How I Style My Long Curly Hair Over 50 (+ My Curly/Wavy Hair Tips)

If there’s one thing I know inside and out, it’s curly hair—for obvious reasons. Over the years, I’ve developed a routine that makes my curls as predictable as possible (even in Florida, one of the most frizz-inducing climates in the world!). Today, I want to share my curly hair story, my philosophy about long curls over 50, and my exact routine for keeping them defined, shiny, and healthy.

My Curly Hair Story

My hair wasn’t always curly. Growing up, it was wavy and frizz-prone, but overnight at 13, it turned into full curls—something my mom said happened to her too. This was 1983, and curly hair products were practically nonexistent. I panicked, chopped it short (think Michael Jackson hair + braces = awkward teen years), and fought my curls with rollers, straightening, and even a disastrous thinning treatment where half my hair was shaved underneath.

By college, I was exhausted from fighting nature. The turning point? My sister wore her hair curly when she visited me—and everyone told her how beautiful it was. Meanwhile, I was battling my hair daily just to keep it straight. That was the last straw. I embraced my curls in 1989 and have never looked back.

Why I Wear My Hair Long and Curly

I get a lot of feedback about my hair—some positive, some not so much. Here’s the truth: I’m Egyptian, and my curls are part of my heritage. I’ve decided that my goal is not to make my hair shorter because of my age but to flatter my face shape and work with my natural texture.

Long, curly hair isn’t “out of style” any more than blue eyes are. My hair is what it is, and I wear it in a way that makes me feel confident. At 55, I’m also very conscious about hair health and hair loss. My mom has thinner spots now, and I want to protect my thickness for as long as I can. That’s why I treat my curls as gently as possible.

My Curly Hair Routine

Here’s how I make my curls predictable and frizz-resistant:

Shop my favorite curly hair products here.

1. Shampoo smart
   I shampoo only the roots, scrubbing my scalp thoroughly without drying out the rest of my hair. I do not have a specific brand of shampoo that I use. I just choose a hydrating one.
2. Layer products like skincare
   I think of conditioners the way I think of skincare: start light and build to heavier products.
   • Step 1: Detangling conditioner – Pantene’s hydrating formulas (curl, color, or moisture) work perfectly. I detangle with an “unbrush,” which has reduced breakage for me.
   • Step 2: Hair mask – I layer this from mid-lengths down. I love Raw Sugar Mighty Curls or Shea Moisture masks, but honestly, most masks work similarly for me.
   • Step 3: Styling conditioner – My holy grail since college: Aussie 3 Minute Miracle. This adds shine, seals my hair, and helps block frizz.
3. Drying
   My hair takes forever to dry—up to 24 hours. Sometimes it forms a crunchy “cast,” which protects curls. If I want to soften it, I scrunch out the crunch with a bit of oil or cream.
4. Bonus product
   Vegamour Hydrate Conditioner gave me noticeable shine and health, so I’ll splurge on that again. I also love Moroccan Oil as a finisher.

Understanding Curl Type & Porosity

I’m a mix of 3A and 3B curls—loose spirals that are springy, but frizz-prone. Knowing your curl type matters, but so does knowing your hair porosity.

• My hair is high porosity—it soaks up product and water immediately but also loses moisture quickly. That’s why layering products works for me.
• My daughter has low porosity hair—it takes longer to get wet and doesn’t need as much product.
• Take the curly hair quiz here.

My Best Curly Hair Tips

• Start wet: Apply product to soaking wet hair to lock in moisture.
• Train your curls: Finger coil, scrunch, and be consistent—your curls can become more uniform over time.
• Praying hands technique: Apply product by smoothing it over your curls (instead of raking) to keep definition.
• Avoid terry cloth towels: Use a microfiber towel or cotton t-shirt to prevent frizz.
• Don’t touch your hair: The less you handle it, the less frizz you’ll get.
• Scrunch out the crunch: A little oil or cream breaks the cast and leaves curls soft and shiny.

Final Thoughts

Curly hair is unpredictable, a little wild, and often misunderstood—but it’s also beautiful. For me, embracing my natural texture has been freeing, and keeping it long is part of honoring both my heritage and my own confidence.

If you’ve been fighting your curls, maybe it’s time to work with them instead. Find your curl type, experiment with products, and remember: it’s not about age, it’s about what flatters you.

Do you think my hair is more 3B or 3C? Let me know in the comments—I love hearing your thoughts and stories about your own curly journey.