It’s easy to fall into a hair routine. You find a style that works for you and you keep it — sometimes for decades. There’s a lot to be said for “if it isn’t broke, don’t fit it,” but you may be at a point where you are welcoming a little more hair experimentation and aren’t sure what to do next. You’ll have layers, you’ve maybe had long hair and aren’t willing to go back to that high-maintenance well. And typical short haircuts that you see everywhere for women of a certain age look elegant, for sure, but they aren’t floating your boat this time around.
If you haven’t considered an asymmetrical haircut for a modern change, don’t worry, you’re far from alone — but you may be missing out on an opportunity to leave that salon feeling like a new version of yourself.
“Generally I don’t see women in their 50s asking for asymmetrical haircuts,” admits Hair Expert Tim Lehman of Sharon Dorram Color at Sally Hershberger, NYC. “It can be beneficial for a woman to have a slight asymmetrical haircut as a woman matures, facial features may be a little bit different on each side of the face … not symmetrical. It is also common that one shoulder may be higher than the other shoulder. This is especially important to take into consideration if you are doing a Bob. A very slight difference in length on one side may camouflage the situation, but I think it’s important to keep any asymmetrical haircut very subtle as doing something too extreme can actually draw more attention to something you may be trying to avoid in your appearance.”
Need inspo? Check out these asymmetrical haircuts for women over 50 that can take years off your look.
Long Bob With Soft Layers
At the top of this list is, perhaps, the most universally flattering of haircuts: a long bob with soft layers that provide plenty of texture and movement. “This haircut can be tailored to suit any face shape and layered more heavily at the front, framing the face and adding a younger look,” says Lauren Udoh, the hair creative director of WigReports.com. “A long bob with soft layers gives a fresher, more modern look because it allows for movement and texture. By adding extra layers to the front, this haircut helps to frame the face in a flattering way. The additional layers create dimension and depth that can instantly give an aged face a more youthful appearance. By keeping the overall length of the hair below shoulder level, creates an on-trend style that draws attention away from signs of aging such as wrinkles or age spots.”
Udoh says she recommends adding loose waves to enhance this cut. “To achieve the look, use a curling iron or hot rollers after blow-drying your hair and apply a light-hold hairspray to lock in the look,” Udoh instructs. “This will add further dimension and will make a face appear more youthful by softening any harsh edges around the face shape. For an extra boost of volume at the roots, you can use a volumizing mousse applied on wet hair before styling with heat tools.”
Patchy Pixie
You’ve no doubt seen a traditional pixie on every “over-50” haircut list because it can so wonders when it comes to giving your face an instant life, plus it’s perfect for hair that has become thinner or finer over time. But the Patchy Pixie is a slightly more modern and fresh take on the pixie. “This asymmetrical haircut piece-y layers have an instant texture that makes you look younger and can emphasize your face,” says Jean Lopez, co-founder at LilyHair. “This haircut is best with balayage highlights to take out its best look.”
Short Hair With a Zig-Zag Part
With a nod to the late nineties and early aughts, short with a zig-zag part helps create an unexpected asymmetrical look with one side that appears longer than the other. “This look will make you more elegant which makes you look younger than your age,” Lopez says. “Also, this hairstyle can make you look stronger and more fierce.”
Go on and play a little with your style. These asymmetrical cuts looks gorgeous and just a bit unexpected — so they’ll shake up your routine in the best possible way.
