DEFYING NORMS: WOMAN IN HER 50S REDEFINES AGING AND INSPIRES OTHERS ONLINE

It can be disheartening to watch beloved celebrities, teachers, and parents age, as it reminds us that nothing in life is permanent. However, society often exaggerates the significance of aging, especially when it comes to turning 50. Many people treat this milestone as if it marks the beginning of the end, suggesting that the subsequent years are merely a countdown to life’s conclusion. In reality, countless individuals in their 50s and beyond are vibrant, healthy, and mentally sharp. Turning 50 is just as significant as any other birthday.

Luisa Dunn embodies this perspective. As a model and photographer, she refuses to let her age define her. She has become a fashion inspiration for many, using TikTok as her outfit diary to showcase her style and celebrate the joy of dressing up at any age.

Some people dread their 50s as it marks half of a century, but others, like Luisa Dunn, are still enjoying life, sharing the wisdom accumulated through the years

At 52 years old, Luisa Dunn is making waves as a model and photographer, amassing 457k followers on Instagram and over 200k on TikTok. Through her social media presence, she champions age visibility and promotes the concept of positive aging.

Luisa’s modeling journey is anything but conventional. Unlike many models who begin their careers in their teens and retire to pursue education, she started her career at 31. For nearly a decade, she has worked in various print and TV campaigns, proving that it’s never too late to pursue your passions and redefine beauty standards at any age.

Luisa Dunn is a model, a former photographer and positive ageing advocate

At 41, Luisa made the decision to launch her newborn photography business, finding it challenging to balance her modeling career with raising two young children. Then, in 2020, she took another significant step by slowing down her photography business to focus on building her online presence.

On Instagram, Luisa showcases her modeling looks, while on TikTok, she engages her audience with an intriguing series that highlights her everyday outfits. Her aim is to inspire others, particularly women in her own age group, demonstrating that style and confidence can flourish at any age.

She is currently 52 years old and embraces her age and experiences that come with it

Luisa’s fashion sense is anything but typical for women in their 50s. In fact, many may not even associate a distinctive style with mature women, but Luisa proves that notion wrong. Her unique approach to fashion is defined by vibrant colors, flattering silhouettes, and trendy elements.

In a conversation with Now To Love, she described her style philosophy as “having fun with fashion.” She expressed, “I’m drawn to color—as much and as often as possible. I mix palettes and textures, old and new, elegant and casual. I’m a mood and moment dresser.” This playful attitude toward fashion highlights her belief that age should never limit one’s ability to express individuality and creativity through clothing.

However, she rejects the image that society has of how a woman in her 50s is supposed to look

Another distinctive choice Luisa has made is embracing her natural hair color. Just a few years ago, she regularly dyed her hair, but she shared with Homebodii that her journey began with a realization: “Coloring my hair/roots every 14 days was simply not a source of joy in my life anymore. In fact, it was quite the opposite.”

Transitioning to her natural silver hair was not an easy process. Luisa described the mental challenges she faced, saying, “The most challenging part mentally was to actively seek a positive balance to counter the negative anti-aging and ‘grey equals old’ messages that many of us are exposed to every single day, often without being aware of their long-term impact.”

On top of these mental hurdles, the physical transition posed its own difficulties. Luisa noted, “There is no easy or short path to growing out your natural hair, especially if you prefer a longer length and value healthy hair. The process is long and requires a lot of patience, especially if you choose to embrace it cold turkey.” Through it all, Luisa remains an inspiring example of self-acceptance and redefining beauty at any age.

On her TikTok, Luisa shares colorful, bold and trendy outfits that make her look youthful and full of vitality

Now that Luisa fully embraces her natural hair, she feels a renewed sense of happiness and creativity, noting that her silver hair allows her to experiment with vibrant colors in her outfits. She shares, “I’m also loving exploring how being ‘silver’ has given me an entirely new perspective on being creative with both color matching and contrasting. I can re-wear forgotten gems with a completely different sense of style.”

