The Mission: Impossible star’s bouffy hairstyle has sparked a lively debate about midlife ‘man manes.’ Our writers weigh in on whether men over 60 should embrace long hair or stick to shorter styles.
The appeal of ‘if you’ve got it, flaunt it’
Tom Cruise’s striking, flowing locks at the Cannes Film Festival caught everyone’s attention, raising a bigger question: is long hair for men over 60 a style statement or a style misstep? Stephen Doig, The Telegraph’s men’s style editor, argues in favor of embracing your mane if nature has blessed you with it.
Stephen admits he’s not personally suited to long hair, preferring a neat, cropped style, but believes that for men fortunate enough to have thick, healthy locks, there’s no reason to hide them. Rather than conform to the usual short, nondescript cuts often advised for older men, flaunting a full head of hair can be a confident and stylish move. However, he stresses that long hair must be maintained meticulously. It should never look like a neglected afterthought but rather be treated with care—whether dyed to maintain color or nourished with conditioners and oils to avoid looking dry or frizzy.
According to Stephen, the secret lies in regular trims, shaping with tapered sides or an undercut, and investing in quality styling products. A long hairstyle on a mature man can look sophisticated and suave, but only if it appears intentional, polished, and well-kept.
Why some say long hair after 60 is a definite ‘ick’
On the other side of the debate is George Chesterton, The Telegraph’s senior features writer, who holds a less enthusiastic view of older men sporting long hair. While he concedes Tom Cruise’s unique celebrity status affords him freedom to experiment with his look, George believes that for most men, the long mane is better left behind by the time they hit their mid-30s.
Drawing from his own experience and the unfiltered opinions of his teenage daughters, George argues that a long hairstyle on a man past 60 can evoke more cringes than compliments. He suggests that age and male pattern baldness make long hair impractical and often unflattering for most men. Instead, shorter styles tend to be more age-appropriate and flattering.
George acknowledges exceptions such as Robert Redford, whose mid-length layered hair has a timeless elegance, but points out that such styles require a rare combination of perfect hair and handsome features. For the rest of us, he humorously warns that attempting similar looks often ends up resembling a less flattering rock band persona. His conclusion: it’s best to keep hair short or embrace a well-styled weave, as demonstrated by football manager Antonio Conte’s famously striking hair.
How to style longer hair for men over 60
Beauty director Sonia Haria shares expert advice from Milad Behboudi, head barber at The Six in Mayfair, on maintaining and styling mid-length hair for older men who choose to keep their locks.
Milad stresses that longer hair should always look deliberate and cared for rather than overgrown or unkempt. He recommends regular trims every four to six weeks to maintain shape, structure, and avoid split ends. Styling is equally important: products such as shine pomades or gels can create a sleek, polished wet look, while sea salt sprays add texture and volume. A defined side parting can help frame the face elegantly, and for those with chin-length hair, a low bun or half-up knot is both practical and stylish.
Maintaining hair health is crucial too. Milad advises using sulphate-free shampoos and conditioners to keep hair soft and avoid dryness. Washing hair two to three times a week is sufficient, as daily washing can strip natural oils and dry out the scalp. Additionally, a weekly scalp scrub or lightweight serum can balance roots and skin, promoting a healthier, fresher look. With the right care and styling, a midlife man-mane can be both impressive and age-appropriate, proving that long hair need not be the exclusive domain of the young.
A matter of confidence and care
The debate over whether men in their 60s should sport long hair is ultimately subjective, hinging on individual style, hair quality, and how much effort one is willing to invest in upkeep. Tom Cruise’s flowing locks might spark controversy, but they also remind us that personal style transcends age if handled with intention and flair.
Whether you’re inclined to keep it cropped or let it grow long, the key takeaway is to wear your hair confidently and maintain it thoughtfully. Long hair on a man over 60 can be a bold fashion statement — if it’s styled with care and a clear sense of purpose.
