These are the long hairstyles that look most flattering on women over 40, 50, and 60
These celebrities are proof that long hair doesn't have an age limit
As women, ageing can often feel bound to an unwritten set of beauty rules we’re expected to follow. Among them is the idea that, once you reach midlife, shorter hairstyles are somehow deemed more ‘appropriate’ and flattering. It only takes one glance at Demi Moore or Andie MacDowell, to name just two, to bust this myth.
Here at GH, we may admire bobs and pixies, but we think long hair can be just as flattering on women in their 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond. After all, a good haircut is one that suits and works for you — not one that’s expected of you.
‘Long hair doesn’t have an age limit,’ agrees top hairdresser John Vial. ‘The only problem with long hair on older women is when hair doesn’t have a style. It’s just one length and hanging there, dragging the face down.’
He often sees older women chopping off their long hair into a type of bob he calls ‘a death trap’ for most. ‘A mid-length bob that’s heavily layered throughout isn’t the answer – that style looks good on Alexa Chung but it’s a death trap for most women. It often looks dated,’ he says.
‘I think it’s far more flattering to keep hair a bit longer with age, with soft layered pieces that fall around your face when you tie it up. It also makes it easier to get swingy, youthful movement and texture into your hair when you style it.'
As proof, we’ve rounded up our favourite long hairstyles for mature women, as seen on gorgeous celebrities over 40.
Beachy layers
Nicole Kidman’s beachy, textured layers feel perfectly undone, effortless and romantic. It’s a style that works particularly well with her strawberry blonde locks, with light catching the array of colours for a multi-dimensional effect. Ask your stylist for soft layers, and keep a sea salt texture spray at hand.
Supermodel sheen
Cindy Crawford's softly layered hair has bounce and sheen for a youthful look. She's still got the supermodel touch at 60.
Topknot bun
The beauty of long hair lies in its versatility. Wear it cascading down, or experiment with styling, just like Catherine Zeta-Jones. For mature women, you can’t go wrong with a topknot. Pulling the hair upwards can mimic the effect of a facelift — no needles required, just hair ties, bobby pins and hairspray.
Cascading curls
Amal Clooney is responsible for much of our hair envy. Her cascading, bouncy curls, paired with a clever side parting, creates lift at the crown and through the lengths. With long, blended layers, she achieves plenty of movement without losing fullness.
Soft, ombre layers
Layers paired with ombré colour are a match made in hair heaven. JLo's gradual blend from darker roots to caramel ends creates a warm, sunlit glow without the full upkeep that comes with going blonde.
Soft fringe
Fringe fear, begone! At 51, Penélope Cruz proves just how flattering a soft fringe can be on mature women. According to celebrity hairdresser and founder of Haug London Haus, Phillip Haug, fringes can actually soften signs of ageing. ‘A fringe can cover the forehead where we tend to see lines, and focus the gaze to the eyes,’ he explains. Genius.
Natural curls
If you’re a member of the curly hair club, take inspiration from Andie MacDowell. The actress champions her natural hair texture with long, rounded layers. Her curls create natural height — lifting the face for a flattering, modern feel.
Starlet side part
Alison Hammond leans into a Hollywood starlet feel with uniform curls and a deep side part that brings a touch of drama. It’s a style that works beautifully with the soft caramel strands woven through her hair, highlighting movement and bounce.
Face-lifting pony
Much like the topknot, a sleek high pony has face-lifting qualities, too. Salma Hayek’s slicked-back pony, with long lengths cascading past the shoulders, is one to pin to your hairstyle moodboard.
Luscious and sleek
Demi Moore’s waist-skimming locks have become a hallmark of her signature style. By avoiding heavy layering, she keeps fullness through the ends, helping her hair appear thicker and more voluminous.
Blunt curtain bangs
Jameela Jamil has mastered the art of face-framing with her long locks and blunt curtain bangs. The fringe, sitting just above her eyebrows, feels sharp and structured — especially in contrast to her soft waves. It beautifully highlights her natural features in a way that feels fashion-forward and modern.
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