While Luisa serves as an inspiration to others, she also seeks inspiration from talented stylists and creatives. She believes that following these influencers, rather than just the celebrities they dress, offers a more enriching experience: “Exceptionally talented stylists and creatives have now also become the sine qua non for fashion trendsetting and inspiration, so following them probably gets you better bang for your buck in time spent.”

For Luisa, dressing up is an art form. She enjoys the process of putting together outfits just as much as wearing them and showcasing her style, reinforcing her belief that fashion is a powerful means of self-expression at any age.

Not only does Luisa have a distinct style, but she is not afraid of her gray hair that others would associate with old age

While it may seem that Luisa has always exuded confidence, she revealed to Brave And True that this hasn’t always been the case. In fact, she feels more confident now than she did at 31, when she began her modeling career.

Today, Luisa finds herself driven by a larger purpose. She expresses, “I was really inspired by their age-positive mission and felt drawn to be part of the pro-age movement. I believe age diversity, visibility, and inclusion are paramount to helping disrupt the negative aging narrative we have in our society and to shine a light on the importance of fighting against ageism.”

Through her work and presence, Luisa is not only embracing her own journey but also advocating for a shift in societal attitudes toward aging, encouraging others to celebrate their age and all that comes with it.

But the model thinks that it’s just part of her and wishes she would have stopped dyeing it earlier

Luisa’s followers resonate deeply with her empowering message and creative outfits. It’s refreshing to witness someone who has experienced so much of life still embracing new challenges and passionately advocating for change in societal views on aging.

What are your thoughts on Luisa’s approach? Would you feel confident enough to adopt her style? Do you believe that people should dress in a way that aligns with their age, or should fashion be a realm of limitless expression? We’d love to hear your opinions in the comments

conclusion

In conclusion, Luisa Dunn stands as a vibrant example of how age can be embraced and celebrated through personal style and self-expression. By defying conventional norms surrounding aging, she inspires others to rethink their perceptions and embrace their individuality, regardless of age. Luisa’s journey showcases the power of confidence and the importance of advocating for age diversity and inclusion in fashion. Her commitment to living authentically encourages her followers to experiment with their style and fosters a community where all ages can shine. Ultimately, Luisa reminds us that fashion knows no boundaries and that we can all dress to reflect our unique personalities, regardless of the number of candles on our birthday cake.

DIY HAIR GROWTH OIL FOR RAPIDLY ACHIEVING LONGER, THICKER, AND LUSCIOUS HAIR

Looking to quickly achieve longer, thicker hair? While there’s no miracle solution for instant growth, this homemade hair growth oil can help accelerate the process. Packed with herbs and essential oils, this all-natural recipe is the result of years spent experimenting with effective methods for fast hair growth. It’s simple to make and highly effective.

There are plenty of so-called “fast hair growth secrets” out there—some work, while others don’t, and I’ve likely tried most of them! My journey into natural beauty began with a desire for longer, thicker hair. Like all my DIY beauty recipes, this hair growth oil stems from my personal experiences.

As a teen, I would spend hours hunting for herbs and supplements in specialty stores, diligently reading Long Hair Care Community forums, and testing various tips and remedies to grow my hair to hip length. In retrospect, I wish I’d focused less on superficial goals, but this quest provided valuable insights into the beauty industry, helping me cultivate discernment.

Whether you’re looking to combat hair loss, encourage regrowth after stress, or simply boost your hair growth, I hope this hair oil recipe helps you reach your goals.

CAN OILS REALLY HELP GROW YOUR HAIR FASTER?

The hair growth industry is booming, with countless new, exotic “fast hair growth oils” and magic serums promising to deliver your dream of long, mermaid-like locks.

However, the reality is that most carrier oils lack any truly magical properties for hair growth. In fact, using excessive amounts of the wrong oil can lead to issues like yeast overgrowth, exacerbating hair loss and scalp problems.

Take argan oil, for example. It was once hailed as the miracle hair growth oil, but its fatty acid profile is quite ordinary, resembling that of sesame or sunflower oil—neither of which have been shown to promote hair growth. (And I say this as someone who once relied on argan oil!)

