Anti-Wrinkle Treatments at 61

By Jayne, Stylist, Birmingham

I’ve worked in salons across Birmingham nearly all my life, from early days training in town to running a busy chair where you hear everyone’s stories. You get to know people properly when you’re doing their hair. You see marriages, new jobs, new babies, hard years… everything.

And one thing I’ve learned is this: how you feel about yourself matters more than anyone admits.

I’m 61 now. I’m proud of that. I’ve earned every year. But after a while, I noticed something. I’d be laughing with clients all day, full of energy, and then catch my reflection in the mirror at the end of a shift and think, that doesn’t look like how I feel at all.

That was the start of it.

The Moment It Clicked (A Real Birmingham Story)

It wasn’t some glamorous beauty moment. It was a wet Tuesday in Harborne.

Long day, back-to-back clients, kettle constantly on, typical Birmingham drizzle outside. I went to take a photo with one of my regular clients, she’d just had a big birthday and wanted a picture.

When I looked at the photo later, I noticed how tired I looked. Not old, just tired. Heavy around the eyes, lines that made me look fed up when I definitely wasn’t.

That genuinely bothered me more than I expected.

Not because I wanted to look younger, but because it didn’t feel truthful.

I Honestly Thought All Botox Was the Same

I’d heard clients talking about treatments for years. In my head, it was all just “Botox,” one thing, one result, frozen foreheads and surprised eyebrows.

I wasn’t keen on that.

But after chatting to someone local who explained it properly, I realised there were different approaches, different products, and more natural options than I’d imagined.

So I decided to try it, not as a big transformation, just as something for me.

What Actually Happened

I’ll be straight, the appointment was simple.

Few tiny injections, a little sting, over and done with quickly. I walked straight back out, grabbed a coffee, carried on with my day. No hiding away, no drama.

I didn’t expect much.

Then about a week later, I caught my reflection while blow-drying a client’s hair, and honestly, I just smiled.

I looked relaxed.

Not tight. Not frozen. Just… brighter.

The Difference I Wasn’t Expecting

The biggest surprise was how natural it felt.

I could still move my face normally. I still laughed, frowned, and chatted away like I always do. But the lines that made me look tired had softened.

Clients started saying:

“You look really well lately, Jayne.” “Have you been away somewhere?”

No one guessed anything. That’s what made it feel right.

Why I Go Back Three Times a Year

I call it my treat.

Same as getting your colour done or buying a nice coat in the Bullring when you’ve had a good week, it’s just something that makes you feel better.

I do it about three times a year and that’s enough. It fits around real life, busy days, and everything else.

It’s not about chasing youth. It’s about showing up as yourself, just fresher.

The Honest Truth

I think women my age sometimes feel like we’re not supposed to say we enjoy these things. Like it means we’re vain.

But the truth is, standing all day, looking after everyone else, working hard you’re allowed to do something that makes you feel good too.

I’m still me. Same accent, same laugh, same Birmingham girl who loves her job.

I just don’t look as tired at the end of the day anymore.

And for me, that’s worth every minute.

Jayne’s Note:

This is my personal experience, written honestly. Treatments should always be done by a qualified medical professional after proper consultation.