Amelia Yeomans
Long hairstyles will never go out of style, so forget that hackneyed rule that says you have to chop it all off when you hit 40. With the right cut and care, either looks fabulous at every age.
The trick is getting the right style for long hair and making sure your hair is in great condition. Blow drying with your best hair dryer is crucial, as is using heat protection for hair, the best shampoo and conditioner, and visiting your salon for regular trims. Getting rid of the notion that short haircuts over 40 are mandatory, more women than ever women are embracing length with back-grazing styles.
"Long hair is definitely a trend. I think the past few years have given people a lot more time to think about their look and where they want to take it. For people considering growing out haircuts or pushing to get the longer hair they have always wanted, this has been the year to do it," says Jonathan Andrew, Fudge Professional Global Brand Ambassador. We've curated our pick of the most flattering long hairstyles, from blunt bangs to flattering face-framing layers.
The 32 best long hairstyles for women
1. Shiny curls
Oh to have the shiny locks of Amal Clooney! This gorgeous vintage inspired style is curled to perfection. Be sure to use regular hair masks and a shine spray if you want to recreate this look.
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2. Natural grey
Actress Andie MacDowell, who recently revealed she's embracing her grey hair, always has fantastic locks, whether she wears them in a bouncy blow dry or her natural curls.
3. Smudged roots
Actror and red carpet stunner Margot Robbie makes a pretty good case for showing off some roots. She pairs her smudgy root area with a stunning blonde, which is then styled in sleek S-shaped waves. If you have a curling iron on hand, this is one of the best times to break it out.
4. Tight curls
Perfectly oval face shapes like Sandra Oh can get away with most looks, but a tightly curled, side-parted long hairstyle softens up her features even more and provides a bit of a youthful punch. Strategic auburn lowlights break up her dark colour and give her ringlets some dimension.
5. Natural coils
Actor Naomie Harris' hairstyle is almost all one length, which works perfectly with those beautiful natural curls. That length creates weight that 'pulls' the hair so the curls sit nicely at the top and are allowed to be bouncy and beautiful at the ends. Subtle highlights accentuate the ends, giving them extra definition.
6. Glamorous side parting
Lucy Liu shows how to make long hair look ultra special without having to spend hours piling it up on top of your head. With a heavy side part that oozes glamour, and a very subtle wave swept to the side, she accentuates her face shape while showing off those flowing locks. Shine is crucial here, so try misting a gloss spray on a brush and running it down your hair to finish the style.
7. Voluminous curls
Tennis great Serena Williams showcases long, natural curls that have lots of definition and lightweight movement towards the end. Those with natural curls can emulate the look by doing a wash-and-go style (we have a curly girl method for guidance) and do best to ask your stylist for a cut with some layering at the ends to break up any heaviness. A high-contrast color like this showstopping honey-copper is also wildly flattering on deeper skintones.
8. Shiny copper
There's something about Aussie actress Isla Fisher's shiny copper locks that always take center stage. Typically styled in a classic, middle-parted wave, we surmise it's the expertly applied highlights and lowlights that give her signature color a lot of sexy dimension. Subtle ear-length layers also give the look a bit more swing and movement.
9. Extra-long curls
Supermodel Naomi Campbell pulls off waist-length hair like nobody else. Here they are curled around a large barrel tong, from the cheekbone down for beautiful, modern glamour. If you are considering an ultra long hairstyle (extensions or otherwise) bear in mind this is a high maintenance look, so regular trims, moisturizing masks and good blow dry tips are all your friends.
10. C-shape cut
We've all probably tried to copy Jen's hair at some point, haven't we? The reason her 'do always looks good is because she knows what suits her, from that expensive-looking "bronde" shade, to this sleek cut with face-framing layers that hit right around her jaw for a flattering shape.
11. Money pieces
A blonde is anything but basic on model-turned-beauty entrepreneur Rosie Huntington-Whitely, who opts for trendy "money piece" highlights on either side of her face to open up her features. Emulate this red carpet-worthy look with loose waves and lots of shine serum.
12. Sleek up-do
Catherine always brings the glamour, and this swept up style is pure Hollywood. Her ultra-long dark hair is puled back from her face perfectly displaying her facial features, then swept to the side and cascaded down one shoulder. This style is a modern and unique take on the usual updo or ponytail, and although it might require some skill to master at home would be a fabulous choice for a party.
13. Micro-thin highlights
Fan of a straight-haired look but want to oomph it up? Take a page out of Oscar winner Reese Witherspoon's book and ask for micro-thin highlights the next time you're in the salon: They look amazingly natural against blown-out locks and instantly elevate even the most casual of hairstyles.