That said, a few oils do genuinely support hair growth and thickness. When combined with certain herbs and essential oils—like rosemary and peppermint—you can create a more effective homemade hair growth oil.

DIY HAIR GROWTH OIL BENEFITS + HOW IT WORKS

This homemade hair oil promotes natural hair growth in several effective ways:

  • Stimulates Scalp Blood Flow: Infused with powerful herbs and essential oils, this recipe enhances blood circulation to the scalp and hair follicles.
  • Modulates Hair Growth Phase: Castor oil activates prostaglandin pathways linked to the growth phase, accelerating hair growth.
  • Reduces Scalp Buildup: Massaging the oil into your scalp before washing helps loosen buildup that can clog hair follicles, similar to how cleansing oils keep facial pores clear.
  • Antioxidant Activity: The antioxidants in this DIY hair oil protect hair follicles and shafts from oxidative stress, supporting faster growth.
  • Antimicrobial Activity: Excess bacteria and yeast can cause issues like dandruff and scalp acne, hindering growth. The antibacterial herbs and essential oils in this recipe, such as rosemary oil, help maintain a balanced scalp environment.

Now that we’ve covered the essentials, let’s dive into how to make your own hair growth oil.

KEY HERBS FOR HAIR GROWTH

PEPPERMINT

Known for its cooling and soothing effects, peppermint oil is great for irritated scalps. Research suggests it may promote hair growth even more effectively than rosemary. Peppermint oil accelerates the hair growth phase and increases hair follicles, contributing to longer, thicker hair. Its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties also support scalp health.

WHITE WILLOW BARK

If you face scalp issues like dandruff or acne, white willow bark can be beneficial. It contains salicin, a natural anti-inflammatory and gentle exfoliant. While it doesn’t directly stimulate hair growth, it promotes a healthy scalp by soothing irritation, unclogging pores, and reducing buildup.

ROSEMARY

Rosemary-infused oil is a popular remedy for hair growth. Studies show it can be as effective as minoxidil without side effects. Rosemary stimulates blood flow to the scalp, nourishing hair follicles and encouraging both new and existing hair growth. Its antibacterial and antifungal properties help maintain a healthy scalp, while its antioxidants protect against oxidative stress, which can lead to hair loss.

GREEN TEA

Adding green tea leaves to your hair oil infuses it with antioxidants that support hair follicle health. Although caffeine and ECEG—key components for hair growth—are water-soluble and won’t transfer to oil, the antioxidants in green tea still provide benefits. Note that it can impart a deep green color to the oil, but it generally doesn’t stain hair.

These herbs are effective allies in your quest for longer, thicker hair, and incorporating them into your hair oil can enhance its benefits.

ESSENTIAL OILS FOR HAIR GROWTH

To enhance your herbal hair growth oil, consider adding essential oils for concentrated benefits. 

Peppermint and rosemary essential oils are particularly effective for promoting hair growth, and using both can provide optimal results. You can also create a blend with cedarwood, lavender, thyme, frankincense, myrrh, palmarosa, and nettle, all known for supporting hair growth and scalp health. 

Additionally, incorporating an essential oil blend like Beauty Within can further boost scalp health with its antifungal properties, making it a great addition to your scalp treatments and hair masks.

FAST HAIR GROWTH OIL INGREDIENTS

You’ll need just a few ingredients for this DIY hair growth oil:

  • Heat-stable carrier oil for herbal infusion
  • Cold-pressed castor oil
  • Dried, organic hair growth herbs
  • Growth-boosting essential oils
  • Vitamin E oil

You can choose to make this oil with essential oils, herbal infusion, or both. I prefer using both to maximize the plant’s benefits. If you’re short on time, simply mix the carrier oils with the recommended essential oils.

