How to wear long hair at any age
Hair trends are an interesting thing - extensions, cropped short to a bob or coloured, there's a myriad of things we can do to change our look. But long hair is definitely having a moment - with celebrities such as Nicole Kidman, Madonna and Demi Moore all donning the hairstyle. But how to style it?
In a study by hair brand Milk + Blush in April 2021, which looked into the hairstyles people in the UK have been searching for the most since salons reopened, hair extensions took the top spot, followed by the mullet and curtain bangs.
Long, blonde and waved in all the right places, Nicole Kidman's waist-length locks are the poster child for Bondi Beach hair, if ever there was one. A nod perhaps to where the drama unravels as well as her Big Little Lies' character's alluring appeal, as the woman seemingly ready to reinvigorate tired minds and bodies.
Since earlier this year, Madonna has been sporting a centre-parted sleek long blonde mane and has posted enough content on Instagram to make us follow suit. Meanwhile, Demi Moore's unfaltering and envious lengths continue to impress. Even Brad Pitt got in on the action, let's not forget his dirty blonde manbun at The Oscars (a fabulous way to debut serious lockdown hair growth).
Celebrity hairstylist and owner of Soho’s SALON64, Ricky Walters, reveals that long hair is indeed on the up. "In our Soho salon, we are not only seeing a rise in long hair but an increase in statement hair. What better way to make a statement than white-blonde, long beachy locks," he says.
"Extensions have never looked better or been easier to apply. Ten years ago, a head of extensions looked fake and artificial. Extensions have come a long way since then and clients love nothing more than walking in with a bob and walking out of the salon with boho waves to their waist."
But what of the unwritten (and downright ridiculous) rules that encourage the over 40s to chop off their hair after a certain point? "For some bizarre reason, there is a myth that says as you get older you must go shorter with your hair. This is not true! More often than not, this can scream 'mum' and have the opposite effect. Long locks ooze youth and gives plenty of fun, lighthearted styling options from loose ponytails to plaits. Shorter hair is often much more structured and strict."
The free-flowing nature of longer hair is also far softer on most faces, Ricky notes. "Framing the face with long hair adds a level of femininity, and adding a statement blonde to this is eye catching and glamorous."
Rather than outdated, 'pretty' hairstyles, Ricky adds that being braver with your hair choice with length is much more in keeping with the current trend for looks that pack boldness.
If you're in the market for maintaining length, Ricky advises that at your next salon visit a thorough consultation showing exactly how much will be cut off is key. Keeping the haircut blunt at the ends will allow you to enjoy long healthy hair without having to remove lots at a time. Also, keep the layers longer and in proportion to the cut length.
When taking care of long hair at home, pay attention to colour. "British water from our taps is your hair's worst enemy and can fade and dry out even the toughest heads of hair. HelloKlean, £60, is a clip-on water filter which removes all the unpleasantries from your taps and is proven to make hair softer and your colour shine."
A moisturising shampoo for most coloured long hair is also key. Ensure the shampoo is nourishing and hydrating, this means you'll have to take a break from any strengthening shampoos as these can make hair brittle over time. Then, apply conditioner and comb the hair through, try to leave the conditioner on to soak in over time before rinsing. For very dry, long hair, towel dry your tresses before applying the conditioner as wet hair can dilute the product.
As for styling, Ricky says, "waves and curls equal softness and fun. Don't over style the hair. Work with the imperfections and don't go too strict and structured. Think, more Kate Moss and less Kate Middleton. Using a wand like Cloud Nine's The Curling Wand, £99, wrap the hair loosely around the wand and rake through at the end for your desired boho wave."
Simple.
