Who says older women can’t rock long hair? Sarah Jessica Parker proves they can

It would be fair to say that Sarah Jessica Parker’s hair in And Just Like That is a star in its own right. It’s also a reminder of just how versatile long hair is, whether it’s tousled waves, cascades of curls, embellished plaits, poker-straight blow-dries, ponytails, French twists or slick topknots. Why would you ever go short with this array of styling options?

At 58, Parker is leading the charge of older women embracing longer hair. Her locks are tended to by celebrity stylist Serge Normant and colourist Gina Gilbert, who gives SJP phenomenal balayage that makes her hair look sexier than ever, whether it’s undone or done up. But, as with all things beauty, time and energy go into keeping long locks in peak condition. It’s all about maintenance.

London-based celebrity hairstylist Tom Smith says all you need to emulate Parker’s signature textured beach waves is a 19-millimetre hair tong (try Silver Bullet’s Fastlane Gold 19mm Curling Iron, $90), a wide-tooth comb (Evo Fabuloso Detangling Comb, $10) and some texture spray (Living Proof Full Dry Volume and Texture Spray, $58).

It all begins with smooth, blow-dried hair, which can sometimes be an exercise in itself. To get this initial look, use a smoothing serum with a large paddle brush. (You could easily leave it here and change it up on day two by wearing it in a high or low bun.) From there, you can go on to create the tousled look by taking small sections of hair, starting from the front, and wrapping them around a hair tong, always curling the hair away from the face. “Pull the curl downwards with fingers while it’s still warm to create that straighter wave,” says Smith. To finish, add the texture spray and then comb it though using a wide-tooth comb.

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While we are on the subject, other long-hair icons over the age of 50 include Demi Moore, 60, who usually wears her hair poker-straight, and Diana Ross, 79, whose natural curls are timeless and perfectly shaped around her face to create softness (to tame hair this textured, try Moroccanoil Original Oil, $75).

Then there’s Nicole Kidman, 56, who wears the half-up style with aplomb, her natural waves picked up at the back and some volume added to the crown at the roots (try R+Co Aircraft Pomade Mousse, $54). Kidman’s long tresses are cut into face-framing layers that look youthful and add lots of texture.

For those wanting to grow their hair, condition is queen. Try Vegamour Gro Hair Serum ( $64), which is targeted at longer hair.