All-Time Favorite Long Hairstyles for Older Men and Ways to Maintain Them

Your changing hairline and silver mane—everyone loves a good salt-and-pepper look—shouldn’t stop you from wearing your hair long. Plus, the great thing about long hair is that it never goes out of style. And contrary to popular belief, maintaining your locks shouldn’t be a hassle if you consider our styling and hair care tips that are perfect for older men. So here are some stylish hairstyles that are versatile and allow you to let your hair down.

Long hairstyle ideas for older men

Here are some of our all-time favorite hairstyles that you cannot go wrong with:

• Slicked-back hair with a full beard
  

  The slicked-back hairstyle works perfectly with formal attire. It looks even better with a full beard, so if you have any events ahead, plan your beard grooming ritual accordingly. You can use hair clays or gels to tame your hair and help it stay put. Simply wash and comb your hair after a shower, take some product, roughly the size of a nickel, and apply it to your strands the way you would want your slicked-back hair to look. Make sure you apply a beard grooming product, like a balm or oil, to your beard and tash.

• Chin-length layered cut
  

  You don’t have to worry about your hair texture here, as a layered, chin-length haircut is versatile and works well with curly, wavy, and straight hair. Layering the hair helps give it volume, movement, and texture, and you can enhance your best features by playing around with the length of each layer. Additionally, if you have straight hair and want to create a softer appearance, you can gently scrunch the ends of your hair with mousse for a tousled look.

• Low ponytail
  

  What do you do if you don’t feel like washing your hair but still want to look put together? You tie a ponytail; a low ponytail is a quick fix to your greasy problems. That said, do wash your hair twice a week to keep your hair and scalp healthy. The low ponytail hairstyle looks great on people with shoulder-length or longer hair. Depending on your face cut, you can part your hair however you like or follow our tips to achieve a slicked-back look. Style your hair with a fine-tooth comb to tame any stray hair. Make sure to wash and condition your hair before, especially if you’re going to an event, for a sleek look. A low ponytail with a full beard and handlebar mustache is a surefire way to look dapper.

• High ponytail with a full beard
  

  If you’re not a fan of a low ponytail or feel like it doesn’t suit your face structure, then try the high ponytail hairstyle. You don’t need the hair to be too long; it should just be long enough to be tied up. High ponytails define your face and make it appear sharper, especially from the profile. Keep your beard medium-length for this look, as that, too, makes the jawline appear sharper. High ponytails look great on older men, so don’t be shy about showing off your gray mane.

• Long top with an undercut
  

  If you are into edgy looks and haircuts, this style might be the one for you: undercut sides with long hair. There are a couple of ways to style this look; you can go for the regular long top with a shaved undercut at the back and sides. This is more of an unkempt look, so you can add a smidge of gel to your hair to give it some structure. Another hairstyle you could try out is a ponytail or bun with shaved sides. You can also try out the classic 50s side-swept hairstyle with a shaved or faded undercut.

• Man bun
  

  Here’s a classic look that does not need much styling: the man bun. If you have long hair that can be tied into a bun, you’re the right candidate for this look. It does not matter what texture your hair has; this style works for all hair types. It’s an all-time classic, and for good reason: it is low-maintenance and versatile. However, you might have to change up the style depending on what you wear. For instance, a slick-back bun goes well with formal attire, and a messy bun goes well with casual outfits.

Long hair maintenance tips

Maintaining your long hair, especially as you age, is vital to keeping it in top condition. Plus, it’s easier to style healthy, voluminous hair. Here are a few tips to prevent hair thinning and loss of volume:

• Keep the scalp clean
  

  This is an absolute must because a healthy scalp ensures healthy hair. Not cleaning your scalp disrupts its microbiome, which can cause infections and issues like dandruff, dry scalp, oily scalp, inflammation, redness, and itchiness. That said, don’t go overboard and wash your hair with shampoo multiple times a week, as that can strip away the scalp’s natural oils, leading to hair loss. If you regularly work out, rinse your hair with cold water every day and only use shampoo and other products twice a week.

