Long Hair, Don’t Care: How to Rock Lengthy Locks After 50

Since when was, “Thou shalt not have hair below your shoulder after 40, and heaven forbid, after 50,” the 11th commandment? Just because you’re a certain age doesn’t mean an entire hairstyle is officially off limits. It’s totally possible to rock long hair over 50 — even with glasses. We’ve rounded up everything you need to know about maintaining long hair after 50, including some of the best long hairstyles.

As you age, your hair also changes — and not just the color. Maybe you’ve noticed your hair texture is different. Over time, fine hair may feel thinner and more delicate, while thick hair becomes stiff and coarse. If you’re looking for a long-term natural solution, there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to caring for mature hair.

What to Do If You Have Thin Hair

Thin hair and hair loss in women is not uncommon after 50, so don’t be ashamed. But despite how prevalent an issue female hair loss is, a regular old bad hair day can also totally ruin your mood. Chopping off your hair might seem like a simple solution to hiding a thin head of hair, but it isn’t necessary. If you’re wondering how to get thicker hair naturally, there are a few steps you can take. Alexis Wolfer, the author of The Recipe for Radiance ($14.39, Amazon), mentions a relaxing in-shower scalp massage and a fragrant herbal hair rinse as the keys to growing thicker hair.

In the shower, you should also use a dandruff shampoo like Nizoral A-D ($14.84, Amazon) one to two times a week, as its anti-inflammatory properties help fight scalp infections. “Reducing yeast on the scalp may help decrease inflammation and promote healthy hair growth,” says Joshua Zeichner, MD, the director of cosmetic and clinical research in the department of dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.

Best Long Hairstyles for Women Over 50 to Try

It’s 100-percent possible to look stylish with long hair even if you’re worried about your thin locks — but you might want to have a talk with your hairstylist first. “You can make your hair look thicker by cutting the hair blunt and adding square layers,” says Joe Vitale, the owner of K Salon in New York City. Vitale recommends using a volumizing shampoo (and a volumizing spray before blow-drying), which will make hair look and feel lush. If you’re not a fan of going gray just yet, you’ll be happy to know that your monthly paint job is also working to make your hair look fuller, because the dye coats the hair shafts, making them thicker.

Keep scrolling to see some of our favorite celebrity-inspired hairstyles for women over 50 with long hair.

Kathy Ireland’s Flawless Blowout 

Who hasn’t envied Kathy Ireland’s voluminous mane? You can achieve a similar blowout at home with a boar bristle brush (these brushes are great for women with thinning hair, as they’re gentle). 

Lucy Liu’s Flowing Locks

Lucy Liu’s Rapunzel-esque hair is the picture of health. It’s easy for hair to look drab and dull due to a variety of factors, like weather and excessive use of heat styling tools. Luckily, you can revive your strands with a hydrating coconut oil hair mask.

Lynda Carter’s Bouncy Barrel Curls

Wonder Woman actress Lynda Carter’s beauty-pageant curls instantly add glam to an everyday outfit.

Beverly Johnson’s Wavy Mane

Show your hairstylist a picture of Beverly Johnson’s if you want a low-maintenance cut that will look as good on the fifth day of not washing it as it will when you walk out of the salon.

Janet Jackson’s Sky-High Ponytail

Janet Jackson’s hair has changed a lot over the years, but she’s preferred longer hairstyles in recent years. Fortunately, long locks keep her looking youthful. Jackson adds a twist to her ponytail by wrapping hair around the base of her updo to instantly elevate her look and add some oomp. We’ll definitely have to try this hair hack the next time we want to add a stylish twist to our regular old ponytail.

Sarah Jessica Parker’s Messy Side Ponytail

A messy ponytail is our go-to lazy-day hairstyle, but SJP proves it can be elevated with a few simple accessories. A bright-colored top and a cute hair ribbon transform a hairdo you usually reserve for running errands into a chic pony that you could totally wear on a date night with your hubby. Pulling out a few strands in the front to frame your face keeps the ‘do from looking too polished.

Elle Macpherson’s Glossy Hair

Even though her enviable physique earned her the nickname “The Body,” supermodel Elle MacPherson’s luscious blonde locks deserve some attention, too. So, what’s the secret to Macpherson’s long, healthy hair? “I fill my swimming cap with [conditioner] while doing my laps [in the pool], or in summer I like to walk around with my hair coated with it. It’s a nice wet-look style,” she told Get the Gloss in October 2018. 