14. Glamorous curls
Kate Middleton's signature blowdry has long been our hair inspiration, but her look recently has been all about incorporating huge, glamorous curls into her long hair. You can bet we'll be trying this out for ourselves at home using hot rollers and plenty of hairspray.
15. Super long waves
We love how often Meghan Markle changes her style and we particularly adore these super-long glamorous waves. The centre-parting looks very modern and allows her long locks and shaggy fringe to fall down and flatter her face, then loose curls finish off the look beautifully.
16. Structured waves
Not satisfied with having the most glorious hair color in the industry, Julianne Moore is also giving us hair envy with this style. The modern middle parting and cool slightly angular waves look fresh and youthful. To copy the look, read our guide on how to curl hair with straighteners next.
17. Old Hollywood style
Nicole Kidman is no stranger to red carpet glam, and this Old Hollywood style is right up there in terms of classic staples. She breaks up the usual middle-part take by doing a side-swept version of big-barreled curls, which can be achieved with a 1.5" curling iron. New to the world of curling tools? Our roundup of the best curling irons should help get you started.
18. Super straight middle part
SJP is another celeb who has stuck with her signature long hairstyle for decades, and it's working as well now as ever. Preferring a center part, Sarah tends to keep her lengths sleek but relaxed. Instead of ironing the life out of your hair, consider one of the best hair straightener brushes instead.
19. XXL shine
Demi is known for her amazing long, shiny hair, and tends to keep it pretty understated on the styling front. If you find you prefer your long hair to one side and poker straight, like Demi, keep it that way. Or, if you prefer having it up, make that your signature style. It's certainly worked for Demi all these years!
20. Sophisticated middle part
Penélope Cruz is another star who has had her signature long hairstyle for years, and looks incredible however she wears her hair. Here it's kept poker straight and ultra shiny - don't forget your heat protectant if you're recreating this look!
21. Feathery bangs
Okay, so we may not all be supermodels, but we can all take inspiration from from Heidi's relaxed long hair cut. These shaggy bangs look brilliant and modern and are surprisingly low maintenance compared with heavier options.
22. Super healthy shine
The reason Sofia's signature hair looks so good is because it looks so healthy. Those ends speak of regular trims and that shine can only be achieved with plenty of TLC. Don't get tempted to skip cuts and blast your hair on the highest heat just because you're growing it - pin this picture on your mirror and think care, care, care.
23. Swooping bangs
This shaped, choppy cut is perfect for adding more texture to your look. We love how Gemma has gone for a side-sweeping bangs style that creates effortless volume. Shiny and healthy, this is a beautiful and full long hairstyle.
24. Bouncy big curls
Nothing beats a soft curl. Salma's gorgeous black hair colour makes any style look good but this one really shows off how thick and healthy her hair is. Recreate it by using heated rollers or a wide-barrel curler for best results.
25. Headband accessorising
Hairbands look good on any hair length but they can really liven up longer hairstyles. Take inspiration from Helen Mirren and match your accessory to your outfit to make your hairstyle really stand out.
26. Frizzy waves
Beyoncé is one of the first people we turn to for long hair inspiration. This bouncy, curly look embraces natural frizz for a truly glam and distinctive finish that pulls her whole ensemble together.
27. Lived-in shine
For everyday hair inspiration, look no further. The soft wave and movement throughout Angelia Jolie's hair will serve you well for absolutely any occasion. A little more interesting than a straight style, this has a cool lived-in feel.
28. Pin-straight side part
A side parting is a brilliant way to give a pin-straight hairstyle some more interest. From the caramel colour to the sleek finish, this is a great long hairstyle to recreate if you have extra long and healthy hair.
29. Textured waves
These tighter waves have a relaxed boho vibe that will suit all hair colours and lengths, but it looks expecially good on extra long locks. Use a salt spray before styling for added texture and an extra beachy finish.
30. Rapunzel length
We always get serious hair envy from Shakira and this look just proves why. It's not easy to have hair this long that also looks beautifully shiny and full of colour, but she's managed it. Keep up on using the best hair masks to ensure your locks stay in top condition.
31. Sophisticated curls
Middle parted curls will always look effortlessly chic. Create your curls in opposite directions to achieve more texture and volume without the need for excessive amounts of hairspray or styling products.
32. Textured yet tamed waves
Sitting between straight and wavy, Sandra's long hairstyle has a perfect lived-in feel. The warm highlights work beautifully to complement her skintone too. Use a texturising spray to capture her cool, stylish look.
