When it comes to youthful looks, hairstyles for women over 50 can be stylish, fun and a little bit flirty. The right haircuts can help older women transform their style, create an effortlessly chic look, and make them feel younger and more confident. If you’re willing to experiment with a new cut, these youthful hairstyles can make all the difference for middle-aged women.
Whether you want short, medium or long hair, there are several amazing haircut styles for women over the age of 50.
Some older women will want a short hairstyle like a pixie or bob for a bold trendy cut, while others may prefer a medium to long style with layers that offers a beautiful feminine finish.
With so many different trendy styles, it can be a challenge choosing the right look and length.
To inspire you, we’ve compiled examples of the best hairstyles for women over 50. From layered and youthful to timeless and stylish, explore these popular haircuts for older women to find a cute style after the age of 50.
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Hairstyles For Women Over 50
Sleek Bob
The sleek bob is a cute and versatile hairstyle for women over 50 and can be suitable for the office, a lunch date with friends or a night out on the town. From the standard single-length bob to an asymmetrical look, there are several timeless variations. The stick-straight strands give this style its “sleek” moniker, so consider using a flat iron and perhaps even some smoothing spray to finish.
Choppy Pixie
As one of the best short haircuts for older women, the choppy pixie is a sassy and bold take on the classic cropped style. The longer top layers provide added versatility and your stylist can easily create a choppy look with a few simple snips. The choppy pixie hairstyle looks stylish when parted to the side and brushed just slightly forward. For a modern twist, pair the look with a wispy fringe. If you want to create volume, simply wrap some of the longer top strands around a wide-barrel curling iron and use a medium-hold spray to finish.
Lob with Bangs
The lob with bangs is a popular haircut style for women over 50 who want a low-maintenance and stylish look. If you like slightly longer hair but volume and lift are a concern, this style should be on your radar. For a sexy look, ask your stylist to make sure that the ends are blunt. As for the bangs, the possibilities here are virtually endless, but two looks are especially popular right now: thick, blunt bangs with a center-parted lob and side-swept wispy bangs with a side-parted lob.
Long Hair with Curls
Long hair with curls can breathe new life into your lengthy tresses. Rather than allowing your long locks to age you, adding some curls – particularly at and below the ear level – creates youthful movement and bounce. If your hair is thick enough to allow it, this style works best with long layers. Otherwise, try to keep the ends blunt to help boost volume. To create the look at home, all you need is a large curling iron and some medium-hold product.
Long Straight Hair
Long straight hair is a beautiful look that requires care and maintenance for a healthy, shiny style. Things like keratin treatments and Brazilian blowouts can help you get the most out of your long, straight look by adding sleekness and shine. If your hair is thick, blunted ends can create a healthy look. For thinning or fine hair, ask your stylist to create some layers to help boost movement and volume.
Layered Cut with Curtain Bangs
A layered cut with curtain bangs is a flirty, flowy, and fun style reminiscent of the 1970s, and it works well on medium to long hair. Women over 50 who are concerned about volume and texture loss as they age will find that adding long layers eliminates some of the weight that tends to drag hair down. The addition of face-framing curtain bangs takes this look to the next level, and it’s easy to style at home with a big curling iron and your favorite flexible product.
Curly Bob
A curly bob is a bouncy hairstyle that can be the perfect alternative for women who want a variation of the classic straight style. By incorporating big, beautiful curls that start at the ears and end at the neck, you can create a stunning look that’s ready for a day at the office or even the red carpet. If you have thinner hair, you’ll love the movement and volume it creates. All in all, the curls take the classic bob to the next level with a bit of sexy femininity that’s easy to maintain.
Deep Side Part with Soft Waves
A deep side part with waves is a fantastic choice for women who are experiencing significant thinning or hair loss at the top of their heads. To get the look, simply create a straight, sleek part on the side you prefer, and then use a medium-sized curling iron to create beautiful beachy waves. It adds instant volume while hiding any thinness at the crown, and if you prefer, you can even utilize a little texture spray to create a piecey look.
Center Parted Waves
Creating gentle center-parted waves in your medium-length hair can take you from an office party to the after-party in a matter of minutes. Simply part your hair in the center and then use a curling iron to get beautiful, bouncy waves. For a more glamorous look, curl each strand away from your face, then tousle gently. If you prefer the sexy bedhead look, try alternating the direction of the curls before spraying them with a texturizing spray and tousling them with your fingers.
