A woman approached my chair and said she had been growing out her hair since she turned sixty-eight. Her daughter kept asking her when she was going to “finally cut it short.” I can’t believe how often I hear a variation of this story. I asked her what ideas she had about her hair because it was over her shoulders. She loved it but felt like she was just wearing her hair and not styling it. I hear this assumption a lot and I don’t get it. It seems so strange that people think long hair after a certain age is something you just give up. It reminds me of the stigma around wearing heels or red lipstick.
I’m always struck by how beautiful long hair looks on women over 70. I appreciate many factors, including the hair’s texture and how silver catches the light. All of these factors come together to make long hair even more beautiful, especially when the hair is cut and cared for properly. It is very important to pay attention to how long hair is created and shaped, especially over 70. It is not about how long the hair is, but about the how the hair is shaped. Good layering that creates movement, good color that is placed strategically throughout the hair, and color that complements the gray hair instead of competing with the gray all come together to make the hair look fabulous and intentional. With all of that in mind, here are 25 of my favorite long hairstyles for women over 70. I will share my thoughts on each of these hairstyles.
#1: Refined Platinum Silk-Cut for Luxurious Length
A platinum cut that is long and straight is stunning! It looks simpler than other styles, but shines with great hair. Minimal layering helps avoid that stringy look. This is a great style for naturally straight and dense hair. Styling isn’t too necessary, but keep in mind that platinum hair is high maintenance. Be prepared to book toning appointments and use purple shampoo to fight the brass in between appointments. With this length, hair that looks like this also deep conditioning mask, and a rich one at that, once a week.
#2 Warm-Auburn Waves with Golden Highlights
Auburn hair with golden highlights looks stunning on every skin tone! The multi-dimensional effect is created by the golden highlights which are strategically placed to catch the sun. The color of the waves give the hair a fuller appearance and the color is ideal for camouflaging grays as the lighter strands blend in with the gray strands. This hairstyle is a big commitment! The warm tones will fade and roots will be noticeable as you will need to come to the salon for touch ups every five to six weeks. If this does not bother you and you like the process, the end result is amazing!
#3 Classic Silver Straight Cut with Subtle Waves
I consider this design lovely and eternal. It is simple and classic, effortlessly standing out without the need for extravagant details. The individual pieces are all premium silver quality and the gentle wave gives enough individuality to the entire collection so that it does not seem boring or forgotten. It’s refreshing to see something that isn’t trying to do too much. You could easily do this with a tiny bit of a lightweight serum and just go, and it would look fantastic. Due to the length, you will have to be diligent with the conditioning because silver hair can get dry and frizzy if you neglect it, but that is a small price to pay for something so easy.
#4 Soft Silver Waves with Light Balayage
The balayage is so understated that it can be hard to notice until it catches the light; then you can see some gentle shifts in color that add dimension to the hair without being too obvious. Such an amazing job done by the colorist. The waves are soft and feel more natural, yet they offer enough boost to your hair; which is just what you want, especially if your hair has been getting thinner throughout the years. Personally, I believe with this technique your appointments can be moved further apart because you won’t have to worry about a harsh grow out line like you would with classic highlights.
#5 Stunning Salt-and-Pepper Cascading Curls
I appreciate it whenever clients choose to fight their natural curls for years. Mix salt and pepper adds beautiful color to the hair and looks nice even without color. They look great and the volume around their face is great. The look is easy to maintain and all it takes is a decent hydrating curl cream. You can just apply it and forget it. For curls like these, keeping them hydrated is key and that’s where your time and energy should go instead of fussing with styling tools.
#6 Polished Silver Mane with Sleek Layers
The way the layers cut in this style is perfect; they remove weight from the bottom of the hair so that it moves freely without everything being flat against your head! If you have medium or thick hair and all one length, you need to check out what strategic layering can do for you! With the different layers, the silver color reflects light at different angles, giving it a shimmering effect that a blunt cut can’t do. It takes more daily styling than some of the easier styles because a round brush blowout will really make this style sing, but it is worth the 15 minutes!
#7 Silver Sheen Straight Cut with Natural Texture
This is a hairstyle that gives the impression that its effortless. Ironically, this is probably the most difficult hair to get, but once it’s done, it’s the simplest style to maintain. The sleekness of the hair is a modern touch, and the natural texture that is equally relaxed is not extreme. This is the kind of hair I would suggest to someone who does not want to invest time into doing their hair but still wants it to look good and to shine when they pass by a mirror. This hairstyle needs no more than regular conditioning and a few trims each year to preserve the blunt, healthy ends. Otherwise, it doesn’t matter how long it is.
