15 Hairstyles for Women Over 50
Looking for a new hairstyle? Have you been wearing your hair the same way for years or even decades? Maybe you’re ready for a color change? Or even ready to let your gray grow out?
No matter what the reason for feeling the need for a change it’s always good to look at hairstyles to get inspiration for your new look. Bring photos of what you like to your hairdresser and ask them if they think it is doable with your hair type and face shape.
Sometimes a small change can make a big difference.
Here is our list of favorite hairstyles for women over 50:
- Natural-Looking Waves – Play with your waves.
- Natural Gray Curls – Grow out your gray.
- Shoulder Length Cut with Curls – Great for thin hair.
- Longish Pixie – Pixie cut with highlights and lowlights.
- Straight Chin-length Bob – A classic look that fits almost everyone.
- Long Beach Waves – We are never too old for beachy hair.
- Layered Shoulder Length – Great hairstyle for thick hair.
- Layered Bob – Add layers for texture and movement.
Continue reading to discover more hairstyles for women over 50 with photos, recommended products, and hair care tips.
Hairstyles for Women Over 50
Natural-Looking Waves
You can rock waves even if your hair isn’t wavy naturally. Styling products can enhance natural waves. Use a texturizing cream to add a “messy” look to your do. This style fits most face shapes and can be worn in all colors.
Natural Gray Curls
Gray doesn’t have to make you look older. More and more women in their 40s and 50s are not coloring their hair and are playing with their natural salt and pepper instead. Leave your hair grow out and play with your natural curls for a flirty youthful look.
Shoulder Length Cut with Curls
Shoulder length and single-layer hairstyles are great for fine or thin hair. Add some highlights for a more interesting and dimensional look. Also, you can easily create some curls with a wide barrel curling iron or a flat iron for more movement.
Longish Pixie
This classic short pixie/bob looks great on all face shapes and hair textures. You can play with color by adding highlights and lowlights. Use thickening shampoo to add a little oomph to your style if your hair is thin.
Straight Chin-Length Bob
Classic chin-length bobs suit most face shapes. Use a straightening product and a flat iron to smooth out the bob.
Long Beach Waves
Don’t let anyone tell you that you should cut your hair now that you are over 50. Women with healthy hair can wear it long for as long as they wish. We love this beachy hair look! Cut a long side-swept fringe and soft layers for more movement. Spray with a beach-hair product to get the perfect texture.
Layered Shoulder Length
Soften your thick hair with feathered layers. Add an anti-frizz product to keep your layered look fresh all day.
Layered Bob
Add layers to your bob haircut if your hair is thick and naturally wavy. Keep your bob cut above the shoulders and add a styling finishing product to keep your hair set all day.
Soft Layers with Bangs
Bangs (or fringes) never go out of style. Women often wear bangs to hide a receding hairline or a long forehead. Cut a side-swept fringe for a soft and girly look.
Short Shaved Sides
Feeling adventurous and modern? Go for an ultra-chic and statement hairstyle by shaving the sides super short and sweep the top to one side. This style looks great in every color and can look even more trendy with a bold color like pink or red.
Natural Curls
Cut your beautiful coils into an afro with soft bangs covering your forehead for a romantic and feminine look. Condition your natural curls for more definition.
Asymmetrical Bob
Another bold hairstyle women over 50 can rock is the asymmetrical cut. Have one side cut longer than the other for a fun and flirty look. Add some finishing spray to keep your style intact all day.
Short Sassy Pixie
Short hair looks great at any age. We love this short and sassy front-swept pixie that suits practically all face shapes and hair textures. Add a bold color like red to match your fiery personality!
Long 80s Inspired
Remember the long flipped curls of the 80s? 80s hairstyles are making a comeback, and women are styling their hair with a modern twist. Use a large hot air brush to expertly achieve the long flipped curls.
Color Play
A great way to express your personality is with hair color. Bold colors definitely don’t go unnoticed and can make you look and feel young and trendy.
Hair Care Tips for Mature Hair
As we age, our hair changes in texture and density. It’s important to adapt our hair care routine to keep it looking vibrant and healthy. Here are some tips for maintaining mature hair:
- Sulfate-Free Shampoos: These shampoos are gentler on your hair and scalp, preventing dryness and irritation. Look for products specifically formulated for aging hair.