Long Hair with Bangs
Long hair with bangs is a simple way to update your look for a stylish finish. Not only can bangs help hide any fine lines that may make you feel self-conscious, but they also draw attention to your eyes. If your hair is very thick, consider blunt bangs for a flirtier and more classic look. For thinning hair, you may prefer to go with side bangs that blend into layers for some extra movement and lift.
Medium Length Layered Hair
Medium-length layered hair is an ideal transition for women who want volume and lift. For the hottest look, the longest sections should sit at or just below your shoulders. Then, the remaining layers should be cut shorter with the shortest reaching your jawline or cheekbones.
Backcombed Hair with Bangs
Backcombed hair with bangs is a fresh take on a classic style from the 1960s. By teasing the hair slightly and then combing it backward, you can easily create volume and lift. If you prefer your hair a little longer, such as shoulder-length, consider curtain bangs instead. These frame the face and draw attention to your eyes rather than your forehead. There’s nothing June Cleaver about this look, though – especially when you pair it with some gently side-swept bangs.
A-Line Haircut
The classic A-line haircut is another option that will never truly go out of style, and it gets its name from its shape: it’s shorter in the back and longer in the front. It’s a very flexible style, too; for a bold, sassy look, you can ask your stylist to create a few inches’ difference between the front and back. For a more subtle and glamorous look, you might opt for the front to be only an inch or so longer than the back.
Textured Updo
The textured updo can be the perfect style for those who want a relaxed and flirty vibe. Thanks to its purposefully “messy” appearance, this updo hairstyle looks great on older women who have natural waves or curls in their hair. With stick-straight locks, you can utilize a styling product and a curling iron to create the necessary texture.
High Volume
Big high-volume hairstyles have become a beauty trend in recent years. These voluminous styles can range from all-natural hair to purposefully teased and lifted looks, depending on your preferences. If your hair is naturally curly, you can ask your stylist for a cut that emphasizes your natural volume. If you have slight waves, you can add a few layers and use some texturizing products to recreate the high-volume look. With bangs or without, this is a style that looks great on anyone.
Short Wavy Hair
Short wavy hair is back this year, so if you’re exhausted from fighting your natural waves into submission, now is your time to shine! Some options here include a classic bob cut that plays up your waves, a longer pixie cut or even a short shag. If you’re especially daring and adventurous, a temple shave or even a slight undercut can add interest. These options can create volume and texture for fine and thin hair, but they also look amazing on women with fuller locks.
Blunt Cut
The blunt cut is a simple and stylish hairstyle that looks great with straight hair and can be achieved on virtually any type. The classic bob is one of the most popular blunt cuts, but you might also choose a slightly longer style or shoulder-length version with blunt ends.
Short Spiky Hair
Short spiky hair can look stunning on women over 50, offering a bold and fierce look. This style ranges from barely-there short spikes that simply add a hint of texture and interest to your style to taller, more prominent spikes with some serious edge. This style will capture your playful and adventurous personality.
Short Natural Curls
Short natural curls have become a stylish hairstyle trend, offering a low-maintenance and feminine look. All that styling and processing can be incredibly hard on hair so it’s time to embrace your natural beauty. Depending on how much time you want to spend styling, you can go for close-cropped curls or slightly longer curls that you can manipulate with your fingers for a piecey textured look.
Middle Part
The middle part is a common and practical hairstyle that allows for styling flexibility. As a versatile option, your hair can fall to either side of your face, it can be tucked behind your ears, pinned back with pretty barrettes, curled with a curling iron, or straightened with a flat iron. Talk to your stylist before you decide to create a style based on this look.
Messy High Bun Updo
The messy high bun updo offers women a low-maintenance and cute hairstyle. This messy look can be done in a way that looks romantic, flirty, and relaxed. Keep in mind that you’ll need hair that falls below your shoulders to get the most out of this style, and it works best on locks that have not been shampooed in a day or two. Just wrap your tresses into a messy bun high on your head and pull a few tendrils free for that windblown look.
