How to get away with long hair over 50, according to experts

For years, women of a certain age have opted for shorter hair due to the longstanding belief that their longer tresses are too thin and lacklustre.

Yet long-haired looks have proven immensely popular on the red carpet recently, with A-listers such as Demi Moore and Brooke Shields showing off their lengthy locks.

While the bob may be making a reappearance, for many approaching midlife, long hair remains a staple part of their identity which they are keen to retain.

Fortunately for those looking to hold on to their lengthy locks, celebrity hairdresser Andrew Barton and hair expert Charlotte O'Flanagan are on-hand to provide their trusted tips and tricks.

According to Andrew, irrespective of the age-old myth, women in fact 'can wear their hair long throughout their life, as long as they abide by three golden rules'.

These fall under the following categories: optimum health, investment in quality haircare and multi-dimensional hair colour.

Yet how does one avoid their hair from looking 'flat' or 'drab' when they don't have regular access to stylists and expensive salons? And, most importantly, which celebrities have successfully mastered the long-haired look?

Here, you can discover the essential top do's and don'ts to ensure your hair becomes your greatest asset – rather than a lifeless addition in midlife...

Keep hair in optimum health

According to Andrew, moisture is the 'holy grail' of haircare in older age, meaning 'moisture-rich haircare is a top tip'.

He said: 'Don’t leave conditioning masks at the back of the bathroom cupboard.

'Instead, use them religiously to bathe the hair in moisture-rich ingredients that will add shine and vitality to longer lengths.'

Who's doing this well: Michelle Pfeiffer

Michelle Pfeiffer is a perfect example of a celebrity who has managed to achieve hair that is 'tousled and textured with a little bit of volume', says Andrew.

He adds: 'Off-the-face hair is always more flattering than poker-straight hair. 

'The beach sun-kissed highlights add texture and movement to the hair and is an anti-ageing trick I use at the salon.' 

Invest in good quality haircare at least four times a year

While a trip to the salon may seem somewhat tiresome, Andrew is clear that investing in good quality haircare is the key to looking youthful. 

He explains: 'Subtle layering should also be used to trim every single split and tired end. 

'One-length hair barely even suits youth, so opt for face-framing layering that will flatter the features. When pushed back away from the face, it will add soft volume.'

Who's doing this well: Demi Moore

Demi Moore's 'super long' locks have achieved a vibrant look by being 'flipped to one side', says Andrew, which adds a 'full bouncy effect'.

'Demi's hair gently tucked behind one ear elongates the face shape and shows off the cheekbones, which is super youthful and flattering.' 

Make use of colour 

For those seeking longer hair in older age, colour is your ultimate best friend. 

Indeed, Andrew firmly says hair colour remains an integral part of a 'beauty regime' by adding 'multi-dimensional tones' to ensure your locks look 'interesting and not drab'.

For those perhaps feeling slightly less adventurous, even a simple 'scattering of fine woven high or low lights can make such a difference'.

He says: 'More and more woman at the salon are opting for grey blending – a softer option than full parma tint.'

Who's doing this well: Julia Roberts 

Actress Julia Roberts serves as a 'perfect example of how radiant and vibrant hair colour can be worn to knock off the years,' according to Andrew.

'Glossy shining with health and the gently waved ripples all add to a hair look filled with vitality.'

Embrace change - including layers and fringes

While potentially scary at first, change is crucial to ensure that your hair remains looking 'fresh and youthful'. 

Yet subtle changes, rather than drastic alterations, can have the biggest impact. 

According to Charlotte O'Flanagan, owner of Charlotte Paints Hair Studio, 'techniques such as soft layering, feathering and adding a fringe or bang are great ways to maintain length while keeping the overall look fresh and modern'. 

She explains: 'Hair that appears youthful tends to have dimension and variation in tone, whereas a single, flat all-over colour can look harsh and is often associated with at-home box dyes used to cover greys.'

Andrew adds: 'Change to your hair is needed every few years to keep things looking fresh and youthful – either the way the hair is blowdried or styled and subtle tweaks to keep the hair look fresh and not dated.'

Who's doing this well: Jerry Hall

Andrew says: 'Known for her golden mane of hair and her signature flip to one side, Jerry's hair is eternally classic and never dates either her hair or her total look.'

Don't shy away from your grey hairs  

As women age, the odd grey hair is certainly inevitable. But Andrew and Charlotte are clear that embracing your grey hair is key to promoting a youthful and authentic look. 

Charlotte says: 'Right now, grey blending is a major trend, with more women choosing to work with their natural colour rather than against it, creating a softer, more seamless and contemporary finish.'

Who's doing this well: Andie MacDowell

Andie's choice to embrace her grey locks has helped to elevate, rather than detract from, her youthful look, explains Andrew.

He adds: 'Embracing grey hair impeccably styled scores on the style stakes. Andie's hair is beautifully chic with grey blending hair colour techniques used to ensure the hair shines and is defined in colour.'