• Invest in the right products
  

  This, again, is an absolute essential. A lot of us use products to keep our hair and scalp clean, so it is only natural that you invest in the right products that suit your hair type. Knowing your hair type is key to selecting the product that will suit your hair. Determine your hair type. If you have graying hair, use a good-quality purple shampoo to ensure your silvers shine through and don’t look brassy.

• Stay consistent
  

  Older men with long hair need to find a haircare routine that works for them and doesn’t eat up a huge chunk of their day. Invest in products that are easy to use and suitable for your hair. Get a haircut every couple of months to rid yourself of split and wispy ends. Regularly groom your beard and mustache. If you feel like your shampoo is not doing the job of reducing dandruff and other scalp issues, pay a visit to a dermatologist. You might have certain nutrient deficiencies that are affecting your scalp and hair health.

• Use a conditioner
  

  A good-quality hair conditioner will keep your hair shiny, smooth, and healthy. Shampoos often strip away the hair’s natural oils, and a conditioner can help infuse some moisture back into the strands. In fact, buy a leave-in conditioner, as it improves elasticity and reduces breakage.

• Learn how to manage Afro hair
  

  Older men with Afro hair might find it difficult to maintain it if they don’t have a routine and use the wrong products. If you have thick, long locks, don’t forget to condition them regularly. Thankfully, the market is now flooded with products that specifically cater to Afro hair. You can experiment with cornrows, plaits, and twists, as they don’t require much upkeep.

• Embrace your silvers
  

  The first step to managing gray hair is to simply embrace it. The production of melanin decreases as you age, so that is why men over 50 with long hair or any type of hair start to see some graying. Gray hair is often brittle and weak, so it is important to treat it right with home remedies, products, and nutrition. Avoid products that are too harsh and laden with harmful chemicals. Additionally, invest in a silk pillowcase to beat the frizz that accompanies gray hair.

Home remedies for healthy and long hair

Home remedies can help nourish and strengthen your hair. They are often inexpensive and do not have any side effects, as they are free of harmful chemicals. Here are a few easy homemade remedies for you to check out:

• Oil
  

  Using hair oils and masks is a great way to stimulate the scalp and get the blood flowing. This improves oxygen levels, which keep the hair follicles healthy and promote hair growth. For instance, coconut oil can reduce the loss of protein and reverse the effects of harmful chemicals. Additionally, you can also mix a couple of drops of rosemary oil with a carrier oil, like argan or jojoba, and massage it into your scalp to stimulate hair growth. What’s more, massaging the scalp with oil every three days can help relieve stress and tension.

• Aloe vera
  

  This plant’s gel has been used for years for its anti-inflammatory and healing properties. You can mix aloe vera gel with some oil and apply it to your scalp every couple of days. This is especially useful for those dealing with dandruff and an irritated scalp. The gel also helps unblock the hair follicles due to excess scalp oil. Aloe vera gel is soothing and can also be used as a hair gel for styling.

• Fish oil
  

  Omega-3 fatty acids are essential to hair growth and health. Talk to your dermatologist and add omega-3 supplements, such as fish oil, to your hair care routine, especially if you are struggling with sudden hair loss and thinning.

• Onion juice
  

  Grind a few onions in a mixer and filter the juice through a muslin cloth. You can now add this onion juice directly to your scalp or mix it with coconut oil or any oil of your choice and massage it into your scalp. Keep it on for 30 minutes, and then wash it off. Onion juice is an excellent source of sulfur, which prevents hair thinning and breakage. The nutrient also aids in the regrowth of hair follicles.

Foods to eat to maintain long hair for men

Nutrition plays a vital role in maintaining hair health. Home remedies and certain tips can only do so much if you don’t eat balanced and wholesome meals. So here are a few foods that you must include in your meal plan if you wish to keep your hair healthy and long:

• Protein-rich foods
  

  Protein is essential for hair health because hair itself is composed of a protein called keratin. When you eat the right kind of protein, your body automatically has the building blocks to produce strong, healthy hair strands that you can look after and style. Apart from that, protein is responsible for the growth of hair follicles. Eating enough protein ensures hair cell production and promotes hair growth.The nutrient also helps prevent hair breakage. Since proteins are the building blocks of the hair strands, eating enough will keep your hair strong. This is especially important if you are over 50 with long hair, as aging can cause the hair to become brittle.

