Hair
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Afros, bobs, layers, and so much more—one of the best things about curly hair is that there are so many ways to style it without compromising on volume and shape. But when thinking about your curls as you get older, there are a few things you have to consider. After all, hair changes with age.
Celebrity hairstylist Clayton Hawkins explains that through the years, curls get drier, more fragile, and sometimes less dense (and you might experience changes in your curl pattern, too). You’ll have to tweak your hair routine to give your curls the best T.L.C. as possible. “It becomes really important to focus on hydration and gentle handling,” says Hawkins. “Stop being rough with your curls, girls.”
And when it comes to curly hairstyles, especially for those over 50, it’s all about personal preference. “What I see most often isn’t really about age,” says Naeemah LaFond, celebrity hairstylist and Shark Global Brand Ambassador. “It’s about how someone wants to feel when they walk into a room. Right now, there’s a clear shift toward shapes that feel intentional but still easy.”
So anything goes as long as you love it. But if you’re looking for some guided inspo, both Hawkins and LaFond break down the styles you should consider. Here are the 9 hairstyles for curly hair over 50 that they love.
Karwai Tang
Soft, Layered Shoulder Cuts
Hawkins says that most of his clients over 50 aren’t asking to go super short anymore. “They want their hair to still feel modern,” he says. “I see a lot of requests for soft, layered shoulder-length cuts.” LaFond agrees and says the soft, sculpted bobs that hit the collarbone are the sweet spot for natural curls.
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Curly Lobs
Not too far different from a shoulder cut, Hawkins says a curly lob is another popular cut for his clients. His pro tip for keeping curls and coils healthy is using a hydrating mask. “When it comes to masks, you don’t have to spend a fortune,” he says. “One of the best hydrating masks on the market right now is the Dove Amino Curl Repair 10-in-1 Cream Mask.”
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Long Face-Framing Layers
Both Hawkins and LaFond love face-framing layers for curly hair to give your overall look some movement. “[Think] longer curls with thoughtful layering for shape and control,” says LaFond.
To style, Hawkins recommends DevaCurl for its styling products (like the DevaCurl Quench’n Define Gel Strong Hold Non-Crunch Styler) to maintain shape and keep curls healthy.
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Soft Shags
The times clients do want to go short, Hawkins says that shags are one of the top requests. “If they do go short, they’re wanting textured curls like soft pixies or shags,” he says. “But always with a sense of softness.”
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Rounded Silhouettes
LaFond says that rounded silhouettes help celebrate curl density instead of minimizing it. She recommends something like the Pattern Beauty Curl Gel for added definition that still feels touchable. “The goal is always curls that move,” she says.
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Brushed Out Curls
In the same vein of a blended blowout, Hawkins likes a slightly brushed-out curl. “It can look really luxe,” he says.
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Diffused Roots
For added volume, LaFond says to lift and diffuse at the root. To do that, you need the right tools, like the Shark FlexStyle Air Styler. “It gives you control without disrupting the curl pattern,” she says. “It makes the whole process feel quick and intuitive.
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Tapered Cuts
To open up the face and give it a bit of a lift, LaFond says to go for a tapered cut.
Maya Dehlin Spach
Air Dried Curls
Air-dry curls are another favorite for both experts. “I always approach curly hair by enhancing the natural pattern rather than fighting it,” says Hawkins. “I love air-dried texture.”
LaFond says that you need the right layering of products. She recommends the Olaplex No.6 Bond Smoother for added hydration and frizz control. “For me, it’s always about moisture, strength, and flexibility,” she says. “Hair should feel good, not stiff.”
Curious about a beauty or wellness trend? We want to know! Email Vogue’s senior beauty and wellness editor at beauty@vogue.com.
Audrey Noble is a contributing writer at Vogue, covering all things beauty and wellness. As someone who is admittedly chronically online, she loves to debunk the never-ending slew of TikTok skin trends (do not put beef tallow on your face) and bond with celebrities over astrology and their biggest beauty ... Read More