Long Hair After 40

• Hairstylist Bill Angst explains how to wear long hair after 40 in this reader consultation.
• Her top recommendation: versatile layers, with or without bangs.
• Want a consultation about your hair? Read more here.

Q: Hi Bill, I recently cut my long hair to medium length, and I don’t like it. Stylists always want to take my hair up, because I have a small face with small features. I have to admit, this short style is easy to pull off and feels healthy, but I think I’m more of a long hair girl.

In many ways, I stick to the hair I had “back in the day.” I was a model for 13 years, and my hair was in my bra strap. It was a lot of work, but worth it. I’m not sure I have the time or the youth for that anymore.

I left this industry five years ago to raise our children. I have two boys (ages 2 and 5), and my hair got better after each pregnancy—it was dry, frizzy, and falling out. So, over the years it has been getting shorter and shorter.

I want to find a new, manageable, fun and classic style that will take me into my 40s. Can you help me get my Life Cut?! — Rebecca

A: Rebecca, thank you for sending your consultation request. You can absolutely wear long hair after 40. However, I don’t think there is a “Life Cut” for you because you have natural resources to try many different hairstyles.

If you find yourself longing for long hair again, I say go for it. Long, healthy, well-maintained hair is beautiful at any age. As long as you stick with a regular haircut, and don’t overdo it with heat styling, I see no reason why you can’t rock long hair.

As for your current mid-length cut, I think what you might not like about it is that it’s all one length. So first, I would suggest adding long layers:

I would also do a long, cheekbone-length fringe:

This will give you more movement and softness to your face.

You mentioned that your long hair was a lot of work before. With this cut, you won’t need to be too precious about your style, as it will look great with some natural texture.

The long fringe can be parted down the middle like curtain bangs, or parted to one side for side-swept bangs:

Note the smooth style here, which you can achieve by airbrushing with a round brush.

After this, if you decide that the fringe is not for you, then you can easily increase it until it meets the other layers.

If your hair is officially long again, consider shedding more weight with these versatile, sharp layers that start at your bones:

Also, not much styling is needed because the natural texture you have, the better. These layers look great especially with the middle part.

Here’s the fastest option with blunt ends:

This can be quite a task, depending on how much customization you want to do. However, a smooth surface will help reflect light and reflect the natural shine of your hair.

At this point, your style options are endless—dress it up or down, flip your part, tuck it behind your ears….

You didn’t ask about your color, but these simple, warm ends with your natural dark roots would be a great look for you.

If you have reached this length, I would encourage you to revisit the bangs. Here’s the thick, blunt style:

These are slightly softer, with a slightly rounded shape:

Pushed to one side:

With your bone structure, you can pull off these short bangs for kids:

I hope this gives you a lot of inspiration for many long hairstyles and styles that can look good on you.

Product Selection

L’Ange Le Styliste Luxury Salon Dryer

The L’Ange Le Styliste Luxury Salon Dryer is a powerful, lightweight ionic hair dryer with a quiet motor that dries hair four times faster than an average dryer.

Wet Brush Volume & Round Body Brush

The Wet Brush Volume & Body Round Brush features a ceramic barrel and ultra-soft bristles that smooth the hair cuticle without pulling or pulling back.

ghd Original Professional Styler

The ghd Original Professional Styler is an inch ceramic flat iron that creates straight styles quickly, without excessive heat.

Kristin Ess 3-In-One Flat Iron

The Kristin Ess 3-In-One Flat Iron is a multi-tasking flat iron that not only straightens, but can also create loose or polished waves.

Multiple Student Hair Consultations