Helen Mirren’s Modern French Twist: A Masterclass in Ageless Hairstyling
As Dame Helen Mirren approaches her 80th birthday, she continues to redefine beauty standards with her effortlessly chic aesthetic. While her bold fashion choices have long been celebrated, it’s her hairstyles, particularly her contemporary take on the French twist, that are currently commanding attention; with a career spanning six decades, Mirren has demonstrated an unparalleled ability to adapt her look, moving seamlessly from structured bobs to ethereal waves, all while maintaining her signature silver mane (though she’s never shied away from playful color transformations, as evidenced by her Cannes appearances in blue and rose-pink hues).
The Modern French Twist: A Study in Strategic Volume
At the London premiere of MobLand, Mirren showcased a masterfully updated French twist, a style that traditionally involves pulling hair back, twisting it vertically, and securing it against the head.
What set her interpretation apart was its deliberate imperfection: wispy face-framing pieces softened the look, while strategic volume at the crown created a subtle beehive effect. “This isn’t your grandmother’s French twist,” notes Syd Hayes, the London-based stylist who frequently works with Mirren.
“The height at the front and sides provides an optical lift that counteracts any sagging, while the textured finish keeps it from feeling stiff or dated.” The result? A style that’s simultaneously polished and modern—proof that updos needn’t be relegated to formal events or feel aging.
Texture Is Key
Mirren’s 2022 appearance at the 1923 premiere featured a similar iteration, but her latest take feels decidedly more relaxed.
“The difference lies in the texture,” Hayes explains. “Overly sprayed, slicked-back styles can read as matronly. Allowing some grit and movement keeps it contemporary.” This approach aligns with current trends favoring “undone” elegance over rigid perfection—a lesson midlife supermodels like Kate Moss and Christy Turlington have also embraced with their revival of the ’90s chignon.
Step-by-Step: Achieving the Look
For those inspired to recreate Mirren’s style, Hayes breaks it down into four expert-approved steps:
Prep with Purpose
- Start with the Babyliss Air Wand, using its volume attachment to create lift at the roots.
- Apply a texturizing product like Sam McKnight’s Easy Up Do Texture Spray to add grip and body.
Build Volume Strategically
- Lightly backcomb the roots, then smooth the surface with a Mason and Pearson Boar Bristle and Nylon Brush to maintain polish while preserving volume.
Twist with Intent
- Section hair from ear to ear, then roll the back into a vertical twist, securing it with U-pins close to the scalp for longevity.
Embrace Imperfection
- Gently pull out face-framing pieces and allow some texture to remain. “The goal is ‘elegantly undone,'” Hayes emphasizes. “Think je ne sais quoi, not salon-perfect.”
Why This Style Endures
Mirren’s twist exemplifies how classic techniques can be reimagined for modern wearability. By prioritizing volume, texture, and softness, she’s elevated a traditional updo into a versatile option for any age, proving that great style isn’t about chasing trends, but rather refining them with intention. As Hayes puts it: “When executed with this level of thought, even the most timeless styles feel groundbreaking.”
For women seeking a look that balances sophistication with effortlessness, Mirren’s French twist offers the ultimate blueprint—one that celebrates, rather than conceals, the beauty of maturity.