Must-Have Hair Accessories for Women Over 50: What Actually Works

I’m 53, and let me tell you— these must-have hair accessories for women over 50 are a whole different game than what worked in our 30s and 40s.

My hair started thinning during perimenopause. Regular hair ties were breaking what little hair I had left. Headbands gave me headaches. And don’t get me started on those painful claw clips.

After way too much trial and error (and money wasted), I’ve found what actually works. Here’s my honest review of the accessories that have saved my hair—and my sanity.

Must-Have Hair Accessories for Women Over 50 – The List

My Top 5 Hair Accessories (All Tested by Me)

1. Silk Hair Ties – Finally, Ones That Don’t Damage

SILKE Hair Ties (6-pack) | Price: $39

Why I love them: ✓ No more creases when I take my hair down
✓ Don’t break my already-thin hair
✓ Comfortable enough to sleep in
✓ Look classy, not like a teenager’s scrunchie

The downside: They’re $39 for 6 ties. Yes, that’s expensive.

My honest take: I’ve had mine for over a year and they still look brand new. My hairdresser noticed less breakage. Worth every penny.

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2. Flat Claw Clips – No More Headaches

Kitsch Flat Claw Clips (2-pack) | Price: $9

The game-changer: These lay completely flat against your head.

Why that matters: ✓ No pain when driving
✓ Can rest your head on chairs
✓ Perfect for Zoom calls
✓ Hold fine hair without slipping

My experience: I was skeptical after years of painful claw clips. Now I own three sets because I keep “borrowing” them from myself around the house.

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3. Heatless Curlers – For Heat-Damaged Hair

Kitsch Satin Heatless Curler Set | Price: $22

Why I needed these: My hair got so thin, I had to stop using hot tools completely.

What works: ✓ Start with slightly damp hair (not soaking wet)
✓ Sleep on it overnight
✓ Curls last 2-3 days
✓ No heat damage

Fair warning: There’s a learning curve. My first attempts were disasters. YouTube tutorials helped.

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4. Spiral Hair Pins – Better Than 10 Bobby Pins

Goody Mini Spin Pins (3-pack) | Price: $5

What they do: Replace a handful of bobby pins with just 2-3 spiral pins.

How to use them: • Twist hair into a bun first
• Insert pin at an angle (not straight down)
• Twist clockwise as you push in
• Use 2-3 max for secure hold

Why I love them: My buns actually stay put all day. No more constantly fixing loose pieces.

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5. Wide Headbands – For Active Days

YONUF Boho Headbands (6-pack) | Price: $10 for 6 different patterns

Perfect for: ✓ Workouts that don’t give you headaches
✓ Covering thinning hairlines gracefully
✓ Days when your hair just won’t cooperate
✓ Outdoor activities

What I use them for: Pickleball, dog walks, gardening, and “I didn’t wash my hair” days.

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Must-Have Hair Accessories for Women Over 50 – Secrets About Healthy Hair

What Nobody Tells You About Hair After 50

Here’s the reality: Over half of women experience hair loss after menopause. I’m one of them.

How My Hair Changed

• Got thinner (lost about 30% of my thickness)
• Became more fragile (breaks easily)
• Grows slower than it used to
• Feels drier no matter what I do

Why Old Accessories Don’t Work Anymore

The hair accessories I used in my 40s now:

• Break my fragile hair
• Look too young for my face
• Cause headaches (sensitive scalp)
• Slip out of thinner hair

Bottom line: We need different accessories now. And that’s okay.

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Must-Have Hair Accessories for Women Over 50 – How to Use Hair Accessories

My Hair Accessory Rules (Learned the Hard Way)

Rule #1: Comfort First

Life’s too short for accessories that hurt. If it gives you a headache, get rid of it.

Rule #2: Gentle Materials Only

Silk > satin > soft cotton > everything else. Your hair will thank you.

Rule #3: Quality Over Quantity

I’d rather have 3 great accessories than 15 cheap ones that break or damage my hair.

Rule #4: Age-Appropriate Colors

Neutrals (black, brown, tortoise) for everyday. Save bright colors for special occasions.

Rule #5: Less Is More

One nice accessory looks intentional. Too many accessories try too hard.

