A lob haircut, or a longer bob, is a celeb-fave ‘do that is just as chic as it is functional for hiding signs of hair thinning and loss over 50. We asked experts for 3 hacks to make lobs more flattering for mature beauties. These tricks include parting your tresses to the side for instant volume, adding curtain bangs for movement, and getting an asymmetrical cut at the ends for a more modern look.
Read on to learn more about these clever tips, and for more suggestions and insight from Gina Rivera, celebrity hair stylist and Founder of Phenix Salon Suites and Ghanima Abdullah, hair expert and cosmetologist at The Right Hairstyles.
Long Bob, Short Maintenance: 3 Easy Tricks for Fabulous Hair After 50
1. Add A Deep Side Part For More Volume
If you have center-parted, fine hair and want to increase volume instantly, Abdullah recommends opting for a deep, Old Hollywood-esque side part, like Rose Byrne (above). When it comes to lobs, she says: "try a side part instead, as you can move the hair from one side to the other, as you wish."
The added hair going over will increase "volume in the area as well," she adds, especially if your hair is "used to being parted down the center."
This trick is also great for "hiding signs of thinning in the crown area," where many women notice thinning and hair loss, she goes on.
"Having a deep side part really brings on the glamor, especially if you've had recent coloring added," she also points out. Another bonus is that this works for any hair texture, as wavy or curlier tresses will also look "elegant" with a side-parted lob, she says.
2. Try Curtain Bangs To Conceal Thinning At The Crown
If you are experiencing hair loss at your crown or notice your part widening, Abdullah notes that adding curtain bangs to a layered lob can "make your hair appear thicker, and are a great way to add volume to thinning hair."
The style, as seen on January Jones (above) works well for "women who want to hide thinning hair in the front," she emphasizes, as it creates "a soft, natural looking wave at the top of the head."
Abdullah swears by curtain bangs to especially conceal signs of hair loss and thinning, as she notes that "they add length and volume so you don't have to spend hours styling."
Abdullah adds that they are incredibly versatile and "can be worn short or long, curled or straight," and that the key is to "keep the bangs long enough to cover the eyebrows and frame the face and eyes."
3. Get An Asymmetrical Cut At The Ends For Chic Movement
A textured asymmetrical lob or bob is a "terrific choice" for mature beauties," Rivera explains, since it's a perfect blend of classic yet still modern and trendy. "This style is so hip that it’s perfect for making our ladies in their prime look super chic," she says.
"Removing a bit of length from the hair, [adds] movement and creates a youthful appeal." When it comes to styling, Rivera notes that "texturing the hair" creates an "opportunity to remove some of the damaged ends and weight which bring more life to the hair as well."
Additionally, Rivera advises that it’s best to always "consult with your stylist on a maintenance schedule but for those trying to regain hair health, make sure to trim every 4-6 weeks."
The thing about a lob is, Abdullah concludes, is that "if it's blunt, it will sort of make the ends bunch up when curled lightly and give them more body."
An aforementioned deep side part (as seen above on Gal Gadot) is added "to create more volume on the top of the head by literally pushing more hair to one side of your head," and this hairstyle is great for hiding thinning on top if you have any.
Good to know!
