Julie Bishop debuts girly lockdown locks and fans love her legally-blonde look

This is not normally why former foreign minister Julie Bishop makes the headlines! Instead of more serious topics, the 64-year is getting attention right now for her new hairstyle – and it’s a uncharacteristically girly hairstyle at that.

Yes, Bishop has gone from her signature pixie crop to shoulder-length locks; much more Elle Woods than stereotypical legal eagle.

It may be that it just got too hard during lockdown to keep up with the regular cuts the structured style she usually sports would require or that she’s now able to spent a bit more time with the hairdryer than her political schedule allowed, but whatever the reason, we like it because the former lawyer has thumbed her nose at the conventional wisdom that long hair is a no-no for older women.

Bishop surprised her social media followers by showing off her new look, which previous social media posts had only hinted at, in full at a virtual graduation ceremony this week.

“Presiding at virtual grand graduation ceremony for the remarkable class of 2020 Australian National University with live crosses to #Canberra, #Sydney, #Melbourne, #Brisbane, #Beijing, #Shanghai, and here in #Perth with ProChancellor @naomiflitzroy,” she wrote on Instagram.

Bishope’s 78,000 Insta followers were far more interested in photos Bishop had posted of her new hairstyle than the technical wizardry involved in the online event, though.

“Your hair is goals,” a user called xoxox scarlet commented, prompting Bishop to reply with an smiley, blushing emoji (for those wondering, ‘goals’ means something along the lines of ‘aspirational’). Stage star Todd McKenny was a fan too, telling Bishop “you rock” and the hashtag #hugefan – a high compliment that she returned.

In another Insta post, Bishop wore a braided up-do for a special occasion, winning praise from Channel 9 entertainment editor Richard Wilkins, who commented that he loved the look (he also shared some floristry tips for the lillies in the pic!). And if anyone knows hair, it’s Wilkins – not only is he able to make his own hair defy gravity, but his son was recently named Australia’s first male ambassador for hair brand Pantene.

 

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A post shared by The Hon Julie Bishop (@honjuliebishop)

“#longhairdontcare… or do I? #partytime,” she wrote alongside the snap on Instagram.

If she does care, she shouldn’t. There’s a long list of glamorous blondes who maintain long hair well into their 60s (though most choose a soft wave rather than a poker-straight finish). After all, Goldie Hawn, Michelle Pfeiffer and Christie Brinkley are pretty good company to be in!