Cute Curly Hairstyles for Women Over 50
Finding cute hairstyles for curly-haired women is a challenge at the best of times. And once midlife arrives, finding curly hairstyles for women over 50 becomes even more challenging. That’s because, as hormones change, the effects of menopause can make every day a bad hair day!
Hairstylist and curly hair specialist Lynn Johnsen Draddy (@privatecurldetective) offers some advice on managing and styling curly hair, along with real-life examples of her work with a fabulous group of midlife women, aged 40 and 50+.
Deborah Bolanwhat’sn, what’s the biggest mistake you see women over 40 and 50 making when it comes to styling their curly hair?
Lynn Draddy: One of the biggest mistakes women make when it comes to managing their curly hair is trying to fix it. It doesn’t need to be fixed; it needs to be embraced. Women try fixing it by using heat to blow dry or flat iron it straight. This creates a cycle of dehydrating the hair and exacerbating frizz. Curls should be properly hydrated by using only water-soluble products.
DB: How does curly hair change as we get older?
LD: Age and menopause can affect the hair and curly hair in particular. Hair often gets drier, and many women experience hair loss. As hair loses pigment and fades to grey, you don’t want to clump together like they used to. In curly or highly textured hair, the white hairs get looser, and in wavy or less textured hair, the white hair becomes curlier or textured. Thyroid issues can also become an issue. Finding lots of hair on your brush or gobs of hair in the shower? You’re experiencing unusual hair loss; this is something you should look into.
DB: Wow! For women over 40 and 50 with curly hair, this sounds like a recipe for frizz. Do you have any tips on how to avoid that?
LD: It’s possible to get curls without frizz! Curly hair is often dehydrated and needs more moisture before adding water-soluble leave-in products such as DevaCurl Mop Top, or my favorite, Innersense Organic Beauty.
One tip is to use a spray bottle in the shower to add water to each section before adding the product. Water is a primary part of hydration!
On wash day, after cleansing and conditioning, apply two leave-in products: a filler/moisturizer (in cream or foam form) to help reduce frizz. A gel to seal in moisture.. Foam is a great filler for fine or wavy hair because it encourages curl. Cream is a great filler for curlier or higher porosity hair because it helps eliminate frizz while adding moisture, as for Geit’s, it’s always a go-to sealer. Stay away from heavy kinds of butter or oils! Again, Innersense products are my number one choice!
Sleeping at night in a silk or satin cap, scarf, or on a silk or satin pillowcase can help reduce frizz. Additionally, pulling long hair into a loose ponytail holder on top of the head can also help.
DB: Any recommendations on the best hairstyles for curly-haired women, long or short?
LD: Long hair and short hair can be worn at any age, and both can look good, depending on the individual’s hair type, facial features, and body type.
Fine or thin hair should be kept shorter to enhance volume and shape. Since many midlife women experience thinning hair, curly hairstyles are quite popular among women.
Coarse or thick curly hair can be long and looks luxurious on the right person. For optimal curl, it should have a 2 1/2 times rotation to reveal its true beauty. The most important thing is healthy hair.
DB: Is there anything women with curly hair should keep in mind when it comes to coloring their hair?
LD: They need to be mindful of textured hair being drier and more porous. Semi- or demi-permanent color can be a better choice for blending grey. For total grey coverage, a permanent color is needed.
When highlighting the curls, they should be hand painted on the individual curls to create a natural movement.
DB: What about styling curly hair? Any advice?
LD: Curly-haired women should only use water-soluble products on their hair. This includes shampoo, conditioner, and leave-in products. For those with super tangly hair, use a wet brush or a large-toothed comb to gently work the conditioner through when you’re in the shower. Start at the ends and work up.
There are several ways to dry curly hair. You can let it air dry or use a hooded dryer or a diffuser. Remember only to use the medium to cool air settings. Hot air will burn your curls. And never use a comb or brush on dry hair.
DB: You obviously know your stuff when it comes to curly hair. Any advice for readers who are searching for a curl specialist but don’t live in your area?
LD: Be sure that whoever you choose cuts your hair dry and in its natural curl pattern, where it lives. Typically, curls only need to be cut about every 12 weeks. This may take longer for more textured hair and shorter for less textured hair.
Finally, more and more women are choosing to go gray these days. Short curly hairstyles for women, like this one, can look very attractive if you leave a natural touch of gray.
DB: Great tips, Lynn! Thanks so much.
Photos: Red Angle Photography
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Having naturally curly hair is a blessing and a curse. I have nicknamed my curls “Albert Einstein” as they do and act on their own. Additionally, neither my parents nor mentors nor anyone knew how to help me with my hair as a young person. My question is regarding hormonal changes: puberty made my hair curlier, and pregnancy made my hair straighter. And now, with menopause, my hair is less curly once again. All these changes have wreaked havoc on my confidence, my ability to “do” my hair, and find a cut that works so that I do not have to rethink or relearn techniques for my hair. Amy’s suggestions: I used to have tight frizz; now, I have relaxed frizz hairstyles.