Looking for the Best Long Hair Styles for Older Women? This Video is for You! (Video)
Making it to your 60s with long hair is something of a victory. After all, there are many times during our lives when we face a lot of pressure to cut our hair.
Finding the best long hair styles for older women can be a challenge for exactly this reason. There just aren’t as many examples out there, compared to short and medium-length hairstyles.
See also 12 Hairstyles with Bangs for Older Women.
Advice from a Celebrity Hairdresser on Finding the Perfect Long Hair Style
Denise McAdam is the “Grand Dame of UK Hairdressing.” With over 40-years’ experience, she is an absolute pleasure to work with. She even has a “royal warrant,” which enables her to work with royalty in the UK.
In a recent edition of the Sixty and Me Show, I sat down with Denise to discuss how to find the best long hair styles for older women. Watch the video above and enjoy the show!
How to Keep Your Long Hair Looking Great
Denise starts by reminding us that, as we get older, our hair changes significantly. As our hormones shift, during and after menopause, our hair weakens and goes from three layers to two. This gives it a thinner appearance and makes it more likely to split and break.
This is one of the reasons that having long hair in your 60s and 70s takes a little extra effort. You may also need to make a commitment to styling your hair and perhaps buy a few extra products.
Read 6 PRODUCTS TO HELP MAKE YOUR FINE HAIR LOOK FULL AND THICK.
13 Best Long Hair Styles for Older Women
Denise has worked with amazing female celebrities who have decided to keep their hair long. Women like Jane Seymour, Jerry Hall, Celine Dion, and Goldie Hawn have all decided that long hair matches their personal brands.
Few older female celebrities, except for perhaps Joni Mitchell and Cher, have worn their long hair perfectly straight. Instead, most rely on their hairdressers to use layers that create movement and facilitate a gentle shape.
Layers & Curls
The layers are added throughout the hair to help the curls blend seamlessly and prevent any heavy, bulky sections. The layers also provide volume and texture to the overall look, creating a natural and effortless appearance.
The curls can be achieved using various methods, such as a curling iron or hot rollers, depending on the desired size and shape of the curls. The curls are usually concentrated on the bottom half of the hair, starting around the jawline and cascading down to the ends.
Use curling styling products to define and hold the curls and to stop frizz.
Conair Ceramic Hot Rollers on Amazon
Side Part with Volume
This blow out gives extra volume exactly where it’s needed and also adds flirty movement to the hair. This can be achieved by teasing or backcombing the hair at the crown of the head, and then smoothing the top layer over the teased section.
This style works well for both casual and formal occasions and can be dressed up with accessories like a hair clip or headband. Overall, this hairstyle exudes confidence and femininity.
Natural Layers
This is a low-maintenance and effortless look that is perfect for those who prefer a more natural and casual style. To enhance the natural texture of the hair, a curl-defining product can be applied to the damp hair before air-drying. This will help to define any natural waves or curls in the hair, while also reducing frizz and enhancing shine.
OGX Argan Oil of Morocco Curling Perfection Curl-Defining Cream on Amazon
Perfect Ponytail
Long hair in a ponytail is a simple yet versatile hairstyle that is perfect for a variety of occasions. The hair is gathered and secured at the back of the head or the nape of the neck using an elastic band or a scrunchie.
To add volume and texture to the ponytail, the hair can be teased or backcombed at the crown of the head before gathering it into the ponytail. This will create a fuller and more voluminous look.
This style can also be customized with different hair accessories such as ribbons, barrettes, or decorative hairpins to add a touch of elegance or playfulness to the look.
Long Layers Blow Out
This is a sleek and polished hairstyle that is achieved through the use of a blow dryer and styling products. The hair is sectioned off and blow-dried using a round brush to create volume and smoothness.
Read 6 BEST HAIRSTYLING TOOLS FOR MATURE WOMEN.
Straight with Volume
This is a classic and timeless hairstyle that exudes simplicity and elegance. You can still wear your hair straight and middle-parted. It will take some extra care so that it doesn’t look too flat and stringy. Use a flat iron or straightening brush to achieve th smooth and sleek finish.