Shag Haircut
The shag haircut has been a favorite among celebrities for decades, and it’s surprisingly simple to achieve and maintain. Your stylist will cut layers that frame your face while creating the overall shape you desire. This cut can easily be romantic and soft, but with a few extra snips, it can turn the corner toward edgy and bold. Consider wearing a shag cut with bangs to highlight your best facial features and incorporate a little youthfulness into your look.
Edgy Short Hair with Undercut
If you’re over 50, you might think that edgy short hair with an undercut is far too bold for you to pull off. This is simply not true. Start with an edgy short ‘do that you like, such as a spiky-on-top look, and then add in the undercut for some extra pizzazz! You can create some contrast between top and the sides and back. If you’re feeling daring, consider adding some color to your new cut.
Messy Updo
When done right, a messy updo can be pretty and cute, but it must be done deliberately. There are numerous ways to create a gorgeous messy look; you can start with a high bun, a backward braid or even a high pony. Pulling a few tendrils loose here and there and tousling them with your fingers creates the signature “messy” look. The best part about this style is that it’s incredibly easy to achieve. The less you try to get it right, the better it looks!
Feathered Styles
A feathered hairstyle involves a specific type of layering effect that allows strands to lie on top of one another like feathers. Feathered styles are a gorgeous and feminine look for women who want to breathe new life and luster into their hair. It looks best with shoulder-length hair and plenty of layers, with some top layers stopping at only three or four inches long. Then, with some styling products, a round brush, and a blow dryer, you can create some feathered lift for instant glamour.
Asymmetrical Cut
The asymmetrical cut is ideal for women who like angular hairstyles, and it is defined by one side of the hair being noticeably longer or shorter than the other. There are numerous ways to rock an asymmetrical cut; if your hair is straight, you can opt for blunt ends, but if your hair is curly, textured ends may be the better way to go. The asymmetrical style looks phenomenal with or without a fringe. If you choose to have bangs, make sure it sweeps toward the longer side of your hair.
Bob with Side Bangs
The bob with side bangs is a modern adaptation of a classic; it’s a flirty and youthful style that is professional and chic at the same time. It starts with hair that falls at or just below the jawline, but rather than the all-one-length sleek look associated with the classic bob, this one incorporates layered bangs that sweep off to one side and stop at about cheekbone length. You can flip the ends of both your hair and your bangs with a curling iron or you can use a flat iron for a sleek sexy look instead.
Shaggy Cut with Highlights
The shaggy cut with highlights is a perfect example of how adding a few layers and some meticulously placed color can take a hairstyle from simple to stunning in a single stylist appointment. You might opt for a shaggy bob or a piecey spiky look. Then, your stylist will incorporate some face-framing highlights that pull attention toward your best features. It plays on a classic 1970s style, but this version is modern and trendy.
Textured Bob
The textured bob is a twist on the classic haircut that you can create at home with a bit of time and some styling products. If your hair is typically a stick-straight sleek bob, try asking your stylist for some textured layers for some depth and dimension. When you curl the ends ever so slightly, the finished result is a mashup between that sleek bob you’ve always loved, and the beachy waves being rocked by celebs during the summer months. It’s a different way to style a favorite, and it’s all the rage right now.
Peek-A-Boo Lob with Flipped Ends
A peek-a-boo lob with flipped ends takes a classic style that women have loved for decades and flips it on its head. It’s a playful and sexy alternative to the standard lob that looks great with any face shape. The peek-a-boo element takes its name from the way the hair is styled; a section of the side-part is pulled over the face to partially cover one eye. For the flip, simply curl that same section outward.
Layered Shag
The layered shag haircut gained popularity throughout the late 80s and early 90s, especially among the rock-and-roll crowd. This style is still associated with edgy glam, but it can also be toned down into a style that is flirty and casual. Choppy layers and blunt bangs offer a different look than soft and wispy styles. The possibilities are truly endless with this cut, so talk to your stylist about the best options for your hair type, texture and style!
Side Part Medium Length Hair
The side part medium-length hair look is one of the most classic and iconic styles of them all. Regardless of your hair type or texture, it’s virtually impossible to go wrong. You can opt for blunt ends and bangs for a youthful look or you can go for piecey layers and fringe for something a little edgier. If your hair is wavy, you can tuck the parted side behind your ear for a flirty look. With curly styles, the side part can help you add shape and dimension.
