No two curls are the same

Ever wonder why in some cultures (mostly Western), when a woman gets older, her hair gets shorter, meaning a cut? And in others (mostly Eastern), when a woman gets older, her hair gets longer, meaning unchecked growth?

As an "Eastern woman," who has mostly lived in Western countries (England, Switzerland, USA), I can't help but notice what I call the "hair to age ratio" amongst Western women of 50 years and older, compared to their counterparts in the Eastern world. 

So, on a hot Manhattan afternoon, I set out to find some answers to the puzzle. And who better to ask than a hair consultant, and where better to find one than at Bumble and Bumble, located in New York's glitzy meat-packing district. It is no ordinary hair salon. It is a self-sufficient, self-intact, hair emporium. There are 8 floors and each floor specializes in something or other related to hair, from product development and public relations to classes on hair technique and hair care. There are coffee shops and even preps for fashion shows. It's like walking into a haven for hair.  

Sitting on the 7th floor, sipping my San Pellegrino, I entered into a little chit-chat with my well- moussed hairdresser, who calls himself a "queen without country." According to him, the simple answer is: Western women of 50 years and older tend to keep shorter hair because it's easier to manage. With shorter hair, less effort is required and the arms, neck and shoulders feel no strain because there is no pulling, curling or tonging. But, the "real" answer is, and this is the ringer, shorter hair on an older woman is like an instant facelift. You look younger and slimmer because the focus is above your shoulders.

Could the answer really be as simple as age old vanity? And is vanity the motivation behind the long hair of the older Eastern women? 

I had to do a little bit more probing before I came to the realization that in the Eastern world, hair is a women's crowning glory, especially if it is long, thick and lustrous. An older woman from an Eastern culture would therefore be very reluctant to loose her locks. But even with long hair, just like her Western sister, she too knows the secret behind an instant facelift. And it's not the scissors. It's hairpins. Yes, the elegant chignon, bun or hair twist, commonly worn amongst Asian moms and grandmas, has the same slimming effect on the body and the same youthful rejuvenation to the face as a short cut.

But what of those cultures where women don't reveal their hair, such as in the Arab or African cultures. For these women, covering the hair is often a sign of modesty and respect, especially amongst the older generation. So, does the covering of the hair ever prevent these women from expressing their femininity? Nope, because these women know how to accessorise to the hilt. African women are often adorned with elaborate, colourful headdresses and scarves, again drawing the eyes to the face and above. And with Arab women, even if not a single strand of hair is revealed, these women are often bedecked with sparkling jewels and glamorous makeup, keeping the eye above the neck.

Regardless of the trend or the hairdos around the world, the motivation is always the same.

Vanity thy name is woman!