Let It Grow!

40 plus woman with long hair - Elizabeth Hurley — Elizabeth Hurley - Photo: Everett Collection/Shutterstock

A Look at Long Hair and the Mature Woman

We’ve all heard the theory that a woman past a certain age should never wear long hair, but should rather have a more age-appropriate hairstyle. Of course, what is considered "age appropriate"? The truth is that in today's world, age is little more than a number and should have no bearing on a person's sense of style. Just look at these mature women with long hair:

Elizabeth Hurley (41) – At 41, Ms. Hurley (Austin Powers: International Man of Mystery, Bedazzled) is entering the category of "mature women," but that hasn't slowed her down. She is still sought after as an actress and model, and her long hair shows she's still vibrant and downright attractive.

Bernadette Peters (59) – While Bernadette Peters will long be remembered for her role in the Steve Martin comedy, The Jerk, she has made a name for herself as a true performer on the Broadway stage. She has won two Tony Awards and been nominated for five others. With her trademark curls, Ms. Peters is still a stunning woman at 59.

50 plus woman with long hair - Bernadette Peters — Bernadette Peters - Photo: Everett Collection/Shutterstock

40 plus Bebe Neuwirth with long hair — Bebe Neuwirth - Photo: Everett Collection/Shutterstock

Bebe Neuwirth (48) – This 48-year-old actress of TV (Cheers, Frasier) and the Broadway stage (Chicago) is a far cry from the icy character she portrayed on television. Her long sable curls prove that even an older woman can still smolder.

Mature women with long hair - Stevie Nicks — Stevie Nicks - Photo: Kathy Hutchins/Shutterstock

Stevie Nicks (58) – Always one to buck the system and conventions, songstress Stevie Nicks is still one of the most beautiful women in Rock and Roll history. Her long-layered-locks are something even women half her age would envy.

60 plus Susan Sarandon with long hair — Susan Sarandon - Photo: carrie-nelson/Shutterstock

Susan Sarandon (60) – The oldest of the actresses shown here, Susan Sarandon, has played everything from the innocent ingénue in Rocky Horror Picture Show to the sultry older woman in White Palace. Whatever the role, she is an amazing actress and her blazing red hair always starts a fire onscreen.

40 plus Valerie Bertinelli with long hair — Valerie Bertinelli - Photo: Everett Collection/Shutterstock

Valerie Bertinelli (46) – Valerie became a household name as the plucky younger daughter in the groundbreaking sitcom One Day at a Time. Later in her career, she became the "Queen of the TV Movie" and has been considered one of television's most beautiful women. From a beautiful young woman to a gorgeous adult, she still looks astonishing at 46.

No one can look at these women and say that they should not wear their hair long. In fact, these women could wear almost any hairstyle they choose. Their age doesn't matter; their hair is healthy, the color is vibrant, and the styles are flattering. What more does anyone want from their hair?

Why the Change?

So, you may be asking, "Why the change? What makes the rules different now?" The answer is simple. Half a century ago, a woman in her 50s or 60s looked very different than women of similar age do today. They didn't have the medical and cosmetic techniques we now have that help to preserve health and youthful vitality.

These days, we know that things like UV radiation and cigarette smoke can prematurely age the skin and can lead to looking older than one's years, so most women take steps to avoid or counter these factors. We also have cosmetic treatments like laser rejuvenation and Botox therapies to stop the development of fine lines and wrinkles and help to preserve the youthful look of skin.

Because women today look younger for their age, the rules have changed. You don't need to do different things with your hair to draw attention away from other unflattering features, such as frown lines and furrowed brows. Older women can wear their hair long, and the only factor to consider is whether or not the style flatters them.

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