9 Long Hairstyles That Are So Flattering On Older Women

There's been a long-standing idea that older women should have short hair. It probably stems from the fact that, as women age, their drop in estrogen can lead to thinner, more brittle hair. In some cases, a shorter cut might be the perfect hairstyle for older women with fine hair. But there's been a change in recent years, led by these women over 50 who have the trendiest hair in Hollywood, and it's now perfectly acceptable for older women to rock long hair. But what are the most flattering hairstyles?

We asked expert stylist Rogerio Cavalcante, founder of Brazil Edition and The Second Floor Salon, for some insight. For him, the key is softness. "I love long hair on women over 60 that has movement and softness," he tells Glam exclusively. "The goal isn't looking younger, but looking fresh and effortless." While a shellacked bouffant can make you look dated, one of these nine style ideas will look flattering on just about anyone. "Hair today feels more relaxed. Healthy shine, soft bends, and movement always look more modern," asserts Cavalcante.

If you have a long, blunt cut right now, consider adding in some layers that frame the face. "Face-framing pieces bring attention to the eyes and cheekbones," hair pro Rogerio Cavalcante tells us. They can also soften features. For example, if you feel your bone structure has begun to look more severe as you age, face-framing layers can help offset that. Plus, these layers add volume, which can give limp hair a bit more oomph.

Want to quickly hit refresh on your hairstyle? Consider a fringe. If you have an older face, you might want to skip blunt bangs and instead ask your stylist for softness. Think wispy bangs, or sideswept styles that double as face framers. The right fringe can help keep your hair from looking dated, and Cavalcante notes, "long curtain bangs feel especially modern." Bangs can work on a number of different textures as well, whether you're embracing natural curls or have straight strands.

A topknot looks stylish and can give you an instant facelift. Pulling the hair onto the top of the head in a bun draws the eye upward, creating a lifted effect. This also adds balance to a wide or round face shape by adding vertical height. To achieve the look, pull hair into a high ponytail and secure with a hair tie. Then braid or twist the hair and coil it around the base of the ponytail and secure with bobby pins or another hair tie.

According to Cavalcante, "As hair naturally changes with age, softer shapes become more flattering. Layers create movement, so hair doesn't feel heavy." The key to creating the perfect layers for you is to find a skilled stylist who can work with your texture and take your hair thickness and face shape into account. Wearing your hair down with long layers can look effortless and fresh, but this style also makes updos look instantly flattering, and chin-grazing layers in front will frame your face.

It can be easy to fall into a style rut, wearing your hair either up or down all the time. Why not meet in the middle, for the best of both worlds, with a half-up hairstyle? There are many versions of this look, and while a half-up style looks lovely with the top part of the hair fastened at ear level, pulling it up higher on the head will give you that lifted look. Not just flattering, this style has a fun and energetic vibe. Here are some great half-up-half-down hairstyles to inspire your next styling sesh.

If you thought your beachy-wave days were behind you, think again. This ethereal hairstyle looks great on women of any age, especially those with multi-tonal hair colors, as it accentuates the depth of the hues. If you have naturally wavy hair, add a texture spray and air-dry. But even if your hair is straight, there are several ways to achieve the beachy S-wave look. No matter the texture, be sure to throw some conditioning treatments into your regimen, as beachy waves look best when hair is well hydrated and healthy, not brittle and dry.

It's hard to believe the woman pictured above is over the age of 60, and a lot of it has to do with her hairstyle. While a low ponytail or braid draped over one shoulder provides a youthful energy, it's far from immature. The style also couldn't be simpler to achieve for older women with long hair. It's another example of lazy girl hairstyles that take virtually zero effort but have a big payoff. A low braid or ponytail is fun and chic — and no one should feel that they age out of that. 

Some women have long relied on teasing combs and a heavy dose of hairspray to maintain voluminous hairdos. But as you get older, it may be time to rething you approach and ditch the '80s look. "I think overstyling can age a look — too much teasing or very stiff curls," Cavalcante notes. He says the goal is to keep hair soft and flowing for a more effortless, feminine look — which you won't get with a can of hairspray.

Can mature women wear braids? Absolutely! Women over 60 rocking box braids look confident and stylish — and there are a few different ways to pull it off. Two low braids can give you a playful and fun appearance, while a sleek, single braid down your back looks elegant and polished. Truly, there are braided styles to match whatever vibe you're going for. Also, braids make for a very practical summertime style if humidity and frizz are the bane of your existence.