Choosing a new hairstyle for spring is simply part of the whole “spring cleaning” trend every year. The season feels like a fresh, new start, and there’s nothing like getting a haircut and trying a fun new hairstyle this time of year. For the more mature ladies, choosing a spring hairstyle may feel a little different than in the past, but stylists say that it’s less about the “right” style and more about what makes you feel your best: “I love tailoring hair to the person and what makes them feel the most confident,” says New York City Beauty Supply hairstylist Shelby Samaria. Thinking about switching up your hairstyle this spring? Read on for our experts’ best styling tips and plenty of ideas for spring hairstyles for women over 50 that stun.
Featured Experts
- Shelby Samaria is a hairstylist at Beauty Supply in New York City
- Rogério Cavalcante is the creator and founder of Brazil Edition and The Second Floor Salon in New York City
What Hair Lengths Look Best on Women Over 50?
Hair length depends on the person, including hair type, face shape, style and what makes you feel your best. “To be honest, I appreciate all hair lengths on women over 50,” says Samaria.
However, if the hair is finer, “shorter lengths tend to work best because they create the illusion of fullness and make the hair feel lighter and more voluminous,” says Samaria. “If the hair is dense, healthy and full, I always encourage embracing length.” Note that while long hair can look beautiful, it should also “feel fluid and healthy, with layers to avoid looking flat,” adds New York City hairstylist, The Second Floor Salon owner and Brazil Edition founder Rogério Cavalcante.
In general, mid-length hair can be pretty universal. “Mid-length hair—around the collarbone—is incredibly flattering because it gives movement without feeling heavy,” says Cavalcante.
When it comes to choosing your hair length if you’re over 50, don’t let age define you. “The goal is always softness and movement,” says Cavalcante. Let your own personal style dictate how you want to wear your hair: “At the end of the day, it’s about working with what you have and enhancing it in a way that feels natural, confident, and true to you,” adds Samaria.
Hairstyling Tips for Women Over 50
Think about it: Your hair and scalp ages just like the rest of your skin does. At age 50 and beyond, thinking about a nourishing routine that supports healthy aging is key for both skin and hair. So, before any hairstyling takes place, think about hair care. “Treat your hair the same way you treat your skin: with consistency, care and the right support,” says Samaria. “Preventative measures matter, whether that’s maintaining a balanced diet, taking vitamins or speaking with a professional about hormonal changes, especially during menopause.”
Then, once it is time to style, “Work with your natural texture, not against it,” adds Samaria. “Choose products that support what your hair already wants to do. For example, if your hair is curly or wavy, opt for richer, more moisturizing creams to enhance and define it. If your hair is fine or lightweight, avoid heavy oils and instead use water-based products that won’t weigh the hair down.” This goes for styling at any age, but remember that as you grow more grays, your hair type and texture could change slightly, so keep that in mind as you choose products.
You don’t have to do anything super intricate or time-consuming when it comes to styling, either. “The biggest shift is moving away from over-styled hair,” notes Cavalcante. “It’s all about softness, shine and natural texture.”
Choose styles that speak to you, but in general, “When styling, a soft bend feels much more modern than a defined curl,” adds Cavalcante. “And lifting the roots slightly keeps the look fresh and effortless.”
For more ideas, think elevated but realistic. “For those with tighter and more kinky textures, including 4C hair, two strand twist outs are always gorgeous and good for embracing the body and shape of natural hair,” says Samaria. “A voluminous roller set would look lovely on almost any hair type. A textured blowout or a soft, bouncy round-brush blowout can add movement and polish without feeling overdone.”
When it comes to heat styling, be mindful of how much heat you’re putting on your strands and how often. “Keeping it to once or twice a week is ideal,” says Samaria. “When you do use heat, choose quality tools and lower temperature settings to protect the integrity of the hair.”
















