Top Hairstyles for Women Over 50

As we age, our hair often changes along with us. It might be thinner, grayer, or simply harder to manage. Finding flattering hairstyles for women over 50 that complement these changes and make you feel confident and stylish can sometimes feel like a challenge. But don’t worry. This isn’t about following strict rules, but rather discovering what works best for your features and personality. Let’s explore some inspiring haircut ideas to help you rock your best look, regardless of your hair type or texture.

Table of Contents:

• Finding the Perfect Hairstyle
  • Embracing Your Natural Texture
  • The Power of Layers
  • Experimenting With Color
• Specific Styles to Explore
  • Classic Bobs
  • Timeless Lobs
  • Pixie Cuts
  • Embracing Your Curls
  • Effortlessly Chic Updos
• Remember Your Unique Style
• Conclusion

Finding the Perfect Hairstyle

Stepping into a salon can be daunting, especially when bombarded with images of complicated styles that might not feel true to you. It’s often best to keep things simple and consider your face shape before deciding on a style. For instance, heart-shaped faces might find face-framing layers particularly flattering.

Embracing Your Natural Texture

Many stylists now believe that the most flattering hairstyles for women over 50 enhance, rather than hide, natural texture. Got curls? Let them bounce. Is your hair straight and fine? Consider a cut that adds movement and volume, without relying on harsh chemicals or hours of styling.

For instance, Sharon Grandfield from Mane salon in Bridgwater, UK, says that a good haircut can look great whether you “tuck behind the ears, or not.” A shorter style can add extra volume and create a more youthful appearance for fine hair. It’s all about finding a style that you love and feel good in.

The Power of Layers

Adding layers can dramatically transform hairstyles for women over 50. Whether long layers or short, they add dimension and movement, giving your hair a youthful vibrancy. Remember that blunt cuts, although sometimes sleek and sophisticated, can appear heavy on certain hair types.

Long, heavy layers work especially well for thicker hair. For a truly effortless approach, try styling with just your fingers and a bit of hair oil. But even a sleek, blunt bob with simple layers, like those by stylist Chris Greene, can be transformed into a fresh, flippy blowout every day.

Experimenting With Color

Just like cuts, choosing a hair color doesn’t need to mean drastic changes. A simple color refresh, like adding subtle highlights or embracing your natural grays, can significantly impact how your hairstyle looks.

Dom Seeley, Color Wow’s international creative director, encourages women to embrace their individuality. He believes “we are moving away from the ideology that women of a certain age need to have their hair cut short.” If you’ve always loved having long hair, keep it long. If you’re feeling adventurous, a playful pixie cut with well-placed highlights can make a statement, too.

Specific Styles to Explore

Need inspiration for your next salon appointment? Consider some timeless hairstyles for women over 50 that flatter different face shapes and hair textures:

Classic Bobs

You can’t go wrong with a classic bob. A versatile and timeless choice, it works well across different hair textures and face shapes. Experiment with a sleek A-line, a voluminous graduated bob, a short bob, or even a choppy bob for a modern twist. If you’re looking for a shorter style that still offers versatility, a pixie bob might be the perfect option.

Classic bob cut

Celebrity hairstylist Paul Edmonds says, “Jane Seymour has a soft fringe graduation around the face and great color,” showing how even a classic style can feel modern and fresh. For those with finer hair, adding a curling iron to your routine can create extra volume and give the illusion of thicker hair.

Timeless Lobs

For those wanting to retain length while adding shape and movement, lob cuts continue to reign supreme. A choppy lob with side-swept curtain bangs adds a bit of edginess, while a textured lob with subtle layers frames the face beautifully. Consider a long bob if you’re not ready to commit to a shorter cut but want to add some shape and movement to your hair.

The Tasseled Lob

For sleek, easy styling, consider applying Dove Hair Therapy Brilliant Gloss & Repair Serum, as recommended by stylist Stephen for recreating Naomi Watt’s chic look. A long choppy bob is a great option for those with thicker hair, as the choppy layers can help to thin out the hair and prevent it from looking too bulky.

Pixie Cuts

For low-maintenance yet impactful hairstyles for women over 50, a pixie cut is the ultimate “wake up and go” style. Opt for a soft pixie cut with longer layers on top to soften features, or choose a slightly longer, textured pixie for extra versatility. You can play with your pixie cut by styling it differently each day.

Sexy Pixie Cut

For a more edgy look, consider a choppy pixie or a sleek pixie. If you have fine hair, a pixie cut can make it appear thicker and fuller. And don’t be afraid to go super short. An extra short pixie cut can be incredibly chic and sophisticated.

Embracing Your Curls

For women blessed with naturally curly hair, a shoulder-length cut or a curly bob can be a gorgeous, low-maintenance choice. Just be sure your stylist understands how to cut curly hair to enhance your natural texture. Regular conditioning and a silicone-free hydrating primer can keep your curls healthy and bouncy. You could use products like Dove Hair Therapy 7-in-1 Miracle Mist.

Love the curls

If you have curly hair, layers can help to define your curls and prevent them from looking frizzy. Adding some textured layers to your cut can enhance your natural curl pattern and make styling a breeze.

Effortlessly Chic Updos

For more formal events, consider an updo that works with your natural texture. If you have shorter hair, a textured French twist can add instant elegance. Longer locks can be swept into a loose braid, or try twisting your braids into a bun for a stylish and sophisticated look, like actress Regina King often does.

The Updo

As Edmonds points out, Michelle Pfeiffer frequently sports soft, wavy hair, “always worn slightly tousled,” which further proves that you don’t always need intricate styling for hairstyles for women over 50 to look amazing. Even if your bangs don’t cooperate, you can always pin them back for a more polished look.

Remember Your Unique Style

Choosing flattering hairstyles for women over 50 is all about expressing yourself. This is the time to ditch societal pressures and embrace the beauty of aging gracefully. Whether you’re drawn to classic cuts with a modern twist or embrace bold pixie cuts, ultimately the best hairstyle is the one that makes you feel confident, radiant, and comfortable in your skin. Your hair is an extension of your personality, so have fun with it.

And don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles until you find one that you love. The most important thing is to choose a hairstyle that makes you feel confident and beautiful.  If you ever want to change styles from one night to the next, a wig, weave, or extension always go great to get that added flair.

Conclusion

Finding the perfect hairstyles for women over 50 shouldn’t feel like a chore. Remember that there’s no need to stick to a specific set of rules—unless you want to. Have fun experimenting, and find what truly works for you. Consider factors such as your hair type, face shape, and lifestyle when making your decision.

Ultimately, the best hairstyle is one that makes you feel good. Embrace your age, experiment with different looks, and find a style that reflects your personality and makes you feel your best.