When your clientele includes Her Majesty herself, it’s fair to assume you know a thing or two about making mature hair look and feel its best. Behind Queen Camilla’s crowning glory is Jo Hansford MBE, who has looked after the royal’s hair for 40 years.
Naturally, with decades behind the salon chair, Jo has just about heard and seen every hair dilemma — and navigating the changes that come with age can be particularly tricky. So, how does she keep fine, mature hair looking full, fresh and modern?
Speaking to GH, Jo shares the answers to her most-asked questions about mature hair – and the mistakes she says are worth avoiding.
Should I go short after 60?
Going shorter has become something of an unspoken ‘default’ for women as they enter their 60s and beyond, but there’s no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to hair.
‘It’s really a matter of preference,’ says Jo. ‘There’s the worry that longer hair can look ageing as it can pull the facial features down, which is not flattering, but many glamorous women of a certain age still have long hair that looks fabulous on them.’
It only takes a glance at Elizabeth Hurley, another one of Jo’s starry clients, to see this in action. So, what’s the secret to making longer lengths work in midlife? According to Jo, it’s all about keeping the hair in good condition.
‘Whatever style you choose. A good haircut every 6-12 weeks will ensure it looks its best and will remove any straggly or split ends on longer styles, as well as keeping shorter cuts looking sharp and chic,’ she says.
What is the best haircut for fine hair?
On the GH beauty desk, we’ve seen plenty of flattering haircuts for fine hair — proof that there’s no one universal style. But according to Jo, there is one key mistake to avoid.
‘For those with fine hair, we generally recommend avoiding too many layers,’ she says. 'They can reduce the appearance of density and make the ends look wispy.’
Instead, she recommends opting for a fuller, solid shape. ‘Keeping the hair fuller will help create the illusion of thicker, healthier-looking hair while maintaining body and movement.’
My hair has become frizzy, how do I combat this?
Grey hairs aren’t the only sign of time – our hair texture can change with age, too. It’s not uncommon for strands to become dry, coarse and frizzy. The good news? Jo says smoothing treatments can help make this more manageable.
There are two types of treatments Jo recommends, depending on the finish you’re looking for and how long you want the results to last. Both of which can be booked at her own salon, located in the heart of Mayfair.
The first is hair botox. Don’t worry, despite the name, there’s not a needle in sight. ‘The treatment doesn’t involve botulinum toxin or injections,’ Jo clarifies. ‘The term refers to its ability to “fill in” damaged areas of the hair fibre, much like skincare treatments help plump the skin.’
It won’t alter your natural texture, but rather focuses on hydration. She explains that the treatment is formulated with a cocktail of collagen, proteins, amino acids and nourishing oils, which work hard to hydrate and repair the hair. ‘It deeply hydrates, repairs and smooths, reducing frizz while enhancing softness, shine and overall hair health.’
For longer-lasting results, Jo suggests a keratin treatment. ‘Here, we infuse the hair with keratin to smooth the cuticle, reduce volume and humidity-induced frizz, and create a sleeker, straighter finish.’ It can be particularly useful for those with longer hair, as it can significantly cut down daily styling time.
How do I restore shine in mature hair?
Beyond a change in texture, ageing hair can lose its youthful gleam, too. According to Jo, restoring shine starts with hydration.
‘If your hair is looking dull or lacking its usual shine, it may need a nourishing boost to restore moisture, smooth the cuticle and enhance light reflection for a beautiful, glossy finish,’ she says.
At home, Jo recommends the Kérastase Gloss Absolu Glaze Drops. ‘These drops are the perfect finishing touch, and give you instant shine. It smooths flyaways and leaves hair with a luminous, mirror-like finish, without weighing it down.’
Kérastase Gloss Absolu Hair Gloss Oil Glaze Drops
You can take it a step further in the salon chair. Here, Jo says a K18 molecular repair treatment can work wonders. ‘This is brilliant for damaged or colour-treated hair. K18 works at a molecular level to help repair broken keratin chains caused by colouring, heat and chemical services. After, hair feels stronger, softer and more resilient, with improved shine from within.’
What can I do for over-processed, damaged hair?
Here at GH, we’ll always champion embracing your greys (hello, Andie MacDowell). But for those who aren’t quite ready, hair dye certainly comes in handy. Unfortunately, regular colouring and bleaching can take a toll on your strands.
‘If your hair feels damaged, the key is to repair, replenish and protect,’ says Jo. ‘The right combination of in-salon treatments and expert homecare can make all the difference.’
While professional treatments can help, what you do between appointments matters just as much.
‘Your routine at home is just as important,’ Jo says. Start by looking at your shower habits. ‘Using a salon professional shampoo, conditioner, a nourishing weekly mask will help maintain your results and prevent further damage,’ she tells GH.
Protecting your hair against heat will go a long way, too. Jo recommends investing in the Kérastase Résistance Ciment Thermique. ‘This is a strengthening blow-dry cream that protects against heat while reinforcing weakened hair, helping to reduce breakage and leave hair feeling smoother, stronger and more resilient between appointments,’ she explains.
Kérastase Resistance Ciment Thermique
If it’s good enough for royalty, it’s certainly enough to convince us.
