Is long hair past the shoulders still appropriate after 40?
Lately, several celebrities over 40, like Jennifer Aniston and Kristin Chenoweth, have opted for shorter hairstyles. Aniston went for a bob simply out of boredom, while Chenoweth chose a pixie cut, inspired by Charlize Theron and her upcoming roles. Seeing these changes made me wonder—does long hair still suit women over 40?
The question isn’t just about age but also about practicality. Does long hair still work in professional settings? Does it complement our changing facial features? And let’s not forget the little annoyances—like getting strands stuck in lip gloss on a windy day.
This debate isn’t new. Some believe long hair at any age is beautiful and a personal choice—if you love it, keep it! Others argue that it can appear unprofessional or that some women hold onto long hair as a security blanket, using it to hide behind.
Personally, I don’t see long hair after 40 as an issue—at least not in terms of professionalism. The real challenge is convenience, which applies at any age. My relationship with my long hair is a mix of love and frustration.
Most days, I wear it in a ponytail. I’ve woken up in pain after rolling onto it in my sleep. I’ve accidentally shut it in car windows. I can even picture myself in a decade with hair long enough to spark neighborhood rumors about me being a witch.
And don’t get me started on the little annoyances—strands getting stuck in lip gloss, hair catching on coffee mugs. Moments like these make me consider a drastic change, pinning my hair up and imagining a fresh new look.
But who am I kidding? I’ll probably keep it as is, embracing both the perks and the frustrations. My hair doesn’t define my professionalism, no matter my age. I love how I can style it in different ways, the way it flips in a ponytail, and how it smells like fresh flowers—even if it occasionally sticks to my lip gloss.
That said, if I have to pull another strand out of my latte, I might just lose it. And let’s be honest—throwing a muffin in frustration wouldn’t be the most professional move for a woman my age.
What do you think? Is there an age when long hair stops being practical or stylish? Share your thoughts!