As men age, their hair often undergoes changes, such as thinning, graying, or a combination of both. However, this doesn’t mean that you have to settle for an unflattering hairstyle.
With the right cut and styling, you can embrace your maturity and look your best at any age. Finding the perfect hairstyle for men over 50 is all about understanding your hair type, face shape, and personal style preferences.
Key Takeaways
- Embrace your age and choose a hairstyle that flatters your features.
- Consider your hair type, face shape, and personal style when selecting a hairstyle.
- Experiment with different lengths, textures, and colors to find the perfect look.
- Proper hair care and styling techniques can help maintain a youthful appearance.
Understanding Your Hair Type and Face Shape
Before selecting a hairstyle, it’s essential to understand your hair type and face shape, as these factors play a crucial role in determining which styles will suit you best.
Hair Types
- Straight: Straight hair is smooth and lacks natural volume or texture.
- Wavy: Wavy hair has a natural bend or curve, ranging from loose waves to tight, corkscrew curls.
- Curly: Curly hair is tightly coiled and can range from loose ringlets to tight, kinky curls.
- Thinning or balding: As men age, hair loss or thinning can occur, leading to a receding hairline or bald spots.
Face Shapes
- Round: A round face shape is characterized by a soft, curved jawline and full cheeks.
- Oval: An oval face shape is longer than it is wide, with a gently curved jawline and forehead.
- Square: A square face shape has a strong, angular jawline and a broad forehead.
- Heart: A heart-shaped face is wider at the forehead and cheekbones, with a narrow chin.
- Diamond: A diamond face shape is narrow at the forehead and chin, with prominent cheekbones.
How to determine your face shape
To determine your face shape, follow these steps:
- Pull your hair back and stand in front of a mirror.
- Trace the outline of your face with a dry-erase marker or soap.
- Observe the overall shape and compare it to the face shapes described above.
Matching hairstyles to face shapes
- Round face: Choose hairstyles that add height and volume on top, such as a quiff or pompadour, to elongate the face.
- Oval face: Oval faces can pull off most hairstyles, but styles with layers or texture can add dimension.
- Square face: Soften the angular jawline with side-swept bangs or layers around the face.
- Heart face: Balance the narrow chin with fuller styles or side-swept bangs.
- Diamond face: Opt for hairstyles that add volume at the forehead and chin to balance the prominent cheekbones.
Popular Hairstyles for Men Over 50
When it comes to hairstyles for men over 50, there are plenty of options to choose from, ranging from short and low-maintenance to longer and more stylish cuts.
Short Hairstyles
Buzz Cut
The buzz cut is a classic, low-maintenance option that involves trimming the hair to a uniform, short length all over the head. It’s a great choice for men with thinning or balding hair, as it can create a neat and polished look.
Crew Cut
The crew cut is a short, tapered hairstyle that is slightly longer on top than the buzz cut. It’s a versatile option that can be dressed up or down, making it suitable for both professional and casual settings.
Textured Crop
The textured crop is a modern take on the classic crew cut, featuring a slightly longer top with textured layers. This style adds dimension and movement, while still maintaining a neat and polished appearance.
Ivy League
The Ivy League is a timeless hairstyle that features a short, tapered cut on the sides and back, with a longer top that can be styled in various ways. It’s a sophisticated choice that works well for both formal and casual occasions.
Medium-Length Hairstyles
Side Part
The side part is a classic and versatile hairstyle that involves parting the hair to one side. It can be worn with various lengths and textures, making it a great option for men who want a polished yet stylish look.
Slicked Back
The slicked-back hairstyle is a sleek and sophisticated option that involves combing the hair back from the forehead and securing it with a styling product. It’s a great choice for men with straight or wavy hair who want a polished, professional look.
Pompadour
The pompadour is a retro-inspired hairstyle that features a voluminous, swept-back top with shorter sides. It’s a bold and stylish choice that can add height and dimension to the face.
Quiff
The quiff is a modern variation of the pompadour, featuring a shorter, more textured top that is swept upwards and back. It’s a trendy and youthful option that can add volume and movement to the hair.
Longer Hairstyles
Shoulder-Length Locks
For men who prefer longer hair, shoulder-length locks can be a stylish and low-maintenance option. This style can be worn with various textures and can be styled in a variety of ways, from sleek and straight to tousled and wavy.
Man Bun
The man bun is a popular hairstyle that involves pulling the hair back into a bun or knot at the crown of the head. It’s a practical choice for men with longer hair and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
Ponytail
The ponytail is a classic and versatile hairstyle that involves pulling the hair back and securing it with a hair tie or clip. It’s a great option for men with longer hair who want a neat and polished look.
Hairstyles for Thinning or Balding Hair
Buzz Cut with Beard
For men with thinning or balding hair, a buzz cut paired with a well-groomed beard can create a stylish and masculine look. The beard can help balance out the shorter hair and add dimension to the face.
Shaved Head
Embracing a completely shaved head is a bold and confident choice for men with significant hair loss or balding. This low-maintenance option can be paired with various facial hair styles to create a unique and personal look.
