Long Hair Rebels: Why I’ll Never Cut My Hair Just Because I’m Getting Older

Fashion designer Carolina Herrera once claimed that women over 40 shouldn’t wear their hair long, calling it “messy and ridiculous.” She added that women need to “age gracefully.”

Well, she’s absolutely entitled to her opinion—but I respectfully (and strongly) disagree.

Long, healthy hair is timeless. In fact, when well cared for, it can make you look not only youthful but vibrant and a little edgy. Just look at Salma Hayek rocking her luscious mane in her 50s, or Catherine, Princess of Wales, still flaunting long, glossy locks at nearly 40. Around the world, women of all ages wear their hair long—and beautifully.

So yes, over-40s with long hair? Yes, please. Someone should’ve reminded Carolina that people are entitled to their own opinions—but not their own facts.

If there’s one compliment I consistently get from strangers—no matter where I am in the world—it’s this: “You have such beautiful hair. What do you do?”

So, I’m sharing what works for me: a mix of lucky genetics, consistency, and a few tried-and-true rituals that help keep long hair shiny, strong, and full of life.

My Hair Care Routine: Simple, Natural, and Effective

🥥 Pre-wash Oil Treatment

The night before I wash my hair, I massage it with coconut oil or extra virgin olive oil—both rich in fatty acids and antioxidants. Coconut oil penetrates the hair shaft, reducing protein loss and preventing breakage. Olive oil adds softness and shine. I leave it on overnight and rinse it out the next morning with lukewarm water and a gentle shampoo.

🌞 Dry it Naturally (Bonus Points for Sunlight!)

Whenever the weather allows, I skip the hairdryer and let my hair dry naturally in the sun. Air-drying prevents heat damage and helps retain moisture. If it’s winter or damp outside, I’ll use a dryer on a low heat setting—sparingly.

💁‍♀️ Styling Without Heat

Once dry, I loosely braid my hair and keep it like that for a few hours. The result? Soft, bouncy, natural waves without a single hot tool. Overuse of straighteners and curlers can make even the best hair look stringy, dry, and brittle over time. Less is more.

My Hair Rules

I’ve never followed a complicated hair regime. Most of what I do is quite simple, and some of it comes from things I learned from my mother and family when I was growing up.

1. Use a shampoo that works for you

I tend to choose gentle shampoos and avoid products that leave my hair feeling dry or coated. I don’t think there is one perfect shampoo for everyone. The right one is the one that works for your hair and scalp.

2. Don’t wash it every day

I don’t wash my hair every day. For me, a couple of times a week works well, although everyone’s hair is different. If your hair or scalp needs washing more often, wash it. There are no prizes for going around with greasy hair!

3. Avoid very hot water

I wash my hair with lukewarm water rather than very hot water. Very hot showers can leave my hair feeling dry, so I keep the temperature comfortable.

4. Try an old-fashioned hair mask

One of my favourite remedies comes from my childhood: egg yolk and olive oil. I mix an egg yolk with a little olive oil, leave it on for around 30 minutes and then wash it out thoroughly.

It’s an old-fashioned remedy rather than some miracle treatment, but I’ve always liked the way my hair feels afterwards.

5. Give your hair a break from heat

Whenever I can, I let my hair dry naturally. If the weather isn’t playing ball, I’ll use a hairdryer on a low heat setting. I also try not to use straighteners or curling irons unless I really want to.

After all, why spend years growing your hair only to fry it every morning?

6. If you colour it, give it some extra care

I’ve added highlights over the years and I’ve also gone completely natural again. Coloured hair can need extra conditioning, so I try to look after it and avoid piling on too much heat styling at the same time.

My approach has always been pretty simple: less is more.

Long Hair Over 40: A Global Standard of Beauty

In many cultures, long hair well into older age is a sign of vitality, femininity, and pride.

• In Bolivia, Indigenous women wear their thick black hair in long, elegant plaits.

• In India, women of all ages often have long, glossy hair—thanks to natural oils and Ayurvedic care traditions.

• My own mother, a graceful blonde in her 70s, still has long hair—and it makes her look youthful, carefree, and full of personality.

👩‍🦳 What About Grey Hair?

Some women embrace their silver strands; others prefer to cover them. Either way, hair dye—especially permanent dye—can be drying and damaging. So, if you color your hair:

• Deep condition regularly.

• Use color-safe, sulfate-free shampoos.

• Try temporary or semi-permanent color to reduce damage.

Healthy hair isn’t about age—it’s about how you treat it. Good genes help, but consistent care is what keeps hair glowing over time. Let your hair breathe. Give it breaks from styling and chemicals. And don’t let society’s outdated rules tell you how you should look.

Your hair doesn’t stop being beautiful at 30, 40, or even 70. The idea that long hair is only for the young is outdated—and honestly, a bit sexist.

Whether you’ve got curls, waves, or pin-straight strands, the most important thing is that you feel good about your hair. Look after it with love and care, and it will look after you.

Long hair rebels? Yes, we exist—and we’re thriving.

Fin

Never a bad hair day