CHI Original Ceramic Hair Straightening Flat Iron
Large Curls & Long Fringe
Large curls and a long curtain fringe is a trendy and glamorous hairstyle that combines voluminous curls with a face-framing fringe. Use a large-barrel curling iron or hot rollers to achieve the curls. Once all the hair has been curled, use a hairbrush or wide-tooth comb to gently comb through the curls to create loose and natural-looking waves.
Side Fringe Loose Curls
A side fringe with loose curls is a trendy and versatile hairstyle that combines a face-framing side fringe with soft, loose curls. The hair is styled to create loose and natural-looking curls with a curling iron or other curling tools. The fringe is typically blow-dried or styled with a round brush to create a smooth and polished finish.
Conair Double Ceramic 1 1/4-Inch Curling Iron
Natural Curls
Natural curls are beautiful and can be worn long even as we age. Make sure to have a proper cut so that your curls fall soft and natural. When styling natural curls, it’s best to avoid using heat styling tools like a flat iron or curling iron, as this can cause damage and disrupt the natural curl pattern. Instead, the hair can be styled by air-drying or using a diffuser attachment on a hairdryer to help enhance and define the curls.
Defined Coils
Show off your beautiful coils at any age. Try lightening your tresses for a softer look. You’ll need some good curl defining gels and viscous oils to keep this style bouncy and natural.
Long Balayage
Add some gradient highlights to your long hair for a modern look. Balayage is a French word that means “to sweep,” and it refers to a highlighting technique where color is painted onto the hair in a freehand manner, creating a natural-looking, sun-kissed effect.
Madison Reed Light Works Balayage Highlighting Kit on Amazon
Soft Layers & Roll Curls
This classic long hairstyle looks great on women of all ages. The layers around the face fall softly and are easily curled back with a large barrel curling iron.
Straight Salt & Pepper Side Part
Like Denise said, our hair tends to thin and lose strength as we age. If you still have thick hair and want to wear it straight, think about a side part that is more flattering for the features. This is a chic and sophisticated hairstyle that can be worn by women of all ages.
FAQ
Which Is the Best Haircut for Long Hair?
Layers are a great idea to add to long hair as we get older. Layers add movement and youthful energy as opposed to single-length hairstyles.
Add soft layers throughout your hair (if your hair is thick) or simply add them around your face to beautifully frame your features.
Is Long Hair OK Over 50?
Absolutely! There is no reason to feel pressured into cutting your long hair as you age. Wear your hair as long as you wish as long as it is healthy and that you take good care of it.
Read LONG OR SHORT HAIR OVER 60?
What Haircut Makes Us Look Youthful?
Youthful energy comes from within. Cut and style your hair to suit your personality. Don’t push your limits by trying styles that you think will make you look younger. You need to feel it and your hair needs to reflect who you really are.
Read 10 Youthful Hairstyles for Women Over 50.
What Products to Use on Long Hair?
The most important thing to keeping long hair as we age is to keep it healthy. That means getting regular cuts, using fortifying products, and using the proper brushes.
Shampoo
Redken Extreme Length Shampoo contains Biotin to strengthen damaged hair and help hair grow longer.
Blow Dry Lotion
OGX Protecting + Silk Blowout Quick Drying Thermal Spray offers heat protection from hair dryers and styling tools. This spray helps prevent split ends and leaves your hair shiny and healthy-looking.
Brushes
Use a brush like the Wet Brush Go Green Tea Tree Oil Infused Detangling Hair Brush for the shower after you finish shampooing for easy detangling. It’s a game-changer for long hair!
Use a medium or large round brush for blow drying and styling to give lift and volume to your long hair. A great option is the Conair® Professional Medium Round Hair Brush with Nylon Bristles and Rubber-Grip Handle.
Read HAIRSTYLE TIPS FOR OLDER WOMEN: 13 TRADE SECRETS YOUR HAIRDRESSER WANTS YOU TO KNOW!
Also read 7 WASH-AND-WEAR HAIRCUTS FOR WOMEN OVER 60.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
Do you love your long hair? What products do you use to keep it looking healthy? Do you have any questions for Denise about long hair styles for older women? Please join the conversation.
Great article. Good hair care for long color treated hair?