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. 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.
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
Adding layers will add some volume and also shape your facial features nicely. Try curling styling products to define and hold the curls and to stop frizz.
Side Part with Volume
This blow out gives extra volume exactly where it’s needed and also adds flirty movement to the hair.
Natural Layers
With the perfectly cut layers you can easily do the wash-and-go styling with the help of some styling products to keep frizz away and hair soft.
Perfect Ponytail
Add volume to the top back of your head when tying your long hair back into a ponytail. Make sure to leave a few strands to surround the face softly.
Long Layers Blow Out
The less layers you have, the more volume you need to create. This is easily done with a large round brush while blow-drying your hair.
Straight with Volume
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.
Large Curls & Long Fringe
A side-swept longish fringe is always a flirty way to add movement to your hair and to define your features.
Side Fringe Loose Curls
Large bouncy curls can be achieved with a curling iron or heat rollers. Use a fixing spray so that your curls stay with you all day.
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.
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.
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 loose 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.
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.
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.
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
BlowDry Glotion from Biolage lets you shape and reshape your hair with thermal protection for fast, healthy-looking hair and frizz-controlled blowouts.
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.
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.
