9 Modern, Flattering Hairstyles for Women Over 50 (2024)

9 Modern, Flattering Hairstyles for Women Over 50 (1)

Thinking of switching up your style? You’re not alone - plenty of women over 50 make the decision to try a new hairstyle. If you’ve stuck with the same style for years and you’re looking forward to celebrating this new stage of your life, getting a brand new haircut is a hugely-positive change you can make to boost your self-esteem and freshen up your look.

If you’re suffering from

hair loss or thinning hair, don’t be tempted to go straight for a super-short cut - if you prefer a bit of length, choose a cut that falls between your chin and a few inches below the shoulders - or go for a face-framing fringe. Layers create the illusion of thickness and texture, and wavy styles boost volume and look ultra-modern.

If you’re unsure of which cut to go for, we’ve compiled a list of 9 of the best for all face shapes and hair types.

Classic lob

The lob (a portmanteau of ‘long bob’) is a simple, easy-to-style cut which works for women who want to boost volume and add definition to their style. Typically, the length of a lob haircut falls somewhere between the chin and collarbone, and suits heart-shaped or round faces with wide cheekbones and foreheads, and pointed chins. Straighten and smooth the front section for a sleek, polished look, or use a round brush to blow it out. Our Volume Lift Root Booster adds natural-looking volume - spritz it on your roots when your hair’s damp, and blow dry for maximum lift.

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Layered bob

Layered bobs have shorter layers at the nape of the neck, gradually increasing in length towards the front to add texture, volume, and movement to the hair. The great news is they can be customised to suit various face shapes and hair types, and can be worn sleek and polished or tousled and carefree. Ask your hairdresser to keep some length for layered texture and movement, and add face-framing layers to make sure the finished result looks modern and flattering.

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Chin-length bob

A chin-length bob is where your hair is cut to fall just at or slightly below your chin. It’s suited to thicker hair types, and complements round and heart-shaped faces as it draws attention to your jawline, highlighting your best features. It’s also super-easy to style and incredibly low maintenance - for an effortless day-to-day look, run a small amount of Frizz Ease All-In-1 Lightweight Serum through your mid-length, and blow-dry with a round brush, using our Frizz Ease Intense Hold Hairspray to set your style.

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Shoulder-length waves

Don’t be put off by thinking shoulder-length waves are just the domain of influencers - this pretty style is appropriate for any age. It helps if you have wavy hair to start with, but if not, there’s a simple way to get this style. Begin by applying our Volume Lift Thickening Mousse for added lift and texture onto towel dried hair, then blow dry and curl hair with a medium-sized curling iron, focusing on the mid-lengths to ends for soft waves. Finish with a light-hold hairspray to keep your waves bouncy, and avoid touching your hair too much through the day to maintain the waves’ structure.

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Textured crop

If you’re thinking of embracing a shorter cut, a textured crop involves cutting your hair close to your head with varying lengths and angles, creating texture, fullness and slight movement. It’s a low maintenance style which suits high cheekbones, but the trick to getting this style right is keeping it modern. Textured crops for women are often paired with a slight fade on the back and sides, but if you don’t fancy that, ask your hairdresser for a blunt, side swept fringe and easy-to-manage layers.

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Sleek lob

Chic and contemporary, sleek lobs combine the classic lob (or ‘long bob’) with a smooth, polished finish. Ask your hairdresser for a shoulder-length cut with clean, straight lines and minimal layers - you want the finished cut to look sleek and glossy. To get the look at home, wash your hair then spritz Frizz Ease 3 Day Straightening Spraythrough your lengths. Dry and straighten your hair, then run a small dab of Weightless Wonder Featherlight Smoothing Crème through your lengths and ends to keep your lob frizz-free and fabulous.

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Soft pixie cut

Soft pixies are a gentle variation on the classic pixie cut - this rebooted look focuses on maintaining a bit more length on the top and sides, creating a softer and more feminine look. Your hairdresser will be able to advise you on the best length and layering for your face shape and hair type, but don’t be afraid to ask for textured or layered top layers to add movement and fullness.

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Asymmetrical bob

This edgy cut suits square faces as it ‘softens’ the face and draws attention away from heavy jawlines. Asymmetrical bobs look great with either wavy or straight hair - and it’s perfect for older women who want a fresh look without a drastic change. They’re cut with a carefully-structured, purposeful uneven side, and they’re fun to play with if you’re thinking of going short but you don’t want to take the plunge just yet.

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Textured fringe

A textured fringe is different to a blunt fringe - its additional layers give this fringe a lived-in vibe that adds softness, definition and, well, texture. Adding a textured fringe can instantly refresh your style and draw attention to your eyes, and works especially well if you’ve currently got long layers at the front of your head which are prone to thinning and split ends. To style this fringe, start with a spritz of our Volume Lift Thickening Blow-Out Spray, gently brush through with your fingers and blowdry from side to side.

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How does menopause affect women’s hair?

Menopause includes several hormonal shifts, notably a decline in oestrogen and progesterone levels, which can impact hair health. These lower hormone levels can weaken hair follicles, leading to increased hair shedding and slower growth. If you’re going through the menopause, you may notice a decrease in overall hair volume, with a widening part and thinner strands.

