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15 Hairstyles for Women Over 50

By Sandra Roussy August 09, 2024 Beauty

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:

  1. Natural-Looking Waves – Play with your waves.
  2. Natural Gray Curls – Grow out your gray.
  3. Shoulder Length Cut with Curls – Great for thin hair.
  4. Longish Pixie – Pixie cut with highlights and lowlights.
  5. Straight Chin-length Bob – A classic look that fits almost everyone.
  6. Long Beach Waves – We are never too old for beachy hair.
  7. Layered Shoulder Length – Great hairstyle for thick hair.
  8. 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

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 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

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

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.

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Carolyn

Hello, I need a new look. I am 65 and this is my color after 5 weeks out. It’s getting time for another color. This is a single process. Of course, I have gray roots. I have been growing the bangs out and just don’t like what I see lately. Any ideas? Thank you

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sharon

Change is good!!!
I wore my hair short for many years believing that was most appropriate for may age…but I was not happy….my hair was thinning and flat.
For my 74th birthday I treated my self to a new stylist (after much research).
She suggested an “American wave” the modern equivalent of a perm…but no smell or burning or tightness…it gave my thin flat hair fullness and body.
She also suggested a chin length layered cut….I took her advice and am so glad I did.
The number of compliments I get tells me its a much better look than I could ever envision for myself.
My advice is research, find a good stylist and instead of telling them what to do, ask them for suggestions and then take their advice…its worth a try!!

The Author

Sandra is a writer, traveler, and former fashion designer who made a bold midlife pivot to pursue her creative passions. After two decades designing collections for brands like La Senza, Victoria’s Secret, and JACOB Lingerie, she let go of her possessions and reimagined her life on her own terms. Her personal essay about love, loss, and facing fears was hand-picked by Elizabeth Gilbert and featured in the New York Times bestselling book Eat Pray Love Made Me Do It. Visit her website: www.sandraroussy.com.

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