Close Crop with Textured Top
A close crop with a textured top is a versatile option for men with thinning or balding hair. The shorter sides and back can help minimize the appearance of thinning areas, while the textured top adds volume and movement.
Hair Coloring Options for Men Over 50
As men age, their hair often begins to gray or lose its natural pigmentation. Embracing the gray or opting for hair coloring can be a great way to enhance your overall look and boost your confidence.
Natural Gray
Embracing your natural gray hair can be a stylish and low-maintenance option. Many men find that gray hair adds a distinguished and sophisticated look, especially when paired with the right hairstyle and grooming routine.
Salt and Pepper
The salt and pepper look is a popular choice for men who want to embrace their grays while still maintaining some of their natural hair color. This look can be achieved by allowing the gray to blend naturally with the remaining pigmented hair.
Subtle Highlights
For men who want to add dimension and depth to their hair, subtle highlights can be a great option. These highlights can be applied to blend in with the natural grays or to add warmth and depth to the overall hair color.
Full Color
Men who prefer a more youthful look may opt for full hair coloring to cover up their grays. This option requires regular maintenance and touch-ups, but it can be a great way to achieve a desired hair color and boost confidence.
Choosing the right color for your skin tone and hair type
When choosing a hair color, it’s important to consider your skin tone and hair type to ensure a natural and flattering result. Cooler skin tones often look best with ash or cool-toned hair colors, while warmer skin tones can pull off golden or warm-toned shades. Additionally, hair texture and density can affect how color is absorbed and distributed, so it’s important to consult with a professional colorist to achieve the desired result.
Hair Care and Maintenance Tips
Proper hair care and maintenance are essential for keeping your hairstyle looking its best, regardless of your age or hair type.
Washing and Conditioning
Regular washing and conditioning are crucial for maintaining healthy hair. Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo and a nourishing conditioner to keep your hair hydrated and manageable.
Styling Products
Choosing the right styling products can make a big difference in achieving and maintaining your desired hairstyle.
Pomades
Pomades are great for creating sleek, shiny looks and providing a strong hold. They work well for slicked-back styles and pompadours.
Waxes
Waxes offer a medium to strong hold and can create a natural, piecey texture. They’re ideal for textured crops and quiffs.
Clays
Clays provide a matte finish and a flexible hold, making them perfect for creating tousled, undone styles.
Creams
Creams are lightweight and provide a natural, low-shine finish. They’re great for adding subtle definition and control to shorter hairstyles.
Trimming and Shaping
Regular trims and shaping are essential for maintaining your desired hairstyle and keeping your hair looking fresh and healthy. Depending on your hair type and style, you may need to visit your barber or stylist every 4-8 weeks.
Protecting Your Hair from Damage
Protecting your hair from damage is crucial, especially as you age. Use a heat protectant when styling with hot tools, and avoid excessive exposure to sun, chlorine, and other environmental factors that can damage your hair.
Conclusion
Finding the perfect hairstyle for men over 50 is all about embracing your age and choosing a style that flatters your features and reflects your personal style. Whether you prefer a low-maintenance buzz cut or a more stylish pompadour, there are plenty of options to choose from.
Remember, confidence is key. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different lengths, textures, and colors until you find the perfect look that makes you feel your best. Embrace your age and rock your hairstyle with pride.
FAQ
- How often should I get my hair trimmed? It’s recommended to get a trim every 4-8 weeks, depending on your hair type and desired style. Regular trims help maintain the shape and prevent split ends.
- Can I still have long hair after 50? Absolutely! Many men over 50 can pull off longer hairstyles, such as shoulder-length locks, man buns, or ponytails. Just make sure to keep your hair healthy and well-maintained.
- Is it better to embrace my gray hair or color it? This is a personal choice. Some men prefer to embrace their natural gray hair, while others opt for hair coloring to maintain a more youthful look. Consider your personal preferences and lifestyle when making this decision.
- What hairstyle is best for thinning or balding hair? Short hairstyles like buzz cuts, crew cuts, or close crops with textured tops can help minimize the appearance of thinning or balding areas. Pairing these styles with a well-groomed beard can also create a stylish and balanced look.
- How do I choose the right hair color for my skin tone? Cooler skin tones often look best with ash or cool-toned hair colors, while warmer skin tones can pull off golden or warm-toned shades. Consult with a professional colorist to find the most flattering shade for your complexion.
- What styling products are best for men over 50? The best styling products depend on your desired hairstyle and hair type. Pomades, waxes, clays, and creams are all great options, each offering different levels of hold and shine.
- Can I still have a trendy hairstyle after 50? Absolutely! Many modern hairstyles, such as the textured crop, quiff, or pompadour, can be adapted to suit men over 50. The key is finding a style that flatters your face shape and hair type.
How can I protect my hair from damage as I age? Use a heat protectant when styling with hot tools, avoid excessive exposure to sun and chlorine, and use gentle, sulfate-free shampoos and nourishing conditioners to keep your hair healthy.