Taming frizz after the menopause

You might find your hair is more frizzy while you’re going through the menopause. With less oestrogen in your system, your hair thins out, and strands become more fragile, dry, and frizzy. Luckily, our range of hair serums are on hand to help defeat frizz - run a single pump of our All-In-1 Lightweight Serum through your lengths and ends to smooth, hydrate and banish frizz instantly.

9 Modern, Flattering Hairstyles for Women Over 50 (2024)

FAQs

What is the most flattering hair length for over 50? ›

One of the most versatile and universally flattering hair lengths for women over 50 is shoulder-length. This medium length allows you to experiment with different styles while still maintaining a youthful appearance.

What is the best hairstyle for a 50 year old woman with fine hair? ›

Stacked bobs, pixie cuts, crop cuts, and soft shags are popular haircuts for women over 50 with thin hair. These stylish cuts add volume and have a timeless appeal. Should fine or thin hair be layered? Soft and subtle layers can add volume to thin hair, especially if your hair is fine but thick.

What is the most flattering haircut for older women? ›

THE 9 BEST HAIRSTYLES FOR WOMEN OVER 50
  • Chin-length bob. ...
  • Shoulder-length waves. ...
  • Textured crop. ...
  • Sleek lob. ...
  • Soft pixie cut. ...
  • Asymmetrical bob. ...
  • Textured fringe. ...
  • How does menopause affect women's hair? Menopause includes several hormonal shifts, notably a decline in oestrogen and progesterone levels, which can impact hair health.

Should a 50 year old woman wear bangs? ›

Those with thick strands will benefit most from adding layers since this technique helps remove weight and add movement. Should a 50-year-old woman wear bangs? Bangs are stylish and versatile, making them a great option for any age or hair texture.

Do bangs make you look younger or older? ›

Bangs can add personality and youth to a person's appearance, but not all bangs have the same effect. Blunt bangs can draw attention to the middle of someone's face, which may or may not reveal their age. Also, bangs must be the correct length to accentuate facial features without casting shadows.

What color hair looks best on 50 year old woman? ›

The Best Hair Colors For Women Over 50
  1. Smokey Silver. Who said you had to shy away from gray hair? ...
  2. Ash Blonde. If you've ever wanted to rock blonde hair, now is the time! ...
  3. Medium Rose Blonde. ...
  4. Chocolate Brown move this down to 4. ...
  5. Burgundy. ...
  6. Golden Brown. ...
  7. Copper. ...
  8. Bright Platinum.
Dec 16, 2019

Do you look older with longer or shorter hair? ›

Short hair is trendier right now, but be careful. According to Kabbabe, there are certain shorter styles that can make you look older—especially if your hair texture is on the thicker side. These include "blunt, one-length bobs; extremely puffy, round haircuts; and severe undercuts or pixies," she says.

What hairstyle makes you look younger at 50? ›

Loose waves are more younger-looking, while straight hair can be aging. Play around with face-framing layers to give your hair some softness and movement. Layers can also make your hair appear to be more luscious and healthy. Parra recommends asking your stylist for perimeter layers that are cut in a straight line.

What is the most flattering bob length for an older woman? ›

The length of a classic bob tends to be one to two inches below the chin but work with your stylist to find the length that suits your features best. The key here is reducing flyaways and ensuring plenty of volume and shape throughout the style.

What is the best haircut for an older woman with thinning hair? ›

A short pixie cut can work wonders for thin hair, creating an effortlessly chic look while adding volume and texture.

What hair mistakes make you look older? ›

Ahead, eight common hair mistakes that might secretly age you, and what to try instead.
  • Assuming You Need to Go Shorter. ...
  • Highlighting Your Hair to Cover Grays. ...
  • Making an Extreme Color Change. ...
  • Using One Color Formula to Cover Grays. ...
  • Forgetting Hydration-Packed Products. ...
  • Skimping on Supplements.
May 29, 2020

What is a good hair length for over 50? ›

Soft Layers with a Medium Length

Short hair is a great option for women who are over 50. Something that hits around the shoulders is the best if you desire some length without going too long or too short.

How to figure out what haircut looks best on you? ›

The right haircut for your face shape is all about volume.

One of the chief factors to be considered to create the oval face shape is volume. If you have a round face, Bertram K advises slimming its appearance by depleting volume. Likewise, if your face is thin in nature, the goal is to add more body to your locks.

What hair length is most slimming? ›

As far as hairstyles that make your face look thinner go, long hair is one of the easiest options. "Long hair instantly slims most face shapes. Think about getting semi-permanent hair extensions to speed up the process," says Lopez.

Does long hair make a 50 year old look older? ›

This is far from the truth. The length of your hair has nothing to do with your age. In fact, long hair can be extremely flattering and can add a touch of elegance to any age.

Is 52 too old for long hair? ›

There are many outdated “rules” about how women should wear their hair once they reach 50 – and outdated they should remain. No you don't need to go for a short crop past a certain age, nor should you avoid growing your hair long – it really doesn't matter what age you are, great hair is all about self-expression.

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