INGREDIENTS

  • J MAC BOTANICALS Organic Cold-Pressed Castor Oil
  • Starwest Botanicals Organic Rosemary Leaf
  • Simply Earth Rosemary Essential Oil
  • Vitamin E Oil from Forefront Health

CARRIER OIL OPTIONS

  • MCT oil
  • Fractionated coconut oil
  • Avocado oil
  • Jojoba oil
  • Olive oil

Using a stable carrier oil is crucial. Many common oils, like sweet almond and sunflower oil, contain unstable polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) that break down with heat and light, losing their beneficial properties. Instead, opt for monounsaturated or saturated oils, which are more stable. I recommend MCT or fractionated coconut oil, especially if you have issues with yeast overgrowth, as MCT oil won’t feed Malassezia yeast.

Once you prepare the herbal-infused oil, dilute it with castor oil. Castor oil is well-regarded for hair growth due to its unique properties:

  • It mimics prostaglandins, extending the active hair growth phase and delaying the resting phase.
  • It conditions and prevents hair follicles from drying out.
  • It moisturizes and protects existing hair from breakage.
  • It has antibacterial and antifungal properties to maintain a healthy scalp.
  • It’s rich in antioxidants like vitamin E, which protect hair follicles from oxidative damage.

DIY HAIR GROWTH OIL RECIPE

INGREDIENTS

  • 47g herbal infused oil (see below for instructions)
  • 47g castor oil
  • 3.5ml peppermint essential oil
  • 3.5ml rosemary essential oil

HERBAL INFUSED OIL

  • 1 cup (200g) carrier oil (e.g., MCT, olive, or avocado oil)
  • ~3/4 cup dry herbs (e.g., rosemary, willow bark, peppermint, green tea)
  • 5ml (1 tsp) vitamin E oil

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Prepare Herbal Infused Oil:
    • Place dry herbs in a clean, heat-proof mason jar. Pour carrier oil over the herbs and add vitamin E oil. Stir gently to ensure herbs are fully submerged.
    • Seal the jar with a one-piece metal lid.
  • Infuse Oil:
    • In a slow cooker, place a hand towel at the bottom and fill with water to submerge the jar without leaking. Set to low and infuse for 8-12 hours, keeping water temperature between 50°C-71°C (120-160°F). Monitor closely to avoid overheating.
  • Strain Oil:
    • Once infused, let the oil cool. Strain out the herbs using cheesecloth or a sieve, pressing gently to extract all the oil. Be cautious of sharp herb pieces.
  • Combine Oils:
    • Mix equal parts of the herbal infused oil and castor oil. Add peppermint and rosemary essential oils, stirring well.
  • Store:
    • Transfer the final mixture to a glass dropper bottle for easy application.

Enjoy your homemade hair growth oil!

HOW TO MAKE HAIR OIL WITH ESSENTIAL OILS

Combine castor oil and a low-PUFA carrier oil (like fractionated coconut oil, jojoba oil, or olive oil) in equal parts. Add vitamin E and a hair growth essential oil blend to the mixture. Then, transfer it to a glass dropper bottle.

HOW TO USE HOMEMADE HAIR GROWTH OIL

To use the hair growth oil, apply it directly to your scalp using the dropper applicator, section by section, to ensure even coverage. After saturating your scalp, gently massage the oil in with your fingers or a jade gua sha comb to boost blood circulation to the follicles, promoting faster growth. If safe for you, you can also massage your scalp with your head upside down.

Leave the oil on for at least an hour or overnight, depending on your hair washing routine. When ready to wash it out, use conditioner first to help remove the castor oil, then follow with your regular shampoo. For added benefits, consider using a rosemary hair rinse or a pH-balancing vinegar rinse afterward.

CONCLUSION

DIY hair growth oil offers a natural and cost-effective solution for promoting hair growth and improving hair health. By combining essential oils known for their hair-nourishing properties with carrier oils that provide moisture and penetration, you can create a personalized hair treatment that addresses your specific needs. Remember to patch test the oil before applying it to your scalp to ensure you don’t have any adverse reactions. Consistent use and proper application are key to achieving optimal results.