There is a long-running myth that women over 50 can’t have long hair. To that I say: hogwash! While it is true that short hairstyles are more popular for women after 50, by no means should that fact discourage you from having a long hairstyle… if that is what you prefer. Some ladies really do like shorter cuts (the pixie cut is certainly a well-known favorite for mature ladies) but there are many others who feel their most beautiful and authentic with longer tresses. If that’s you, keep reading!
Tips for Long Hairstyles
- This is quite an obvious one, but if you aren’t in the habit of getting your hair professionally cut every few months, lady, it might be time to start. Having periodic hair trims will ensure your long hair stays its healthiest. Plus, it will take off any split ends and keep your hair looking fresh and beautiful. A professional haircut will also do wonders when it comes to highlighting your facial features and ensures that the canvas on which you do your best hairstyles is a great one.
- Using the right hair products is also super important. Do diligent research, test out samples, ask your hairstylist for recommendations, and prepare for some trial and error until you find what best for you.
- Don’t write off hair accessories when styling your long hair. Headbands, barrettes, and scrunchies are all great options to include in your hairstyling arsenal.
- Use a silk or satin pillowcase to help deal with frizz and prevent hair breakage. It’s good for your skin, too!
- Pay attention to hair health. Drink lots of water, take your vitamins, eat good food, and use a quality shampoo and conditioner combo to keep your hair in prime condition.
How To Style Your Long Hair In Your Fifties?
↓ 13 – Side-Part and Sweeping Curls
We have loved Laura Dern for years and she has always seemed to have the best hairstyles. Here is a super pretty one that features a side part with the hair swept back behind one ear. This is a great look to show off a graceful neck and draw attention to your eyes and cheekbones. You will need a curling wand and lots of hairspray to achieve this look so arm yourself and then have fun with it!
↓ 12 – Natural Curly Black Hair
Iman, the beautiful and iconic model, graced the cover of Harper’s Bazaar this year and wowed us all with her incredible hair, outfits, and, yes, stunning features. But let’s circle back to her HAIR. It is fantastic! And shows us that no matter your age, embracing your natural curls is embracing your most authentic self.
↓ 11 – Long Curly Bob
If you are blessed with thick, wavy or curly hair, sometimes just letting your natural texture shine is the best hairstyle for you. Yes, you will have to use some product: it could be mousse, hairspray, even some frizz oil. But have fun with it and learn how to style it in a way that stays low-maintenance and doesn’t take up too much time.
And if you are just starting out on your journey of growing your hair out, check out this tutorial for an easy updo for those awkward in-between days where your hair isn’t quite where you want it to be yet and you have no idea what to do with it.
↓ 10 – Wavy Thick Hair
I’m 100% convinced that Marisa Tomei has some kind of fountain of youth in her backyard that she isn’t telling us about. Because how else?! But impossibly youthful looks aside, she also has the most stunning hair… as evinced from pretty much any picture taken of her at any point in time. She is also the proverbial poster child for thick hair, so here is one look of hers, featuring a middle part, round layers, and some beautiful length!
I also recommend that you go through our favorite Sweater Outfits For Women Over 50 to Wear.
↓ 9 – How to Style Long Hair for Women Over 50 Updo
If you are looking for a beautiful updo for your long hair, here is one as worn by Nicole Kidman that is just so pretty and feminine!
But because most of us don’t have a red carpet to attend to, here is a super doable five-minute tutorial to get a classic updo, great for any special occasion, right down below!
↓ 8 – Layered Long Hairstyles for Women Over 50
Jennifer Aniston is renowned for her fantastic hair and has been for decades. So when I went looking for pictures of her best long hairstyles, I found it almost impossible to pick just one! So here are three fabulous hairstyles Jennifer Aniston has rocked at one point or another. The first? A messy pony. I am just in love with this one. There’s something so youthful and gorgeous about it and it shows off her incredible highlights to perfection.
↓ 7 – Fine Hair, Round Face
While this hair length just barely classifies as “long,” it combines two factors that I think are important: fine hair and round faces. Oftentimes, us round-faced folk are encouraged to get lots of layers, have longer hair, and create volume on top of our heads, all to balance out our softer features. But maybe you aren’t a fan of the abovementioned style. Maybe your hair is too fine to create tons of body and get lots of voluminous layers. If that’s the case, here is proof that fine hair and round faces can indeed mesh – and they can do so beautifully.
↓ 6 – Long Hairstyles for Women Over 50 with Bangs
An oldie but a goldie: Monica Belluci wore her hair like this a few years back and we are still thinking about it! I include it because the slight curtain bang aspect of it is very trendy right now… plus, it’s just such a great example of how a woman over 50 can rock bangs.
↓ 5 – Long Hairstyles for Women Over 50 Gray Hair
Embracing your gray hair can be a daunting thing… or it might be something you are really excited about! Whatever the case, these two long gray hairstyles are sure to prove how gorgeous gray hair can be… and even inspire you in your journey to embrace your own. First, this long “bob” is perfect for those with thicker hair:
And if you have curly hair (or enjoy curling it), look at how stunning these are! If your hair is naturally curly, be sure to get a hairdresser who knows how to cut curly hair.
And if you are just starting out on transitioning to gray hair, here is a video chock full of advice and tips from the beautiful Heather which should definitely answer all your questions and give you a great idea of what that transition will look like.
↓ 4 – Salma Hayek’s Half Updo
A half-updo is a great hairstyle that allows you to utilize pretty accessories. It doesn’t have to be a diamante headband (as Salma is wearing) but don’t let that stop you. To achieve a similar look, style your hair in long loose waves. You can give yourself a blowout or get one done professionally. Then you will part your hair down the middle and pull back both sides before securing in place with your headband of choice. Sweep your hair behind your shoulders and pop on your favorite earrings. And voila!
Here are the Best Traveling Outfits for Women over 50 for Comfort & Style.
↓ 3 – Plait to the Side
Nicole Kidman has always had some pretty luscious locks. And this particular style makes beautiful use of them! I love that it is a simple and familiar look (a braid to the side) but it’s so pretty you can wear it to a glam event! But whether or not you have a red carpet to attend to, you can still nab this look for yourself.
To achieve this look, you will need to curl the layers framing your face (you can curl all of your hair if you want and use hairspray to get some more volume). Having side-swept bangs or a long fringe wouldn’t hurt either. Once you have your plait and you have fastened it, lightly tug on each section of the braid to loosen it up a bit.
↓ 2 – Sarah Jessica Parker’s Long Tousled Layers
Much like Jennifer Aniston, Sarah Jessica Parker has cracked the code when it comes to long layers that perfectly highlight her oval face. She also has got some fantastic highlighting! For this style, she has her hair parted in the middle (a very trendy look right now, by the by) and it looks like she had it blow-dried out and then used a flat iron to twist piecey bits into waves. This is a relatively easy look you can achieve on your own or ask your hairdresser to do!
↓ 1 – Curly Long Hairstyles for Women Over 50 Round Face
With daughters as iconic as Solange and Beyonce Knowles, should it surprise any of us that their mama would be too? I say nay. Tina Knowles is as beautiful as her daughters… and her hair is just as remarkable! Here she has styled her hair into retro-style curls, which also shows off its two-toned color. It has lots of volume and the curls are partially brushed out as well. This is a glam hairstyle you can bookmark for a special event!
