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As Meghan debuts a new hairstyle, here's how to wear long hair at any age

dd - Eric Benetti / Avalon
dd - Eric Benetti / Avalon

In her first televised appearance since her interview with Oprah, the Duchess of Sussex spoke in a pre-recorded message for the Global Citizen's Vax Live: The Concert To Reunite The World, to address gender and vaccine equity amid the pandemic.

Dressed in a $1,690 red floral Carolina Herrera dress and rosy, spring-worthy make-up to match, the Duchess raised crucial points, stating that, "Women and especially women of colour have seen a generation of economic gain wiped out," as a result of Covid-19.

Her message, as the campaign chair for the event along with husband Prince Harry, was heard loud and clear. But it is not just Meghan's tone which enabled her words to hit home. Her side parted, long and uber-polished locks, meant business in itself and managed to carry with it an additional air of seriousness.

But the Duchess is not alone in opting for length recently. Celebrities are turning out in their droves to make a case for long hair both on and off the red carpet, starting with Nicole Kidman in her new psychological thriller Nine Perfect Strangers.

Based on Liane Moriarty’s 2018 novel by the same name, the limited series follows nine stressed-out city dwellers on a 10-day retreat to an exclusive Australian health-and-wellness resort, which promises healing and transformation. At the centre of it all is Masha, the resort's eccentric guru-cum-director, played by Kidman. Of course, in staying true to his ongoing flair for mind bending drama, all is not what it seems in this latest offering from producer and screenwriter David E. Kelley. But it's not just the series' chilling lure that has left us wanting more, it's Kidman's hair.

Long, blonde and waved in all the right places, Kidman's waist-length locks are the poster child for Bondi Beach hair, if ever there was one. A nod perhaps to where the drama unravels as well as Masha's alluring appeal, as the woman seemingly ready to reinvigorate tired minds and bodies.

In a new study by hair brand Milk + Blush, which looked into the hairstyles people in the UK have been searching for the most since salons reopened, hair extensions took the top spot, followed by the mullet and curtain bangs.

Similarly, since March, Madonna has been sporting a centre-parted sleek long blonde mane and posted enough content on Instagram to make us follow suit. Meanwhile, Demi Moore's unfaltering and envious lengths continue to impress. Even Brad Pitt wants to get in on the action, let's not forget his dirty blonde manbun at The Oscars (a fabulous way to debut serious lockdown hair growth).

Celebrity hairstylist and owner of Soho’s SALON64, Ricky Walters, reveals that long hair is indeed on the up. "In our Soho salon, we are not only seeing a rise in long hair but an increase in statement hair. What better way to make a statement than white-blonde long beachy locks," he says.

"Extensions have never looked better or been easier to apply. Ten years ago, a head of extensions looked fake and artificial. Extensions have come a long way since then and clients love nothing more than walking in with a bob and walking out of the salon with boho waves to their waist."

But what of the unwritten (and downright ridiculous) rules that encourage the over 40s to chop off their hair after a certain point? "For some bizarre reason, there is a myth that says as you get older you must go shorter with your hair. This is not true! More often than not, this can scream 'mum' and have the opposite effect. Long locks ooze youth and gives plenty of fun, lighthearted styling options from loose ponytails to plaits. Shorter hair is often much more structured and strict."

The free-flowing nature of longer hair is also far softer on most faces, Ricky notes. "Framing the face with long hair adds a level of femininity, and adding a statement blonde to this is eye catching and glamorous."

Rather than outdated, 'pretty' hairstyles, Ricky adds that being braver with your hair choice with length is much more in keeping with the current trend for looks that pack boldness.

If you're in the market for maintaining length, Ricky advises that at your next salon visit a thorough consultation showing exactly how much will be cut off is key. Keeping the haircut blunt at the ends will allow you to enjoy long healthy hair without having to remove lots at a time. Also, keep the layers longer and in proportion to the cut length.

When taking care of long hair at home, pay attention to colour. "British water from our taps is your hair's worst enemy and can fade and dry out even the toughest heads of hair. HelloKlean, £60, is a clip-on water filter which removes all the unpleasantries from your taps and is proven to make hair softer and your colour shine."

A moisturising shampoo for most coloured long hair is also key. Ensure the shampoo is nourishing and hydrating, this means you'll have to take a break from any strengthening shampoos as these can make hair brittle over time. Then, apply conditioner and comb the hair through, try to leave the conditioner on to soak in over time before rinsing. For very dry, long hair, towel dry your tresses before applying the conditioner as wet hair can dilute the product.

As for styling, Ricky says, "waves and curls equal softness and fun. Don't over style the hair. Work with the imperfections and don't go too strict and structured. Think, more Kate Moss and less Kate Middleton. Using a wand like Cloud Nine's The Curling Wand, £119, wrap the hair loosely around the wand and rake through at the end for your desired boho wave."

Simple.