To maintain a youthful and flattering radiance over 50, many stylists suggest opting for a face-framing haircut that accentuates your best facial features. We reached out to seasoned hair stylists, cosmetologists and beauty connoisseurs to gather a collection of nine timeless yet trendy ‘do suggestions for sprucing up your look this spring.
With these voluminous haircuts, you can not only conceal inevitable signs of aging such as hair thinning and loss, but also acquire some inspiration to take along to your next salon visit. Read on for tips, suggestions and insight from Ghanima Abdullah, hair expert and cosmetologist at The Right Hairstyles, Gina Rivera, celebrity hairstylist and Founder of Phenix Salon Suites, Rod Galvao, professional hair stylist at Gem House and Lauren Udoh, professional hair stylist and Hair Creative Director of WigReports.
9 Chic And Flattering Spring Haircuts For Women Over 50, According To The Pros
1. Asymmetrical Lob
As seen here on Charlize Theron, an asymmetrical bob is a timeless and elegant cut that can frame your best features and provide just the right amount of bounce and volume. Rivera explains that this haircut— a textured asymmetrical lob or bob— is a “terrific choice” for mature beauties” 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, ads to movement and creates a youthful appeal.” When it comes to styling this look, 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.”
2. Wispy Shag
A shag is "another amazing cut that is well-recognized for being versatile," Rivera says. A quintessential shorter shag, as seen on Halle Berry, offers "nice variations for both longer and shorter hair." Like the bob, "adding a bang can add a fresh surprise to this look," Rivera suggests.
For those with longer hair, she says that "an added choice is to shorten the hair up a bit to the collarbone or above" to create some texture by adding subtle layers to soften.
3. Side-Parted Pixie with Bangs
A pixie is a classic cut that can help draw eyes to your facial features and make hair look fuller when cut correctly, Abdullah says. "Because hair loss in women tends to start with a widening of the part, it's best to stop parting your hair in the middle," she says, regarding a pixie. Abdullah suggests parting your pixie to the side (like Robin Wright) and incorporating sideswept fringe to create more volume instead.
"Ever seen a pixie cut where the bangs steal all the attention? This is what you're after: long, side-swept bangs," Abdullah explains. "The rest of your hair should be piece-y and angled." She adds that "the cut should swirl around your head to hide hair loss."
4. Jagged, Textured Pixie
Abdullah and Feliz suggest that a textured, choppy pixie cut, reminiscent of Jamie Lee Curtis, can be a winning strategy to enhance your facial features and minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. This hairstyle also boasts the added benefit of being low maintenance while exuding a carefree vibe. "Ask your stylist about the amount and placement of layers that will help create volume and body in your hair," Abdullah says.
"Generally, pixies that add volume are cut very short in the back, a little long around the ears, and long up top," Abdullah continues. She adds that "the layers can be cut to swirl around the head to hide thinning in whichever areas its most apparent," and that it's a good idea to "take a few pictures into the salon to see what's possible and will look best on you.
4. Long, Face-Framing Layers
If you do wish to keep your hair long like Jennifer Aniston, Rivera says that layering is essential to keep your tresses from appearing dull and lifeless. "For long-haired beauties, long layers are essential for creating movement, dimension, and a more voluminous look," she says.
This, she adds, is especially important if the hair is thin. "Long layers tend to remove a bit of the weight from the hair, making it lighter and ultimately, creating the illusion of being fuller."
6. Wavy Lob with Sideswept Fringe
According to Galvao, one of the most universally flattering and anti-aging haircuts is a tousled, wavy bob with bangs. Referring to the base of the haircut, he explains, "The shape is usually more rectangular or square, with a very defined linear design, which brings a more modern and sophisticated look with a minimalist style."
Additionally, he says, "in some versions of the cut there are more layers that add movement and give those ‘cool' young vibes." As seen here on Glenn Close, this voluminous style can give a boost to finer, thinner and normally flatter strands.
7. Chin-Length Bob with Subtle Bangs
Feliz says that Helen Mirren's hairstyle features light layers, subtle delicate bangs and has a less-is-more approach to make hair look fuller. “To keep the look unique and modern, shape and contour to your profile by going shorter in the back and keeping a longer fringe. This brings gazes upward for an instant eye lift,” he advises.
Abdullah adds that when pairing this look with curtain bangs, "you can make a short part from the center to the area right before the temple." She says that "this helps to make your hair look fuller in front."
8. Long Layers with Curtain Bangs
Abdullah says that adding curtain bangs to long hair, like Jennifer Lopez, is an instant way to create more volume, interest, and movement. (Not to mention, it's a super-trendy style for warmer weather!) "Curtain bangs are always flirtatious if you're looking to rejuvenate your look over 50," she says.
"Usually curtain bangs are worn with straight hair or curly, but always down. Nevertheless, "you can even wear the rest of your hair pulled up and a few wispy long bangs in the front to change up your style." The possibilities, she points out, are truly endless!
9. Wavy, Layered 'Mob' Cut
You're probably already familiar with the classic 'bob' and its longer cousin the 'lob,' so the 'mob' refers to a 'medium bob,' Udoh explains. She deems it to be a "sleek and stylish choice for many occasions." It's a versatile cut, she adds, that looks "great on almost any face shape and hair type." (See here on Cate Blanchett).
While traditional bobs often end at the chin and lobs fall at the collarbone, the 'mob' ends in the middle of the neck. "The mob cut can be adjusted to complement your features and create an attractive silhouette," Udoh adds. This not-too-long and also not-too-short cut provides "volume at the crown, with textured layers that frame the face nicely while still maintaining an easy-to-manage style," she points out!
The Bottom Line
Rivera suggests that although these nine hairstyles are failsafe options, there are numerous classic, transformative and timeless hairstyles to consider beyond those mentioned. The key to finding your perfect look is understanding your facial structure and seeking guidance from a professional stylist.
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."
