Long hair over 40?

There used to be all sorts of silly fashion/appearance rules that were once strictly upheld, and have now fallen by the way-side. As long as some taste is involved, navy can be worn with black, white can be worn in the winter, and yes-- women over the age of 40 can have long hair.

Once determined too girlish, many women of a certain age are now embracing the long-haired styles that used to be deemed inappropriate for them. Bo Derek (age 54), Diane Lane (age 46), Iman (age 55), Jane Seymour (age 59), and a slew of other recognizable celebs over the age of 40, look younger, and better than ever by sporting a hair-style that is synonymous with youth, vitality, and health. 

Hair experts agree that as long as your hair looks healthy and is worn in a style flattering to your face, your age has no impact on the length your hair should be. Things to keep in mind (regardless of age) to guarantee healthy looking long hair: 

Long hair is old hair-- anything past your clavicle is at least two years old, and has already been exposed to it's fair share of heat damage, environmental damage, and natural wear & tear. To protect this fragile hair, serious TLC is needed, starting with the way you brush. Although it might seem counter-intuitive, it is imperative to brush your hair starting from the bottom up. It reduces hair breakage to untangle any knots at the bottom of your hair, as opposed to starting at the top of your head and pulling the hair through knots, breaking and ripping your hairs in the process. 

Also, to prevent the ends of these older hairs from splitting and breaking, trims are recommended every other month. (According to an old French tradition, it is believed to strengthen the hair when its cut on the day of a full moon.) 

Deep conditioning treatments should also be used regularly to help protect the more fragile hair-ends. Hair experts recommend applying a deep conditioner at least once a week. Allow it to really sink in by either sleeping with the conditioner in the hair, or by blow-drying the hair to let the heat open the hair follicle and really absorb the conditioner. The more moisture added to the hair, the shinier, healthier, and stronger each strand looks. 

Stress, diet, and even hormonal changes can all impact the way your hair grows. The average person experiences a half inch of hair growth per month, however  Viviscal diet supplements contain a unique blend of fish cartilage, vitamins, and cherry extract that promise to grow your hair longer, faster. (As a bonus, Viviscal also reduces the amount of hairs that are lost on a daily basis, and strengthens your nails and eye-lashes.) 

Women from all walks of life, throughout history, have embraced the idea of long hair, and this is a hair-style that will never go out of fashion as it is a timeless symbol of femininity and beauty. When it comes to long hair, your age isn't the issue-- the health of your hair is. Nurture and nourish your hair, and you can have shiny, luscious locks cascading down your back forever.