5 Must-Have Hair Accessories if You're Over 50, According to Stylists

Laura Beck
·4 min read

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Turning 50 can feel daunting when it comes to personal style and beauty routines, but it certainly doesn't mean fun with fashion has to end. In fact, 50+ can be the perfect time to refine your look and embrace elegance. As we age, we often gain confidence and discover our truest sense of self—qualities that lend themselves to making our fiercest fashion moves yet.

We checked in with three hair experts to get their picks for must-have hair accessories that add polish and panache after 50.

Related: 5 Essential Tips for Wearing Coats if You’re Over 50, According to Model and Style Mogul Molly Sims

The Over-50 Hair Support System

"Many of my clients who are in their 50s feel they have to give up the fun accessories, but I'm here to say this isn't the case!" says award-winning master stylist and salon founder Yvey Valcin. "To maximize your hair looking shiny, full and voluminous is as simple as shifting what your go-to accessories are."

Valcin says his over-50 clients benefit from using thickening and volumizing products as a base before styling. Two of his favorites are Transformer and Thickening Cream by La Biosthetique. "The combination of these two products provides the hair with everything it needs to remain healthy, especially if you plan on styling it," he explains.

Related: The 6 Best Hairstyles for Women Over 50, According to Celebrity Stylists

5 Must-Have Hair Accessories if You're Over 50

1. Clip-in Hair Extensions

On top of great products, Valcin recommends clip-in hair extensions from Bellami as an easy way for women over 50 to add fullness and length for special occasions. "Hair extensions have always been a great way to spice things up. Clip-in extensions allow you to have more flexibility when styling your hair without committing to traditional extensions," he says.

Related: 5 Essential Tips for Wearing Jeans if You’re Over 50, According to Model and Style Mogul Molly Sims

2. Headwraps with Timeless Appeal

Both Valcin and LA-based celebrity hairstylist Cody Renegar recommend headscarves and turbans as elegant hair accessories for women over 50.

"There are few accessories more elegant than the classic headscarf," says Valcin. "Not only is a headscarf always relevant, but they can be styled in so many versatile ways, from wearing them as headbands to bandana covers or as a turban. A headscarf can instantly elevate your look and even save you from a bad hair day."

Valcin recommends both high-end and more affordable options, like Dior, Hermes, and Lost Pattern.

Renegar also endorses headwraps as a protective style. "Aging hair is more likely to be dry, which causes breakage and frizz. I love a gorgeous headscarf for sleeping as well as going out! It keeps your hair in place and protects your hair from nature's elements," he explains.

Natural hair expert and author of My Hair Ain't Nappy: A Black Man's Introspection on Natural Hair, Darrius Peace points to hit turbans as a popular headwrap option. "One of the most popular brands of head turbans is Wolf and Badger. Rona Handmade Turbans is another popular brand amongst women over 50 who may be experiencing hair loss or simply not wanting to style their hair," he says.

3. Claw Clips with Pearl Embellishments

When it comes to claw clips, a hot hair accessory trend right now, Valcin suggests choosing options with pearl embellishments to "add a touch of refinement without requiring any extra effort."

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4. Barrettes With Sweet Details

Peace also recommends dressing up basic hair clips and barrettes. "Many barrettes and hair clips can be adorned with pearls, rhinestones, gold, silver or bronze colored metal, or tortoiseshell detailing. These accessories are commonly worn to spice up outfits for special occasions, or even everyday wear."

Some of his go-to accessory brands include Goody, Scunci, France Luxe, Alexandre De Paris.

5. Hats with UV Protection

In addition to headscarves, Renegar advises women over 50 to protect their hair from sun exposure.

"Dryness is common in aging hair because our scalps produce less sebum as we age, which means our hair has less natural oil to keep it moisturized," he explains. "The simplest, most effective, and least expensive method of hair protection is with UV protection hats. I really like Wallaroo Hat Company. They're lightweight [and] most fold so they are easy to travel with and are affordable."

With the right mix of products, accessories and protective styling, women over 50 can maintain beautiful, healthy hair well into their later years while also having fun with fashion.

Next: 10 Simple 'Childhood Joys' That Benefit People Over 50, According to Psychologists

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