Whether it's an unreasonably high price tag or the possibility of unpleasant side effects, anti-ageing hacks all too often come with a catch. But there's an old-school trick that's virtually cost-free and so simple anyone with hair beyond their shoulders can pull it off... the ponytail, otherwise known as the original non-invasive facelift.
It might sound all too simple, but pulling hair into a ponytail will pull skin around the ears, elevate the cheeks and corners of the eyes, and create an overall more youthful look. Actress Meryl Streep is the ideal example: the 74-year-old is back on the press circuit as she promotes the much-anticipated sequel to The Devil Wears Prada, and during which she's embraced the look.
Streep's ponytail added to her overall radiance, lifting and snatching her skin as she attended a conference alongside the film's other stars, including Anne Hathaway, in Seoul, South Korea. She's not the only one, and Gwyneth Paltrow, Nicole Kidman, and Julianne Moore have also used the look to their advantage.
Red-carpet genius George Northwood, who has styled midlife beauty Rachel Weisz, previously told the Daily Mail how to best execute the look. 'A ponytail works best on dirty hair. It gives guts and hold, while a bit of grease about the hairline can make things look more modern, cooler and edgier.'
'I hold the head upside down and use my George Northwood Undone Wave Holding Spray squirted and scrunched into the mid-lengths and ends,' he added. 'Then, I lift the head back up and rub in some of my Undone Moisturising Cream with my palms. This makes the hair easier to scrape back into a tight, bump-free ponytail with my fingers.'
'The trick is to tie it once with a hair band, then go in again with a second one to pull it even tighter - a second draft that makes the look more sculptural.' Of his work with celebrities, he said: 'When I've styled Gwyneth Paltrow and Laura Bailey in the past, we've kept their hair pulled back tightly at the sides for the lifting effect, but with looser texture teased out on top for elongating height.'
If you're not a ponytail person - some people's hair is too fine so it looks insubstantial - then just wrap it round and turn it into a top knot. It comes after celebrity hairdresser Andrew Barton and hair expert Charlotte O'Flanagan revealed their trusted tips and tricks for those looking to get away with long hair over 50.
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'. These fall under the following categories: optimum health, investment in quality haircare and multi-dimensional hair colour.
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.'
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 explained: '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.'
For those seeking longer hair in older age, colour is your ultimate best friend. Andrew said 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 feeling less adventurous, even a simple 'scattering of fine woven high or low lights can make such a difference'.
