As women age, their hair changes in texture, thickness, and sometimes colour. However, this doesn’t mean you can’t look fabulous! The right hairstyle can enhance your features, boost your confidence, and make you feel youthful and vibrant. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore 27 stunning hairstyles perfect for women over 50, along with tips on how to maintain them and choose the best look for your face shape and lifestyle.
The Power of a Great Hairstyle
A well-chosen hairstyle can take years off your appearance and highlight your best features. For women over 50, the key is to find a look that’s both age-appropriate and fashion-forward. The right cut and colour can frame your face beautifully, disguise fine lines, and give you a renewed sense of confidence. Remember, age is just a number, and your hair should reflect your personality and style, not societal expectations.
Now, let’s dive into our list of 27 fabulous hairstyles for women over 50!
1. Classic Bob
The timeless bob never goes out of style. This versatile cut sits just above the shoulders, framing the face beautifully. It’s easy to maintain and can be styled straight or with gentle waves for added volume. The classic bob works well for most face shapes and hair textures, making it a go-to choice for many women over 50.
Variations of the Classic Bob:
- A-line bob: Shorter in the back, longer in the front
- Inverted bob: Stacked layers in the back for added volume
- Blunt bob: A straight-across cut for a bold, modern look
Pro Tip: For a softer look, ask your stylist to add subtle layers or texturize the ends of your bob.
2. Pixie Cut
For those ready to embrace a bold, youthful look, the pixie cut is an excellent choice. This short, sassy style is low-maintenance and can take years off your appearance. It’s particularly flattering for women with fine hair, as it creates the illusion of thickness and volume.
Celebrity Inspiration:
- Jamie Lee Curtis
- Judi Dench
- Helen Mirren
These iconic women have all rocked stunning pixie cuts, proving that short hair can be incredibly chic and age-appropriate.
Pro Tip: Experiment with different styling products to create various textures with your pixie cut. A lightweight mousse can add volume, while a pomade can create a sleek, polished look.
3. Layered Lob
The long bob, or “lob,” is a perfect middle ground between short and long hair. Adding layers to this shoulder-length cut creates movement and dimension, ideal for women with thinning hair. It’s a versatile style that can be worn sleek or tousled for different occasions.
Benefits of the Layered Lob:
- Adds volume to fine or thinning hair
- Versatile styling options
- Flattering for most face shapes
- Easy to maintain
Pro Tip: Use a round brush when blow-drying your layered lob to add volume and create a soft, bouncy finish.
4. Soft Waves
Embrace your natural texture with soft, flowing waves. This romantic style works well for medium to long hair and adds a touch of elegance to any look. Use a large-barrel curling iron or overnight braids to achieve this effortless, feminine style.
How to Achieve Soft Waves:
- Start with damp hair and apply a heat protectant
- Use a 1.5-inch curling iron, wrapping sections away from your face
- Let the curls cool, then gently brush through with your fingers
- Finish with a light-hold hairspray
Pro Tip: For beachy waves, spray a salt spray on damp hair and scrunch while air-drying.
5. Sleek and Straight
For those blessed with naturally straight hair or willing to put in some styling time, a sleek, straight look can be incredibly chic. This style works particularly well for fine hair, creating the appearance of thickness and shine.
Product Recommendations for Sleek Hair:
- GHD Platinum+ Styler: A high-end flat iron that minimizes heat damage
- Kérastase Discipline Smoothing Shampoo: Helps tame frizz and smooth hair
- Moroccanoil Treatment: Adds shine and reduces frizz
Pro Tip: Apply a smoothing serum to damp hair before blow-drying to help achieve a sleek, frizz-free finish.
6. Textured Crop
A short, textured crop is a modern take on the classic pixie. This edgy style features longer layers on top that can be styled in various ways, from sleek to spiky. It’s an excellent option for women who want a low-maintenance cut with plenty of personality.
Styling Options for Textured Crops:
- Sleek and smooth for a sophisticated look
- Tousled and messy for a casual, effortless vibe
- Spiked up for an edgy, rock-inspired style
Pro Tip: Use a texturizing paste or clay to add definition and hold to your textured crop.
7. Side-Swept Bangs
Bangs can be a game-changer for women over 50. Side-swept bangs, in particular, are flattering for most face shapes and can help conceal forehead lines. They work well with various hair lengths and styles, from bobs to longer cuts.
Face-Framing Benefits:
- Soften angular features
- Draw attention to the eyes
- Disguise fine lines and wrinkles
- Add a youthful touch to any hairstyle
Pro Tip: When styling side-swept bangs, use a round brush to create a gentle curve that frames your face.
8. Voluminous Curls
Embrace your natural curls or create them with styling tools. Voluminous curls add body and movement to your hair, creating a youthful and vibrant look. This style works particularly well for women with naturally curly or wavy hair.
