Thanks to contemporary developments in the haircare industry, great hair days are now within reach at every age. That’s because, as skincare turns its attention to our scalps, the idea of a “slow ageing" philosophy is being applied to our strands too. The days of a simple wash-and-go routine have thankfully slipped down the plughole, along with paisley bandanas and oversized scrunchies.
Let me be clear: it’s not about adopting a 10-step regime, but being smarter with ingredients. It’s about playing the long game (pun intended). As George Curran, celebrity hairstylist for Kérastase, explains: “Hair longevity is about hair that exudes health both today and in the long term. It’s not about overloading hair with products – it’s about choosing the right products and the right ingredients, because, just like skin, hair ages too.”
Maintaining your hair’s health span is the key to preserving that youthful swish, and George notes that many of his clients in their Forties begin to notice changes in density, shine and resilience. He says: “Hair evolves with time just as skin does, and your approach to care should evolve with it.” And, just like skincare, when you have the perfect foundation, anything you do on top looks better. George’s hero product for this? A revitalising leave-in treatment, such as Kérastase’s Chronologiste Overnight Youth Serum.
Embracing lived-in texture can be the secret to effortless, flattering styles for your hair in your Forties. “A messy bun only works when the hair itself is healthy,” George says. “Broken ends can make the look feel unkempt rather than intentional.” His solution: apply an overnight serum (like Kérastase’s latest innovation) before bed.
Once you’ve applied the product, plait your hair into three or four braids to create heat-free waves that have some movement to them. “This style works best with next-day, or even third-day hair, but you can add some dry shampoo or texture spray for added grip.” To secure, swap traditional grips for a two-prong French hairpin, which places less stress on the hair.
A statement hair accessory (like the Prada clip above) may steal the spotlight, but the real star is always the condition of the hair beneath it. “This style looks far more complicated than it is,” George says. “It’s simply a low ponytail looped back on itself and secured with a single hair clip.” It’s also ideal for those in-between wash days. “Apply a generous amount of conditioning products to create a sleek finish, then brush the hair back into the ponytail.” This is a style that treats your hair as it wears.
Hair evolves with time just as skin does, and your approach to care should evolve with it
And as summer creeps up on us (hello, gorgeous weather!), glossy, wet-look strands remain one of the season’s most enduring beauty statements. “This is the perfect excuse to load the hair with nourishing serums, oils and shine sprays,” George says. “You can go ultra-sleek by blow-drying small sections with a flat brush, or simply work shine-enhancing products into your natural texture, pulling out little pieces to create a more undone take on the trend as we have here.”
Shop the new Kérastase’s Chronologiste range in-store or online at boots.com.
Photographer: Arved Colvin-Smith
Photo assistants: Ben French and May Carley
Hair by: George Curran using the Kérastase Chronologiste range
Makeup by: Anastasia Borovik using Nars Cosmetics
Nails by: Emma Welsh c/o SB Collective
Styling: Sophia Katyea
Model: Julita Olszewska at Story Model Management
