Hair After 50: How to Wear It Long, Add Volume and Keep It Healthy

Some women feel pressure to cut their hair short as they age. Stylists quoted by Vogue and ELLE say what matters is the cut and the condition of the hair, not its length, and that long hair can work at 50 and beyond with a few smart choices.

There’s a common misconception that mature women should keep their hair short. But stylists who spoke to Vogue and Elle share insights on why this idea is passé. They offer practical advice on how to wear your hair long even past the age of 50, and how to add volume and keep it healthy.

Long Hair Has No Age Limit

The idea that women over 50 can’t have long hair is outdated, and hairstylist George Northwood agrees. "It boils down to the cut and the condition," he told Vogue. This means prioritizing modern styles and healthy hair.

Dom Seeley, Color Wow's international creative director, says there’s nothing wrong with going short, but women shouldn't "conform to society's beliefs about how you should feel or look."

The experts recommend asking your hairdresser which styles would suit your face shape. If you want to draw attention to your eyes or cheekbones, soft bangs and layers can do the trick.

Northwood advises, "Don't be on auto-pilot" at the salon. Instead, he encourages being proactive, discussing what you want at the start of the appointment and whether your usual cut and color still work.

Adding Volume

As we age, hair naturally becomes thinner, and according to Elle, this may be due to hormone-related shedding, genetics, or just the slowing down of the hair growth cycle as you age.

Thin hair tends to look flat, so hairstylist Kirsten Finnigan suggests a root-lifting spray and blow-drying it upside down.

The cut matters too. Since hair can look thinnest in front, adding delicate layers around the face can give it more body without removing bulk.

For those open to shorter styles, "Blunt bobs and cuts are an excellent option for thinning hair," Finnigan says, because they make the ends look fuller. A dramatic side part can create the illusion of height, and "halo layers" around the crown give long hair movement. Celebrity hairstylist Marc Ballance says face-framing layers can make hair look fuller as well.

There are also products that can help with styling hair for more volume. Finnigan recommends avoiding heavy products and using dry shampoo for texture. For curls and waves, she suggests applying a mousse and drying it with a diffuser.

Keeping It Healthy

Meanwhile, Seeley recommends using heat protectors and keeping a close watch on your hair's habits, instead of strictly following a six-week trim schedule.

If you have Afro hair, Elle suggests using as little heat as possible and avoiding very tight braids, which can cause traction alopecia.

Lastly, be wary of too much hair fall. If you notice this, see a doctor or a trichologist. Your new haircut can complement your appearance, but it won’t treat the cause of hair loss.