How to pull off long hair over 50: Experts reveal the celebs proving you CAN have lengthy locks in midlife - and the mistakes that look 'flat, harsh and drab'

For generations, women of a certain age have chopped their hair short, driven by the old-fashioned belief that long hair inevitably becomes too thin and dull.But now, lengthy locks in midlife are everywhere on the red carpet, with A-listers like Demi Moore, Andie MacDowell, and Nicole Kidman who are nearly just as famous for their signature flowing manes as they are their Hollywood careers.Olivia Colman is the latest celebrity over 50 to embrace thick, flowing hair, recently trading in her signature brunette pixie cut for a completely new look of chest-length, natural grey curls as she kicks off the press tour for her upcoming movie, Wicker.While the bob remains a classic choice for mature women, it's evident that long hair is no longer the no-go it once was.For those looking to hold on to their lengthy locks, celebrity hairdresser Andrew Barton and hair expert Charlotte O'Flanagan have thankfully provided trusted tips and tricks to The Daily Mail.According to Andrew, irrespective of the age-old myth, women in fact 'can wear their hair long throughout their life, as long as they abide by three golden rules' - optimum health, investment in quality haircare and multi-dimensional hair colour.Here, you can discover the essential do's and don'ts to ensure your hair becomes your greatest asset – rather than a lifeless addition in midlife...Don't shy away from your grey hairs Andrew and Charlotte are clear that embracing your grey hair, like actress Olivia Colman, is key to promoting a youthful and authentic look Andie's choice to embrace her grey locks has helped to elevate, rather than detract from, her youthful look, explains AndrewAs women age, the odd grey hair is certainly inevitable. But Andrew and Charlotte are clear that embracing your grey hair is key to promoting a youthful and authentic look. Charlotte says: 'Right now, grey blending is a major trend, with more women choosing to work with their natural colour rather than against it, creating a softer, more seamless and contemporary finish.'Who's doing this well: Andie MacDowellAndie's choice to embrace her grey locks has helped to elevate, rather than detract from, her youthful look, explains Andrew.He adds: 'Embracing grey hair impeccably styled scores on the style stakes. Andie's hair is beautifully chic with grey blending hair colour techniques used to ensure the hair shines and is defined in colour.'Keep hair in optimum health Michelle Pfeiffer is a perfect example of a celebrity who has managed to achieve hair that is 'tousled and textured with a little bit of volume', according to celebrity hair stylist Andrew Barton Australian model Elle Macpherson displays her long hair According to Andrew, moisture is the 'holy grail' of haircare in older age, meaning 'moisture-rich haircare is a top tip'.He said: 'Don’t leave conditioning masks at the back of the bathroom cupboard.'Instead, use them religiously to bathe the hair in moisture-rich ingredients that will add shine and vitality to longer lengths.'Who's doing this well: Michelle PfeifferMichelle Pfeiffer is a perfect example of a celebrity who has managed to achieve hair that is 'tousled and textured with a little bit of volume', says Andrew.He adds: 'Off-the-face hair is always more flattering than poker-straight hair. 'The beach sun-kissed highlights add texture and movement to the hair and is an anti-ageing trick I use at the salon.' Invest in good quality haircare at least four times a year Gwyneth Paltrow's side-swept hairstyle has become a signature look that's healthy, fresh and youthful Andrew says Demi Moore's 'super long' locks have achieved a vibrant look by being 'flipped to one side', which adds a 'full, bouncy effect' Long-haired looks have proven immensely popular on the red carpet recently, with A-listers such as Demi Moore and Brooke Shields showing off their lengthy locks While a trip to the salon may seem somewhat tiresome, Andrew is clear that investing in good quality haircare is the key to looking youthful. He explains: 'Subtle layering should also be used to trim every single split and tired end. 'One-length hair barely even suits youth, so opt for face-framing layering that will flatter the features. When pushed back away from the face, it will add soft volume.'Who's doing this well: Demi Moore Demi Moore's 'super long' locks have achieved a vibrant look by being 'flipped to one side', says Andrew, which adds a 'full bouncy effect'.'Demi's hair gently tucked behind one ear elongates the face shape and shows off the cheekbones, which is super youthful and flattering.' Make use of colour Andrew firmly says hair colour remains an integral part of a 'beauty regime' by adding 'multi-dimensional tones' - as seen on Nicole Kidman - to ensure your locks look 'interesting and not drab' Actress Julia Roberts serves as a 'perfect example of how radiant and vibrant hair colour can be worn to knock off the years'For those seeking longer hair in older age, colour is your ultimate best friend. Indeed, Andrew firmly says hair colour remains an integral part of a 'beauty regime' by adding 'multi-dimensional tones' to ensure your locks look 'interesting and not drab'.For those perhaps feeling slightly less adventurous, even a simple 'scattering of fine woven high or low lights can make such a difference'.He says: 'More and more woman at the salon are opting for grey blending – a softer option than full parma tint.'Who's doing this well: Julia Roberts Actress Julia Roberts serves as a 'perfect example of how radiant and vibrant hair colour can be worn to knock off the years,' according to Andrew.'Glossy shining with health and the gently waved ripples all add to a hair look filled with vitality.'Embrace change - including layers and fringes Jerry Hall is 'known for her golden mane of hair and her signature flip', says celebrity hairdresser Andrew Soft layering and feathering - as seen on Sarah Jessica Parker - are great ways to maintain length while keeping the overall look fresh and modern Sofia Vergara showcases her long, layered locksWhile potentially scary at first, change is crucial to ensure that your hair remains looking 'fresh and youthful'. Yet subtle changes, rather than drastic alterations, can have the biggest impact. According to Charlotte O'Flanagan, owner of Charlotte Paints Hair Studio, 'techniques such as soft layering, feathering and adding a fringe or bang are great ways to maintain length while keeping the overall look fresh and modern'. She explains: 'Hair that appears youthful tends to have dimension and variation in tone, whereas a single, flat all-over colour can look harsh and is often associated with at-home box dyes used to cover greys.'Andrew adds: 'Change to your hair is needed every few years to keep things looking fresh and youthful – either the way the hair is blowdried or styled and subtle tweaks to keep the hair look fresh and not dated.'Who's doing this well: Jerry HallAndrew says: 'Known for her golden mane of hair and her signature flip to one side, Jerry's hair is eternally classic and never dates either her hair or her total look.'