As autumn arrives, it’s the perfect time to refresh your look with a chic and refined haircut that accentuates your best features.
For those over 50 seeking a makeover, we’ve curated a list of seven elegant and trendy bob hairstyles, inspired by the most stylish celebrities.
Whether you favor a layered or voluminous cut, these expert-approved choices tackle common hair issues like thinning and loss, while adding body and fullness to fine hair, resulting in a stunning and vibrant hairstyle.
7 Chic, Timeless and Ageless Bob Haircuts For Women Over 50
1. Asymmetrical Bob
A textured asymmetrical bob (or longer bob as seen here on Charlize Theron) is a "terrific choice" for "mature beauties," Gina Rivera, celebrity hairstylist and Founder of Phenix Salon Suites, 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."
2. Shaggy Bob with Sideswept Fringe
A shag is an "amazing cut that is well-recognized for being versatile," Rivera says. A quintessential shaggy cut, as seen here on Halle Berry, offers "nice variations for both longer and shorter hair," Rivera points out. She notes that the choice to "add a bang," and especially a voluminous, side-swept fringe can "add a fresh surprise to this look," Rivera suggests.
For gals 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, and adding subtle layers to soften. Will recommends adding wispy fringe to this ‘do for not only a more youthful look overall, but also to hide any thinning or hair loss at the crown.
3. Voluminous Italian Bob
If you're looking for a haircut that can make your best features pop while giving your mane an extra boost of volume and bounce, look no further than the Italian bob cut. This style is inspired by Old Hollywood and is a 'do that stylish stars like Salma Hayek opt for. The Italian bob takes the traditional bob cut to new heights with chunky blunt ends that create an airy, voluminous look that's never heavy or bulky. It also has just the right amount of length to allow for easy styling options as it's long enough to tie up, but short enough to be worn as is.
Lauren Udoh, professional hair stylist and Hair Creative Director of WigReports, says that a medium bob like this is "a sleek and stylish choice for many occasions." She adds that "it's a versatile cut that looks great on almost any face shape and hair type." The length can be "adjusted to complement your features and create an attractive silhouette," she notes. "This ever-popular bob provides volume at the crown, with textured layers that frame the face nicely while still maintaining an easy-to-manage style," Udoh explains.
4. Bixie
If you can't decide between a bob or pixie, we have good news. You don't have to! A 'bixie' (or bob-meets-pixie) like Jane Fonda's is very in for fall, and can be a very flattering and chic choice, Krysta Guerrero, owner and stylist at Base Salon Chicago, explains. There are elements of both styles to play with here in this social media-fave cut, and autumn is a great time to find what works for you.
"The bixie is a traditional bob haircut that’s combined with a pixie," she says. "The nice thing about a bixie is its versatility — not only can you adjust the length and opt to have it a little longer, but there is no one way to do it when it comes to the style. The cut is totally customizable based on your preference."
5. Side-Parted, Layered Bob
If you have center-parted, fine hair and want to increase volume instantly, Ghanima Abdullah, hair expert and cosmetologist at The Right Hairstyles, recommends opting for a deep, Old Hollywood-esque side part, like Cate Blanchett (above). When it comes to bobs, 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 bob, she says.
6. Gray Wavy Bob With Sideswept Bangs
Glenn Close's gray shoulder-length bob and side bangs pairing is elegant and ageless. "A longer bob is always very flattering," Dr. Roshan Vara, hair transplant surgeon and co-founder at The Treatment Rooms, says regarding beauties over 50, and it is a "great way to grow out your gray hair."
Abdullah adds that long, sideswept bangs like these "add length and volume so you don't have to spend hours styling."
7. Chin-Length Bob with Delicate Fringe
According to Rodrigo Galvao, professional hairstylist at Gem House in Brooklyn, NY, one of the most universally flattering and anti-aging haircuts is a layered bob with wispy bangs, as seen here on Helen Mirren. 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 notes, "In some versions of the cut there are more layers that add movement and give those ‘cool’ young vibes." Davis Feliz, owner and creative director at Davis Feliz Salon, agrees, and says that the ultimate "low-maintenance style that never loses its appeal is a classy bob." He adds that "longer faces may need more framing and layers, while round faces require less."
The Bottom Line
When it comes to styling the bob of your choice this fall, 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."
