Is this a midlife crisis hairstyle? It looks godawful for a 43-year-old man, and it doesn't hide his receding hairline at all!
Your assessment brings up a frequently discussed point: Long or striking hairstyles for older men are highly polarizing. Regarding the question:
Is this a "midlife crisis" hairstyle?
It depends entirely on the context and the person. Long hair for men over 40:
It can be interpreted as a sign of a midlife crisis – for example, if the hairstyle is sudden, distinctly youthful, or uncharacteristic of the person.
Or it may simply be a stylistic device that suits the personality (e.g., artists, actors, musicians).
Regarding the specific hairstyle in the photo:
The hair is long and curly – that can certainly be striking and stylish, but:
If hair loss is beginning (as indicated by a visible receding hairline), long hair can emphasize it rather than conceal it.
It looks a bit overstyled or out of context here – especially if the face has aged significantly or the style doesn't quite harmonize with the rest of the look.
Whether it's a midlife crisis or simply a matter of taste, a hairstyle only really works if it suits your charisma and personality. If you feel it looks "crappy," then you're probably speaking for many observers. A shorter cut would probably better emphasize your facial features and appear more modern.
My personel opinion on HC's midlife crisis hairstyle:
It just looks terrible. He could get a pimp role with that hairstyle. I'm sorry, but that hairstyle is completely unacceptable! Some claim this hair disaster was supposedly for the role of "Highlander." I just saw the original a few days ago – Ch. Lambert and S. Connery wore long wigs. A full head of hair without a receding hairline!
That brushwood on HC's head is definitely not for Highlander!