31 Gorgeous Long Hairstyles for Women Over 50 (2024)

• Chris Jones is a stylist and the co-founder of Salon Bugatti in The Woodlands, Texas. He is also a Virtue ambassador.
• Gina Rivera is the founder ofPhenix Salon Suites. She is also the creator ofColours by Gina.

Mermaid Waves

Right off the bat: Demi Moore is solid proof that women over 50 can effortlessly wear long strands. Although Moore usually wears her hair straight, here she is a vision opting for texture with cascading raven mermaid waves.

Voluminous Curls

Diana Ross's iconic natural curlstranscend any one decade. Here, she wears them layered, which adds shape and a face-framing element. "The length is offset by a beautiful shape and tons of softness around her face. Her hair is shiny and healthy, which is a must with long hair," says Jones. For this look, style and treat with Moroccanoil Moroccanoil Treatment ($48).

Chic Blowout

There's nothing like a fresh blowout to make a woman feel her best. Christie Brinkley wears her hair in a soft, smooth, shiny blowout that exudes confidence.

High Messy Ponytail

Halle Berry has a face that looks stunning with any hair length, although she tends to keep it cropped shorter. However, the gorgeous actress does step out in longer lengths from time to time. We love the easy, breezy vibe of this messy ponytail with face-framing pieces, which, according to Jones, "have this amazing ability to lift and accentuate the cheekbones."

For Berry's casual-cool look, Jones suggests using a volumizng and moisturizing mousse. We like Kérastase Densifique Leave-In ThickeningMousse ($46). To finish, add a soft wave and a spritz of Oribe Split End Seal ($44).

Sleek, High Bun

Salma Hayek is often seen with her long hair worn down and wavy, but for a night out, she pulled it straight back into a gorgeous sculptural bun.

Straight With A Middle Part

Women in their 50s tend to shy away from straight hair, fearing it will look thin. However, Sandra Bullock proves pin-straight strands with a center part screams sophistication.

Rivera says, "Long straight hair with a center part can definitely be worn after 50," although she adds that this style works best "for those with high cheekbones and well-defined features. To get this look use a smoothing serum with a large paddle brush to drive. Finish with a spritz of shine spray."

Half-Up, Half-Down

A super-simple half-up hairstyle holds much more power than you think. Nicole Kidman wears her natural waves in a soft pick-up at the back with a bit of volume at the crown. Her long hair is cut into face-framing layers that feel fun and add tons of texture.

Soft Waves

A modern, crimped-style wave adds pretty texture to long lengths. Plus, the added volume throughout the ends gives you the thickness that can be lost as we age.

"Any time you can add softness through texture you’ll instill a more youthful look. The subtle highlights also add warmth to her skin adding to that sun-kissed look," says Jones. For Marisa Tomei's soft waves, he recommends prepping hair with a little styling product—we like Kérastase Nutritive Nectar Thermique Hair Serum—and maybe a tad of volumizing primer at the root for added loft. Follow with a blowout and then curl hair with a 1.25-inch curling iron and finish with texturizing spray."

Sleek and Straight

Over the years, Iman has worn every hairstyle from a short pixie cut to finger waves. Here, she's sporting sleek, straight hair but in a much lighter hue than we're used to seeing on the model and entrepreneur. This pretty golden caramel color might just be our favorite look on her yet.

Low Chignon

When in doubt, a sleek, low chignon is always a good idea, no matter your age. The LBD of hairstyles goes with any outfit from jeans and a tee to a glitzy ballgown—and the best part is that it's easy to create no matter how long your hair is. Part your hair in a deep side part, pull straight back at the nape of the neck, twist, and secure. You can even do it on wet hair for times when you're in a pinch.

Face-framing Pieces

Cameron Diaz's updo with loose pieces on either side of her face is carefree yet stylish. There's also added height throughout the crown, which is helpful for making thin hair appear fuller. As for the color, Jones says that "Honey tones are extremely flattering against a fair complexion," notes Jones.

Simply style with a little R+Co Aircraft Pomade Mousse ($36) at the root, then Kristin Ess Weightless Shine Air Dry Crème ($12) through the mids and ends.

Wavy, Voluminous Ponytail

Viola Davis, strikes the perfect balance of hair and makeup with this ponytail look. Her voluminous 'do styled with a center part shows off her long cascading curls, but more importantly, it puts her face on full display.

Fishtail Braid

The braids of our childhood have certainly gotten an upgrade. Lucy Liu's beautiful fishtail braid is easy to maintain, and an elegant look for both day and night. If you have fine hair, pulling more hair out from the braid is a quick and easy way to pump up the volume.

