Long Hair after 40 – Taboo No More!

When I was a little girl, once one was “grown up”, off came the long hair. The only women over twenty five who had hair any longer than chin length were hippies and old grannies with their grey buns. Any woman in middle age who dared wear her hair to her shoulders was either deemed to be in denial, depressed (and hence not taking care of herself), or, worst of all, “mutton done up as lamb”.

Thank goodness times have changed – and one look at celebrity hairstyles for women over forty (even fifty!) is enough to confirm, once and for all, that long hair and middle age can and do go hand in hand…

Some celebrity women who have worn long, luscious locks well into their middle age, and look fabulous doing so, include:

• Julianne Moore – age 53
• Sandra Bullock – age 49
• Demi Moore – age 51
• Sarah Jessica Parker – age 48
• Brooke Shields – age 48
• Lauren Graham – age 46
• Lucy Liu – age 45
• Diane Lane – age 48
• Elle McPherson – age 50
• Julia Roberts – age 46

None of these women could be accused of being “mutton” – in fact, when we hear their actual ages, it is with some surprise. The forties and fifties have truly been redefined over the last few decades. There was a time when we equated these years for a woman with greying hair, unflattering styles, and menopause. While it is true that under the colour treatments, the hair might be grey; and yes – menopause is a fact of life anytime between forty- something and sixty; unflattering styles are not a given and age truly is just a number.

There are some guidelines, however, to pulling off long hair into middle age.

• Don’t try for the waist length locks you had as a teen. In fact – don’t try for any styling you used as a teen. Mid back (just at or below the bra strap) is as long as it’s safe to go – though there are exceptions to the rule – just look at Demi Moore…
• Very long hair is not complimentary to a long, thin face. Long hair draws the face down – an already thin face will appear tired and even haggard. Women with a thin face should aim for shorter hair or go for face framing layers to offset the negative effect created by long locks.
• With few exceptions, if you are greying and choose not to colour – keep your hair short. Though Glenn Close’s long grey hair in “Le Divorce” looked amazing…
• Update your style. Nothing is worse than looking dated – keep abreast of trends and find a stylist you trust.
• It’s all about the condition of your hair. If it’s healthy and well-maintained, you can have it much longer. Once it looks straggly, dry, or the ends are split – it’s time for the chop.

So if you’re over forty and want to keep (or grow) your long hair, look to celebrity hairstyles for inspiration. And remember – age is just a number. Keep your look fresh, don’t try to relive your youth – embrace NOW. You can’t go wrong!