For many, growing out our hair is a lifelong pursuit, only to be cut short as we reach a certain age. This unspoken societal expectation has led women to feel pressured to embrace shorter styles as they enter middle age. However, recent years have seen a welcome shift towards embracing individuality and challenging beauty norms. The freedom to sport waist-length hair at 70 is a testament to this evolution.
“We are moving away from the ideology that women of a certain age need to have their hair cut short,” says Dom Seeley, Color Wow international creative director. “It’s all about what makes you feel confident; what defines your style and personality. There is nothing wrong with going short when you get older, but don’t conform to society’s beliefs about how you should feel or look.”
The increasing number of public figures who sport long hair serves as inspiration for those seeking to embrace this style after 50. From Sarah Jessica Parker to Naomi Campbell, these women demonstrate that long hair can be both stylish and age-appropriate.
“Jane Seymour has a soft fringe graduation around the face and great colour, while Michelle Pfeiffer’s hair is soft and wavy, always worn slightly tousled,” says hairstylist Paul Edmonds. “All of these women look great for their age, without trying to look like they’re 20.”
While long hair can be a beautiful and empowering choice at any age, it does require a bit more attention as we get older. The key to maintaining healthy, vibrant long hair is to prioritize care.
Instead of a rigid six-week trimming schedule, Seeley recommends a more flexible approach. “Everyone’s hair grows differently, and how you look after or maintain it factors into how often you need to cut it too,” he says. “I think a more proactive approach is to think of a broader timeframe than the regimented six weeks.”
As hair ages, it’s more prone to dryness and coarseness due to the texture of gray hair, along with the loss of essential lipids and moisture. This can lead to breakage, dullness, and a lack of bounce. To combat these issues, Edmonds suggests incorporating deeply nourishing hair treatments into your routine, like bonding treatments and hair masks.
Seeley further emphasizes the importance of heat protection and quality styling tools: “If you stick to a great aftercare regime with heat protectors and invest in quality electrical tools to dry and style your hair with, then you won’t run the risk of making it dry and brittle, which is when you’ll need to cut it more often.”
When considering a longer hairstyle, it’s essential to consult with your hairdresser. They can help you determine which styles will flatter your face shape and suit your individual preferences. “Soft fringes and layers that draw attention to the eyes and cheekbones are always good,” suggests Edmonds. Seeley recommends drawing inspiration from celebrities who rock long hair: “They (and their hairdressers) know how to accentuate the face through use of colour and different lengths that flatter and highlight the features – from the skin to the eyes – making them look more youthful.”
Here are some long hairstyles for women over 50 that offer inspiration:
Nicole Kidman, Jennifer Lopez, Andie MacDowell, Elizabeth Hurley, Salma Hayek, Sarah Jessica Parker, Sandra Bullock, Demi Moore, Naomi Campbell, Julianne Moore, Monica Bellucci, Cindy Crawford, Sandra Oh, Kristen McMenamy, Halle Berry, Jennifer Aniston, Iman, Julia Roberts, Helen Mirren, Angela Bassett.
Ultimately, the choice of hairstyle should be driven by personal preference and a desire to feel confident and empowered. Embrace the freedom to express yourself through your hair, regardless of age. Long hair can be a symbol of strength, beauty, and self-acceptance.
