As women get older, they often develop different tastes and preferences when it comes to fashion. Many want to show off their more refined style, and what they choose to wear helps them to do this.
Of course, it doesn’t just end at clothing – many of us also think about changing our hairstyles to better suit our age. So, should you change your hairstyle after 50, and what difference can this make?
Changing your hairstyle is a personal choice, and you have to consider how comfortable you are with your current hairstyle. Many women are perfectly happy with their existing style, but others want something more in keeping with their age.
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What is the best hairstyle for over 50s?
A lot of women are interested in the best hairstyle to choose after 50, and there is no set answer to this. It depends on both personal preference and also your appearance.
For example, you need to look at how old you look as opposed to how old you are. You should also consider factors like your face shape.
Some women assume that after 50, you should have a short hairstyle. Of course, this could be the ideal hairstyle for you, but there is nothing to say that all women should sport shorter hairstyles after 50.
A short hairstyle can look elegant, and it is far easier to maintain than having longer hair. However, some women can carry a longer hairstyle perfectly even after the age of 50
So, the best hairstyle for women over 50 depends on what suits your face, personal preferences, and your overall appearance. It even depends on factors such as how much time you have to spend on your hair.
Is it okay to have long hair in your 50s?
Many celebrities have proven that you do not necessarily have to go for short hair after 50, including Kim Basinger, Demi Moore, and Jennifer Lopez.
Keep in mind that longer hairstyles do involve more maintenance so this may affect your choice. However, it is perfectly acceptable to have long hair in your 50s, and on some women, long hair can look far better than short hair even when they get older.
If you do decide to keep your hair long in your 50s, it is vital to keep it in good condition. Longer hair can start to look unkempt and messy far more easily than short hair.
With this in mind, you should make sure you choose the right hair care products based on the condition of your long hair. You may need nourishing hair products for dry hair, thickening products for fine hair, and you can even get anti-ageing hair care products.
Also, consider the colour of your hair as well as the length and style. Depending on your skin tone, specific colours can be far more flattering and give a softer finish than others.
As an example, if you colour your hair and you are a brunette, go for a warm brown rather than darker shades. If you are blonde, choose a colour with golden or strawberry tones rather than ash blonde or platinum.
Another thing to remember is that problems such as split ends can be far more apparent if you have long hair. Ensure you get your hair trimmed regularly to keep it looking great!
As long as you look after your hair, a longer hairstyle can look very elegant if you are over the age of 50. You also have the versatility of being able to wear your hair up or down, depending on your mood.
Does long hair make you look older after 50?
Some people are under the impression that after the age of 50, women should go for shorter hair because long hair can make them look older. Yet, long hair can look very flattering and stylish on some women.
Age is not necessarily the primary factor you should consider when it comes to deciding whether to have long or short hair after 50. Instead, consider the condition of your skin, the shape of your face, and what you feel comfortable with.
Thanks to the miracle of skincare products (coupled with great genes for some women), many women in their 50s look nowhere near their actual age. This is why you should look at other aspects of your appearance when deciding what sort of hairstyle to choose rather than just basing it on age.
Women whose skin does look aged may find that long hair makes them look older, and shorter hairstyles are often best suited to older-looking skin. However, for those over 50 who still look youthful, longer hair can look fabulous.
Long hair can also make you look older if you fail to look after it, as this is far easier to spot on longer styles than shorter ones. Your longer hair can end up looking dry/greasy, unkempt, and out of condition if it is not maintained correctly.
Choosing the right style for your hair
When it comes to hairstyles for women aged over 50, it is not just a case of considering the length but also the style. Choose a style that suits both your age and your face shape.
Often, it can prove invaluable to speak to your stylist about the most suitable style for you if this is something you are unsure about. They can provide you with different options that you can consider before making your choice.
Making your choice: a summary
So, in summary, when making your decision about the length of your hair, you should keep the following factors in mind:
- The age you look as opposed to the age you are
- How much time/effort you want to put into maintenance
- The shape of your face
- What you feel comfortable with
An individual choice
Don't assume you should go for a shorter hairstyle when you reach 50, as this is not necessarily the case. Base your decision on your personal preference and what looks good on you.
We spoke to Leilu Dallas from AfroDeity, who agreed with this sentiment, telling us: "Styling your hair after fifty, can come down to personal choice or a lot of the time down to circumstance. Many of us have thinning hair or bald patches so it can be difficult to keep up with the styles we've had over the previous forty years or so of our adult lifetime. I like to think of it as a chance to reinvent ourselves as the me I am today is definitely bolder than the me I was yesterday."
While some women aged over 50 may look far better with a shorter hairstyle, others may look much better with longer styles. The key to keeping your hair looking great is making sure you look after it and that you maintain it properly.
