8 Timeless Hairstyles for Black Women Over 50 (2024)

When it comes to natural hairstyles for black women over 50, there are a few timeless trends that never go out of fashion. Whether you're looking for a simple short crop, or something a little more styled, there are plenty of ways to keep your hair looking fresh and youthful. Alifia Young, celebrity hairstylist and Education Development Manager for K18 Hair, says it's all about working with products and styles that allow you to liberate your freedom of expression without sacrificing your hair health. "I'm all about embracing whatever style makes you feel the most confident and keeps your hair healthy," she says.

If you've been thinking about what hairstyle to try out next, help is at hand. We asked Young, and celebrity hairstylist and global ambassador for Dyson Hair, Jawara, to share some of their favorite natural hairstyles for black women over 50.

Tapered Cut

Taraji P. Henson's tapered cut is a stunning, timeless look, and particularly good if you have short natural hair that you want to style. "The cropped sides and fuller, longer top can be great for hair that is lower density," says Young. "Henson's color placement also draws the eyes up towards her beautiful eyebrows. In general, lighter colors around the face tend to brighten up the face."

To maintain healthy color-treated coils with a tapered cut, Young recommends using the K18 leave-in molecular repair hair mask, to add moisture to the hair.

French Braid

The great thing about a French braid is that it works on any hair texture. You can try a smooth blowout to achieve this look by using a blowdryer like the Dyson Supersonic, or you can keep your hair natural and rock a french braid with more texture. "This hairstyle is versatile for all ages and can be glammed out with hair accessories, '' says Jawara. "I love this French braid hairstyle because it creates a subtle snatch and pulls the temples back, like a complementary facelift!"

High Ponytail

A long braided ponytail is the in look right now. Not only does it provide your hair with a bit (or a lot - depending on how you like it) of length, but it works for all densities and curl types.

"This versatile look can take you from the office to a night out," says Young. "One thing that's important is to reset the hair after a sculpted style like this, removing any holding or styling product that may be left behind is a must. I always reach for the K18 Peptide Prep Detox shampoo, to remove any residual product from the hair and leave the hair with that reset canvas and avoid damage."

Cropped Cut

This effortlessly chic cropped cut is for the carefree, low-maintenance-seeking naturalista. It is bold and unapologetically beautiful. "This look allows all Viola Davis' beautiful facial features to be front and center. The color options for this style are endless as well," says Young.

With a short cut like this, the scalp is more exposed to elements. Young explains that it's important to maintain a healthy scalp in addition to maintaining healthy hair. "For short hairstyles, I often recommend using K18 Peptide Prep pH maintenance shampoo. The pH-optimized and microbiome-friendly formula will protect the healthy equilibrium of the scalp surface all while maintaining moisture levels of the hair. You can play with your curls by using a curling tool to create curl clumping and add definition to switch up your look."

Dreadlocks

Locs are so versatile and can be low maintenance. Whether you choose natural locs or faux locs, the possibilities are limitless. "Ava Duvernay's long locs are stunning with highlights of color and a side sweep to bring attention to the eyes and eyebrows. Young shares that locs can look amazing at all lengths as well, from short newer locs to long locs.

The stylist recommends cleansing your locs with a shampoo that will clean without stripping, but still leaves your hair feeling soft and pliable. "The K18 Peptide Prep pH maintenance shampoo is ideal for cleansing locs and the minimal and intentional ingredients will leave your hair soft without added fillers that can lead to lackluster locs over time due to buildup," she explains.

Wigs

Halle Berry is known for her signature pixie cut, but there's no harm in changing things up a little sometimes. A wig can help provide a temporary style change in a matter of minutes, and we love Berry's curly wig.

"These full curly layers are gorgeous. The halo of curls frame her face really nicely with her jawline, and the curly fringe brings attention to her eyes while creating width through the cheekbones," says Young. "Whether you're wearing your natural hair or a wig, maintaining bouncy, resilient curls can be a challenge. I always use a lightweight curling foam to help define the curls and support maximum volume for a voluminous look."

Braids

Mary J. Blige's braided protective style is chic and gorgeous. The braids frame her face perfectly without overwhelming her features.

"Starting with a clean canvas is important for any braided style," says Young. "I recommend using the K18 Peptide Prep pH maintenance shampoo to maintain moisture. Moisture is important when wearing any braided style for an extended amount of time."

The TWA (Teeny Weenie Afro)

"The TWA (teeny weenie afro) It's like a coming of age or right of passage for many black women who transition to wearing their natural hair texture," says Jawara. "Adding a bit of form and structure created a new evolution of the style." We love how this 'TWA' accentuates the model's bone structure, especially her cheekbones.

To add more structure and volume to this style, Jawara recommends using the Dyson flyaway attachment with the Dyson Supersonic dryer.