Elizabeth Hurley’s Highlighted Curls

Subtle highlights are the perfect way to add depth to your hair without committing to a full head of bleach. English actress and model Elizabeth Hurley shows us how it’s done with understated honey-hued highlights that blend in perfectly with her chestnut-brown hair. Adding a few soft curls makes the highlights look even more natural.

Vanessa Williams’ Tousled Waves

There’s something oh-so-effortless about Vanessa Williams’ soft waves. This hairstyle for long hair is perfect for days when you want a delicate curl but you don’t want to dry out your hair with too much heat. To achieve the same look, use a curling iron with a larger barrel and skip the hairspray so the curls will fall. Your hair will look even better the next day!

Jane Seymour’s Piece-y Fringe

Jane Seymour, the former Bond girl and star of the hit show Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman, is known for her stunning auburn hair, which she’s still rocking at 67 years old. Seymour’s piecey bangs beautifully frame her face while still looking soft.

Salma Hayek’s Shiny Curls

It’s tempting to want to add highlights, lowlights, or any other kind of lights to get dimension in your hair. But actress Salma Hayek, 52, proves that you don’t need to go crazy with hair dye to achieve a fuller-looking head of hair.

Iman’s Glossy Side Ponytail

Remember back in the ’80s when side ponytails were all the rage? Model Iman, 63, shows that the nostalgic hairdo can be totally transformed so it’s appropriately modern. If a middle part doesn’t suit your face, try a deep side part like Iman’s. 

Marisa Tomei’s Rich Auburn Curls

We’re totally inspired by the deep reddish-brown hue of Marisa Tomei’s auburn curls — the perfect fall hair color! Her messy part adds a bit of effortless cool to the look, making it the perfect easy-morning hairstyle. All you have to do is lightly curl it and then you’re out the door.

Barbra Streisand’s Pin-Straight Locks

Women with straight hair always want curls, and women with waves always want straight hair, right? Well, we want Barbra Streisand’s perfectly sleek hair! With a simple middle part, Babs’ hair is fuss-free and easy. Her long strands also elongate her face, making her appear slimmer. 

Valerie Bertinelli’s Sweeping Curls

How old is Valerie Bertinelli? At 58 years old, the actress could pass for someone 15 years younger — and her secret to looking ageless has to do with her hair. The volume at Bertinelli’s roots is a trick to mimic if you have thinning hair, as it gives your locks the appearance of being thick, luscious, and full of body. 

Sandra Bullock’s Blunt Bangs

Sandra Bullock’s blunt bangs are another hairstyle trend to follow if you’re looking to hide your thinning hair. Over time, your hairline can recede, but bangs — especially a fuller fringe — can completely cover your worry spots. The youthful style of this haircut is also a great reminder that you’re never too old to wear your hair a certain way. 

Nicole Kidman’s Elevated Ponytail

If you’re not a fan of wearing your hair down, copying Nicole Kidman’s stylish ponytail will leave you looking anything but basic. Ponytails get a bad rap for being boring; it’s a hairstyle you reserve for days when you haven’t washed your hair and you just need to get it our of your face. But Kidman shows that with the help of a curling wand, your ponytail can take center stage. Leave out a few face-framing layers for a delicate, romantic look. 

Christie Brinkley’s Wispy Bangs

Christie Brinkley’s forehead-skimming bangs balance our her voluminous curls, making for the perfect long, layered hairstyles for women over 50. If you’re unsure whether blunt bangs that are cut straight across will flatter your face, you can always opt for something like Brinkley’s side-swept bangs. The nice thing here is that when your bangs get greasy or you simply want to change it up for the day, you can push your fringe behind your ears or pin it back. Now you’ve got a whole new look!

Julianne Moore’s Middle Part

Julianne Moore’s fiery mane looks healthy and full, and her middle part keeps her ‘do youthful. Opting for a middle part is especially flattering for people with round faces. “If you have a round shape, the ideal part line is down the middle or a deep side part,” celebrity hairstylist Mika Fowler told Byrdie. “Both of these parts will give the illusion of length and create symmetry around your face.”

Demi Moore’s Sleek, Straight Hair

Demi Moore’s sleek mane is inspiration for all ladies looking for long straight hairstyles for women over 50. Remember when we were little girls and we dreamed of having Rapunzel-length hair? Well, nothing’s stopping you! Moore is proof that long locks can look good at any age.

Andie McDowell’s Side-Swept Curls

Andie McDowell’s side-swept curls are a perfect example of the many amazing long curly hairstyles for women over 50. Curly hair can be tricky to style, especially if you have a lot of it. Simply run a curling iron through large sections of your hair and opt for a deep side part to recreate McDowell’s sultry side-swept ‘do.

This story originally appeared on our sister site, Woman’s World.