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.

18 BEST WEDDING HAIRSTYLES FOR BLACK WOMEN 

Planning your wedding day hairstyle can feel like a military operation. From preparing your hair to finding the perfect stylist, and incorporating veils and accessories, there’s a lot to think about. This is especially true for Black brides, as Black British bridal hair specialists haven’t received the recognition they deserve, and many bridal guides primarily focus on Caucasian hair types. This article is dedicated to you! We’ve put together a list of 18 stunning hairstyles for Black brides to help you shine on your special day. Ready to get inspired? Keep reading!

CHOOSING THE BEST BLACK BRIDAL HAIRSTYLES

First, think about your hair texture—whether it’s natural, relaxed, or styled in a protective way like braids or twists. Each texture provides unique styling options, from sleek updos to voluminous curls.

Next, take your face shape and features into account to identify which styles will best enhance your look.

Consider the theme and formality of your wedding as well. Elegant updos or sophisticated, sleek styles may suit a formal affair, while loose curls or braided styles may be more fitting for a relaxed or bohemian celebration. Don’t forget to match your hairstyle with your wedding dress and accessories to ensure a cohesive bridal look.

Finally, it’s wise to schedule a trial session with your hairstylist to experiment with different styles and find the one that makes you feel the most beautiful and confident on your big day.

WEDDING HAIRSTYLES FOR BLACK WOMEN

BRAIDS WITH A MEGA BOW

Secure various-sized braids at the nape of your neck with a large, luxurious bow—the more opulent the material, the better! Lace, silk, and velvet are all excellent choices. Now that your hairstyle is taken care of, what about your nails? Don’t miss our roundup of stunning wedding nail ideas that go beyond just nude shades!

MINI TWISTS

That sounds like a stylish choice! Mini twists paired with ‘Mrs’ earrings definitely create a chic and modern bridal look. This combination adds a playful yet elegant touch to the overall aesthetic. Are you planning a specific hairstyle or outfit to complement this vibe?

HIGH VOLUME HAIR WITH A VEIL

That’s a fantastic tip! Pinning the veil below your chosen hairstyle allows both elements to shine. Whether you choose an updo or short curls, this approach adds elegance and showcases your hair beautifully. Additionally, it creates a lovely flow and can enhance your overall bridal look. Do you have any specific styles in mind?

LAYERED CURLS WITH A COMB

That’s a great idea! Layered curls can add a lot of volume and movement to your hair. Clipping one side up with a dramatic hair accessory not only adds flair but also creates an asymmetrical look that can be very striking. It’s a perfect way to balance elegance with a touch of drama. Have you thought about what kind of accessory you’d like to use?

GHANA BRAIDS WITH LOOSE CURLS

That sounds like a stunning and modern hairstyle! Chunky twin braids combined with tiny cornrows can create a unique look, especially with the ends left free and curly. Keeping edge control gel and a tiny bristle brush handy is smart; it helps achieve that polished finish, especially for braids or tight updos. This approach not only keeps your hairstyle neat but also adds a stylish touch. Are you considering this for a wedding or another special occasion?

LOCS WITH TRINKETS

Jourdan Dunn’s faux locs are indeed a stunning choice! Incorporating trinkets or hair accessories can elevate the look and give it a unique, glamorous touch, much like her Met Gala appearance. Are there specific trinkets you have in mind to channel that vibe?

SOFT UPDO WITH SILK FLOWERS

That’s a lovely idea! Silk flowers cascading from a soft updo bring a romantic and ethereal touch, perfect for a spring wedding. They add a whimsical element without the worry of wilting, allowing you to enjoy your special day without concern. This style beautifully combines elegance with a natural feel. Have you thought about color schemes or specific types of flowers to use?

LOW BUN WITH OVERSIZED CLIP

That sounds fabulous! A giant clip can add a bold statement to a curly low bun, making it both stylish and sophisticated. Placing the accessory at the back not only highlights the bun but also adds an element of surprise to your hairstyle. Are you considering any particular colors or designs for the clip?

