Hair is little more than dead cells – so it’s astonishing, when you think about it, how much time goes into removing, growing, styling, colouring, cleansing, conditioning, and cutting it. But, for many of us, our hair is about more than practicality and aesthetics.
Hairstyles, colours, and textures can convey heritage, self-expression, and individuality. And changes in hair may reflect personal transformations or societal shifts.
Below, we’ve explored the connection between hair and identity; including what it means to have long hair as a mature woman today, and how to care for yours.
What’s the connection between hair and identity?
Over cultures and millennia, hair has developed great significance. Some religions forbid cutting it, while others encourage it to be shaved – and myths, legends, and fairy tales often connect hair with strength, purity, or wisdom.
In past ages, certain styles were also indicative of class or wealth. And, still, today, some parents keep curls from their children’s first haircuts, while sweethearts encase locks in pendants and letters. Celebrities and their hairstyles can become almost synonymous too, such as Elvis Presley’s quiff; Jennifer Aniston’s ‘the Rachel’; and Billy Idol’s white-blonde spikes.
The relationship between hair and self-expression is also fascinating. In the 1920s, women, freed from traditional female roles by shortages of male labourers in WWI, began to cut their hair to reflect their newfound independence; while, in the late 70s, disgruntled youth began to rebelliously embrace wild ‘punk’ hairstyles.
And then, perhaps, there’s social expectation. For many years, it seems there was a belief that mature women should have short hair. In fact, the 1964 Guide to Elegance written by French style guru Genevieve Antoine Dariaux, claims that long hair isn’t appropriate after the age of 20(!) – which is just ridiculous.
But what’s behind this so-called issue with women having long hair after a certain age – and how are attitudes changing? Plus, given that our hair – unlike our wardrobes – is something that we wear every day, how can we best look after it to make sure that it makes us feel fabulous?
8 hair care tips for mature women with long hair
1. Style long hair to suit a changing face shape
“[Mature] Women have been told, for a long time, that long hair doesn’t suit them,” says Marlon Hawkins, artistic director at Central London salon Brooks & Brooks. “There’s the notion that, as gravity and decreased collagen begin to impact facial structure, long hair will ‘drag’ features down.”
He points out, however, that while many of us may remember our mothers or grandmothers having short hair after a certain age, innovations in styling have made it more possible than ever to have a long style that complements a changing face.
While early layered styles were feathered (think Farah Fawcett in Charlie’s Angels), techniques now allow for much more subtle looks, which are flattering for all ages.
2. Experiment with products and treatments to boost texture and quality
Inevitably, says Marlon, the body – including skin and hair – changes as the years advance. This is true of babies and toddlers, as well as adolescents and mid-lifers. Development, hormonal changes, and even environmental changes have an impact on the nourishment that hair needs.
As women approach menopause, these hormonal changes can cause hair to lose volume and sheen, as well as colour. Hair loss and thinning might also lead mature women to seek shorter hair to create the appearance of volume.
“However, product innovation has, like styling techniques, come on leaps and bounds,” says Marlon. “Scientific knowledge has made hair care brands more advanced, and more suitable for a range of different needs. Perhaps there was once a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach, but that’s certainly not the case today.”
“Yes, hair changes colour, condition, and even density,” he continues, “but with a market full of supplements, conditioning products, good quality extensions, knowledgeable colourists, and hair stylists, anything is possible these days. As your hair evolves, seek good advice and a hairdresser you’re comfortable with.”
Some of the treatments and products that Marlon recommends are K18 Molecular Repair, Fabriq Smoothing Treatments, and Brazilian Blow Dries.
3. Draw inspiration from others
These days, there are many mature women with longer tresses – Michelle Pfeiffer, Julia Roberts, Penelope Cruz, Helen Mirren, Cindy Crawford, and Elle MacPherson, to name but a few – who are proving that long hair can look great, no matter your age.
Sceptics – not unfairly – might point out that few people are born with genes like theirs. Who could forget The Body Shop’s 1997 ‘Ruby Campaign’, reminding us that “There are three billion women who don’t look like supermodels and only eight who do”?
“It’s the total package that makes women look amazing, with or without long hair,” says Marlon. “My ethos, as a stylist, has always been ‘happy hair is great hair.’ It’s the confidence and enjoyment that you bring to your look – including your hair – that makes a person look fabulous.”
Lines between age groups are also becoming increasingly blurred in the world of style as a whole. For example, as women embrace fitness as integral to lifestyle, activewear has moved into the mainstream and is worn by Gen Z, millennials, Gen X, and Boomers alike. Attitudes to appearance, including hair, have inevitably followed suit; so these days, there’s no reason why we can’t take inspiration from people of all ages.
4. Make yourself a priority
In the current financial climate, talking about money for ‘non-essentials’ isn’t always comfortable, but it’s worth noting that ideas about wellness and self-care – both encompassing mental health – have changed over the last generation or so.