- Deep Conditioning Treatments: Regular deep conditioning helps to nourish and hydrate your hair, keeping it soft and manageable. Use a deep conditioner once a week for the best results.
- Heat Protection: Always use a heat protectant spray before styling with hot tools to prevent damage. Opt for ceramic tools that distribute heat more evenly and reduce the risk of overheating.
Face Shape Guide
Choosing the right hairstyle can enhance your natural features. Here’s a quick guide to selecting a hairstyle based on your face shape:
- Oval Face: Most hairstyles look great on oval faces. Try the longish pixie or straight chin-length bob for a chic look.
- Round Face: Add some length with a layered shoulder-length cut or long beach waves to elongate your face.
- Square Face: Soft layers with bangs or natural curls can soften angular features.
- Heart Face: Balance a wider forehead with a layered bob or asymmetrical bob for a flattering effect.
Embracing Your Natural Texture
Whether your hair is curly, wavy, or straight, embracing its natural texture can lead to beautiful results.
- Curly Hair: Use a leave-in conditioner and curl-defining cream to enhance natural curls. Avoid brushing dry curls to prevent frizz.
- Wavy Hair: Enhance waves with a sea salt spray. Scrunch your hair while it’s damp and let it air dry for a beachy look.
- Straight Hair: Maintain sleek straight hair with a smoothing serum. Use a blow dryer with a nozzle attachment for a polished finish.
Over 60? Head on over to read our article 60 BEST HAIRCUTS AND HAIRSTYLES FOR WOMEN OVER 60 to find inspirations for your next hairstyle.
Let’s Have a Conversation:
Are you thinking of changing your hairstyle? How long has it been since you changed your hairstyle or color? Which hairstyle on our list is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below.
With fine straight hair I find the “bob” or the pixie work best. I have a “bob” with length between chin and shoulder and that seems to work for me. I have never colored or done anything to my hair. That is the one thing I really like – my hair color! Natural blonde with great natural highlights in the summer months. Even now, all still blonde at 64.
Everyone keeps telling me to cut my hair which I have done in the past.my hair is longer now and I can pull it back.I am getting gray but hair is healty.whatever you feel is your business.don’t be intimidated by older women hair.thanks for article.
I’m in my 70s and am very frustrated with my fine, very thinning hair. Now I just wear it pinned up and use hair fibers when I go out to camouflage the see-thru crown of my hair.
I have always been adventurous with my hair style and color. Many have told me I took my frustrations out on my hair. Might be true since I hit 50’s I had the same style and color for 20 years. Well a few times hair went purple and blue. Now I’m search for a new style for my new thin fragile hair. My hair has changed dramatically due to chemo and chemo pills. I have to let my hair go gray since coloring now breaks my hair. I like the “long beach waves” since I always had long hair but would love to try a few of the styles especially the “natural curls”. I’m just waiting for more growth to see what I have to work with so it will be an adventure.
Many women who experience significant head hair loss from chemo wear a wig. Some Chemotherapy centres (here in Australia) assist with what is available & choosing one. Wigs have developed since the days when they just looked like a bad replacement for hair.
Other patients chose to wear a head covering—a soft (twisted) turban/cap to cover their hair loss.
Perhaps one of these ideas could help you. 🇦🇺
Start planning by looking at different stages of length and how you’d like to wear it. Since my Mom went through it, I already plan my hair ideas at different stages. I remember a stage where Mom had to just wait till her hair got longer and she thought she looked like a boy but she looked great. She drank tons of carrot juice and wore two blonde wigs and did her best to look close to her real hair color. She looked healthier than the rest of us and she beat that aggressive cancer.
I think I’d try pretty scarves at certain stages and I’d wear my red lipstick on some days, pink or peach on other days.
There are some cute haircuts and you can start short and keep growing your hair out and try different haircuts as it grows back.
God Bless You, Kathleen
I love this article, especially since I’m in a foreign country & will be getting my hair cut and colored by someone who speaks no English. I can just show him the cut I’m interested in and that makes it SO much easier! Thanks. Makes me a little less homesick, too. I’m already on your mailing list.
Thank you, Joyce!