  So if you want to increase your protein intake, ensure that your meals include chicken, turkey, pork loin, lean beef, salmon, sardines, mackerel, eggs, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, milk, beans, lentils, chickpeas, tofu, tempeh, edamame, and soy milk.

• Omega-3 fatty acids
  

  Omega-3 fatty acids keep the scalp healthy and have anti-inflammatory properties, which help relieve issues like dandruff, dryness, and itching. They also aid in producing natural oils, which keep the hair frizz-free. Additionally, they help keep the hair follicles healthy. Omega-3 fatty acids also act as a barrier against free radicals that damage hair, treat an inflamed scalp, and increase resistance to UV damage.Some good sources of omega-3 fatty acids include flax seeds or flaxseed oil. You can add them to yogurt or incorporate them into baked goods, cereals, and smoothies. Fatty fish like salmon, trout, sardines, mackerel, and herring are a few other sources of omega-3 fatty acids that should be added to meals at least twice a week. Additionally, you can sprinkle a tablespoon of chia seeds on salads, yogurt preparations, smoothies, and bakery items. Another rich source of omega-3 fatty acids that make for an excellent snack is walnuts.

• Iron-rich foods

  Iron’s role is to produce enough hemoglobin, which sends oxygen to the rest of the body, including the scalp and hair follicles. Did you know that iron deficiency in the body can lead to a condition called anemia, which also contributes to hair thinning and loss? So don’t forget to add this nutrient to your meals. Some good sources of iron include lean red meats, like beef, lamb, and venison. These foods are high in heme iron, which is easily absorbed by the body.If you are not fond of red meat and find it difficult to digest, you can include other sources of heme iron, such as chicken, turkey, oysters, clams, mussels, tuna, salmon, and sardines. Don’t forget to include fiber-rich iron sources like spinach, kale, broccoli, chard, strawberries, chickpeas, lentils, black beans, and kidney beans in your meals. Fiber-rich foods promote gut health and help keep the hair healthy by ensuring nutrient absorption.

• Vitamin C-rich foods
  

  Vitamin C is responsible for collagen production, has antioxidant properties, and helps with iron absorption. It also manages damage caused by oxidative stress and free radicals. Some excellent sources of vitamin C include oranges, grapefruits, limes, and lemons, which can all be added to juices or salads. You should also eat kiwis, guavas, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries. You can add them to smoothies or yogurt preparations as toppings. Ensure to add yellow, green, and red bell peppers in salads or stir-fry vegetables.

• Biotin-rich foods
  

  Biotin, also known as the B7 vitamin, is essential for hair growth and strength. It is involved in keratin production, the protein that is the building block of hair. Biotin helps maintain hair structure and strengthens it. It also helps overall hair health by preventing breakage and brittleness.Some good sources of biotin include high-quality eggs, almonds, walnuts, peanuts, sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, chia seeds, salmon, and avocados. Sweet potatoes are another good source of beta-carotene. It is converted to vitamin A, which helps with scalp health.

  Some other foods to include in meals are zinc-rich foods like oysters, lamb, beef, and whole grains that help repair hair tissue and promote growth. Foods rich in vitamin E, like spinach, seeds, Swiss chard, sunflower, and safflower oils, all help promote blood circulation to the scalp. Antioxidant-rich foods like green tea, blueberries, tomatoes, dark leafy greens, and strawberries should also be part of the meals, as they are high in antioxidants.

Maintaining your long locks can get difficult if you do not eat well and nurture your hair with oils and products. Don’t forget to visit your hairdresser regularly and make hair and beard grooming a regular part of your monthly self-care routine.