As with all things in life, our hair goes through changes as we age. But this doesn’t have to be viewed in a negative light. In fact, with some simple style switches and modifications, you can easily elevate your hair game.
And if you happen to be dealing with thinning or bald spots due to hormonal shifts, medication use, or other reasons, fear not. We’ve consulted with professional hairstylists to bring you seven celebrity–approved, stylish hairstyles that can effectively camouflage these concerns for those over 50.
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, Jean Will, hair expert and co-founder of NiaWigs Inc., Cindy Marcus, professional hair stylist and editor-in-chief of Latest Hairstyles, Davis Feliz, owner and creative director at Davis Feliz Salon and Rod Galvao, professional hair stylist at Gem House.
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1. Wavy Lob with Sideswept Fringe
Glenn Close's lob is a simple way to create the illusion of more boosted locks with its volumizing side part, sideswept bangs and overall sleek look. This 'do, Abdullah says, "can make your hair look thicker" with the help of its parting and bangs direction.
She adds that "the deep part is to create more volume on the top of the head by pushing more hair to one side of your head," and this is also "great for hiding thinning on top."
2. Textured Asymmetrical Bob
Charlize Theron's textured asymmetrical bob is a "great choice" for mature beauties," Rivera explains, since it's a perfect blend of classic yet still modern and trendy.
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."
3. Long, Shaggy Layers
A shag is an "amazing cut that is well-recognized for being versatile," Rivera says. A longer, shaggy-inspired cut as seen on Jennifer Lopez offers "nice variations for both longer and shorter hair." Rivera suggests that "adding a bang can add a fresh surprise to this look."
Abdullah adds that bangs like these are "often used to frame the face and specifically, to give it a youthful appearance." She notes that they also "make your hair appear thicker and are a great way to add volume to thinning hair." The style also "works well for women who want to hide thinning hair in the front."
4. Side-Parted Wavy Lob
Don't underestimate the power of a side part, Marcus notes, as this is a way to bring instant volume to fine hair. This style, seen on Katie Holmes, heads into ‘lob’ [long bob] territory, Marcus says, as it may not exactly be chin-length or past the collarbone either. If you’re accustomed to having longer hair and wish to try out a shorter length, she notes, this ‘do might be the perfect transitional and experimental cut for you.
“This longer-styled, layered lob is still a popular look,” she says, as it “creates texture and can be worn smooth and sleek or curled.” Marcus adds that this center-parted wavy lob in particular is great for anyone with fine hair, as they can “wear this look as a more smooth and polished style to enhance volume.”
5. Sideswept, Layered Pixie
Another classic cut that can be layered for more volume is a pixie, which Will recommends parting to the side like Halle Berry. The Oscar winner's style is layered and side-parted but also edgy and dramatic, which is the complete opposite of flat or dull hair. If you want a look that won't look weighed down or lifeless, "this is a perfect cut," Will suggests.
"A textured, asymmetrical cut" like this one is "another terrific choice for fine hair," Rivera agrees, and explains that this style is "so hip that it's perfect for making our ladies in their prime look super chic." When heading to the salon, Rivera says to ask for a removal of a bit of length from the hair, which will allow for more "movement and creating a youthful appeal."
6. Chin-Length Bob with Delicate Fringe
According to Galvao, 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." Feliz 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."
7. Feathery Lob with Curtain Bangs
Will suggests adding wispy, parted fringe to a classic layered, face-framing lob for not only a more youthful look overall but also to hide any thinning or hair loss at the crown. "This hairstyle is perfect for women over 40," she explains. "It will help hide their forehead [and any signs of wrinkling or natural aging] to look younger. It is suitable for women who have thick hair, as well as thin." Will points out that this style can emphasize your eyes and cheekbones.
Curtain bangs, seen here on Kerry Washington, Abdullah explains, "neatly frame the face while drawing attention away from serious aging signs." This "type of fringe cut creates a soft, natural-looking wave at the top of the head," Abdullah adds and says they are often used to frame the face and "specifically, to give it a youthful appearance." The style is "easy to achieve," Abdullah continues, and "looks great on many different hair types."
Abdullah also points out that curtain bangs will always be in style because they can "make your face appear smaller and slimmer when they come down to cheek level." When it comes to thinning or finer hair specifically, she says that curtain bangs add volume to flat, thinning hair. "The style works well for women who want to hide thinning hair in the front," she adds. Noted!
