‘Most flattering way to age well’: A midlife man’s guide to a glow-up

It was a standout night for Sir Kenneth Branagh at the BAFTAs, and not solely because Belfast, the film he directed, won Outstanding British Film. The 61-year-old actor - who’s swiftly joining the ranks of Elder Statesmen Thesps garnering National Treasure status - took to the red carpet with his wife Lindsay Brunnock looking pin-sharp and remarkably fresh of visage. In short, to coin a phrase usually applied to the likes of J.Lo, he’s had a glow up.

Kenneth Branagh at the BAFTAs wearing Dolce & Gabbana with some subtle engineering to lengthen and slim his frame.Credit: Getty Images

Gen Z might have “coined” the phrase on TikTok, but it’s nothing more than the age-old concept of getting better with age, like a fine wine. Growing into one’s self, freshening up your look and making a few subtle tweaks to look better. Branagh’s a storied character actor, so a certain weathered roguishness has always been part of his appeal, but his appearance at the ceremony saw him looking somewhat more sprightly and pulled-together, trimmer and healthier.

It’s not usual for men of a certain age to re-assess and reinvent their look, particularly if they’ve been stuck in a style and grooming rut for decades. Colin Firth famously lost weight and shook-up his appearance after being cast in Tom Ford’s A Single Man, with the designer-turned-director suggesting Firth get a personal trainer; “I guess he did me a favour. I made one final push in the war against gravity in my late 40s,” said the actor.

The Home Counties knits were out, pin-sharp tailoring and a sharp jawline were in. Likewise Huw Edwards, the BBC broadcaster, famously underwent a transformation where he shed three stone (19 kilograms) after taking up boxing, and suddenly looked svelte and polished in nipped-in suits and a sleek new crop. The term “silver fox” was bandied on social media. Similarly, Hugh Laurie’s gone from gangly misfit to mature, suave gentleman. Whatever Branagh’s formula, it’s working. But how can the average fellow approaching his sixth decade follow in Branagh’s steps?

Colin Firth famously lost weight and shook-up his appearance after being cast in Tom Ford’s A Single Man,Credit: Reuters

“It’s my opinion that he may have had a very, very small amount of Botox,” says Dr David Jack, a leading Harley Street dermatologist. “If he has, it’s incredibly subtle and a small dosage, because he still has wrinkles and lines - it’s not a waxy, unlined appearance,” says Jack. Branagh’s a Shakespearean character actor and his face is his stock-in-trade, so it’s highly unlikely he’s tinkered drastically with it. Jack notes that he may have had a small injection to relax the downward pulling depressor muscles, which cause sagging around the eyes and mouth.

More and more men are coming to Jack because they’re curious about having a small rejuvenating treatment like Botox and don’t want to look tautly unlined or waxy in appearance; Branagh’s the prime example of what a man who might be interested should be aiming to look like. Men in their 60s who haven’t embarked on skincare before should, says Jack, simply start with sunscreen - older generations wouldn’t have been mindful to apply it in their 20s and 30s.

The Telegraph London’s beauty director Sonia Haria thinks that Branagh has benefited from skin-improving treatments. “Branagh doesn’t look frozen, stretched or plumped, but his skin texture and tone looked remarkably improved at the BAFTAs. I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s had a course of advanced skin treatments such as microneedling and radiofrequency, which are non-invasive ways to improve the look of the skin, and slightly tighten the face without looking “done”. In my opinion this is the most flattering way for men to age well in their 60s.”

She adds that a simple but consistent skincare routine, with the addition of a retinol cream at night, can do wonders for ageing skin. A few gentle non-invasive treatments really can pay off in the long term. “It’s much more charming and realistic for actors to keep as much ‘dynamic’ movement and character in the face,” she adds.

“It’s much more charming and realistic for actors to keep as much ‘dynamic’ movement and character in the face.”

Of course, Branagh also benefits from his Northern Irish heritage; the strawberry blonde hair has remained a sunny, coppery shade in the main, and it seems as if he might have added a subtle gingery rinse through it. He’s been smart about the cut. Keeping the sides razor-sharp, and the top short but tousled, helps him look younger. Hair thins out as we age, and many men overcompensate for that by growing it longer; the result can look unkempt and bedraggled, particularly if it’s grey. Instead, Branagh keeps things neatly shorn. Note the hair product too; it’s likely a matte clay, rather than a wet gel or pomade, to lend a more natural effect. Wet gels weigh the hair down, and can make thin hair look thinner and closer to the scalp, whereas matte clays add depth and texture.

Take note too of Branagh’s little touches; his skin is glowing and healthy-looking, rather than the way most of us average British men look after a long, dark winter: sallow, pallid and with dark bags under eyes. He’s likely used a moisturiser with a slight tint in it, or wore a touch of make-up, such as concealer under eyes, to lend a more vibrant appearance.

The five o’clock shadow serves him well. Branagh’s never been one for a clean jawline, and what a hint of stubble achieves is a kind of contouring of the jawline that helps him look more chiselled. Older men who might be tempted to ditch the rigours of the razor should be conscious of whether their stubble is greying, however; a dusting of white will only serve to age you.

He also employs some suiting tricks. Like Colin Firth, Branagh has evolved in how he dresses and clearly appreciates the power of a good suit (and crucially, what it can do for a man’s frame). He’s gone from relatively casual ensembles to more formal tailoring, which is an excellent course for men as they get older - a suit gives structure and straightens the back and shoulders.

This three-piece dinner suit from masters of Italian sartorialism Dolce & Gabbana has some subtle engineering to lengthen and slim his frame; note the long lapel (instead of short and boxy) which elongates the torso. Likewise the clean, streamlined approach to accessories - he’s kept things simple with the bow tie, dress studs and pocket square. The result is cleanly minimalist and elegant.

Branagh wins Best Sexagenarian Man any day.

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