Naturally, not all routes to wellness involve visits to a salon or clinic, or buying hair and beauty products, because there’s much more awareness about the benefits that time in nature, or the bathtub, can bring than there once was. Perhaps, however, there’s less guilt about investing in feeling good – which may often be linked to looking good.
“Female earning capacity has probably also had an impact,” says Marlon. “Traditionally, women who were not the main breadwinner may not have seen household finances as theirs to spend on themselves.”
At this point, readers of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women may remember Meg’s remorse, and her husband’s silent dismay, at her extravagant purchase of silk for a new gown…
“Now, women are more financially independent and more confident about prioritising themselves,” says Marlon. It was in 1971 that haircare brand L’Oreal’s strapline – “Because I’m worth it” – was coined, and these attitudes have only grown in commercial and personal power in the 50 years since.
So, if you can, try to take steps to prioritise looking and feeling good – even if this is as simple as making time to deep condition your hair at home.
5. Boost hair health through lifestyle changes
The beauty industry is, of course, crammed with products claiming to reverse or prevent damage but, according to haircare brand Nanogen, diet and lifestyle factors can also play a significant role in our hair’s condition, at any age.
Stress, for example, can cause hair loss, which will deplete the appearance of fullness. Positive lifestyle choices include having a diet packed with antioxidants – so it can help to try to incorporate berries, nuts, and seeds, and cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli. Foods containing essential fatty acids, such as salmon, may also be beneficial to hair quality.
You might want to check out our article; 7 important vitamins and minerals for hair, skin, and nail health.
At the same time, smoking is known to cause cellular damage and speed up the ageing process on every level. Seeking help with quitting or cutting down can be beneficial for your overall health, as well as for your hair.
6. Choose a great colour
Choosing to retain colour or go grey naturally is a matter of choice, regardless of hair length. But, says Marlon, “a great colour can add depth and fullness to your cut, even if your long hair is thinner than it used to be. I’d tend to avoid blocky, all-over colours, as these can look too heavy, and instead opt for blended shades.
“Many women also choose to go lighter around the face – not only because it can look flattering as skin matures but because it’s a subtle way of blending in greys and whites as they begin to appear.”
However, the often coarser texture of grey hair can sometimes make it more difficult to colour. If you don’t want to commit to regular salon visits, hair masks can boost moisture and texture. Evolve Beauty’s Superfood Shine Hair Mask, Alterna’s Caviar Replenishing Moisture Masque, or Lavera’s organic, vegan Basis Sensitiv Treatment are examples, and can help to make your hair smoother and more receptive to dye.
How you cleanse your hair can also make a difference. We Kind, the brand from hairdresser Kelly Simpkin-Clarke, produces a ‘Rejuvenate’ shampoo and conditioner, developed specifically for mature or menopausal hair.
You may find it useful to read our article, 9 tips for gorgeous grey hair, for more information.
7. To fringe or not to fringe?
Some of us become more conscious of the lines on our forehead as we age, and a fringe is often a popular way of disguising a lined brow without using injectables. Bear in mind, says Marlon, that as you draw the attention away from one part of the face, you inevitably highlight another, so it’s best to discuss with your hairdresser what you’d like this to be and how you might achieve this.
It’s exciting, too, to consider the fact that, whether you choose a soft, flicky fringe or a blunter one, you can have fun switching up your makeup routine to play up the features now accentuated.
8. Consider using extensions
It’s often assumed that hair extensions are only used to add length to hair but this isn’t the case – they can also be used to create fullness, depth, and texture, regardless of age.
There are various methods of applying human hair extensions to your natural tresses. At The Extensionist, for example, a client may choose micro ring hair extensions or pre-bonded hair extensions, both of which are extremely subtle and last for around three months before removal.
One exciting innovation in the industry, The Extentionist says, are tape-in hair extensions, which don’t last as long (around two months) but, provided you look after the hair, can be used over and over again. The process is swifter than with micro-rings or pre-bonded extensions too.
Whatever form of extension you choose, a half-head will generally be enough to provide a noticeable difference in volume. The great news is that this won’t be as heavy as a full head of extensions. It will also be gentler on the scalp and hair follicles.
Final thoughts…
Outdated ideas about the type of hair that a mature woman ‘should’ or ‘shouldn’t’ have can be washed down the drain when you rinse out the shampoo and conditioner!
Like everything else when it comes to style and beauty, it’s entirely a matter of personal preference, budget, and lifestyle. Whether embracing the transition to silver, grey, or white; maintaining a colour; swishing your long locks; or enjoying a shorter style, the choices are endless – and, more importantly, they’re yours.
For more inspiration, why not check out our articles; 9 tips for gorgeous grey hair and 6 of the best updo hairstyles?
Do you have long hair? If so, do you have any hair care tips you’d like to share? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below.