Curly Hair Care Tips:
- Use sulphate-free shampoos to prevent drying out your curls
- Apply a leave-in conditioner to keep curls moisturized
- Avoid brushing dry curls; use your fingers or a wide-tooth comb instead
- Try the “plopping” technique to enhance natural curl patterns
Pro Tip: Sleep on a silk or satin pillowcase to reduce frizz and maintain your curl definition overnight.
9. Asymmetrical Bob
For a modern twist on the classic bob, try an asymmetrical cut. This style features one side slightly longer than the other, creating an edgy, contemporary look. It’s a great option for women who want to make a statement with their hair.
Styling Ideas for Asymmetrical Bobs:
- Straighten for a sleek, polished look
- Add waves for texture and movement
- Tuck one side behind the ear to emphasize the asymmetry
Pro Tip: When styling an asymmetrical bob, use a flat iron to accentuate the sharp angles of the cut.
10. Feathered Layers
Feathered layers add softness and movement to any haircut. This technique works particularly well for medium to long hair, creating a flattering frame around the face and adding volume to thinning hair.
Benefits of Feathered Layers:
- Adds volume and movement
- Softens facial features
- Works well with various hair textures
- Low-maintenance styling options
Pro Tip: Use a round brush when blow-drying to emphasize the feathered effect of your layers.
11. Blunt Cut
A blunt cut creates the illusion of thicker, healthier hair. This style works well for various lengths, from short bobs to long, straight hair. It’s a classic look that exudes confidence and sophistication.
Benefits of a Blunt Cut:
- Creates the appearance of fuller hair
- Works well for fine or thinning hair
- Low-maintenance and easy-to-style
- Versatile – can be worn straight or with waves
Pro Tip: To maintain the crisp look of a blunt cut, use a flat iron with a heat protectant spray for a sleek finish.
12. Shaggy Layers
The shag haircut is making a comeback, and it’s perfect for women over 50. This textured, layered style adds volume and movement to the hair, creating a youthful, carefree look. It works well for various hair lengths and textures.
Celebrity Inspiration:
- Jane Fonda
- Goldie Hawn
- Susan Sarandon
These iconic actresses have all rocked shaggy layers, proving that this style can be both age-appropriate and incredibly chic.
Pro Tip: Use a texturizing spray to enhance the tousled, lived-in look of shaggy layers.
13. Braided Updo
For special occasions or when you want to feel extra elegant, a braided updo is a beautiful choice. This style works well for medium to long hair and can be customized with different braiding techniques and accessories.
Types of Braided Updos:
- French braid bun
- Braided crown
- Fishtail braid chignon
- Lace braid updo
Pro Tip: If your hair is on the thinner side, use a texturizing powder at the roots before braiding to add grip and volume.
14. Tapered Pixie
A tapered pixie cut features shorter sides and back with slightly longer hair on top. This modern variation of the classic pixie is easy to style and maintain, making it an excellent choice for busy women over 50.
Styling Options for Tapered Pixies:
- Slicked back for a sleek, sophisticated look
- Tousled and textured for a more casual vibe
- Side-swept for a softer, feminine touch
Pro Tip: Invest in a good pomade or styling wax to create definition and hold in your tapered pixie.
15. Long Layers
For those who prefer to keep their hair long, adding layers can create movement and prevent the hair from looking weighed down. Long layers work well for various hair textures and can be styled in multiple ways.
Benefits of Long Layers:
- Adds movement and dimension to long hair
- Reduces bulk in thick hair
- Creates the illusion of volume in fine hair
- Allows for versatile styling options
Pro Tip: Ask your stylist for face-framing layers to soften your features and add a youthful touch to long hair.
16. Messy Bun
A relaxed, messy bun is a versatile style that works for both casual and formal occasions. It’s easy to create and can help disguise thinning hair or greys between color appointments.
How to Create the Perfect Messy Bun:
- Start with day-old hair or add dry shampoo for grip
- Gather hair into a high ponytail
- Twist the ponytail and wrap it around the base
- Secure with bobby pins
- Gently pull out a few strands to frame the face
Pro Tip: Use a teasing comb at the crown before creating your bun for added volume and a more polished look.
17. Short and Spiky
For the bold and daring, a short, spiky hairstyle can be incredibly flattering. This edgy look adds texture and volume to fine hair and can take years off your appearance.
Styling Products for Short and Spiky Hair:
- TIGI Bed Head Manipulator Matte
- American Crew Fiber
- Aveda Light Elements Texturizing Creme
Pro Tip: Use a small amount of styling product and work it through your hair with your fingers for a naturally spiky look.
