Finding the right hairstyle can take some trial and error at any age, but it may be especially difficult as you get older. What’s trendy, but still flattering for your age? How can you maintain youthful energy through your haircut while embracing the beauty of aging? Luckily, we’re here to tell you that you have plenty of options. To help you along the way, we put together a list of the best hairstyles for women over 50–and we also got some expert advice from professional hairstylist Fae Norris.
“No matter our age, we want to look towards styles that compliment our hair texture, face shape and lifestyle,” Norris tells us. “Our cuts are a reflection of who we are. So for ladies over 50, most of whom aren’t clubbing with college-aged people, I think that chasing the next new, hot trend can be tricky. Just like it is with clothes.”
Instead of trying to ride the wave of the latest trend, Norris says the real key to finding the best hairstyle as you age is to stay true to yourself. “A personal style that doesn’t try to hide age but accentuates who someone is can be the best anti-aging remedy there is. It doesn’t mean that a cut can’t be fun and fresh. It most definitely can. And the truth is there really are no rules anymore.” What a relief!
All of that being said, you may be wondering where exactly to start when it comes to figuring out which haircut can accentuate your beauty and personal style while still remaining fun and fresh. If you’re looking for inspiration, we’ve got you covered!
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Best Hairstyles For Women Over 50
From long, luscious waves to a close-cropped pixie, the possibilities for flattering haircuts over 50 are practically endless. We put together a list of 15 of our favorites below so you can get inspired–and remember, it’s all about finding what works for you, so if your dream style isn’t on that list, you should feel free to combine elements from different cuts and work with your stylist for a personalized, ultra-flattering look.
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1. Long, beachy waves
Too often, we’re told that in order for a haircut to be flattering for women over 50, it has to be short. However, that’s not necessarily true! If you love your hair long, you should feel free to keep it long–and you can still look great while doing it. Just look at Jennifer Lopez! One of the most flattering ways to do this is with some beachy waves, which can help you maintain a real youthful, fun, and flirty vibe. There are several ways to achieve waves if your hair isn’t naturally curly. You can try braiding your hair while it’s wet or styling it with heat and product.
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2. Tousled waves
Nothing can shake up some long locks like layered waves. Adding tousled layers to your is a great way to give it some movement and dimension–not to mention volume, which can be especially important as we get older and our hair starts to thin. All in all, there’s no need to play it safe with an ultra-sleek, close-cropped cut if that’s not your preference; staying edgy as you age can be chic, too! To get perfect tousled waves, simply wrap your hair around a round brush as you blow-dry it.
3. Short cut with swoop bangs
If you do want to keep your hair short, there are plenty of options for that, too. Why not try going with a swoop-over look? These swoopy bangs will bring a tousled, flirty vibe to your cropped cut. It’s perfect for women who have a cowlick or widow’s peak. Wendie Malick is a great example of how to rock this cut–at any age!
4. Middle part
Middle parts are all the rage among the younger generations… and as it turns out, you can rock this look at any age. It can look incredible on just about any face! Think of Jennifer Aniston’s classic cut, a.k.a. “The Rachel.” This gives you a perfect opportunity for some ultra-flattering face-framing layers, which helps accentuate your jawline.
5. Wispy pixie
Norris tells us that pixie cuts are a fantastic option for “anyone looking to play with volume and texture.” In fact, she says that “it’s actually much more versatile than most think with endless styling options.” Any variation of a pixie cut is a fantastic idea for women over 50, but one great way to stay stylish and trendy is to make it wispy. A textured cut can help keep things fresh, interesting, and never boring. To help bring out the wispiness of your pixie, try using some texture spray and playing around with other styling products that can add some definition to the look. “With a little dry shampoo or some salt water spray you’ve got a great tousled, beachy look that exudes a playful energy,” Norris notes. You may even want to throw in some bangs–the possibilities are endless!