LOW SIDE PARTING WITH A BEJEWELLED CLIP

Absolutely! A simple hairstyle acts as a great backdrop for a statement clip. Whether it’s a sleek ponytail, a low bun, or straight hair, the contrast allows the clip to shine and become the focal point of your look. This balance between simplicity and a touch of glamour can create a stunning effect. Do you have a specific clip in mind that you’d like to use?

CHIGNON

A classic chignon is a timeless choice, especially if your wedding dress highlights the back! It elegantly showcases your neckline and any intricate details on your gown. Plus, it’s versatile enough to add accessories or keep it minimal. Have you thought about any specific embellishments to pair with the chignon?

BOX BRAIDS

Loosely secured box braids create a relaxed and effortlessly cool vibe, and you’re right—imperfection adds character to the style. By randomly clipping up sections, you can beautifully highlight your bone structure and showcase any statement jewelry you choose to wear. This approach adds an artistic touch and keeps the look fresh and dynamic. Are there particular pieces of jewelry you’re excited to feature with this style?

LOOSE CLIP WITH CURLS 

That’s excellent advice! Applying a curl cream or custard helps enhance and define your natural curl pattern, giving your hair a beautiful, bouncy look.  Adding a loose slide on one side and leaving tendrils free around your face creates a relaxed, effortlessly chic vibe. 

DYED CROP

That’s a smart approach! Dyeing short hair can definitely add dimension and make a bold statement, especially for a wedding. It’s crucial to have a thorough discussion with your hairdresser to understand the implications, as coloring can affect texture and overall health.

LONG GHANA BRAIDS 

That sounds stunning! Long Ghana braids secured into larger plaits at the nape of the neck create a chic and elegant look while drawing attention to your earrings. This style not only showcases your accessories but also keeps your hair neat and stylish. It’s a great way to make a statement and allow your lobes to shine. Do you have a particular pair of earrings in mind that you’d love to wear with this hairstyle?

DELICATE CORNROWS

That’s a fantastic choice! Face-framing cornrows paired with a combed-out afro create a striking and dramatic look. The cornrows can beautifully accentuate your features while the afro adds volume and texture, making for a bold statement. This combination is perfect for showcasing your natural beauty and adding a touch of flair. Are you thinking about any specific styles or embellishments to complement this look?

VINTAGE BARRETTE

That sounds perfect for a vintage-inspired wedding! A pearl and enamel encrusted barrette adds a touch of elegance and can beautifully enhance your hairstyle. Placing it thoughtfully can create a stunning focal point, especially with side-swept curls. The contrast of delicate earrings with the vintage barrette adds a modern twist that keeps the look fresh and stylish. Have you chosen a specific hairstyle to pair with the barrette?

HALO BRAID

A halo braid is indeed a timeless choice for weddings! It adds a romantic and ethereal touch, making it perfect for the occasion. Pairing it with modern drop earrings creates a beautiful contrast that keeps the look fresh and contemporary. This combination strikes a lovely balance between classic elegance and modern flair. Are there specific drop earrings you’re considering to complement the halo braid?

CURLS AND BIRDS

That’s a creative idea! Swapping leaves for birds in your curly updo adds a whimsical and unique touch. Decorative birds can bring a playful elegance to the hairstyle, making it stand out beautifully. This choice is perfect for a nature-inspired or bohemian wedding theme. Are you thinking about using feathers, clips, or other types of bird-inspired accessories?

CONCLUSION

Choosing the perfect hairstyle for your wedding day is a crucial decision. It should complement your face shape, dress style, and personal style. For Black women, there’s a vast array of stunning hairstyles to choose from, ranging from classic updos to modern braids. Whether you opt for a sleek bun, elegant curls, or intricate braids, the key is to select a style that makes you feel confident and beautiful. Remember, it’s your special day, so let your hairstyle reflect your unique personality.