Long Hair Styles for Women at 50

The idea that women aged 50 and older cannot wear long hair is an old-fashioned concept, in line with the belief that you cannot wear white shoes after Labor Day or that your bag and shoes must always match. Indeed, women at the age of 50 have many options for long hairstyles that can complement their look.

Loose Curls

You need only look at Susan Sarandon or Michelle Pfeiffer to see that long hair that has a little body or wave can be eye-catching on a woman at age 50. The problem is that hair changes as women age, and it can become more brittle or thin, making it hard to hold curls. Keep the top layer of the hair trimmed so that it is less heavy on the underlying layers. Use a gentle shampoo and keep hair hydrated. Try a lotion-based leave-in conditioner and put hair up in a gentle twist, using bobby pins to clip it in place. Use a spray gel to set it and, after it dries, let the hair down for some waves or crinkly curls. Avoid overusing a flat iron or other heat device to curl hair, because it can be damaging.

Upsweeps

One of the great benefits of long hairstyles is that they can be worn a variety of ways. Sweeping long locks up into a twist, bun or ponytail provides a sleek, elegant look for mature women. Another fun look is the half-ponytail, where part of the hair remains down and the other part is loosely held in a clip or band. While full braids can look severe, braiding part of the hair can add texture to your look. Have fun with the stray hair that does not get pulled into the upsweep by creating a loose curl or ringlet.

Layers

Long hair can look flat rather than sleek, particularly if hair is damaged or thin. Layering can work wonders in straight or wavy hair for women after age 50. A stylist can recommend which sections of your hair would most benefit from a layered cut. In general, women with round faces look best with layering at the top. Women with narrow faces should have layers along the sides of their faces. Use layered bangs to cover a wide forehead. Strike a modern look with asymmetrical layers or bangs cut at an angle.

Highlights

Hair color can be an integral part of a long hairstyle for women over 50. Rather than coloring your entire head of hair, create dimension with lowlights and highlights. Adding streaks of color can integrate graying hair into a woman's overall look, resulting in a more natural appearance. Keep color tones more natural and less trendy.

References

• Wearing your hair long at a mature age
• Hairstyles for Mature Women Over 40

[joanhaines]

on 7/17/2009 I like these ideas. The highlighting rather than using an allover color is great.