#8 Flowing Silver Curls with Gentle Undulations
These curls appear to be relaxed and ‘beachy’; they lack the loose waves that bounce and flow which I personally find more flattering on longer hair. The range of cool gray tones adds richness to the hair without any color processing. It’s ideal if you prefer spending time in the salon for a cut more than foils. If your hair is thinning, this soft wave pattern will be your best friend as it creates the illusion of much more hair. Use a good moisturizing conditioner because curls soak up the moisture, and gray curls especially so.
#9 Long Textured Silver Waves with Gentle Layers
If you have thinner hair and want to avoid a shorter style, this type of strategic layering would work for you. I appreciate how the layers are done on this style. It gives you lots of movement and fullness, and the layers are nice and long, starting just below the shoulders. These silver tones look amazing and with some texture to the hair, it looks so good. The slightly undone appearance indicates that you’ve come from somewhere a little more intriguing. With this style, it’s important to keep the ends conditioned. A light trim every couple of months is a good idea to keep those layers fresh.
#10 Elegant Naturally Grey Tresses with Loose Waves
I like the design option with the waves starting in the middle of the strands instead of the top. It lifts the hair more, especially at the mid and bottom sections, while keeping the crown neat and smooth. This look also has the benefit of not creating too much poof on top. If your hair is medium thick, and somewhat wavy, you can get a similar effect using a large barrel curling iron and a couple minutes of work. Regarding the gray hair, this stylist decided to take the natural color all the way and it looks great. There’s no need to fight with your hair, and it’s nice to go with the natural texture and color and make it look intentional.
#11 Silvery Sleek Full-Length Tresses for Timeless Elegance
Impressive looks don’t require extra layers or waves to make a statement. Healthy long straight silver hair speaks for itself. This style works best for dense healthy hair and sleek one-length hair. You can show off this style with confidence; there is no place to hide and it will take a level up your style. It’s a style that is simple and other styles leave it looking less elegant.
#12 Soft Silver Layers with Subtle Dimension
This example shows the beauty in having your hair’s natural color shine accompanied by a nice blunt haircut. The layers are long and soft so they won’t take off too much length, and the combination of light silver and dark gray gives a natural dimension that would be so expensive to get done at the salon. I do appreciate a clean look that is not overly complicated. One of the most important things with a style like this is to get the layers trimmed often because when the layers grow out and blend together, the airy quality that makes it work is gone.
#13 Soft Cascading Caramel Waves
People with light brown highlighted hair look beautiful! It is a great contrast to the gray/silver base color because it looks alive and energetic. It looks sun-kissed instead of just hiding the silver hairs. Long flowing layers are the most beautiful when cascading and flowing while walking. Hair movement is so pretty. It is more of a commitment than a natural look. The highlights will need to be redone and the layers will need shaping, but the result is stunning if you’re willing to put in the time. It is so beautiful to see over 70’s with caramel highlights in their hair. Caramel is such an enticing hair color and is lively compared to other dull colors. It looks like the hair is glowing from the sun and not just hiding the beautiful silver hair. It is breathtaking when the layers cascade and flow while the person is walking. The movement looks dazzling, and it is truly amazing. The highlights are an extra commitment and through the effort the end result will be breathtaking. It is stunning if you’re willing to put in the time.
#14 Flowing Silver Layers with Wispy Bangs
These bangs are working. They have softened the model’s forehead and avoided a heavy, blunt look, which is a great choice for avoiding bangs that feel like they are sitting on your face. The rest of the haircut is long and layered to take advantage of the natural thickness of the hair, working for the hair instead of against it. The various grey tones also get added a ton of visual texture and give a younger look to the cut. If you get this haircut, keep in mind that bangs will always need to be trimmed to stay even with the rest of your hair, so you can expect to have a quick trim every 3-4 weeks. Bangs done right can take a decade off your face, and these bangs were done right!
#15 Sleek Silver Layered Cut for Mature Hair
This style’s special layering provides volume at the crown and movement through the ends, ideal for when your hair is beginning to thin but when you’re not ready to lose the length. It provides good face framing and keeps everything looking up, not down. If your silver tends to yellow, purple shampoo can be used every other wash to keep it bright. The versatility is a real bonus, it can be worn down, pulled back, braided, etc. and will look great no matter how you decide to style it.
#16 Chic Soft Ash Blonde Mane for Ageless Grace
Ash blonde combines light blonde and silver hues so beautifully that you won’t be able to tell where each one begins and ends. This shade is especially complimentary to women over 70. The cool tones in this color are flattering to almost all skin tones, and the darker roots add some balance so this won’t wash you out. The hair here is on the finer side, but this cut maximizes it by keeping it one length and allowing it to fall beautifully. I would recommend a smoothing leave-in conditioner to manage fly aways and keep the hair silky.
