There’s an opinion that women should wear their hair shorter and in a more “appropriate” hairstyle as they get older. But “rules” are very much made to be broken – especially when it comes to dated and nonsensical ones that don’t hold any weight.
Thankfully, celebrities such as Pamela Anderson, Nicole Kidman and Demi Moore are disproving any notion that longer hair after 50 isn’t a good idea. Long hair is sexy. It’s swishy. It’s versatile. And it can be unbelievably flattering. But there’s a caveat: if there is a rule to follow, it pertains to all ages and all hair lengths – and it’s your hair health.
Hair loses pigment, changes texture and becomes thinner as we get older; it needs more looking after which is why, presumably, more mature women tend to lop it all off. Long hair is high maintenance, but the payoff is worth it.
Read more for the GH guide on how to get your long hair looking A-list-worthy.
The right haircut
You may think an actual haircut isn’t as necessary with long hair, but it’s key to making it look “something” not “nothing”. If your hair is one length with no layers, the weight can pull it down, so it looks flat and a bit “meh”. Any kind of fringe – full, feathery, side-swept – can give long hair more of a look. Invisible layers (a technique to taper the ends of your hair) can add soft movement and fullness to the hair without compromising length or shape.
Dimensional hair colour
Multi-tonal hair appears thicker, glossier and more vibrant than one solid colour. Unlike traditional highlights that use just one colour, multi-tonal highlights combine various shades lighter than your base colour, to create a more dimensional effect. Even clip-in extensions are available in a blend of colours to elevate your look quickly and effortlessly.
Switch up your style
The styling options with long hair are endless. Pull hair back at the nape of the neck for a low-slung ponytail. Throw hair up into a messy topknot. Get creative with hair accessories. Use a hot brush to create a Hollywood blowout. Or wear glossy and pin-straight.
Don’t ghost your hairdresser
Even long hair still requires regular trims to sustain its health and hinder split ends, which can eventually lead to breakage and impede length growth. A mini trim will “dust off the ends” to keep layers, fringes and the bottom line fresh and healthy, without sacrificing the length.
Hair health
Offsetting age-related concerns, such as thinning, dryness and collective damage from colouring and heated appliances is essential for long hair well-being. This doesn’t involve a lot of faff, but just a bit more consideration of the products you use. Choose products to hydrate and replenish, and that protect and prevent breakage; intensive conditioners, heat protectants, and nutrient-rich shampoos. Daily brushing will redistribute your hair’s natural oils over each strand, providing a shortcut to natural shine and conditioning. Use a good-quality hairbrush to help inhibit any pulling or snagging.
Shop our top picks for your long hair product kit