6. Short, blunt bob
Of course, sleek and chic is still a classic way to go. What’s more timeless than a short, blunt bob? Not only is this look totally classy at any age, it’s also pretty much universally flattering. There isn’t really a face shape that can’t pull the look off! “It’s a fun, energetic cut that flatters the cheekbones and eyes and is very versatile,” Norris, who says a classic bob is her all-time favorite cut for women over 50, raves. “The angles of the cut in the right proportions will flatter most any face shape.” This can be an especially good style if you’re dealing with thinning hair. Norris points out that blunter cuts like this one “will provide more volume and give the hair a healthier appearance which conveys youth.” Nice!
7. Long Lob
If you want to reap all the benefits of a bob with a little extra length, look no further than a “lob.” This hairstyle has been super-popular in recent years–and for good reason. Whether you’re working your way up to a major chop or just want to elongate your neck, a one-length cut that falls just above your collarbone may be the winning look for you. It’s chic, flattering, and so easy to style.
8. Cropped pixie
Here’s another take on a classic pixie: keep it cropped around the sides with some volume on top! This is the perfect mature but edgy look that can allow you to maintain your youthful energy. If you have a more angular or diamond-shaped face, this can be especially flattering for you, as it can add some balance to your look. But we love it for anyone!
9. Glam waves
Who doesn’t love to add a little bit of drama to their look? You can always look timelessly chic (not to mention ageless) when you go with some glammed-out waves. A deep side part and flowing side-swept locks will have you looking like you walked straight off the red carpet. And what’s more stylish than that?
10. Simple bangs
Don’t underestimate the power of adding some bangs to your look. Although it may seem like a basic change, it may be exactly what you need to switch things up–and, especially on certain face shapes, it can be super-flattering. Whether you like your hair short, long, straight, curly, or anything in between, there’s virtually no look that couldn’t be taken to the next level with a quick snip. Why not take the leap?
11. Long Layers
Layers can go a long way when it comes to volume and style! And if you like to keep your locks long and flowing, long layers can add some real dimension to the picture. “For those looking to keep some length, I think mid to long layered cuts, smoothed into a bouncy blow out, with cheek bone grazing layers can be an incredible look. It’s sophisticated and sexy and can work with most any hair color,” Norris says. Choosing face-framing layers is a great way to flatter your face shape and draw attention to all the right features–plus, they open so many doors for styling opportunities. “I find that glam waves and a deep side part are great compliments to this look,” Norris suggests.
12. Curtain bangs
Curtain bangs are all the rage these days. While they tend to work best on a rectangle-shaped face (“Adding a curtain bang will soften an angular face,” as Norris notes) they’re so flattering on practically everyone. In fact, this 70s-style take on bangs can bring a real sense of youth to your haircut while still maintaining an air of sophistication. Think Bridget Bardot or, more recently, Alexa Chung and Dakota Johnson. Not only are curtain bangs super-chic, but they’re also so easy to style and manage. Score!
13. Natural curls
A big part of aging gracefully is embracing your natural beauty–and that’s especially true when it comes to your hair. If you have natural curls, allowing them to grow long and luscious is always a good idea in our book! This can look especially good with a bit of a side part. Just be sure you have a cut that allows your curls to fall in a soft, natural way. Layers can help if you want to add some shape and volume, and the right products will keep frizz at bay.
14. Bi-level bob
Want to add a little dimension to your bob? Add some layers to the mix! By bringing some face-framing pieces into the picture, you can highlight all your best facial features for an ultra-flattering cut. This type of style is an especially good idea for anyone with a rounder face. You may want to choose layers that fall around your cheeks or moth or even go with some curtain bangs or side-swept fringe. The possibilities are practically endless!
15. Polished Shag
Is an ultra-shaggy shag a little too unruly for you? If you like to keep things a bit more sophisticated, you can still reap all the benefits of this flattering, trendy cut by going with a polished shag a la Jane Fonda. A style like this is more tapered than your typical shag, with pieces that are easy to tuck behind your ears. And with a bit of styling, it can still add a healthy bit of youthful edginess to your overall look!
The bottom line
So, there you have it: 15 flattering styles that look great on all sorts of women. While these haircuts can help you look youthful and gorgeous, remember that the most important thing is feeling beautiful in your own skin. So choose the style that helps you do that!