Blunt With Fringe

There's something so stunning about a long, blunt cut, especially when it's paired with statement-making fringe. "The length isn’t too long, the fringe accentuates her cheekbones, and I love the warm color," comments Jones. "To recreate this look I would go straight for Virtue Healing Oil ($45) and 6-in-1 Styler ($36). I prefer using a boar-bristle round brush to protect the hair and promote shine."

Half-Pulled Back

By pulling her hair halfway back with a subtle, yet trending headband, J.Lo shows off her gorgeous face and ageless skin. She lets the other half of her long mane hang loose for a carefree contrast to her sophisticated slick back.

Face-Framing Loose Waves

While Jennifer Aniston typically wears her hair straight, we're loving these loose waves. According to Rivera, long loosely curled layers are great for creating a youthful look." Highlights also help as they "create dimension and soften," she points out.

To achieve this style, "Dry the hair upside down and use a root booster to create extra volume around the crown. Separate into sections and loosely curl with a large barrel curling iron," instructs Rivera. (FYI: Aniston swears by Unite 7Seconds Leave-In Detangler for soft and glossy strands sans frizz).

Long Waves With Caramel Highlights

Naomi Campbell strikes a pose with her head of long, cascading waves. When considering whether a long style is right for you, think about color. "Color plays a big part," says Jones. "Soft face-framing highlights with a slight golden hue [or in the case of Campbell, a caramel tone] work well for brightening features."

High, Messy Bun

Sarah Jessica Parker has always boasted a headful of long, sun-kissed hair, but we love how she styled it in this high, messy bun with middle-parted fringe here. It's no secret she is a fashion icon, but she's also one of our favorite women to follow for beauty inspiration too.

Low Voluminous Pony

Angela Bassett styled her extra-long ponytail with a super-sleek center part and low-positioned base. If you ever think you can't wear your hair down past your hips after 50 years old, remember this gorgeous look.

Pink and Gray Highlights

Kelly Hu is all about highlights—natural and salon-delivered. Not only does she prove that anyone can pull off gray, but she also shows us that pink hair is fun, refreshing, and could (and should) be worn at any age.

Jet-Black Waves

Does anyone wear long hair better than the Goddess of Pop? When deciding whether hair like Cher's (read: Rapunzel-esque length) is right for his clients over 50, Jones says considering hair density and facial shape is a must. "Does she have hair thick enough to wear past her shoulders?" he asks. Regarding face shape, he says, "I always look for styles that will lift and complement someone’s features. I love a good fringe or soft layers around the face to soften and create movement."

Sleek and Side-Swept

We're not sure what we love more; Leslie Mann's perfect blonde ombré or her super sleek, side-swept hair. A smoothing serum will tame any unwanted flyaways and hidden bobby pins tucked near the nape of the neck can help hold this style in place.

Volumized Crown

If your hair falls a little flat, but you still want it pulled away from your face, try adding some volume to your crown. Diane Lane's loose, romantic style totally opens up her face. Comb hair through and spray the crown of your head with a texture spray or gentle hold hairspray. Loosely pin your hair into a bun or ponytail, then gently pull out random pieces to create a messy look.

Platinum Blonde

Mary J. Blige is proof that you can rock platinum blonde at any age. And super long, rockstar high pony complements her bone structure. If you want to add fullness, try clip-in extensions.

Layered Wavy Shag

Julia Roberts's signature style is a center-parted wavy shag, which happens to be a look that works on any hair length and texture. To get her beachy waves, use a big barrel curling iron. If you want an even more low maintenance look, ask your stylist to cut in layers that will fall into a natural shag on their own.

Accessorized Bun

Butterfly clips know no age limits. Michelle Yeoh's long hair is swept up into a middle bun and accessorized with a green butterfly clip that matches her necklace perfectly. It's a fun accessory that adds playfulness to any look.

Shoulder-Length Waves

Monica Bellucci's effortless waves are the perfect style—on or off the red carpet. To dial up the glam, add in a sparkly choker and a bold smokey eye.

Messy Updo

Helena Bonham Carter's messy updo is one of the best ways to style long, naturally curly hair. Accessorized with delicate bows and face-framing tendrils, this look screams "red carpet chic."

Ultra Sleek and Straight

Queen Latifah's super sleek, side-parted silk press is what goals are made of. To protect your hair from frizz and get her super glossy look, blow dry first with the Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray ($28) and follow up with the Olaplex No. 7 Bonding Oil ($30).

Middle Parted with Volume

A little volume is always a good idea as seen here on Vanessa Williams. For a night out, go for a sleek look in the front with your hair tucked behind your ears and tease a bit at the crown.

Voluminous Curls

Andie MacDowell makes going gray look absolutely glamorous. Even better? Her big, voluminous curls. Keep your silver shiny and cool by washing with L'Oreal Paris Silver Care Shampoo ($9).