Long Hairstyles for Women Over 50. 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!
Having a long cut is really just the tip of the iceberg. How do you best style long hair? And what are some pretty styles you can learn to best show off this favorite feature?
How To Style Your Long Hair In Your Fifties?
In today’s post, I cover all this and more, including pictures of long hairstyles for women over 50… I think having visuals is always helpful, especially if you are looking for inspiration, perhaps before going to the hair salon. Or maybe you are just looking for new and fresh ideas on how to style your long tresses. So, feel free to take screenshots, bookmark this page, or get a pen and paper out because it’s time to look at some beautiful long hairstyles!
From tips to frequently asked questions to video tutorials, today’s post is a handy guide to refer back to when embarking on the journey of long hair after 50. After all, the way you deal with your hair will change depending on the length and cut you have. You might be brand-new to the long hairstyle world. Or maybe you are a veteran of lengthy tresses. Whichever the case, there is sure to be something here for you so let’s go ahead and get started.
Tips for Long Hairstyles for Women After 50
First things first! Here are some tips for styling and caring for your long hair so that those pretty tresses can look their absolute best, no matter what style you go with.
- 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.
Now, let’s look at some beautiful long hairstyles! Please remember that one’s definition of long hair varies, thus the pictures I’m sharing display hair lengths that go from just below the shoulders to much longer cuts. If you find that one of these pictures features hair that seems too short by your definition of long, then feel free to skip over it!
↓ 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!
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about long hairstyles for women over 50. Go ahead and check them out!
Q. Does long hair make an older woman look older?
A. A well-styled head of long hair, cut with expertise and skill, should never make a woman appear older. A great cut will highlight her best features and make the most of her hair type and color.
If you feel that long hair makes you look older, you may want to consider your current cut and style before chopping all your hair off. Would your hair and features look better with some face-framing layers? Is your hair in need of some volumizing product? Without proper care and a good cut, it is absolutely true long hair can sometimes look stringy or lank… which may make you appear older. So pay attention to product, hair care, and cut.
Q. Does short or long hair make you look older?
A. This question is similar to the first but I want to expand on it to add that you may try longer hair and say, nope, I got a good cut and I have great hair products and yet I still feel like long hair adds years to my face. In that case, absolutely go for a shorter cut! The best haircut for women over 50 is the one that best suits her: her hair type, her facial features, her face shape, etc. One size does not fit all in the world of haircuts.
On the flip side, you may find that shorter hair makes you appear older, even though it makes Linda from church look 10 years younger. If so, take a leap of faith and try growing your hair out a bit or until you find the length that best suits you and your unique face. And always remember that how you style your hair is just as important as the length of your hair.
Q. Should women over 50 have long hair?
A. Finally, should women over 50 have long hair? Isn’t that the question on everybody’s mind? If you have got this far in today’s article, then I think you already know my answer… Yes! A woman over 50 should have long hair… if she wants to have long hair. If it suits her, her face, and her hair type, then I say go for it!
And that wraps up our post today. I hope you found it helpful. If you have any feedback, please let us know in the comments below!
