If you’re over 50 and struggling with hair that feels and looks thinner and just sort of sits there, you’re not alone. Flat hair is common as we age and begin to lose density as a result of hormonal changes. But lifeless hair doesn’t have to be your life-long fate. It will help to find a haircut that works with your hair, and not against it. This may require being open to a few changes, including going a bit shorter and adding volume-boosting layers that give your hair shape and structure.
It can be difficult to let go of the same hairstyle you’ve had for years or even decades, but doing so can be freeing. These four haircuts will add more volume for a youthful look, plus they’re nearly universally flattering.
1. Slightly Layered Bob
One mistake we tend to make when we notice our hair getting thinner is to panic and start adding a ton of layers to our ‘do. This won’t automatically boost its volume because too many layers can make your hair look choppier and thinner at the ends. A better approach can be cutting your hair into a flattering chin-length (or slightly longer) bob, keeping the ends blunt so that they look denser, and then adding a few longer layers on top for movement.
2. Bob With Curtain Bangs
Can you tell we love a good bob? In this case, the bob is paired with another volume booster: dense curtain bangs that start off shorter in front and gradually grow longer to meet with the other layers of your bob. You’ll give thinning hair an automatic boost.
3. Face-Framing Medium Cut
So short hair isn’t for you — that’s okay! A medium cut that stops at around the shoulder also provides plenty of volume and eliminates straggly ends. Combine this with face-framing layers that call attention to your facial features and give your face a nice lift.
4. Pixie Haircut
The pixie haircut features short sides, a short back, and longer pieces on top that can be styled softly. This is a great cut for thinning hair, especially if you keep the top longer so that it can conceal sparseness on the scalp. And it look especially chic paired with gray or silver strands.