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Must-Have Hair Accessories for Women Over 50 – Quick Hair Styling Tips

Quick Styling Tips That Work

The 5-Minute Bun

1. Gather hair loosely (don’t pull tight)
2. Twist and wrap into a bun
3. Secure with 2 spiral pins
4. Pull out a few pieces around your face
5. Done!

Why it works: Looks put-together but not perfect. Perfect for women our age.

The “Zoom Call” Look

1. Pull top half of hair back
2. Secure with flat claw clip just out of camera view
3. Leave front pieces loose
4. Looks polished on video calls

The “Bad Hair Day” Save

1. Put on a wide headband while hair is slightly damp
2. Let air dry for 30 minutes
3. Remove headband
4. Finger-comb for instant waves

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What to Avoid (I Learned This the Expensive Way)

❌ Regular Elastic Hair Ties

They’re hair destroyers. I cringe thinking about how many I used before I knew better.

❌ Metal Clips Without Coating

They snag and pull on damaged hair. Always choose smooth, coated options.

❌ Anything Too Heavy

Heavy accessories stress weak hair follicles. Stick to lightweight options.

❌ Trendy “Young” Accessories

That bedazzled headband that looked cute online? Made me look like I was going to a music festival. Know your style lane.

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Hair Type Guide: What Works Best

For Thinning Hair (Like Mine)

• Use: Mini clips, thin silk ties, light colors
• Avoid: Large/heavy accessories that overwhelm fine hair

For Gray or Silver Hair

• Use: Silver, black, or clear accessories
• Avoid: Warm gold tones (they clash)

For Thick Hair

• Use: Larger clips, strong elastic, multiple pins
• Avoid: Tiny accessories that get lost

For Curly/Textured Hair

• Use: Satin-lined accessories, gentle hold
• Avoid: Tight accessories that flatten curls

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Budget Guide: Where to Spend vs. Save

Worth Spending More:

Silk hair ties ($30-40)

• You use them every day
• Prevent expensive hair damage
• Last for years

Quality claw clips ($15-25)

• Daily comfort is worth it
• Cheap ones break quickly

Save Your Money:

Basic bobby pins ($5)

• Function matters more than brand

Simple headbands ($10-15)

• For occasional use, basic works fine

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Seasonal Updates for 2025

Spring/Summer Trends

• Soft pastels (powder pink, sky blue) – but in sophisticated shades
• Tortoiseshell – classic and timeless
• Sun hats – not just stylish, necessary for scalp protection

Fall/Winter Coming

• Deep burgundy and mocha brown – rich, sophisticated colors
• Hair scarves – elegant and versatile
• Velvet textures – luxe but age-appropriate

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Quick Care Tips

For Silk Accessories:

• Hand wash monthly in cool water
• Air dry flat
• Store in breathable containers

For Clips and Pins:

• Clean weekly with rubbing alcohol
• Replace if edges get sharp
• Rotate usage so they last longer

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My Biggest Lessons

Start Small

Don’t overhaul everything at once. Try one new accessory and see how you like it.

Comfort Is Everything

If you’re constantly adjusting or if it hurts, it’s not worth it.

Your Hair Is Precious

Especially after 50. Every strand counts, so be gentle.

Confidence Matters Most

When you feel comfortable, it shows. Choose accessories that feel like “you.”

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What to Try First

If you’re just starting to upgrade your hair accessories, start with these three:

1. One set of silk hair ties – your hair will be noticeably healthier
2. Two flat claw clips – comfort game-changer
3. One good headband – for active days and bad hair days

These three will handle 90% of your needs.

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The Bottom Line

The best hair accessories for women over 50 protect your hair while making you feel confident.

I wish I’d learned this sooner. I spent years using accessories that damaged my hair or made me feel self-conscious.

Now I choose accessories that:

• Feel comfortable
• Work with my lifestyle
• Make me feel like myself
• Are gentle on my hair

My #1 recommendation: Switch to silk hair ties immediately. Your hair will thank you within a month.

What’s worked best for you? I’d love to hear your experiences in the comments.

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Quick Links to My Favorites:

• Silk Hair Ties – $39
• Flat Claw Clips – $9
• Heatless Curlers – $22
• Spiral Pins – $5
• Wide Headbands – $13

Last update on 2025-06-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API