s,” Sandra claimed. “Also for fine thinning hair, don’t rule out perms, yes, perms. They can really give the hair the body needed for fullness.”
For a dynamic new look in cut or color, contact Cosmos Salon and Day Spa at (480) 844-0707 to make an appointment with one of the masterful stylists. Cosmos is located at 2837 N. Power Road, on the northeast corner of Power and McDowell roads, in The Village at Las Sendas.