Helen Mirren’s Flowing Silver Waves Made a Subtle But Powerful Statement

Helen Mirren is known for her gorgeous silver hair and her equally gorgeous red carpet looks, but she’s also known for subverting the so-called “rules” of aging. Mirren isn’t afraid to do things her way instead of aligning with what she’s supposed to do, and we love her for it. Her latest red carpet look is the perfect example of her mission to redefine how we perceive older women actors.

Mirren attended the premiere of her film Golda in Berlin, Germany on February 20 in a fitted black off-the-shoulder gown and sporting a hairstyle we don’t often see her in: long, loose Old Hollywood-style waves. Mirren’s ethereal platinum hair was parted gently to one side and styled in delicate waves, with half of her hair worn over one shoulder and the rest down her back. A warm rose red lip, rosy blush, and a bright red manicure added to the soft, romantic appeal.

Mirren’s latest hairstyle once again points out that while older women are often expected to cut their hair as they age, it’s not the be-all and end-all of hairstyling rules. Her long, flowing white hair is a powerful reminder that beauty has no age limit. The star herself has shared her attitude about this chapter of life, previously telling People, “Why not just embrace it, go along with it, and welcome it? Make it a positive thing as opposed to a negative thing.” She’s also said she doesn’t think of it as aging but rather “growing up.”

The Oscar-winning actor has been breaking beauty rules and setting trends for decades. She takes risks and is never afraid to try something new, including a super short, choppy pixie in the early ’90s and a sleek, modern slicked-back updo. We’ve seen the star in super long extensions and even in a pastel pink color. Mirren went fully gray in 2020 and told Allure that it was in part because she was “too lazy” to color her hair. We could all take a page from Dame Mirren’s beauty and lifestyle book.