When retirement rolls around, many Black women find themselves with the freedom to finally experiment with hairstyles they’ve always dreamed of trying. After decades of workplace expectations and time constraints, these fabulous ladies are embracing styles that celebrate their natural beauty, require less maintenance, or simply make them feel gorgeous. Here’s my insider look at the most popular post-retirement transformations I’ve seen in my salon.
1. Silver Fox Natural Curls
Honey, those silver strands you’ve been hiding? Time to let them shine! Many of my clients finally embrace their gorgeous gray curls after retirement, ditching the monthly color appointments.
Though previously deemed ‘unprofessional’ in some workplaces, these natural silver spirals now become their signature crown of wisdom and beauty.
2. Protective Goddess Locs
Where once corporate America frowned upon locs, my retired clients now rock these stunning protective styles with abandon. Goddess locs offer that perfect balance of sophistication and free-spiritedness.
Meanwhile, they’re giving those hands a much-needed break from daily styling routines!
3. Tapered TWA (Teeny Weeny Afro)
Darling, nothing says ‘I’m embracing my new chapter’ quite like a bold TWA! After years of heat damage and tight styles, many of my ladies opt for this liberating big chop.
Hence the popularity of this low-maintenance style that accentuates facial features while celebrating natural texture. Freedom never looked so chic!
4. Braided Crown Updo
If you’ve spent decades pulling your hair back for work, why not transform that habit into royalty? This regal style involves braiding the hair around the head like a crown.
However, unlike those rushed morning updos from working days, these artful creations incorporate decorative elements like beads or fabric. Talk about upgrading your hair game!
5. Noeuds bantous
Forget those tight buns that gave you headaches during office days! Bantu knots offer both style and cultural connection that many of my clients rediscover after retirement.
While previously reserved for weekend wear, these sculptural coils now become everyday statements. The compliments they receive prove age is just a number in the style department!
6. Sisterlocks
Always wanted locs but worried about workplace judgment? Sisterlocks become the retirement hair journey for many of my clients seeking both freedom and sophistication.
Though the installation takes time, the resulting versatile style requires minimal daily maintenance. These micro-locs grow more beautiful with age, just like the women who wear them!
7. Luxurious Finger Waves
Channeling vintage glamour becomes a post-retirement joy for many of my clients with shorter cuts. These sculptural waves require patience and proper technique – luxuries working women rarely have!
Whether styled with modern products or traditional methods, finger waves add that touch of Old Hollywood to silver-crowned queens. Absolutely timeless!
8. Wash-and-Go Natural Curls
After decades of manipulating their texture to fit workplace expectations, many of my clients finally embrace their natural curl pattern. The wash-and-go becomes their liberation anthem!
Though previously deemed too casual for professional settings, these gorgeous natural curls now flourish with proper care routines. Retirement means having time for deep conditioning treatments!
9. Elaborate Twist-Outs
Gone are the days of rushing through twist-outs before bed! My retired clients now take their sweet time creating perfectly defined patterns.
Where once they might have settled for quick styles, retirement brings the luxury of multi-day twist preparations. The results? Absolutely magnificent volume and definition that turns heads at every senior social!
10. Decorative Head Wraps
Freedom from workplace dress codes means embracing the artistry of elaborate head wraps! My clients collect gorgeous fabrics from their travels, creating signature looks that celebrate their heritage.
Though some previously reserved these for special occasions or bad hair days, retirement transforms head wraps into daily crowns of glory. Simply magnificent!
11. Braided Mohawk Styles
Who says edgy styles belong only to the young? My most adventurous retired clients rock braided mohawk variations that combine sophistication with rebellion.
Whether featuring cornrows on the sides with a textured top or incorporating decorative elements, these styles make powerful statements. After decades of conformity, these queens are rewriting the rules!
12. Fulani Braids
Cultural connection becomes a priority for many of my retired clients who finally have time to explore traditional styles. Fulani braids with their distinctive patterns and bead embellishments top the list!
Though perhaps once considered too elaborate for daily workplace wear, these intricate braids now become signature styles. Age and wisdom only enhance their beauty!
13. Faux Hawk Variations
Breaking free from decades of conservative styles, many of my bolder clients embrace edgy faux hawk variations that combine sophistication with rebellion.
Though they might have been deemed inappropriate in corporate settings, these styles now express their authentic selves. Who knew retirement would bring such stylistic liberation?
14. Colored Box Braids
After years of workplace color restrictions, my retired clients dive into vibrant box braids with childlike joy! These protective styles incorporate bold purples, blues, or even rainbow effects.
Though previously reserved for vacation time, colored braids now become year-round expressions of newfound freedom. Nothing says ‘retirement rebellion’ quite like hot pink braids at age 65!
15. Passion Twist Styles
Somewhere between bohemian and sophisticated lie passion twists – a style many of my clients discover only after retirement. These romantic, tousled twists offer both protection and style.
While work schedules previously made maintenance challenging, retirement provides time for proper installation and care. The resulting carefree yet elegant look perfectly matches their new lifestyle!