Stacked Bob
The stacked bob is one of the most popular versions of the classic style because of the impressive volume it creates, even for women who have fine and thin hair. The style is defined by the stacked layers on the back of the head and the longer layers in the front. This provides angular contrast and gives the hair movement by staying bouncy in the back while maintaining some swing in the front.
Side-Swept Fringe
Adding some side-swept fringe to your look is one of the best and simplest ways to freshen up your look without a full-on style change. Not only does fringe add interest, but it can also highlight your eyes or cheekbones and disguise any problem areas along your forehead or temples. No matter your age, your hair type or texture, a side-swept fringe can take years off your appearance and breathe new life into your style.
Blonde Shag with Side Bangs
The blonde shag with side bangs style is another option that continues to grow in popularity from the beaches of coastal Europe to the heart of the Midwestern United States. The medium-length shag cut is ideal for women who have finer or thinner hair since it adds volume and movement, and the side bangs ensure that all the layers blend perfectly. The professionally done blonde color helps mask any stray grays while a hint of darkness at the roots maintains a natural look.
A-Line Bob with Layers
The A-line bob with layers is one of the best cuts out there for women who adore the angular side of shorter styles. This style looks best on ladies who have stick-straight hair as it starts with stacked layers in the back, then builds forward to fewer layers and longer hair in the front. For an even more amazing look, consider some peek-a-boo color. A gorgeous ashy silver top layer over deep brown stacked layers adds interest and flair.
Wispy Bob
The wispy bob is a cute look for anyone struggling with thinning hair. While it can be challenging to find a style that makes the most of your texture while still providing lift and movement, the wispy bob cut offers a trendy option. Ask your stylist to cut lots of light layers and incorporate some bangs into your ‘do for a look that you can have ready to go in a matter of minutes. Whether your hair is curly, straight or anywhere in between, this style is versatile and pretty enough to make your own.
Short Textured Wavy Hair
The short textured wavy hair look is a trendy style that offers natural waves for a beautifully textured finish. While some have spent decades battling their waves, this style embraces them in a way that looks modern, alluring, and elegant – all without much effort. This cut is all about the longer stacked layers in the back and on the sides with face-framing layers in the front. A bit of texturizing spray and perhaps a touch-up with a curling iron will have you ready for anything in minutes.
Piecey Pixie Cut
The piecey pixie cut has become one of the most popular styles for short hair, offering a cute look that can be worn casually or for more formal occasions. Whether you prefer a longer pixie or a close-cropped style with longer locks on top, the goal with this style is to start with your favorite pixie cut and use a texturizing spray to “piece out” sections. The piecey look adds volume and pizzazz to a pixie that might otherwise tend to fall a little flat.
Chin-Length Graduated Bob
If your thick hair is growing finer in texture, a chin-length graduated bob might be the perfect way to really show off your sense of style. The graduated version of this classic cut has some stacked layers in the back, which provide lift and movement that can be difficult for fine hair. Keeping your locks cropped at chin length eliminates the extra weight that can pull your tresses down for a lifeless look.
Blonde Balayage Lob
The blonde balayage lob is a fashionable hairstyle that creates a sun-kissed look for a bold and beautiful finish. The lob features blunt ends and longer layers to add some movement and swing. The color graduates from deep brown at the roots to pale blonde at the ends with some golden lowlights and platinum highlights throughout. If you want to add some beauty, movement, and dimension to your look, this style is right for you.
Pixie Cut with Tapered Sides and Part
The pixie cut with tapered sides and a part can offer a unique twist on the classic style, making it a great option for women with different face shapes or hair types. The longer hair on top is parted from the side across the top of the head to the crown, and the sides and back are then tapered to provide contrast. You could use a texturizing pomade to create a piecey look or a round brush and your favorite hairspray for a more refined and elegant look.
Low Ponytail with Long Bangs
The low ponytail with long bangs is a glamorous option for ladies who have long hair. This style is as simple as parting your hair on the side and pulling it back into a low pony that is secured at the nape. If you don’t already have a fringe, ask your stylist to add some long bangs (about chin length) to your look. You’ll want to slick your hair to one side and pull your ponytail over your shoulder on the opposite side. This versatile look makes it perfect for work, play or even a formal event.