18. Chin-Length Bob with Bangs
Combining a chin-length bob with full bangs creates a chic, sophisticated look. This style frames the face beautifully and can help conceal fine lines and wrinkles.
Face Shapes That Work Well with This Style:
- Oval
- Heart
- Long
- Square
Pro Tip: If you’re new to bangs, start with side-swept bangs before committing to full, straight-across bangs.
19. Textured Pixie Bob
A pixie bob is a longer version of the classic pixie cut, typically falling between the ears and chin. Adding texture to this style creates a modern, effortless look that’s perfect for women over 50.
Benefits of a Textured Pixie Bob:
- Low-maintenance
- Adds volume to fine hair
- Can be styled in various ways
- Flattering for most face shapes
Pro Tip: Use a sea salt spray on damp hair and scrunch while air-drying to enhance the natural texture of your pixie bob.
20. Sleek Ponytail
Don’t underestimate the power of a sleek ponytail. This classic style can be dressed up or down and works well for various hair lengths. It’s an excellent option for days when you want your hair off your face.
Variations of the Sleek Ponytail:
- High ponytail for a more youthful look
- Low ponytail for elegant sophistication
- Side ponytail for a unique twist
Pro Tip: Use a small bristle brush to smooth flyaways and create a polished finish for your sleek ponytail.
21. Side-Parted Bob
A side-parted bob is a versatile style that flatters most face shapes. It can be worn straight or with gentle waves and is easy to maintain, making it a popular choice for women over 50.
Styling Options for Side-Parted Bobs:
- Straight and sleek
- Soft waves
- Textured and tousled
- Tucked behind one ear
Pro Tip: Experiment with the depth of your side part to find the most flattering look for your face shape.
22. Choppy Layers
Choppy layers add texture and movement to any hairstyle. This technique works well for various hair lengths and can help create the illusion of fuller, thicker hair.
Benefits of Choppy Layers:
- Adds volume and texture
- Creates a modern, edgy look
- Works well for fine or thinning hair
- Low-maintenance styling options
Pro Tip: Use a texturizing spray or dry shampoo to enhance the piece-y look of choppy layers.
23. Finger Waves
For a touch of vintage glamour, try finger waves. This classic style from the 1920s and 1930s has made a comeback and can add elegance to short to medium-length hair.
Steps to Create Finger Waves:
- Apply a strong-hold styling gel to damp hair
- Use a fine-tooth comb to create S-shaped waves
- Secure waves with clips and let hair dry completely
- Remove clips and gently brush out for a softer look
Pro Tip: Practice creating finger waves on days when you don’t have to go out, as it can take some time to master the technique.
24. Layered Pixie with Long Bangs
Combining a pixie cut with longer bangs creates a versatile, modern look. The longer bangs can be styled in various ways, from side-swept to straight across, allowing for different looks with the same cut.
Styling Ideas for Long Bangs:
- Side-swept for a softer look
- Straight across for a bold statement
- Textured and piece-y for an edgy vibe
Pro Tip: Use a small round brush when blow-drying your bangs to create a gentle curve that frames your face.
25. Tousled Bob
A tousled bob adds texture and movement to the classic bob cut. This relaxed style is easy to maintain and perfect for women who want an effortlessly chic look.
How to Achieve a Tousled Bob:
- Apply a texturizing mousse to damp hair
- Rough dry hair with fingers, scrunching as you go
- Use a curling wand to add random waves
- Finish with a texturizing spray for added volume and hold
Pro Tip: Sleep on a silk pillowcase to maintain your tousled texture overnight and reduce frizz.
26. Faux Hawk
For the truly adventurous, a faux hawk can be a striking choice. This edgy style features longer hair on top styled upwards, with shorter sides. It’s a bold look that exudes confidence and style.
Faux Hawk Variations:
- Soft and feminine with gentle waves
- Sleek and polished for a more sophisticated look
- Textured and spiky for maximum edge
Pro Tip: Use a strong-hold hairspray to keep your faux hawk in place all day long.
27. Natural Gray
Embracing your natural grey can be liberating and beautiful. Whether you opt for a short pixie or long, flowing locks, letting your grey shine through can create a stunning, sophisticated look.
Tips for Transitioning to Gray:
- Consider a shorter cut to speed up the transition
- Use purple shampoo to prevent yellowing
- Experiment with highlights or lowlights for a multi-dimensional look
- Invest in nourishing hair masks to keep grey hair soft and shiny
Pro Tip: If you’re not ready to go fully gray, ask your stylist about adding some gray highlights to blend with your natural color for a gradual transition.
Conclusion
Remember, these hairstyles are just suggestions. The best hairstyle for you is one that makes you feel confident and beautiful. Don’t be afraid to mix and match elements from different styles or work with your stylist to create a custom look that’s perfect for you.