Reaching the seventh decade no longer forces women into short bobs or grey-tinted highlights. A growing number of high-profile figures are proving that length, shine, and movement can survive well beyond youth, and none illustrates the point better than former model Jerry Hall, who at 70 still turns heads with her caramel-gold waves.
From the glitter of Studio 54 in the 1970s to the runway of Yves Saint-Laurent in the 1980s, Hall’s hair has been a moving canvas of style. Recent campaigns, such as the Burberry shoot with daughters Lizzy and Georgia May, showcase untamed, side-parted waves that create instant volume without relying on excessive product.
Jerry Hall’s signature style and why it works after 70
Hall’s mane has always been described as alive, a softly wild cascade that avoids the stiffness of many aged up-dos. Her shade of blonde leans toward a warm caramel tone, never the icy bleach that can look harsh on mature skin. The combination of a deep side part and loose, textured waves adds lift at the crown, making the hair appear thicker from every angle. According to her long-time stylist Neil Moodie, the look is inseparable from Hall’s confident persona, turning a simple haircut into an iconic statement.
She is not alone in rewriting the rulebook. Stars such as Sarah Jessica Parker (61), Nicole Kidman (59) and Jennifer Lopez (57) have recently favored long, flowing styles on the runway and red carpet. Their collective presence signals a shift: length is no longer a teenage privilege, but a mature fashion choice when the strands are healthy and well-shaped.
Low-maintenance styling: ditch the dryer and choose the right tools
One of Hall’s core principles is to keep heat exposure minimal. She avoids the traditional blow-dry, opting instead for a large curling iron or hot rollers to form her signature waves. After shaping, a dab of Sam McKnight Happy Endings Nourishing Balm smooths frizz without weighing the hair down. For those who cannot forgo a quick tumble-dry, Moodie recommends letting the hair air-dry to about 80 % before finishing with a low-heat setting and a heat-protective spray such as Davines Love Smoothing Lightweight Milk. Crucially, he applies the protector only to the mid-lengths and ends, preserving natural shine at the roots.
Heavy styling products are also off the table. Hall prefers a light touch, allowing the hair’s natural texture to shine through. When extra hold is needed, a mist of dry shampoo—like Klorane’s formula—provides volume without clogging follicles. The overall philosophy is simple: give the strands room to move, and they will reward you with bounce and body.
Hair health routine and cuts that add volume to gray or fine hair
Maintaining a clean scalp is essential for growth. While Hall washes only once every ten days, most experts advise a more frequent schedule to clear away sebum and product residue. A soft boar-bristle brush can be used before showering to distribute natural oils and loosen buildup. After washing with a lightweight shampoo and conditioner, a nourishing serum such as Hårklinikken’s HXC-4 Extract can be massaged into the scalp every two to three days to stimulate density.
Regular trims—ideally every ten to twelve weeks—prevent split ends from traveling up the shaft, effectively preserving length while keeping the ends looking thick. For fine or thinning hair, a blunt, one-length cut creates a solid edge that visually widens the strand. Subtle face-framing layers add movement without sacrificing bulk, and a side part lifts the crown for extra height. When longer hair is desired but natural volume is limited, high-quality extensions in varying silver tones—like those used on Olivia Colman—blend seamlessly and add the illusion of thickness.
Even the choice of night-time accessories matters. Swapping a cotton pillowcase for a silk one reduces friction, protecting the cuticles from breakage. Finally, embracing the gray itself can be part of the strategy: a gentle, demi-permanent colour that adds dimension without harsh chemicals enhances the hair’s overall body, making every strand appear fuller.