Pixie Cut with Bangs
A pixie cut with bangs is an excellent choice for women who like the pixie look, but who prefer the look of full bangs. To do it, your stylist can stick to the basic pixie shape while cutting the pieces a bit longer than usual – about three or four inches or so on the top and a couple of inches on the sides and at the crown, gradually getting shorter toward the ears and the nape. From there, it’s all about color and style; a stunning platinum blonde is always a great choice. A round brush and a blow dryer can create some serious lift and volume that really sets this style apart.
Half Up Half Down
The half up half down hairstyle can be a stylish choice for a versatile look. A messy half-updo is perfect for casual events, such as hosting an informal dinner party. On the other hand, pulling the top half of your hair back into a braid or twist and then curling the ends is ideal for more formal events, including weddings, galas, fundraisers, and more. Regardless of length, type or texture, there are hundreds of half-up hairstyles that you can make your own.
Natural Long Curly Hair
Natural long curly hair just speaks for itself. While it doesn’t require a lot of cutting or shaping on your stylist’s part, it does need to be extremely healthy if it’s going to look its best. Talk to your stylist about the best practices and products for keeping your long, curly hair as healthy as possible, and be sure to visit once every six to eight weeks for a trim. From there, just use your fingers to twist stray curls into place and go. If you’re worried about gray hairs, the salt-and-pepper contrast is incredibly popular right now.
Bowl Cut
The bowl cut (sometimes referred to as a mushroom cut) is an amazingly simple look characterized by blunt bangs across the forehead with the sides and back cut to the same length as the bangs. The hair underneath can be buzzed, tapered or simply cut much shorter to create contrast, but the most fashionable look right now is the tapered fade. While great for women who have straight hair, it’s an exceptional style for adding some lift to thinning locks.
Short Layered Fine Hair
Short layered fine hair is a simple way to avoid limp and full locks. The slightly mussed layered look has been a trending style for a fuller finish. It starts with layers that are about three to four inches long all over (including the fringe) and curled backward away from the face using a round brush. To finish, each curl can be tousled with the fingers. With no defined part, the hair simply falls naturally from the crown. For a more professional or formal look, you can try an intentional part and more defined curls.
Crimped Hair
Crimped hair is a popular ‘80s style that is making a huge comeback. The crimping likely featured very tight waves with harsh, zig-zagged edges, while the modern version is far softer and offers much looser waves. Crimping works well on medium-length hair that falls at or above the shoulders since it produces youthful volume and adds interest.
Shoulder Length Bob
The shoulder-length bob adds a few inches to the classic variant of the style, which typically lands at or just below the chin. This hairstyle can be the right choice for those who love the classic bob but want to keep more length. Using a heat tool to add a few carefully placed waves can make this cut look flirty and playful; adding a few extra waves and tousling it with your fingers for a bedhead look can make it sexier and more seductive.
Rockabilly Long Pixie
The audacious and edgy rockabilly long pixie style is a play on a classic mohawk that is sure to turn some heads. The hair is three to six inches long on the top and in the front but gradually tapers to shorter in the back. This pairs with a much shorter undercut on the sides. The top part of the pixie stands up like a mohawk and stays in place with the help of strong-hold gel. The contrast between the long hair and the undercut is quite daring, and you can even color it pink, purple or any other shade you choose for more interest.
Sun Kissed Beachy Waves
With the sun-kissed beachy waves hairstyle, you don’t need to live right on the water to look like you’ve just stepped off the beach. It’s ideal for women who have naturally wavy hair, and while you can recreate the look yourself with styling tools if yours is stick-straight or naturally curly, it will require more maintenance and time. Your stylist will snip to about chin- or shoulder-length, then add bright platinum highlights for that sun-kissed look. Finally, just use some salt spray or matte pomade for texture and tousle gently with your fingers to get that beachy bombshell look.
Sleek Lob
Also known as the long bob, the sleek lob is a versatile and stylish hairstyle choice for women over 50. As a medium length to slightly longer style with a blunt cut, the lob can feature long layers here and there for added volume. The classic version generally requires a center part, but you can use a side part if you prefer. If you struggle with the “sleek” part of this style, try using a quality product consisting of argan or avocado oil and other nourishing ingredients to create a lustrous shine.