#17 Glossy Silver Strands with Subtle Graduation
The cut has such subtle layers that it can look like a one-length haircut from the back. As the hair moves, you can see the shorter layers underneath which allow for movement and some lightness in the overall look. This is great cutting! For medium thick hair, this can make a world of difference to someone who finds that a blunt cut at the ends feels so dense and heavy. I also love the silver tone! It’s very shiny and reflective which suggests that the hair is in excellent condition. The glossiness is everything and especially with silvers, it’s what elevates natural hair to look stunning rather than just gray. Regular conditioning is essential to maintain that shine.
#18 Soft Silver Waves with Subtle Lavender Tones
I love the combination of silvery hair with lavender tones, it is unique and very pretty in real life. The effect is soft, and adds depth to a look. I like how people will pick up on the difference but most will not be able to put their finger on what it is. While it would take some toning to keep the lavender from fading, it is forgiving as it washes out because of how subtle it is. The waves add more texture and keep things interesting without requiring a lot of extra styling.
#19 Silver Sleek with Gentle Waves
I’d recommend this to basically anyone because it’s the type of look that just works and doesn’t need a lot from you. The waves are almost nonexistent, more just a gentle bend than a proper wave, but they still give enough body to the hair so it doesn’t fall flat against the head. One of the biggest benefits with embracing your natural gray hair is the silver is so consistent, new growth blends in seamlessly. Plus you save so much time and money not chasing a color appointment every few weeks. This look is as low maintenance as it gets. If your hair is naturally wavy, it’s achievable with literally just a wash and air dry.
#20 Silver-Blonde Flowing Layers for Effortless Elegance
I love the color on this! The silvery blonde transitions from warm to cool depending on the light which is really nice. Long blended layers add softness and helps avoid the choppy, overly structured look. The longer face framing layers are like curtains, and I appreciate that they give the face framing effect without the commitment to a bang. This works on varying densities of hair, and although the color will require maintenance, the cut will be low maintenance and require less upkeep between appointments.
#21 Graceful Natural Grey Curls for Elegant Volume
Having natural curls at this length means commitment, but it definitely pays off. No teasing and no products to build this up. All of the volume is coming from the curl pattern. For oval and heart-shaped faces, the body around the shoulders can be very flattering. The truth about having long curls is that moisture is key. Deep conditioners are an amazing product for curly hair and will keep those curls bouncy and soft. And really, you don’t have to do much. The curl does the styling for you, which is a pretty good deal when you think about it.
#22 Silky Silver Layers with Soft Feathering
This haircut is so good because the ends look really good and create a nice lighteness and effortless feel to the style. The ends are especially important for people with fine hair since they help avoid that thin, scraggly look that blunt ends give fine hair. These long face framing layers are silky and elegant and give off a vibe that the hair did not take an hour to style. If more volume is desired, then a light weight volumizing spray is great to use at the roots. Additionally, for the froathered ends to keep looking purposeful and intentional, regular trims every 6 to 8 weeks will be necessary.
#23 Natural Silver Long Waves with Subtle Texture
This style has a smooth, professional finish, and the waves are relaxed and evenly spaced. The silver color has a beautiful variation which completes the calm and stunning vibe. The ends are lightly layered providing a nice amount of volume without looking too thin. The length and overall finish keep it feminine and elegant. I love recommending styles like this as it gives amazing results for minimal effort and it helps keep a sophisticated look while simplifying morning routines.
#24 Elegant Silver Waves with Soft Highlights
Long loose waves create body and movement while looking natural and relaxing. The highlights catch the lighting at the peaks of the waves and give a glow that attracts the attention to the face. Waves and highlights create a look of volume which is perfect for thinning hair. The shape gives a lot of different looks so you can wear it how it is on most days, but you can also pin up one side or pull half of it back for something different.
#25 Voluminous Chestnut Curls with Subtle Highlights
I wanted to wait until the end to save this because the other pieces in the collection are silver hair colors, and I wanted this to be a contrast. The chestnut brown with natural curls is stunning. The highlights woven through are warm and create a dimension that makes it look rich. If you are someone who has been dying your hair brown for years, and you are not ready to let brown hair go, then this is how to do it brown hair well. The curl pattern here is all the volume and movement, so all the styling is about keeping the curls. You just need a curl defining product that you scrunch in on wash day, and that will be all you need. The fullness makes this one of the brightest, youthful looks in the whole collection, and it proves that long, rich, color does have a place past 70.
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