If you’re like a lot of women turning 50 or in your 50s, maybe you’ve come to realize that 50 is nothing like how you thought it would be – it’s even better. Perhaps you’re armed with more knowledge than ever before, a total sense of self that you never felt in your 20s, and confidence in who you are. It’s natural to feel all of those things, while also fretting over how to wear your hair at this stage so that it looks its best. Hair can start to thin as we age and may feel and appear more fragile. It’s as important as ever to keep a healthy diet and lifestyle, and visiting your dermatologist for advice if you’re experiencing sudden hair changes is always a good idea.
But by no means should you feel like this is the decade where you should just stick to what you know when it comes to your haircut and hair style. Don’t be afraid to experiment with your cut, color, and even bangs if you’re curious. These are the six flattering haircuts that stylists always turn to when recommending a style that can make you look vibrant and youthful.
The Bob
Whether your hair is fine, thick, straight, wavy, or curly, there’s a way to customize the classic bob so that it looks amazing on you — and that’s part of the bob’s everlasting appeal. It’s no wonder celebs like Charlize Theron turn to this glam ‘do to help highlight their facial features and make them look sophisticated.
“The bob cut is versatile and can be tailored to suit different face shapes,” says Liis Hainla, head editor of veganavenue.com. “A layered bob just below the chin can slim round faces, while a longer bob with soft layers suits square or angular faces. Bobs are suitable for straight, wavy, or slightly curly hair, and styling involves blow-drying with a round brush and regular trims every 6-8 weeks.”
Soft Bangs
Whether you prefer your hair short in a bob or shoulder-length style or longer with layers, the addition of soft bangs can take your ‘do to a new dimension. Bangs like these seen on Allison Janney frame the face, make your eyes a focal point, and can soften any look. When cut the right way, they can even make fine hair seem thicker and fuller. Bonus points for how they can conceal fine lines on foreheads if those have been pestering you.
Long Layered Hair
Cindy Crawford doesn’t let anyone tell her she can’t sport long hair after a certain age — nor should you! Cindy’s secret to maintaining length is all in her stylist’s layering magic — her hair doesn’t fall straight down like a curtain, but rather frames her face beautifully (those face-framing highlights don’t hurt, either).
“For longer hair, adding long layers brings freshness and dimension,” Hainla says. “This cut flatters all face shapes but particularly enhances oval and round faces and medium to thick hair textures. Styling long layers can involve loose waves with a curling iron or wand or a sleek, straight look with a flat iron. Regular trims every 10-12 weeks are essential for maintaining healthy hair.”
A Sleek Lob
It’s not a bob and it’s not long and layered — but the lob falls somewhere in between and is perfect for anyone who wants some length, but not too much length.
Katie Couric’s sleek lob is smooth and lacks waves or texture, which makes it look glossy and healthy. But you can work with your stylist to find the lob style of your dreams, which may mean incorporating a few shorter layers in the front to highlight your jawline or cheekbones.
Shoulder-Length Shag
1970s-inspired hair is hot right now, and the shag continues to top lists of most-requested styles. “The shoulder-length shag is a trendy and low-maintenance haircut that flatters oval, square, or heart-shaped faces,” Hainla says. “It adds volume and texture to fine or thinning hair, and styling includes texturizing products and occasional trims every 8-10 weeks.”
Shown here on Kate Hudson, this style screams Laurel Canyon rock star.
Pixie
No list would be complete without a perennial favorite: the chic pixie haircut. Celebs like Michele Williams know this style draws immediate attention to features, opening up the eyes and turning on a spotlight on beautiful cheeks or jawlines. And if you are worried about thinning or fine hair, it can instantly make your hair look fuller.
“The pixie cut is a short, cropped hairstyle that works well for those with oval or heart-shaped faces and fine to medium hair textures,” Hainla says. “It requires lightweight styling products for texture and regular trims every 4-6 weeks.”
Be bold — and try a new hairstyle that makes you feel like your absolute best self at any age.
