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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To wear my hair long at 40

318 replies

BreatheitAllIn · 13/07/2025 13:05

I'm sick of hearing what society deems as unacceptable after turning 40. I will cut my hair when I damn well please. Why do they get to decide? Does society tell men what they shouldn't do?

Recommendations for natural shampoos that reduce hair loss, aid hair growth, and aren't too expensive would be appreciated! I'm noticing my usual shampoos like L'Oréal Elvive etc are making my hair look flat, and not as much volume.

OP posts:
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Shmee1988 · 13/07/2025 13:17

Im 36 with quite long hair. I suggested to my hair dresser that id maybe cut it all off, maybe to a long bob. She actually told me that short hair ages a woman and to keep it long. Ive never heard of anyone suggesting that a woman of 40 shoukd have short hair. Ignore it, its your hair.

Purplecatshopaholic · 13/07/2025 13:17

I’m older than you op, with long hair. I would give no fucks if I thought anyone cared, but I think the days of expecting us to cut our hair at a certain age have gone! Look at, just off the top of my head (sorry, lol), Victoria Beckham, Liz Hurley, Jennifer Anniston, Goldie Hawn.. et al

magicpant · 13/07/2025 13:16

Haha my nanna told me this when I was in my mid 30s and I was like nah no way will I ever part with my long hair. Fast forward 10 years and it was chopped into a short bob Smile

netflixfan · 13/07/2025 13:15

As long as it’s not long grey hair. You’ve got to be a model to get away with that.

EveryKneeShallBow · 13/07/2025 13:14

I’m in my 60s with longish hair that I wear up during the day. It’s fine, but I do give myself a start when the mad old crazy woman surprises me in the bathroom mirror when I go for a wee in the night.

thatsthatsaidthemayor · 13/07/2025 13:13
  1. My hairs never been longer and I love it. I use a purple conditioner that gives any grey hair a much softer tone. I love it!
BreatheitAllIn · 13/07/2025 13:11

I take biotin. Does anybody have any natural shampoo recommendations?

OP posts:
boobleblingo · 13/07/2025 13:11

So keep your long hair!

BreatheitAllIn · 13/07/2025 13:10

Mimsykins · 13/07/2025 13:07

Im 39 and have long hair and I've never even though of or had it suggested to me i should have short hair. Is this a thing?! I feel about 27 and not planning on a tongue old at 40.

Yes, I have just turned 40, and I'm seeing it online, "Women over 40..." Apparently your hair loses quality/vitality as your age, and I'm trying to prevent this. I want to keep my long hair!

OP posts:
Tarnishedbutton · 13/07/2025 13:10

I'm now 37 do I have to cut my hair in three years? Will I end up in trouble for not doing?
Do what you like!

Coconutter24 · 13/07/2025 13:10

Never once have I heard everyone after 40 should cut their hair short. I have noticed that a lot of woman over 60 decide to go short for whatever reason they have.

BastardesEverywhere · 13/07/2025 13:09

I don't think theres any expectation to cut your hair short at 40 at all. Why do you op?

Poppins21 · 13/07/2025 13:09

I am late 40s and I have waist length hair. I coconut oil my hair 2 evenings a week and it is shiny and healthy

ThirdStorm · 13/07/2025 13:09

44 and wearing my hair long. I take biotin as after a recent shedding it’s helping with regrowth.

ResidentPorker · 13/07/2025 13:08

If it’s good enough for Kate Middleton…

ooooohlala · 13/07/2025 13:07

I’m 42 and never hear that?

StrawberryCranberry · 13/07/2025 13:07

Of course YANBU. I'm 51 with hair a couple of inches past my shoulders. No one has ever told me to cut it short!

Mimsykins · 13/07/2025 13:07

Im 39 and have long hair and I've never even though of or had it suggested to me i should have short hair. Is this a thing?! I feel about 27 and not planning on a tongue old at 40.